Deltaria

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During his visit to the Egelian city of Altea our Emperor and his Egelian counterpart, King Romulo I, have signed the "Comprehensive Agreement on Deltarian-Egelian Trade" or CADET, marking a new era in economic cooperation between the two states. Emperor Slavko made a adress at the Altea conference before meeting with King Romulo privately together with senior government officials. The deal had been in the making for nearly a year but was kept a secret until just before the ceremony. Deltaria, always a powerhouse in industry, has struggled with finding the resources to fuel that industry for centuries. Previous governments attempted to secure these by conquest, but our Emperor has decided on the path of cooperation, signing CADET with full confidence. 

In the agreement Deltaria will purchase rare earth materials and raw iron from Egelion at a discounted price, in exchange for Deltaria opening up its financial market to Egelian banks and financial institutions. A special tax scheme has been put in place to allow for Egelian banks and financial institutions to enter the market under favourable conditions, allowing them to gain a foothold on the Majatran continent. The deal is seen as a way for Deltaria to secure the essential resources it needs to fuel its growing industrial economy, while granting Egelion access to new financial markets. The treaty also underlines the desire for "continued friendship and cooperation" between the two states, improving diplomatic relations. 

The two monarchs held a press conference in the royal gardens of the Villamor Palace in which both exchanged pleasantries and acknowledged the major accomplishment. Emperor Slavko called the Egelian king "an example for all" with the way he has led his country, underlining the importance of good governance to stable international partnerships. The deal is seen as a major boost for Deltarian diplomacy and economic prospects, with certain resources now secured for Deltarian industry to use, allowing breathing room for industries often plagued by shortages. 

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BALGRAD - The expanded Marin the Great Naval Base in Balgrad was opened by Minister of War Abel Niculescu today despite severe backlash over its construction. Our paper reported about the disregard for several hundred residents of the former community living in the city suburb. No compensation was made available for those living there prior to eviction and they only had several weeks to leave. After near daily protests and reporting by Adevăr!, the provincial government finally promised some compensation for families forced to leave, but announced that they would continue to cooperate with imperial plans for expansion. 

Now, nearly two years later, the construction work has been completed and nearly 500 Balgrad residents have lost their homes in gut wrenching evictions. Despite this human tragedy, the Minister of war, a Ushalander himself, congratulated the Imperial Navy with their "new facilities" and "this historic achievement". The facilities include new fuel storage, additional docking facilities and several new hangars. It will at least house the new DNS Marin and DNS Puscas, two newly constructed destroyers that were recently completed and are now undergoing their sea trials. While none can deny the necessity for expanded naval facilities in light of the ongoing expansion program, the human tragedy behind the Marin the Great will haunt it to eternity. 
At least 21 people have been killed in the eviction proces. At least 217 people were forcefully evicted by Provincial police and federal authorities when they refused to leave their home. At least 5 Balgrad residents are still imprisoned for resisting arrest and eviction.

Minister Niculescu refused to comment when asked about the ordeal, but our own governor, Giurescu, expressed his desire to work with the affected families and look for appropriate housing. Half of those evicted are now homeless, mostly living in rescue centers across the city. Governor Giurescu has promised improvement and a "safe roof above their heads." But can the people of Ushalande still trust their governor? While we appreciate his attempt at reconciliation, when asked what they think of the governors promise many of the people affected respond with clear reservation "lets wait and see."

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HELIOS - In the Kalopian capital of Helios representatives from Kafuristan, Deltaria and Kalopia gathered in a joyous ceremony as the third state to join SOMECO was to become reality. After months of negotiations, the Kalopian government announced that it would join SOMECO in a step to improve its relations with other nations in Southern Majatra. Some obstacles were still on the road however, as Kalopia was hesitant to improve relations with Kafuristan, with the two nations fighting a intense war some time ago. Deltaria put itself in the shoes of a mediator, with several delegations visiting Kalopia over the past few months to discuss a way for the nation to join SOMECO. It was clear that Kalopia was mostly concerned of Kafuristan and Kalopia's personal neutral status. 

Under the agreement signed by all members of SOMECO, Kalopia will retain its diplomatic, political and military neutrality on the global stage, with the agreement describing Kalopia's joining of SOMECO to be something "to improve relations with our neighbouring states and allow of the Majatran economy to grow collectively." No mention of SOMECO being a power bloc has been made. Additionally, Kalopia reaffirms its international neutrality and its "economic, diplomatic, political and military sovereignty." With this in mind, Kalopian officials were confident enough to join the economic union, adding its economy to the growing trade bloc in southern majatra. 

