Deltaria

[Rogue]

                                                                                         Novo Oko
                                                                                                                October 20th, 5617
                                                                             Our Homeland! to push extensive constitutional reforms

As politics had entered an era of stagnation in the Deltarian Republic, voices within the ruling party, in power for over a decade, began to call for change. Sparked by a resurgence of the Konzervativna Demokratska Unija (KDU) in recent poling, the ruling "Naša Domovina!" has been struggling to find renewed momentum to maintain power. A "new course", already discussed in the party for years, has now gained footing within its establishment. The new course advocates for a return to full parliamentarism, combined with a federal structure of government under a renewed constitutional monarchy. Our Homeland!, at its founding, had already been a proponent of a return to monarchy but never pushed for it as other concerns took priority. Now prominent members of the party are using the issue of monarchy to rally right-leaning voters to the government's side. Under the proposed course, the Grand Empire is to be reinstated with a purely symbolic monarch as head of state. The Prime Minister's office will be retained and become the highest political office in the country, also gaining extensive powers of appointment. A strong Prime Minister is seen by many within Our Homeland! as a need in order to stem the tide of "revolutionary and anti-Deltarian ideals." 

Parliament would also be reformed, with a Imperial Senate as upper chamber and a Chamber of Deputies as the lower one. Parliament would retain its current powers, but would be less powerfull then the executive, while currently they have about equall powers. Returning to monarchy, allbeit a symbolic one, is seen as a way for Our Homeland! to claim the mantle of the "traditionalist" party, trying to prevent the growing KDU from usurping their position on the political right. 

The oppossition "Socijalistička Partija Deltarije" or SPD has denounced the "unprecedented powergrab" by Our Homeland!, citing the increased power in the prime minister's office could "errode checks and balances that keep the executive branch in check." The KDU has so far been lukewarm to the proposed New Course, supporting a return of monarchy but wishing a bigger role for the monarch in said return. The government is now pushing the new constitution at unprecedented speed, seeking to adopt it before the next election scheduled in two years. Any new election "should be under the new constitution" said ND spokesperson Duje Pavković.

[Rogue]

                                                  Strani List
                                                                                                                 March 5th, 5618
                                                                           Government invites Thaller remnants for talks on ascension

The Deltarian government has invited Slavko von Thaller, one of the last remaining members of the Deltarian Thallerist branch, to attend talks on ascension in the capital of Cahtica. Pushing forward their proposals for a new imperial constitution, the Our Homeland! government has already passed the new course constitution in the judicial system, with a review by the Supreme Court calling the new constitution "well written and ready for implementation." Preparing for a vote in parliament, the government is already seeking to find a suitable house to sit on the Deltarian throne. Over the past decades, local houses have gone either extinct or have lost their status as a major house. Former ruling house, the house of Georgijević-Tesař, only has one female heir left. With a preference for a male monarch, the government saw Slavko von Thaller as the only viable monarch. At just the age of 38, Slavko would be one of the youngest monarch's on Terra and has not yet been married, despite currently dating, allowing the possibility for a royal marriage to occur. 

Minister of Internal Affairs, Mislav Gavran, called Slavko "the excellent candidate" and the "only candidate that is still nominally of Deltarian descent." Other options would have been an invite to Kalistani or other outside royals, options seen as not viable by the government. SPD leader Emanuel Štrek has criticized the invite to a von Thaller, warning that "a return of a family so rooted in authoritarian rule in our country opens the door to a weaker democracy and opression." Minister Gavran dismissed concerns on democracy, citing the "checks and balances included in the new constitution, which make any monarch only symbolic and let the democratic will of the people to prevail."

Whether Slavko will be the final choice for Emperor is yet to be announced. A vote on the new constitution is scheduled in three months time, with both opponents and supporters of the change rallying support amongst indifferent parties in parliament. 

