Kalistani Major History

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Kalistani Government calls on Emperor to Marry
"Playboy ways are not commensurate to Sovereign," says Bennots
Kaliburg, Ananto
August 2, 5152


Emperor Fredrick visits National Wig Museum in Vrassa City in June

Premier Nadine Bennots delivered a petition to HIM Emperor Fredrick this week requesting that he begin looking for a spouse soon to begin a family.

"We ask the Emperor to spend time finding a wife," said the Government's petition. "He will be 29 this year and as he remains unmarried, the Nation grows more apprehensive by the day for the future of the dynasty." The Government, which has waived a requirement of Kalistani Citizenship in Fredrick's case given the lack of noble born women in Kalistan, has noted that while it is admirable that the Sovereign enjoys the life of the bachelor, his remaining single, without heirs causes some consternation among those Institutionalists who are very serious about perpetuating the Monarchy in the Government.

In addition, the Government is anxious to ensure that the Emperor avoids any appearance of scandal. The petition said that the Emperor, as a Kalistani National, is within his rights to life the lifestyle he wishes, but the life of a "Playboy" is not fitting for an Emperor. "We are concerned that the Emperor's fraternization with young females in RF clubs will cause a scandal," said the Petition, likely in response to the Emperor's occasional appearances at various nightclubs in the Capital when he is in residence. "The Emperor is still a young man, but we would prefer his energy is spent on perpetuating his office, so that he can more soberly reflect the Nation, both at home and abroad."

The Emperor has resisted, thus far, the pressure to even keep a constant companion. For a time, he saw model and actress Kelly Costello, 26, of Sulari, socially but he has also been linked to MoCo spokeswoman Jill Greene, who he attended a National Opera presentation with, and thrash metal drummer Dianne Quasney, with whom he was spotted at several football games. In fact, spotting and then investigating the bevy of women in the Emperor's life has become something of a cottage industry for Kalistan's tabloid press. The Government, who is responsible for overseeing the Emperor's security, has expressed frustration at his ability to escape secure areas and get away from body guards.

The Emperor, who is fond of the paparazzi that has grown up around his journeys into public places, always posing for photos with children and their families, and visiting hospitals, schools, and workplaces, often unannounced, has said on a number of occasions that he feels that a public facing Monarch is perhaps best for the country which has been used to a republic for a millennium. "We feel that in visiting with one another in the streets and in the schools and hospitals, and yes, the night clubs even, that does more to endear us to the population than all the acts of the national assembly combined ever could," said the Emperor at the opening of the National Wig Museum in Vrassa City earlier this summer. "Kalistan is a beautiful land, and it would not behoove us to live in isolation from it. We have only the fondest affections for our fellow citizens."

The Government explicitly noted that that affection should not necessarily extend to personal fraternization with women of marriage age in nightclubs in Kaliburg, however. As pressure from the Government mounts on the Emperor to marry, it is expected that the Emperor will eventually relent and begin looking for a wife. For now, the Emperor has responded to the petition by saying "Your entreaties have been noted."

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Economists Meet at Kalistan Polytechnic University to discuss Stagnation
Other changes proposed to National Bank to allow for foreign investment acquisition and trade promotion
Kaliburg, Ananto
January 15, 5153


Break out session dealing with Trade credits proposes changes to foreign Investment rules

More than 100 Kalistani economists met this week at to discuss changes to Kalistani investment policy that would allow Kalistan to take a more active role in promotion of Kalistani Currency and Trade abroad. The Meeting, chaired Dr. Leo Dortmund, was convened at the request of the Finance Ministry to begin looking at reform proposals for Kalistan's frosty economy.

"Centuries of autarkic policy led by Parties predominantly on the socialist left have cemented 0% growth as the National Policy of Kalistan," said Institutionalist Finance Minister Bruce Norris in his keynote address before the gathered economists. "while this has been good for the promotion and development of the National Economy free from interference by foreign actors, Kalistan has also missed out on growth opportunities which could have provided a wider standard of living for Kalistani consumers. We are now facing the consequences of those economic choices, and need to think of a new direction for Kalistan."

