Kalistani Major History

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On behalf of the Kalistan Unionist Party
Tragedy Strikes the KPP
Tilney elected new leader, rebranding begins
Vrassa City
17th May, 4076

The Kalistan Passion Party leader William Killams has tragically passed away at his home in Vrassa City aged 58. Killams had been leader for 18 years and had overseen the KPP entering the cabinet with Eleanor Tilney as Justice Minister. Killams funeral was very well attended with tributes from nearly all other parties. The President of the Republic Owen Rushmoore paid his respects to William Killams who he called a desirable politician. He said: 'William Killams was a good politician and one to be desired. There is no doubt he will be remembered as a passionate leader who fought for what he believed in.' Luca Curti from the Labour Party stated he had 'complete admiration for Mr Killams and his ability to stand up for his principles whilst leading his party, everybody in the Labour Party sends their condolences to Killams' family, friends and supporters.'

Killams death resulted in a hotly contested leadership election, with six candidates stepping forward. Deputy leader Pasil May was one of the favourites to win along with Eleanor Tilney, a well thought of figure in the KPP ranks. Also standing were veterans Bill Marchan and Dita Vanser along with rookie leadership contenders Louise Grander and Nicholas Fallero. The eventual victor and new leader of the KPP was former Justice minister, Eleanor Tilney. Ms Tilney, 37, won after the 3rd round of voting beating runners up Pasil May and and Bill Marchan. Ms Tilney, a former lawyer, joined the KPP 6 years ago and today she has promised widescale changes within the party in order for it to progress. Ms Tilney said; 'It is an honour to be elected leader, I will look to build on the success that my predecessor William had. However I will be looking to rebrand the party and bring in widescale changes in order to improve the party.'



Eleanor Tilney addressing the crowd.

Eleanor Tilney first major action was to reshuffle her shadow cabinet and rebrand the party to the Kalistan Unionist Party. Ms Tilney said;

This shadow cabinet reshuffle has allowed the KUP to invoke fresh ideas and hopefully improve our position for the upcoming election. We have decided to rebrand as the Kalistan Unionist Party. We believe in a strong Kalistan and a strong Kalistan requires a strong Union. We are better together and worse apart. We will commit to protect Kalistan's place in the various unions we are in at the present. However we will be staying towards the centre right of the political spectrum.

Among the cabinet changes, the five other candidates who were unsuccessful receive shadow cabinet positions. The last remaining original member of the shadow cabinet, Jezza Hartsos remains as Shadow Health and Social Services spokesperson. Veteran Bill Marchan has replaced Pasil May as deputy leader. Marchan thanked May for her efforts and dedication in the role.

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Florence Orlando Steps Up Campaigning
Labour Party nominee for President holds an open question and answer session in her hometown
Bongjing, Neveras District
August 3, 4076

As another election approaches in the United Republic of Kalistan, the Labour Party candidate, Florence Orlando, has dramatically increased her campaign's presence across the nation. Mrs Orlando has succeeded in soothing tensions within her party over recent months following reports of a revolt against leader Luca Curti. Despite achieving moderate success in the National Executive Committee elections, the rebel party members have since almost disappeared altogether, with Marianna Simonedis, who was seen as being Curti's direct challenger, herself admitting that 'now was not the time to turn inwards and allow the Right to take control of Kalistan'.

As well as uniting her own party, Mrs Orlando has reached out to representatives from other parties in Kalistan too. The MPoK confirmed that they would agree to support her run in exchange for inclusion in a future cabinet meanwhile unconfirmed reports from the Socialist Party suggest they will offer their support again. Most recently, Orlando was understood to have gained the backing of the DFA, if their own candidate was unsuccessful on the first ballot. With no Conservative candidate running at this time, all this provides her with a solid foundation going into the campaigning season.


Florence Orlando answers questions in Bongjing, where she spent several years performing voluntary work

This week, the former veterinary physician held an open question and answer forum during which she invited citizens from across the political spectrum to engage with the decision making process. When she finally called the event to an end, she had been answering questions for a total of nine hours- the best of which can be found below:

Martha Petronela, Labour Party member: What do you think of President Rushmoore's decision not to stand in the next election?

F(lorence) O(rlando): Well, it certainly took me by surprise! Although, perhaps we should all have expected it given the torrid time the President has had over the past three years. He must have submitted half a dozen cabinet proposals this term, which isn't ideal under any circumstances but particularly given that the CIP has had no prior experience in national government. That's before we even consider the trouble Mr Rushmoore has faced from within his own party, quite frankly I think he is well deserving of a rest.

Voski Taniel, criminal defence lawyer: Do you support the attempt by the KUP to destroy our legal system?