During the ceremony journalists from all over the continent took the pictures of the Kalopian representatives shaking the hands of their Kafuri counterparts. It has already been dubbed in several media as the sign that SOMECO might be what the MA was all those centuries ago, a organization that ends the divide and conflict on the Majatran continent. All representatives signed the papers, which also granted kalopia one position on the SOMAC, specifically the position of Commissioner for Trade and Customs Cooperation which it takes over from Kafuristan this term. Combined with the fact that former Kalopian diplomat Romanos Papadakis was installed as the chairman of the commission it grants Kalopia significant influence in the organization from the start. With Kalopian entry into the organization, SOMECO is quickly becoming a economic organization that might change the course of Southern Majatra.

Dissuwan government replaced by imperial decree - Following several incidents in which the provincial government of Dissuwa defied Imperial directions, the Emperor signed a decree replacing the province its entire Council of Ministers as well as the duly elected governor. Disagreements started when the Dissuwan government attempted to promote Dissuwan culture and decide not to enforce imperial decrees deemed "in oppossition" to Dissuwan values. Earlier decrees had already dissolved all provincial parliaments, but most provincial governments are still those elected before the Emperor consolidated his fair powers. With the decree, the emperor appointed Duke József to the position of governor, part of the House of Zoltán, a Dissuvan royal house that once was prominent during the reigns of previous Thallers. The cabinet mostly consists of native Dissuwans but, strategically, the position of provincial security was granted to a Daralian. Responses from the population have been mixed, with few daring to speak out against Imperial authorities. 

Cahtica FC wins Daralian Cup after victory over Tesovo United - The "Capital Club" as they are often called, Cahtica FC, has won the famed Daralian Cup after a 4-1 victory against Tesovo United. The soccer club had already surpassed its biggest rival, Hradnice FC, several weeks ago with the TU match being the last hurdle to overcome. With their victory, it marks the 5th time that Cahtica FC has won the cup. Deltarian soccer has long been centered around the different provinces, with each having their own competition. Deltaria does not have a national soccer league, although calls for one came and went over the years. Winnin the Daralian Cup grants Cahtica FC nearly 20 million in sponsorship money, money that will likely be used to improve their youth training programs in coming years. 

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BRANOVICE - The Alazindian city of Branovice is maybe the most prime example of the economic boom that Deltaria is currently experiencing. New skyscrapers pop up like mushrooms and its business and diplomatic districts have seen new capital flock in. Deltarian efforts on the regional stage, primarily its entry into SOMECO, have boosted economic prospects for a country long struggling with slow growth and stagnation. Combined with the new policy of lowered interest rates and targetted investments this new "Deltarian age" is also starting to benefit average citizens. In Branovice alone, poverty is on the decline and there has been a boost in new businesses opening, up 21% from last year. Existing businesses are also experiencing significant growth, becoming bigger as the months go by. The availability of cheaper goods from Kalopia and Kafuristan has made significant impact, as has the federal government its more relaxed stance on both debt and interest rates. 

Deltaria's middle class, long in decline, grew for the first time in three decades last year, only by a meager 0.4%, but growth nonetheless. A report published by the Imperial Reserve Bank has indicated that the economy will grow by 4.2% this year, as unemployment drops from 10.2% to 8%. While only still a forecast, it shows great promise for Deltaria's economy, which is seeing strong growth for the first time in decades. Deltaria's economic deal with Egelion has also improved its prospects, as the country is now importing rare earth materials and iron from the country, as well as oil from Kafuristan which has been cheaper thanks to the freedom of movement for goods and the customs union within the SOMECO block. This allows Deltaria to fuel its growing industry as well as technology sectors, further improving its economic prospects. 

The IRB, in cooperation with the Imperial Ministry of Economic Development and the Imperial Treasury, will continue its policy of prudent but growth focussed fiscal and economic policies. While expenses from Deltaria's rearmament program are pressing on imperial coffers, the growth associated with the Empire its economic policies is mitigating the effects of increased military spending. It is also expected that as rearmament continues, the military-industrial sector will also fuel further growth, helping Deltarian industry in the long run. 