The Finance Minister said that he hoped the Meeting would forward policy recommendations to the National Assembly for consideration but quickly foreclosed the idea of capitalism's return to Kalistan. "The Emperor has made it very clear, and I believe the Institutionalist Party agrees one hundred and ten percent, that our economy cannot be laid bare to wolves who would slaughter our people and pick their bones clean before moving on," said Kalistan's chief economist. "Economic liberalism has no place in Kalistan. And yet, we think within the strong mercantilist millieu of our State, we can find opportunities to gradually open a gate here, a door there and a window here to at least let some fresh air in to our museum of an economy. Increasing trade partnerships, especially through new agreements with partners abroad will bring new goods into the Kalistani Market and allow us to sell our abroad at a premium. In addition, bank reform that allowed the bank to provide more investment opportunities, both to Kalistanis seeking to trade abroad, and to foreign investors looking for insurance in the Kalistani Markets will bring valued new sources of capital to the country, which will allow us to expand existing industries and to grow new sectors."

The incremental approach to reform seems to be the preferred approach for Kalistani Institutionalists, who are on the one hand enthusiastic for reform, but on the other hand, unwilling to surrender the security they feel under the Zero growth model in exchange for the uncertainty of even a contained business cycle. "We're going to take it slow," said the Finance Minister, "but we will change, and it will be for the better."

Stocks in the Kalsie responded to the opening speech and the conference which produced a list of recommendations in line with the Minister's priorities: Kalsie Index stocks were up .8% on the week following the conclusion of the Conference. Slowly, the motive engine of the Kalistani economy might be showing some life.

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Emperor is finally Engaged
Future Empress former Keyboardist from RF band "Speedfreak"
Eveari, Ananto
April 12, 5154


Emperor Fredrick I Ananto and fiance Elizabeth "Libby" Hansen, soon-to-be Empress of Kalistan and Countess of Luxon, announce engagement in Eveari

Spokeswoman for the Emperor Cathy Hernandez has announced that the Emperor of Ananto and Kalistan will be married on October 1 of this year to Ms. Elizabeth "Libby" Hansen, of Lolla, Kaliburg, Ananto. Hansen, 29, is the former keyboardist from the RF band "Speedfreak", and has a Masters of Fine Arts in Stagecraft from Kaliburg National University in Kaliburg, and a Bachelors of Science in History.

"We informed the Government of Kalistan that the Emperor will be married to Ms. Hansen in October," said Hernandez. "The Premier has been put in charge of the preparations for the Imperial Wedding, and has delegated the task to various planning committees. The Emperor has expressed that the matter is to be a small affair."

Hernandez said that the guest list will likely be limited to family and friends, though the sovereigns of Lourenne and Istalia will likely be invited explicitly, Lourenne owing to their long time economic ties to Kalistan, and Istalia in reciprocity for the invitation to their Emperor's Wedding. "The Emperor welcomes all wellwishers from the world, of course, but as few nations have even acknowledged the rise of the House of Ananto and the transition from Republic to Empire, save Istalia and Lourenne, the Emperor has made specific mention of the sovereigns of those two states in his wishes. Other heads of state and government who wish to attend are free to fly to Kalistan via Commercial Airlines and celebrate the wedding along with all the wellwishers among the population in Kalistan."

Kalistanis generally approved of the match between the Emperor and the Musician. "Well, 'Speedfreak' was a pretty good band," said Donna Stuart, 24, of Kaliburg. "Libby kind of carried that band on its second record, and so yeah, I guess she would make a pretty good queen or whatever..." Bob Carruthers of Luxon was more direct; "A rich dude marrying someone who was basically an exotic dancer, who happened to play music in a RF band named after junkies? That's, like, the most Kalistani thing I can think of... So, I mean, yeah, I approve: It's totally on brand for this country." Mandy Ulysses of Vrassa City said "I heard the Government was trying to import some foreign noble for the Emperor to marry. I was like 'We've got 52 million women in this country.' I'm glad he chose a Kalistani one at least. How would that be to be run by foreigners?"