FO: Thank you for your question, however, I would ask that we try to be more constructive in future. Given the gravity of the legislation you are referencing though, I understand your frustration, Sir. The contents of this so-called 'Justice Reform Bill' are appalling. Firstly the attempt to deny certain citizens the right to free legal defence is not only unfair but has the potential to result in hundreds of people being unable to acquire adequate attornies. To then try and force the nation to submit to a curfew on top of this, it is truly the stuff of dystopian cinema. Rest assured that the Labour Party is doing everything it can to fight against this disgusting proposal.

Edmond Sarkozi, local sports star: What kind of cabinet will you be looking to build if you are as elected President of the Republic?

FO: I couldn't possibly proceed without congratulating you on a magnificent performance this weekend Mr Sarkozi, Racing Club Bongjing look like they could be challenging for the title this year if they keep up this early season form! At this moment, much like in the football season, it is too soon to know. Obviously, my preference would be an entirely left-wing cabinet but whether that is possible is unknowable right now. The current cabinet has been surprisingly successful and I am always looking at ways to work with people who hold different viewpoints to me so I'm definitely not going to rule that out. Overall, however, I think this is a case of 'wait-and-see'.

Oluwafunmilayo Chi, Labour Neveres District Assembly member: Can we hear your opinion on the proposed 'Devolution Act'?

FO: Of course you can and what a pleasant surprise to see a familiar face, Mrs Chi. As for the Devolution Act, I share the view of our party on this one. It is a clear attempt by its proponents to undermine the national government and the legislation which it has created. The District Assemblies, as I'm sure you'll agree, are marvellous institutions but when it comes to issues like education and the police force a line has to be drawn. In whatever capacity we can, Labour will continue to oppose the CIP's quest for a Federal Republic of Kalistan.

Emmanuel Harman, journalist: Is it true that the Labour Party, as part of its planned manifesto, wants to remove the exclusive ability of the President to appoint a cabinet?

FO: My friend, you must be joking to ask such a silly question! Presidential Prerogative has existed longer than I have and- trust me- that is an exceptionally lengthy time period. To my knowledge, there is no plan to remove it yet even if there was, I am willing to bet my hat it wouldn't get through the Assembly. 

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Socialist Ministers Resign
Vows to not sit "One More Day with those people..."
Kaliburg, Ananto District
September 15, 4076


Former Premier of the Republic Fredrick Carrangus-Howard leads SP Deputies from the Assembly

The three Socialist Ministers resigned enmasse from the Conservative-dominated Grand Coalition Government today, adding problems to President Rushmoore's plate.  Rushmoore recently proposed a new Government Bill to replace resigned Justice Minister Eleanor Tilney, from the Kalistan Unionist Party when the SP Ministers walked off the job.  Details are sketchy at this moment, but what the Republic has been able to ascertain is that the dustup followed the CIP Speaker's mockery of the Prison Abolition Act, as well as the unwillingness of the President of the Republic to call a Constitutional Court.  The Premier of the Republic had previously called for the President to do so, but no action on the request had been taken at press time.

The former Premier refused to speak with reporters as she, and the other two Socialist Ministers, Bonnie Allen, former Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, and Guglielmo di Rossa, former Minister of Health and Social Services, left a contentious closed door meeting with Socialist Deputies.  All 258 Socialist Members also left with the Party Leader, but most were expected to return ahead of the Presidential election.

97 year old Florence Tesla of Kaliburg, who was at the Capital on other business, and who witnessed the walkout, spoke with The Republic.  "It was like a wall of people...  Suddenly, I looked up and there was the Premier!  I had heard her speak a few years ago, but you know, I was way in the back, and I can't hear so good anymore.  But now, here I was, face to face with the Premier, and I was suddenly surrounded by a large group, maybe 200 people, and reporters, hundreds of them.  And then like a wave, they were out the door and out on the street.  It was that fast.  And I think I was the only one on those steps then, both before and after.  And I felt like I got hit by a sonic boom!  It really was thrilling."


Florence Tesla of Kaliburg recounts meeting the former Premier during the Walkout

When our reporter explained to Ms. Tesla what had happened, she added, "Well, I don't know.  I suppose she knows what she is doing.  I've voted for the Socialists my entire life, and was even in the militia when I was a girl.  When the Island got invaded...  This whole conservative Party, Democratic Party, whatever.  I can't keep this stuff straight anymore.  If they have SP by their name on the ballot, I'll vote for them anyway...  Things were a lot easier when we only had one Party..."