[Rogue]

                                                   Novo Oko
                                                                                                                September 7th, 5618
                                                                      As new constitution passes, preparations are made for ascension

With a overwhelming majority of all but 19 parliamentarians voting in favor, the new constitution of the Grand Empire has taken effect. Within just a year, Deltaria has transformed into its third Grand Empire, following in the footsteps of great periods in the nation's history. Only the 19 parliamentarians of the Socialist Party voted against the constitution, with all others in favour. Months ago it had already became clear that Slavko, the last descendant of the Thaller branch in Deltaria, was put forth by the government to be the new Emperor. Nobility in Deltaria, degraded after decades of obscurity and active oppression, immediately banded behind the young von Thaller, seeking favourable relations with him once he would ascend the throne. 

The "Eagle Throne" as some have called it has been vacant since the fall of the last empire, with the House of Georgijević-Tesař the last to sit on the throne. While the Thallers used to hold the throne it has been centuries since they last did so. But Slavko has readied himself and, with the support of the government, is almost guarenteed to sit on the throne. With the constitution officially coming into effect next month, the new imperial government under Prime (now First) minister Marin Slišković has already send out a official invitation to all heads of states in Terra, inviting all to witness the coronation of his majesty Slavko I next month. 

A new chapter is upon us, and while democracy is so far guarenteed, many from the SPD and other oppossition groups fear the return of the Thaller family to a position of significance. 


The letter, send across the globe in anticipation of the ascension of Slavko

[Rogue]

                                                   Novo Oko
                                                                                                                September 16th, 5619
                                                                      Grand coronation overshadowed by concerns for democracy

What on the surface looked like a spectical to behold has turned out to be an event that has raised questions over Deltarian democracy. Emperor Slavko I was crowned Protector of the People, Guardian of the Faith, Defender of the Crown and Steward of the Eagle Crown earlier today in a ceremony attended by countless of government officials from all over Terra. Amongst the attendees were the Crown princess and Prime Minister of Dolgava, the General-Secretary of Xsampa, mr. Bhutia and the highest ranking officials from the Traid Republics. HM the Emperess and the Prince of Orange from Luthori also attended the ceremony in what was described as a diplomatic move by the Deltarian government, inviting figures from all corners of the globe. 

Ceremony and tradition took precedent during the event, as the age old traditions of the Eagle Crown and the Thaller branch in Deltaria were resurrected. Emperor Slavko entered the Grand Cathedral in Cahtica accompanied by his mother and sister, walking down the long hallway to reach the altar. After taking his most holy vows, the emperor walked out of the cathedral and welcomed more then 400.000 supporters that had gathered in the central square of the capital. A life old dream for many had been accomplished, Our Homeland! its main electoral promise nearly a decade in the making had been fullfilled. But as all prepared for a speech of humility and unity, our new Emperor shocked friend and foe with his coronation speech.

My loyal subjects! It is with great pride that i stand here today, as your Emperor and head of state. Through great tragedy and national confusion, our people have prevailed in the face of republican elements seeking to destroy Deltarian tradition and history. I stand here not as your symbolic head of state, but as your fighter. I will be your warrior against the forces that seek to destroy our soul. I will be your sheppard, guiding you in achieving the greatness we Deltarians deserve. Our democracy is a cherished thing, guarenteed by a newly enacted constitution. But democracy does only work if it works for the people, and that hasnt been the case in our country for a long time. For to long, personal ambition and squabbles have resulted in billions squandered by the state, at the expense of you, the hard working populace. I call upon politicians to stop their petty fights, to leave their personal vendeta's aside. Work with me to bring justice, greatness and wealth to our people. Together, we shall bring back Deltarian glory and retake our place in history!

Following the speech the crowd was roaring, clearly supporting the Emperor's message. But the undertone was clearly against the democratic fabric that has been established long ago. SPD and other oppossition groups immediately denounced the speech as "nothing more then a preparation for autocratic rule." But both Our Homeland! and the KDU took the opportunity to rally around the new Emperor. Within just hours, the two parties announced the new "Union", with the two to compete in next months election together. The agreement had seemingly been in the making for months, with the two using the coronation as the moment to announce. The KDU has long advocated for a monarchy with extensive powers, and the announcement went out of its way to avoid the speech of the Emperor. While on paper Deltarian democracy is guarenteed, it is for certain that its democratic institutions are to be tested in the coming years.