Before marrying the Emperor, Ms. Hansen will be titled Countess of Luxon. The County of Luxon is the first County to be created in the Duchy of Ananto, and consists at the moment of the port city of Luxon as well as the resort town of Xanadu, and the land south of the Pride, Pine, and Xanadu Rivers and including the Kublai Hills, the southern ranges of the Xanadu Mountains, the Kublai Hills and the coastal plains. The old county boundaries were utterly destroyed when the Republic was declared and all imperial titles vacated in 4056. All land not controlled by individual or co-operative title will revert to ownership by the Countess. The new Countess will be in charge of collection of taxes in the County and will be responsible to oversee administration of all welfare and social programming in her County, and shall be entitled to create a staff that will allow her to administer the district in accord with National law. She will also oversee the creation of a county militia, which will join the Regular Force in the event that the Militias are nationalized. The new County will serve as a template for other Counties to be created, and the administration of Counties and Duchies going forward.

The Wedding, set for October 15, 5154, will begin promptly at 10 AM, and will take place in the National Opera House in Kaliburg. All citizens are invited, and seating in the National Opera House will be by Lottery. The only reserved seating will be for Heads of State of Lourenne and Istalia, if they decide to attend, the Premier, and the Foreign Minister. "The Emperor has insisted that this wedding be a popular matter, and that it not be dominated by elites," said Hernandez. "He did want the only reserved seats to be for visiting heads of State, but the Premier protested this plan, and so the Emperor relented. But there will still be more than 750 seats available to the General Public." A citywide celebration is being planned to receive the new couple following the ceremony.

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Minister of Finance Signals Changes
Massive Tax and Spending Cuts Prerequisite to revaluation
Kaliburg, Ananto
January 18, 5159


Finance Minister Bruce Norris has taken most heat for last years tax and spending bills

The National Assembly passed a series of finance bills at the end of last year designed to get pernicious inflation under control. "The Republican Government eventually lost control of the monetary supply in Kalistan," said Imperial Finance Minister Bruce Norris at a meeting of high level economists in December. "As a result, our line item spending levels, which had not really changed in decades, was entirely out of tune with Kalistan's Zero Growth policies, and our revenues, also left under the status quo for an incredibly long period of time, were moving money into the Treasury at a faster rate than we were spending it. Though the Republican Government sure tried. Our National defense budget was three quarters of a trillion rubles, which is simply confounding. So, to keep zero growth during this period, the National Treasury was both a massive redistribution system, and it seemed to make money out of thin air. This is a problem, this is not how a national Government should operate."

Over the last ten years, the Empire has been working closely with economists and private sector stake holders to try to resolve the pell mell dumping of cash from the national Government into the economy. "This inflationary cycle felt permanent for about 20 years," said Norris. "At some of the worst points, we hit an annualized rate of inflation in the mid teens, and just before the Institutionalists came to Power, Kalistan was sitting at 19.2 percent per annum. The solution of the government was to cover the increases with direct supplemental payments, which seemed to make things worse. Slowly, we have been pulling back from that number so that we are now at an annual rate of about 7% but even this is too high, and so the measures that we have recently passed through the National Government aim to kill that last bit as well."

The new Taxation and Spending scheme passed in October of Last year aims to slam the breaks on price growth, cutting income taxes and spending on Kalistan's high inefficient public sector. This, according to the Finance Minister, is merely the prelude to more serious changes to the Kalistani economy. "Within the next two years, the Kalistani Ruble will be re-valued to reflect about a 40 percent increase in value," predicted the Finance Minister, aiming to produce a scarcity of Rubles in circulation, and cut spending by citizens dramatically.