The SP Leader could not be reached for comment, but as she was leaving the National Assembly, she was overheard declaring that she wasn't going to sit with "those people" one more "goddamned day", in her words.  The reader may infer from that statement what they will, but it is expected that the SP boycott of the Assembly will continue for the near future.  The SP is widely anticipated to issue an endorsement of the Labour Party's candidate in the coming election, but won't hold their convention until next month, so it is possible that the SP will stay out at least until then.

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On behalf of the Conservative Independence Party
The Kalistani National
"CIP Infighting Needs to Stop!" Says Rushmoore
Vrassa City, Vrassa District
November 18, 4076

In previous months the Conservative Independence Party had fallen into some trouble, this has now descended into civil war. Fred Whistle is an assembly member for Vrasaa and he is drawing suopprt from younger party members. Mr Whistle has openly criticised the party and Mr Rushmoore. He has been described by the right of the party as being too centrist. The party is definitely on the verge of a split and Mr Rushmoore has decided to intervene, saying;

Not everyone is happy with my decision to back the DFA next election. But many should accept I was democratically elected by the people to make decisions. Mr Whistle has shown he isn't capable of any of that. I will not hold a leadership election unless I have to. Mr Whistle has shown now he is not worthy of party leadership.

Mr Whistle released a statement later after hearing of this, he said:

I can only respond with sadness that Mr Rushmoore will give me nothing but criticism. He can't deny that the only way to appeal to other voters is by becoming more centre right. I am a natural leader and I can lead my party and Kalistan to greatness. I believe that this can only be achieved by devolution.

Polls show Whistle is on a stunning fifteen point lead, leaving all other contenders behind.

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Premier Carrangus moves Strong Left Agenda
Left responds to privatization efforts
Kaliburg, Ananto District
October 3, 4077


Premier of the Republic Fredricka Carrangus, moving the RTC Act to a vote last month.

Less than a year after dramatically resigning from the Premiership in protest of President Rushmoore's unwillingness to fulfill Constitutional obligations and a somewhat stunning defeat in this winter's elections, the SP under Premier Carrangus is joining Labour's Speaker Curti and a solid Kalistani Left in advancing a harder leftist agenda in the Assembly.

The first victory for the Premier looks to be the defeat of the Revenue Bill and the withdrawal of the Spending Bill supplied by the soon to be former Finance Minister.  The Finance Ministry, under Libertarian Control attempted to offer a flat tax to Kalistan, which also included a zero revenue zone for the lowest tax bracket.  But the Premier presented some simple math to the Assembly:  Zero taxes for the lowest bracket means at most 170 Rubles for the wealthiest of the low Bracket, while nearly 45,000 Rubles annually for the lowest of the high bracket.  Loss of the Zero Bracket meant a loss of 9 billion rubles, while slashing the top bracket meant a loss of 55 billion rubles.  The cuts would also include a dramatic gutting of the Defense Ministry Budget, which is just getting fully into Modernization.  The Defense Minister thanked the Premier and the President for coming to the aid of the Budget, and the bill was withdrawn.  Now the SP will move into Finance, and will, as required by law, propose a 5% decrease in Defense, as soon as modernization is completed.

The next bill to see passage looks to be the controversial Prison abolition act. which appears set to pass in early December.  This bill was solidly opposed by the Right, but SP, LP, and Unionist votes appear to ensure it passage.  This bill, originally proposed during last term and defeated for lack of a majority, will in effect, change corrections as an institution in Kalistan, ending a several millennia old system in Kalistan.

The SP has recently moved a new controversial bill which seems to have the support of at least Labour.  On the surface, it does not appear to be radical.  The Republican Telecom Commission Act sets up a regulatory agency which will oversee the licensing of television and radio stations in Kalistan, with the aim of segregating entertainment from information and education.  The bill was met with immediate denouncement by the Conservatives and the Libertarians, and initial rejection by the KUP.  But the Premier has moved the bill after significant debate, in which the Premier referred to commercial entertainment as filth and trash.  Whether this bill passes remains to be seen, but it is possible that the Premier is working matters behind the scenes, and passage might be more likely than it would appear at the outset.

This fiery start to the New Administration appears promising for Leftist Government following a brief period which saw a Conservative elected in Kalistan.  The Premier has promised more of the same, and is waiting for the Constitutional Court to be seated to file a suit allowing for Clarification with regard to whether RP bills may contradict or negate the effects of treaties and established national law.

The Premier, who has long served the SP as Speaker, has announced that she will retire from her position as Party leader following elections in 4082.