The crowd during the coronation speech

[Rogue]

                                              Čahtica Novosti
                                                                         Čahtica Novosti is a daily newspaper based out of Čahtica focusing on a variety of topics.
                                                                    Union wins majority, SPD strong second in first Imperial election
                                                                                                                            February, 5619

In the first empire wide election since ascension, the new "Union" of Our Homeland! and KDU has secured a resounding victory, winning 304 seats in the 500 seat House of Delegates. In the senate, the Union already had a majority as the upper chamber is appointed by the provinces. The main oppossition, the Socialist Party, managed to have a strong showing as well, winning 171 seats on its own. The remaining 25 seats were captured by the Ushalandan National Party, who captured the seats based on the country its minority representation clause. Union leader and likely future First Minister Nikola Modrić thanked supporters for "their trust in us and in our imperial highness." The unity ticket had been vocal supporters of the monarchy during the campaign, even hinting their willingness to actively involve the newly coronated emperor in daily governance. Modrić is set to become First Minister during daring times in which the balance between federal and local government needs to be redefined and the role of monarchy tested. 

SPD leaders, together with representatives from some of Deltaria's biggest trade unions, organized a protest in several cities across the country to protest the election result. Nearly 300.000 people have believed to be participating in the protests, chanting things like "say no to autocracy!" and "Thallers be gone". The Emperor himself has not publicly commented on the results, but sources at the Rušaninova Hall have stated that he is pleased with the victory of pro-monarchist forces, hoping to work together in achieving a greater role for His Majesty in federal politics. Following the results, the Emperor has invited Modrić to form a government in his name, with Modrić already deciding on potential cabinet picks ahead of a confirmation vote next week. With a comfortable majority in the House, such a vote is seen as a formality.

Election results 5619 (Majority = 251)
Unija - 304 seats
Socijalistička partija Deltarije - 171 seats
Ushalandan National Party - 25 seats

[Rogue]

                                                 Čahtica Novosti
                                                                         Čahtica Novosti is a daily newspaper based out of Čahtica focusing on a variety of topics.
                                                                             New law ushers in period of major institutional reform
                                                                                                                            March, 5619

Having been voted into power just a month ago, the government of First Minister Modrić has gone to work immediately. Vouching to adhere to the Emperor's calls for an end to political games, the government put forth the "Imperial Transition and Institution Act" or ITIA in an effort to introduce major institutional reforms. These reforms focus primarily on creating new government agencies and removing or reforming already existing ones. Major institutions, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Defense, will undergo serious restructuring under the reform. All ministries, for one, are to be renamed in their new imperial style. The same goes for cabinet positions and the office of First Minister, which is to be renamed into the office of Minister-President of the Grand Empire. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Now Imperial Secretariat of Foreign Affairs) will be reorganized, with several diplomatic missions to be ended or significantly downsized while a focus on Majatran diplomacy will be center stage. Foreign aid is also to be significantly reduced, with aid now to be targetted and only in the interests of Deltarian foreign affairs, rather then humanitarian considerations. The Ministry of Defense (Imperial Ministry of War) will be completely overhauled, with countless of offices in and near Cahtica to be closed and smaller "field administrative offices" to be opened in all provinces. The ministry is also tasked with conducting a thorough review of the newly refounded Imperial Deltarian Armed Forces, with the clear goal to asses weaknesses and eventually adopt a new military policy. 

The IMW will furthermore be gained more autonomy in the running of the Armed Forces, seeking to distance day to day politics from military affairs. Controversially the reforms also include a new role for the Emperor, to which all those in employ with the military, be it in civilian or military roles, will be bound by oath. Every employee is to take the oath of loyalty, which in practice makes the Emperor head of the armes forces. Other ministries are also to receive significant administrative reforms, mainly meant to cut red tape and shrink the bureaucracy. 