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Balgrad - As the Imperial Navy undergoes expansion and modernization, the Letter has been given exclusive acces to the naval shipyards in Balgrad to witness the construction of Deltaria's nuclear powered naval carrier, the DNS Norbert. For a century the Deltarian navy did not have a carrier of its own, focussing largely on improving its fleet of destroyers and cruisers. With new funds, new energy and new ideas, the navy has adopted a plan for expansion that revolves arounds it three commands: Northern Command, Home Command and Expeditionary Command. For this strategy, the navy, in cooperation with the Ministry of War, decided that Deltaria would need a naval carrier to serve under the Northern Command, becoming the flagship of the northern fleet. While some old carriers had been in drydock for centuries, it was decided that the design for the Nemec carrier was the most suited, giving Deltaria a nuclear powered carrier for its fleet.

Plans for the design of the DNS Norbert were improved over the years, with construction of the carrier finally starting last year. The hull is now nearing completion, but much work still needs to be done. The project is a massive undertaking, involving nearly 24 different (defense) companies serving as subcontractors. Balgrad Naval Development is the main contractor involved in the project, being responsible for its design and coordination during construction. The Ministry of War has reserved nearly 9 billion LFR for construction of the carrier alone, being the most expensive procurement program in years. As we walk on the construction site its clear that a lot of work still needs to be done. The sheer size of the ship and the complexity of its onboard systems are breathtaking. Furthermore, new aircraft need to be designed for the ship, as Deltaria no longer has AC capable aircraft to operate.

Once completed, the DNS Norbert will serve as the prime power projection tool for the Deltarian navy. Serving in the Northern Fleet, it will likely be used to aid allies and project Deltarian influence. Interestingly it seems that the navy is returning to its two-pronged strategy. Under its new approach, the Home Fleet will be reinforced and the reintroduction of the famed Deltarian battlecruiser is being considered to serve as a flagship. Together with a strengthening of the submersible fleet, the Home fleet will be prepared to keep the "mouth of majatra" open and protect commerce close to shores. The Northern Command will be used to project power outwards, with two fleets attached to it. The Expeditionary Command will be used as a quick response contingent, having only a handfull of ships at its disposal to be used for rescue operations, anti-piracy and the protection of commercial lanes.

The Imperial Navy is proud of its advances and, from what were allowed to see, it is well on its way to improve its fleets and protect Deltarians at home and abroad.

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LAKE MAJATRA - Deltaria's newly formed energy company, simply named Deltarian Energy, has announced renewed interest in the oil and gas field within Lake Majatra. The company and its predecessors long avoided potential advances into the lake, which has been a source of conflict for centuries. With tensions now dissapearing into the background and calm returning to Majatra, the company sees a prime opportunity to start developing existing fields and try to look for others. 

Deltarian Energy was formed by the Imperial Ministry of Industry and Trade following its aquisition of several smaller private energy companies. These companies were merged into Deltarian Energy, which is envisioned by the Imperial government as a all encompassing energy corporation, fully owned by the Deltarian state. Through this consolidation, Deltaria's position on the energy market could potentially be strengthened. So far, the new Deltarian Energy has largely been involved in processing Kafuri oil into fuels, with little to no gas and oil fields to explore.

Newly appointed CEO of the company, Robert Lučić, has now openly advocated for exploration and extraction of oil and gas from Lake Majatra, citing that Deltaria has untapped potential in the lake and close to its own shores. The lake has often been exploited in the past, with its ecological composition and health being severaly endangered at one point. Now, after decades of relative peace and no human activity, the lake is restoring itself. With the call from Lučić that balance may once again be disrupted. While so far Deltarian Energy has only hinted at a return to Lake Majatra, its clear that the imperial government is keen to work with its new energy corporation to launch some limited oil and gas extraction, fueling its growing economic and domestic needs. 

Cahtica mayor to resign over drug scandal - The mayor of the imperial capital, Florijan Časni, has announced his resignation effective next week following a drug scandal that involved the mayor being exposed while using cocaine during a city council meeting. The mayor, who is himself known to be a staunch conservative and "tough on crime" politician, was seen snorting a white substance during a speech by one of the city councillors. When several of those present confronted him, he denied the accusations. A later investigation by city police concluded that the mayor had used cocaine during the meeting. After backlash from the public as well as a announced investigation by Imperial authorities, he decided to resign. Deputy mayor Daria Sošić will take over for the remainder of the term, which expires next year. 