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The People's Press
Labour Defiant in Defence of Benn
Following attempts to extradite the Revolutionary Anarcho-Communist Party founder, the Party vow to defend him
Kaliburg, Ananto
December 10th, 4077

The Labour Party of Kalistan has been forced to defend the former Baltusian President and founder of the Revolutionary Anarcho-Communist Party, Karl Benn, in recent months. The latest controversy is a result of attempts by the ruling parties of Baltusia to force the Kalistani government to extradite Mr Benn back to his home nation. Following persecution by the Baltusian government, Benn was forced to seek asylum across the border in Kalistan and has since been sustained by the Labour Party, in exchange for support through delivering leaflets, knocking on doors and participating in party rallies amongst other activities. In November, the President was informed of a bill proposed in Baltusia asking the Kalistani government to return Benn to the nation. She subsequently denied the request, given that it was against Kalistan's law to perform extradition of citizens anyway, but this hasn't prevented a split in opinion.


Prior to being President, Florence Orlando campaigned strongly against the CIP's 'Borders Bill'

Karl Benn was found guilty of forming and operating an illegal paramilitary, although this was under contentious circumstances, and when he first arrived in Kalistan he feared he might be murdered by his own government. Whilst he has since had his sentence confirmed as eighteen and a half years in prison, Benn told the People's Press he still felt let down by his nation's government;

I was shocked and disappointed in the Batusian government, I hoped that as I was not hurting I thought there might be a request for extradition. This is more extreme, it is a witch hunt by the government!

President Orlando herself addressed the Baltusian government directly, informing them that they should immediately drop the request for extradition or risk damaging relations. Premier Carrangus-Howard also reaffirmed Kalistan's commitment to non-extradition. That warning does not appear to have been heeded by some parties though. We asked the Conservative Party of Baltusia, who supported the effort to extradite Benn, why he should be returned and they condemned Kalistan saying,

Mr Benn must return immediately if he is not to face severe punishment on return. Kalistan were wrong to accept him and he must serve his sentence. His actions terrorised millions and he must pay the price for it in jail. He has been sentenced, he cannot simply escape from his crimes.

The Patriotic Party of Baltusia, who actually proposed the legislation, said;

We are outraged by the response of ruling parties in Kalistan. Mr Benn is a fugitive. He should be serving 20 years in prison. Instead he is living it up with left wing comrades in a state which has made it clear they are willing to harbour people who have committed crimes. I call on our president to act and act swiftly.

The general consensus of Kalistan's parties was that to extradite Benn as not only illegal but morally inexcusable, given the shockingly harsh nature of his sentence yet there was one party who supported Baltusia. The Conservative Independence Party said they were 'annoyed' by the decision.

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The People's Press
Field Marshal Thorn Spearheads Militia Exercises
The People's Army and Revolutionary Socialist Militia of Kalistan begin conducting war games across Neveras and Suldanor
Lucid City, Suldanor
August 2nd, 4078


Field Marshall Thorn, Commander-in-Chief of the People's Army, delivers a statement regarding the exercises

Heightened tensions between the ruling parties in Baltusia and Kalistan have culminated in the two active militias in Kalistan- the People's Army (Labour Party of Kalistan) and Revolutionary Socialist Militia of Kalistan (Socialist Party of Kalistan)- beginning war games across the southern areas of mainland Kalsitan. In a statement to the nation, streamed across television, radio and the internet, Field Marshall Edward Thorn declared that exercises involving both paramilitary forces would begin immediately. The stated objective was to ensure the two forces became accustomed to the area and to each other, however, many are speculating that the controversy involving a failed attempt to extradite Karl Benn to Baltusia may have been the real trigger.

Given the code name Dernier Recours, the area in which the exercises will be conducted comprises the majority of the Baltusia-Kalistan border. The nature of the exercises is understandably nebulous but the People's Press has been informed that they will be limited to 'defensive manoeuvres, evacuation contingency plans and reconnaissance operations'. Dernier Recours represents the first occasion in which the two militias have cooperated in joint exercises, suggesting that a display of Kalistani unity was another reason behind the action. Both the Labour Party leader, Luca Curti, and the President, Florence Orlando, have spoken up in support of the activation but denied it was linked to Baltusia in any way. Curti was extremely influential in the creation of the People's Army, repealing the article in the party constitution which prevented the formation of a militia.

After his nationwide speech, Field Marshall Edward Thorn, who serves Commander-in-Chief of the People's Army, gave an exclusive statement to the People's Press:

Comrades, we are living in extremely dangerous times. Our great and united republic has created a haven for the people. Here all can be free from persecution and live in true liberty. Yet, this creates its own unique challenges! There are many across the globe who would seek to undermine and to disassemble my beloved Kalistan. It falls upon ourselves, as well as the RSMoK and the conventional government forces, to ensure that when those foreign agents strike, we step in to defend the Kalistani people. This is not easy. It is a heavy, heavy burden upon our shoulders. We must do everything we can to safeguard those who rely on us. We would be letting down those who need us most, if we were frightened into inaction. Kalistan will never surrender in the face of aggression. To protect Kalistan, we must understand Kalistan.