At first the business community lauded the Government's new commitment to aggressive cuts. "It's about time the government did something," says Sulari grocer Tim Roberts, last September when the bill was proposed. "I was having to increase my prices daily. The labor involved in repricing alone was killing me. It was so bad that nobody could afford to buy from me anymore, and so I just stopped repricing and posted daily prices for the most popular commodities at the registers. I'm glad the government is finally starting to address this matter head on..."

But when it became clear that the spicket was to close not only for private money supply, but also for businesses who had grown up receiving generous payouts from the Government, resistance in the business community grew louder and more fierce. "How can I possibly protect my profits," screamed hedge fund manager Janice Wilson, of Kaliburg in December. "My firm employs 40 people. And through this crisis, we made a lot of money, but it was only possible because the National Government was essentially making my payroll. I can't possibly make the same amount of profit if I have to actually pay my workers out of my firm's income. I'll have to lay off my workers, and then it is my clients who will be the real losers. My clients. Have they no conscience? Why does this government hate those of us who, from our hard work and god-given ingenuity, have made our money from the sweat of our own brow? Why do they hate those of us who have turned this crisis into a personal success?" Sentiments like this echoed across the nation, and have in fact, at least partially led to the rise of a new Liberal party in Kalistan, ostensibly to promote the free market and economic growth, and shrink the size and scope of Government even further.

"The panic, especially among those in the financial services sector, is overblown," said Finance Minister Norris. "Working with, and taking the advice of the best economic minds in our Nation, liberal, socialist and everyone in between, we have instituted a 62% decrease in income tax revenue which will replace much of the direct supplemental payments we have had to make to keep people's head above water during this crisis, but we are also cutting spending by 61.9 percent across the board, and lowering our reserves to K28 Billion per annum, bringing our spending more in line with our revenue. Our new tax structure will be fair and progressive, and will decrease the burden on 98% of all Kalistanis, while not increasing the burden anywhere. And our new spending structure still keep relative levels the same but merely cuts the nominal figures in the Budget lines."

The new Progressive Tax Structure, passed last fall

But those who have made immense amounts of money during this crisis are the ones who are probably going to be hit the hardest. "It is a simple matter of fact. We have seen wealth inequality grow in Kalistan, as the finance and wholesale sectors have done particularly well, while workers have seen their own earnings stagnate and their real wages actually decline a little," reported Norris. "The way to help the working people of this country is to bring prices down. Even if that means those associated with moving money around the Kalsie won't be able to make such fabulous sums anymore, and will have to actually give some of that back. But this too will settle down, and Kalistan will return once more to zero growth, a far more equitable society, and the wealthy will have fond memories of unlimited profitability to revisit when they realize that they too are workers, and shouldn't profit off of other people's misery."

So far Minister Norris has been the most reviled in all of this, and business men and women are beginning to publicly call for his ouster, but Premier Bennots has assured the Assembly that Norris has the Emperor's full confidence and support in these draconian measures. Austerity is now the new buzzword, the brunt of which will be born by the upper classes. But, given the Emperor's considerable hesitation to name Dukes and Counts to Kalistan's jurisdictions, at least the nobility, such as it is, will be spared.

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Kaliburg International Airport to expand
International Travel is focus of new Public/Private Partnership
Kaliburg, Ananto
February 18, 5159


The Main International Terminal at Kaliburg International Airport aims to expand

A public private partnership at Kaliburg International Airport in Kaliburg has broken ground and aims at creating three new International Concourses to allow Kaliburg International to receive and send more flights to other countries. Along with the building of three additional concourses that will house a total of 26 new gates, the Airport will be remodelling its existing three concourses to better accommodate International Travel.