Supply depot opened in Zog - In the Akigan city of Zog minister of war Abel Niculescu opened a new supply depot to serve as yet another key logistics hub for the Grand Imperial Army. The new depot will serve as a direct point for the army to ressuply in case of conflict, being close to the Jelbe-Deltarian border. Niculescu noted that many of such depots are being constructed around the country, meant for army units to quickly ressuply on the spot, not having to rely on extensive logistical lines at least within Deltaria itself. Specific measures have been enacted to keep the depots safe, with a zone of exclusion around every such zone to prevent harm for civilians, as some live ammunition is being stored in them. The new Zog depot will serve as a key supply hub, allowing brigades and divisions stationed near the border to benefit from its extensively stored supplies. 

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AIKUMS - Emperor Slavko, in one of his rare public visits, was welcomed in the Dolgavan capital of Aikums by none other then Queen Jaanika after both monarchs had already exchanged diplomatic letters for over a year. Slavko, eager to improve diplomatic relations with other monarchist states, saw a opportunity to usher in a new era of Dolgavan-Deltarian cooperation. According to palace insiders, the two monarchs had both flirted with the idea of cementing such a partnership formally. While initially just a funny sidenote during their many writings back and forth, it soon morphed into what conspired this week. 

Their joint motorcade moved through Aikums as crowds of both Dolgavans and Deltarian natives residing in Dolgava cheered them on. Once ariving at the Royal Palace, the two stepped out of their cars with great elegance and entered the palace together. Not long after, the press communique was sent to all media outlets, announcing the creation of CROWN, or "Coalition of Royal Organizations and Willing Nations" in full. This new organization, dedicated to monarchism in all its forms, seeks to bind monarchies of all kinds and pro-monarchy organizations together. The communique describes in detail the three layers of the alliance.

CROWN members pledge themselves to diplomatic neutrality on the geopolitical stage, with non-interference being the default policy of its signatories. One exception is when it comes to defending monarchism and monarchies, with members promising to defend "the principle and governing philosophy of monarchism wherever present." It seeks to be a strong diplomatic bloc for monarchies across Terra as well as organizations seeking to promote monarchism. The second layer is of economic nature. Signatories pledge to remove as many trade barriers as possible between one another and prioritize trade between their own, above trade with nations outside of CROWN. Thirdly, they agree to share intelligence, conduct joint military drills and allign diplomatically with one another whenever possible. 

All in all, CROWN is seen as a all-encompassing monarchist alliance. The Emperor and Queen left the palace an hour after the communique was released, adressing the press for a short conference. In the conference, Emperor Slavko invited all "well-willing monarchies across the world" to join the organization, citing the need for monarchies to stick together. It also marks a new chapter in Dolgavan-Deltarian relations, with both now founding members of the CROWN. Shortly after the announcement, the Deltarian "Eagle Association" announced that it would join the CROWN as its first monarchist organization. Monarchist organizations are allowed to join the diplomatic mission to be located in Aikums, meant to facilitate open dialogue between states and other pro-monarchy forces. 

After the announcement and formalities, the Emperor followed Queen Jaanika in a tour of the capital, visiting historic sites as well as the Reiksaima. The next morning, they toured the countryside accompanied by a variety of news outlets before the Emperor departed for the airport and flew back to Cachtica. A new partnership is born.

As CROWN was announced, the Emperor and Queen revealed its official symbol

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TSARGRAD - Emperor Slavko signed his biggest and most consequential decree to date this morning, signalling a new era for Deltaria and a break with the age old borders of Deltaria's provinces. With the "Imperial Reorganization and Consolidation Decree" the emperor just reorganized the provincial boundaries of all provinces as well as reorganizing the provincial and imperial governments to their core. Through the decree, the provinces of Alazinder and Darali are to be absorbed by the new "Crownlands", to be directly ruled by the Imperial government from Tsargrad. These new crownlands will have their own governor, but he or she is directly appointed by the Emperor and also serves at the pleasure of the monarch and his government. The crownlands, in essence, become the de-facto Thaller controlled part of the empire, with the Emperor designating it as his home province. 