The ITIA also settles the question on provincial autonomy, which had been a lingering issue since the adoption of the constitution. Under the law, provinces are guarenteed extensive autonomy, allowed to elect their own legislature and executive. Most local affairs are to be handled by the provinces, but the federal government has overlap in most areas as well. With the guarentee of both legislative and executive power, the provinces are now guarenteed to have their autonomy protected. This allows them to take more descisive action, as until now they had primarily awaited a conclusion to the confusion. 

Lastly, a new government complex is to be built in Cahtice, to house at least the Imperial Ministry of War, the Imperial Secretariat of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of General Affairs, which houses the head of government. The new complex, to cost an estimated 3 billion to realize, is meant to better coordinate between these three government ministries, allowing more effective governance in return. The Imperial Ministry of Domestic Affairs is to remain in its complex in Naban, while the Imperial Ministry of State Security is to stay in Ştefăneşti. The reforms are set to be slated for next legislative session, with its passing almost guarenteed. If passed, it will reach the Imperial Senate next month.

[Rogue]

                                                  Novo Oko
                                                                                                                August 11th, 5620
                                                                            Parliament set ablaze! Government blames socialist agitators

The building housing both Senate and House has been set ablaze last night in what local police have considered to be a deliberate act. In the middle of the night, at around 11:00 PM, fire could be seen in the central hallway of the complex. It has, at that point, already spread to the House chamber where the wood benches catched fire and transported the fire to the Senate doors. Within 3 hours, the entire building was burning as firemen desperately tried to save what little could be saved. The following morning the devastation of the event could be witnessed in full. Both chambers had been lost and nothing could be saved. Luckily, no casualties were reported, but a joint investigation by Police and Fire Services concluded that the fire had been instigated, with cans of gasoline and lighters found in the central hallway where the fire began. 

Soon after the news broke, current Minister-President Nikola Modrić blamed "socialist agitators" for starting the fire and in doing so "continue their clear sabotage of the loyal government's work and their heinous attempts at destroying our monarch." While no evidence had been presented of the Socialist Party or its affilitates being involved, Modrić announced the introduction of an emergency measure which puts "temporary control of the executive in the hands of our Emperor, who can, in these times of crisis, take descisive action to stop the dangers facing our Empire." Socialist party leader Emanuel Štrek has called for a national labor strike to protest the move, calling the parliament building fire a "right-wing monarchist hoax" and fearing an end to his own party. He has also called on the international community to step in, citing the "clear dangers a Thaller monarch with unprecedented powers may pose to our continent." 

Many see the MP his move as something his party has long wanted, more power for the monarch. With some reforms passing parliament, its clear the Union and its leaders do not think change is coming fast enough. This event, as dramatic as it may seem, comes at exactly the right time for the government. Which makes one wonder what motive lies behind the curtain. 

[Rogue]

                                                 Čahtica Novosti
                                                                         Čahtica Novosti is a daily newspaper based out of Čahtica focusing on a variety of topics.
                                                                   Emperor "gracefully accepts" emergency powers, thousands protest
                                                                                                                         September, 5620

Emperor Slavko I has, in a public statement released to all media outlets, "gracefully accepted" the responsibility to govern in a emergency capacity. Through a emergency decree, voted into action by the government, the Emperor was asked to assume the powers of the executive and in doing so become the de-facto controller of the Deltarian government. This move, sparked by the Parliament fire, would see absolutism return to Deltaria even if only temporary. While oppossition figures had asked the Emperor to "respect the constitution and reject the emergency powers" he has decided not to, and will thus govern as the nations head of state and government for a undisclosed period in order to "restore stability and safety to Deltaria and its people." 