The new concourses will be laid out as follows: Two will be reserved for AeroKal international service exclusively. AeroKal currently flies directly to Lourenne, Hutori, Tukarali, Rildanor, Gaduridos, Aldegar, Indrala, and Likatonia, with connections to points east and west. AeroKal is currently interested in increasing its international flights and so one of the new hubs will be specifically dedicated to the Kalistani airline.

The other four councourses will be reserved for airlines by volume. As Kalistan has not participated in bidding and gate contracts, international services are currently limited. However, the new construction at the Internatnional Terminal will permit Kalistan to standardize its practices with the rest of the worlds, and begin taking contracts for gates at the International terminal. Currently. the plan is for flights originating in Lourenne to be shifted to the Domestic Terminal: This makes sense as all flights originating in and travelling to Lourenne are already considered international flights. After that, foreign airlines will be permitted to contract for gate access on a first come first serve basis, and 2-year gating agreements will be instituted with right of first refusal going to the contracting airline on renewal.

The construction is to be financed by The National Government, who will undergo capital expansion of the terminal, and each ruble will be matched by investment from AeroKal, who will operate and staff the terminal following its construction. After that maintenance costs will be split between the National Treasury and AeroKal. Kalistan is expected to continue to own the physical structure, with AeroKal specifically leasing it from the National Government.

This expansion is expected to be completed in two years. Actual airport capacity expansion is being considered but the Government has signaled a conservative approach to see if runway expansion is necessary based on increased volume of flights.

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Emperor is Married
Countess Elizabeth of Luxon now assumes the title of Empress of Ananto and Kalistan
Eveari, Ananto
April 12, 5159


Emperor and Empress of Ananto and Kalistan marry in Brethrenist Ceremony in Eveari

The Emperor of Ananto and Kalistan is now married, fulfilling the long standing request of the Institutionalist Government of Kalistan, and setting Ananto up as a fully restored dynasty. The Empreor became engaged five years ago, but the marriage was delayed for several years due to logistics and pressing state matters. But it finally happened today to the Premier's, and the Nation's great relief.

The marriage occurred in traditional Brethrenist fashion in the Emperor's backyard in Eveari. The Brethrenist ceremony, which involved guests attending a silent meeting, and the occasional visitor speaking out of the silence, before the Bride and Groom each offer words of admiration for one another as well as any affirmations they wish to tell their betrothed, which stand in the place of wedding vows, was followed by a signing of the Marriage Certificate which states the name and displays the signature of those married, and requires the signature of all who attended the ceremony. Following the service, the entire meeting was asked to walk with the Emperor and Empress through the street of Eveari, as the Emperor and his new bride greeted the citizens of the Imperial Seat as well as the thousands of others who turned out to wish the new couple well.

After a quick change of clothes, the Emperor and Empress lead a parade through Eveari in celebration of their Marriage.

The Ceremony was attended by about 60 people, mostly the Bride's close friends and family, with a few of the Emperor's close friends also Present. The Prime Minister represented the Government at the Ceremony, and also in Attendance were the Istalian Emperor Tommaso and Empress Elisa, who invited the Emperor to their wedding, and to whom the Emperor greeted warmly, glad to renew ties with his Istalian counterpart once more. Queen Catherine and Duc Phillipe of Lourenne were also in attendance, as Kalistan's long time allies and close economic partners renewed their relations with Kalistan. Kalistan also played host to a representative of the Foreign Department of Tropica, Aneterea Seuava, who arrived in Kaliburg for the festivities and was immediately met by the Kalistani Foreign Minister Kerry Walters, who travelled with the Dovani dignitary to Eveari.

The crowd of well wishers who greeted the Emperor on the Parade Route included nearly all of Kalistan's 79 Deputies, members of several Kalistani bands, and several movie stars. Dress was definitely casual for such an auspicious event, but this was on request of the Emperor, who adheres to the Brethrenist Testimony of Simplicity in Dress. The Emperor wore a coat and tophat to the wedding, keeping his hat on during the ceremony in Brethrenist tradition, but removed it as he and the Empress embarked on the Parade. The Empress donned a gown donated to her by Hutorian/Kalistani Fashion house Cooper & Probert. Most visitors dressed simply, and even the visiting foreign dignitaries were not outlandish or ostentatious in their choice of clothing.