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RUSHMOORE ELECTED?!
Eyebrows raised as former CIP leader and Kalistani President returns to office despite publicly retring
Kaliburg, Ananto District
January 20, 4080

As a new decade dawns in Kalistan, there is already widespread bemusement and controversy following the elections for President and the National Assembly. As the results came in, it became clear that neither of the frontrunners, incumbent President Florence Orlando and plurality leader Fred Whistle, had won the race. Kalistan's new President was, in fact, Whistle's former leader Owen Rushmoore. Even though he had not made public his candidacy, Rushmoore was able to repeat his previous success and narrowly edge out the Labour Party candidate on the second ballot.

The result immediately prompted claims of foul play from Rushmoore's rivals, with the Labour Party submitting an early elections bill within a week of the tabulation of the results. With 430 Deputies from the Socialists, Unionists, Libertarians and Labour themselves currently supporting, Kalistani could be in for a return to turbulent domestic politics at a time when its international relations have dominated any concerns closer to home. Many questioned how Rushmoore was able to get his name on the voting forms without any public declaration of candidacy or even a leak from an election official. We asked Labour leader Luca Curti for his view on the events;

We are currently trying to ascertain how exactly Mr. Rushmoore ended up on the ballot paper and, perhaps most interestingly, why he chose to stand. Obviously, we aren't happy about the situation but we are quietly hopeful that if we are able to force another vote, we will be more successful. It cannot be escaped though that the CIP have some serious explaining to do, not least to their own Comrades in the Libertarian Democrats!

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IZQUIERDA-  The Voice of the Kalistani Left
Premier Carrangus set to retire early
Future Leader of Socialist Party uncertain
SP Headquarters, Kaliburg Ananto
January 18, 4080

Premier Fredricka Carrangus Howard had previously stated that she would retire following regular elections in 4083.  But given the election of the Conservatives, and the likely election of the Libertarian Party following the special elections, Carrangus has decided to go into retirement early.  She will officially offer her resignation, both from her duties as Premier of the Republic as well as head of the Socialist Party of Kalistan immediately following the special election at the beginning of February.  The Premier has not offered a public statement on her resignation, but the Spokesperson for the Premier stated, briefly, "The Premier has served the country for a long time, and it is time to go home.  The Premier will make a statement as a private citizen."

Carrangus departure will not affect the country much at all:  the SP was not expected to retain the Premiership following the election of the Rightists to the Presidency.  But it will throw the SP into a bit of chaos, as they will now have to select new Leadership going forward.  The Socialist Party has called a special convention for February.

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BRIEF:  Socialists name Al-Khali as new Leader
Relative Newcomer from Sulari to adopt a more nationalist tone
Sulari, Suldanor
March 7, 4080


Al-Khali is named Speaker of the SPoK in February's Special Convention

The Socialist Party of Kalistan has named Omar al-Khali as the next Speaker of the Socialist Party following the retirement of former Premier of the Republic Fredricka Carrangus in February.  The Premier made her decision to retire public following the last regular election, a move which sent the SP scrambling for a new Leader.

Little is known about Al-Khali outside of Sulari.  The incoming Speaker is 27 years old and has represented the Port Elga area of Sulari for the Socialist Party for 6 years.  In the meanwhile, he earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Suldanor.  Al-Khali is known to be more nationalistic than many of the Socialists in the Assembly, and has voted regularly with the Premier on all bills.  Al-Khali's primary efforts within the last few years has to been to take a hard line on extradition and Kalistani sovereignty, and was one of the Premier's advisors on the talks in Tian An.  Al-Khali has received the endorsement of the Brethrenist caucus within the SP, but the internationalist faction is known to disagree with him.

There are also few details about the process which selected Al-Khali as the Party's leader.  It is known that the Premier did not take part in the discussions, but it is widely believed that his selection was the result of a widely democratic process.  Estimates of participation at the Februrary special convention was said to be anywhere from 10,000 to 25,000 directly elected delegates, but these figures are based on increased travel to Ananto, and it is impossible to say how many socialists from Ananto were present.  With this many people casting votes and the lack of any information about any possible opponents, Al-Khali can be said to have wide support of his Party.

Time will only tell what type of governor Al-Khali will be as he will likely step into the role of Premier within a few months.  But it is pretty certain that the SP will move toward a more nationalistic position than they already occupy, both in foreign and in domestic policy.