The reorganization doesnt end there. In a daring move, the province of Doron Akigo is to gain territory previously controlled by Ushalande, connecting it to the coast and giving it a large population of Ushalanders to govern over. Additionally, the province is renamed into "Doraki", a move that seeks to signal an end to the ethnic policies of the region. The family of the Emperor's closest advisor, Duke Gaiseric of Akigo, will be installed in the new provincial capital of Hadjoheims and granted personal fiefdom over the province, within the constraints of imperial law. This elevates the Duke's minor House of Draebane to be a major house in Deltaria. With the loss of some of its territory, Ushalande is to be renamed into Ușmarea, seeking to highlight its connection to the sea and retaining some of its old identity. In accordance with the Emperor's wishes, the House of Corvinascu is to be given fiefdom over the new province, with its current head, Duke Adrian to serve as Duke of Ușmarea. 

Lastly, the former province of Disuva will lose some of its territory to the crownlands and be renamed into Várdissza, which partially means "fort" in the Disuvan language. It will be led by Duchess Kozma of the House of András, a known aristocratic family in former Disuva. Importantly, this reorganization is only made possible by a change in the now largely ignored constitution, which steps away from Deltaria as a federal state and instead explains quite clearly that the will and direction of the Monarch is to be respected and "followed". The provinces will no longer be able to defy Imperial law or directions, instead being subject to the national government. While the newly installed duchies will be responsible for day to day governance in their provinces, they will largely be focussed on enforcing imperial law, not making law themselves. 

Importantly, under the new system the duchies are clearly seperated from the provinces they control. In theory, this allows Dukes to retain control over their province, but subdivide them into counties and other royal subdivisions to grant their aristocratic base more rights and priviliges, securing their loyalty. Under current Imperial law, each province must have a provincial police force and a government apparatus to administer the territory and collect provincial and imperial taxes. The newly organized provinces will also be obligated to support the Imperial Deltarian Armed Forces by providing "provincial levies". These levies require provinces to provide a set number of able bodied men to the Armed Forces, which lowers the burden on the national government as they wont be required to organize recruitment themselves. Men from the crownlands are to be drafted/trained by the national government. The provinces of Alazinder and Darali will see their end in these reforms, marking the first time that these two provinces are to be removed from internal governance. The Emperor, according to those familiar with the decision, long envisioned the two provinces to fall under his direct dominion, with a merger into a new entity seen as the most effective way to accomplish that goal.

Additionally, the Imperial cabinet is abolished in favor of the new "Privy Council", to consist of ministers of the crown directly responsible to the emperor. The new privy council will also see the reintroduction of a seperate head of government, to be named the First Minister of the Crown. The new First Minister will be a executive role, being appointed and dismissed by the Emperor and tasked with being the Emperor's most important advisor and informing his majesty on the opinions within the Privy Council. He can also take on other roles and responsibilities if the monarch wants him to. 
These reforms, meant to consolidate the monarchy and diversify its support, have already been praised by the aristocracy, especially the families now to be elevated to positions of power. Additionally, it marks an end to the hybrid constitution that was kept in place since the consolidation of power, now truly cementing Deltaria as a absolute monarchy under the guidance of our beloved Emperor. The reorganization went into effect immediately, with the Emperor directing all agencies and departments of government to work around the clock to make the transition to the new "Imperial Constitution."

To honor this transitionary period and the newfound power of the monarch Emperor Slavko renamed the capital of Cahtica to its original name of Tsargrad by decree. 

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TSARGRAD - The Imperial government is cautiously optimistic following a coup in Jakania orchestrated by the so called "National Liberation Council". His Imperial majesty himself congratulated General Aksoy, leader of the NLC, and expressed his desire for "fruitfull cooperation" between the Grand Empire and the Jakanian state. He also extended a helping hand, expressing Deltaria's willingness to provide economic and other assistance if required. 

The Tsargrad government sees the coup as a chance for improved relations. While both the former military junta and the NLC are military and isolationist in nature, the new authorities seem to be more open to the idea of cooperation with both Deltaria and SOMECO as a bloc. The Imperial government hopes to help this new government establish itself and bring it into the fold of friendly southern majatran nations. 

The Secretariat of Foreign Affairs did announce that Deltaria will be closing its border crossings with Jakania for a month, seen as a routine measure to monitor the security situation at the border following the coup. 

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September 5628
#Deltaria #Jakania