At least 300.000 people have gathered throughout the country denouncing the move, with the Socialist Party, Trade Unions, Local officials and countless of left-leaning organizations joining together to present a united front against "the Union's power grab." Police have so far been on standby, but are expected to crack down on the protests when ordered to. Emperor Slavko his first move as executive-regent, as his official title now proclaims him, was to reshuffle cabinet. The Imperial Ministry of Domestic Affairs will be led by Duke Vidimir of Doron, a close ally of the Emperor and until now a high ranking official in the Doron Akigan government. In order to fully secure the loyalty of the security forces, the Imperial Minister of War has been sacked in favor of Abel Niculescu, former head of Slavko's personal guard. While much remains vague surrounding the Emperor's emergency powers as executive-regent, that vagueness is now being used by his allies to exploit this newfound position. High ranking members of the (former) ruling party, the Union, have already pledged their "unwavering loyalty" to the Emperor, which confirms the fears that all in the executive and legislative branches will not oppose the emergency measures. 

Only the judicial branch is now seen as a way to prevent Deltarian absolutism. But with the courts largely Union loyal due to decades of their rule, a real challenge isnt expected. Only if the international community might mount a response is the current authoritarian power grab to be prevented, a power grab we (for legal purposes) do not support nor condemn. 

[Rogue]

Čahtica Novosti

Čahtica Novosti is a daily newspaper formerly based out of Čahtica focusing on a variety of topics.

Last protests brutally cracked down on, Emperor consolidates power

February, 5622

In a unprecedented crackdown of civil dissent, the Federal police together with the Imperial Guard and local police forces across the country have "sweeped away" over 200.000 people still protesting the Emperor and his emergency powers. Using over 50.000 law enforcement officials, the protestors were driven apart and nearly 4.000 arrests were made after an order by Emperor Slavko to "end the dissent". It follows a unprecedented consolidation of power by the Emperor, who has signed nearly 20 imperial decrees under his power as Executive-regent, curtailing the freedom of press, banning political oppossition and strengthening his own power. The latest of such decrees formally dissolved both chambers of parliament and, in the absence of parliamentary oversight, gave the Emperor himself the power to legislate through decree. Former members of the ruling "Union" have mostly sided with the Emperor, serving in his cabinet, with only some liberal minded members of the ruling party oppossing the power grab. 

The oppossition "Socialist Party" was banned last month, with its high ranking officials now sitting behind bars awaiting a trial. They organized the first protests against the emperor, which has been marked by authorities as "crimes against the state." Remnants of their protests lingered on, but as thousands of people slowly flocked back home, the remaining 200.000 were to be dispersed. At least 42 people have been killed in clashes with authorities, with another 402 injured. Calm has now largely returned to the streets, not through the pen or diplomacy, but through brute force. We ourselves have moved to neighbouring Kalopia, pledging ourselves to the free press ideals we hold dear. One thing is for sure, Deltarian democracy is at its end and has been replaced by a absolutist monarch that does not hold back in oppressing its people.

[Rogue]

Strani List

February 22nd, 5622

SOMECO to become large part of foreign agenda

The Imperial Secretariat of Foreign Affairs has issued a policy memorandum in which it describes its desire to continue the formation of the South Majatra Economic Cooperation Organization (SOMECO) outlined by previous governments. In the memorandum the Secretariat sees SOMECO as a "potentially consequential organization that can increase economic prosperity on the southern part of our continent." It would also help in bringing South Majatra closer together. According to Minister Jan Ćuk the formation of such a organization has already been discusssed with Kafuristan, which has seemed interested in entering talks for its formation. The organization could also help with ongoing reconstruction efforts in Solentia and could serve as a forum for diplomacy as well. 

Minister Ćuk has stated that it will be "the Grand Empire's its main foreign policy objective to establish this organization in the coming years" and he expressed "confidence in the willingness of our Majatran brothers and sisters to participate in such a organization." According to Ćuk, his secretariat has formally invited a Kafuri delegation to attend talks in Branovice, Alazinder, that would be used to forge a founding document for SOMECO. Kafuristan has yet to respond to the mentioned invitation.