The Emperor and the Empress exchange words of Care and Affirmation during the Ceremony

Following the Ceremony and the signing of the marriage certificate, the Emperor offered a short speech to those assembled at the meeting.

"Friends, I greet you here today, and request your ongoing support and care for this marriage. My wife and I have lived like a married couple for nearly half a decade now, but now that she is ascended to the Office of Empress of Ananto and Kalistan, we will both require a deeper commitment on your part to our well being. By attending this ceremony, you take our union into your concern, more so than does the entire Nation of Kalistan. We ask that you celebrate the good times we will have together with us, but also be observant for any strife or struggle in this new relationship, as sometimes the trials of our office will strain our personal relationship, and if you see anything personally which you think we could use help with, you do not hesitate to share your part of the Truth with us. Keep us in the Light of the Truth, and in your thoughts and prayers to who ever you pray to, and we will welcome your blessings and care. Now let us go forth and greet the people of our Great Nation."

With this benediction, the Emperor and Empress went to change for the Parade procession.

The nuptial ceremony completed, the new Empress ascends to the Throne of Ananto and Kalistan, such as it is. She will be granted an office in Kaliburg, and will serve as the Emperor's representative at state functions abroad when the Emperor is required at home. She will legally speak with the same authority of the Emperor, and unlike other Imperial and royal spouses, shall not be considered an Empress Consort, but will be given the title of Empress of Ananto and Kalistan. The Government is expected to draft a law which will permit the Emperor to pass any title, including Sovereign of Ananto and Kalistan, to the Empress either temporarily or permanently in case of his incapacitation or death, and while the Emperor is out of Kalistan, the Empress will serve in full capacity in the place and with full proxy of the Emperor here in Kalistan.

Empress Elizabeth's Father and Mother (right) as the parade prepares to leave the Emperor's home toward Eveari.

"We are thrilled that Kalistan now has an Empress," said Premier Bennots. "It's about time. This is the next step toward fully institutionalizing the Dynasty and ensuring its permanence here in Kalistan, regardless of any republican sentiments that may still be harbored in Kalistan." The Premier personally thanked all guests including the Foreign Dignitaries for attending, and following the march, a great public feast was held with food and drinks for all. Celebrations across the country were held in conjunction with the Marriage complete with music by local and national artists, and plenty of food, drink and drugs. "Kalistanis never need an excuse to throw a Party," said Bennots. "But this is a pretty good one, I'll say." The Emperor and Empress, for their part, stayed at the public festival held in their honor in Eveari until late in the evening, and then retired, the Emperor still sober as the day he was born.

We thank all who attended our Nation's celebration and join the wellwishers in saying "Cheers" to the Newly married couple.

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Liberals dissolve once again, as hostile opposition to Empire Fades
Emperor to lay out land transfers
Kaliburg, Ananto
August 7, 5162


Emperor remains above politics as his office prepares to unveil ambitious nobility program

The Institutionalists' first electoral contest since overseeing the change from Republic to Empire was a disaster of a result. The prevailing automatic advantage for new Parties, also known as "The Shiny Object Bonus" which rewards Parties who haven't really done anything over those who have to defend a record, granted the upstart Liberal Republicans almost a 2-1 seat count in the National Assembly. Despite not advancing an agenda of any kind other than attempting to impose a police state and working to ban tobacco, as all Liberal Parties do in Kalistan, the LRP gained 50 seats in the last election, almost making a Constitutional Absolute majority. They fell just 3 seats short of their main goal, which was legislative revolution.

However, having failed to obtain this number on their first outing, they dissolved into thin air. The National Assembly held a perfunctory election to refill the seats and the Institutionalist Deputies who lost their seats were instantly re-elected. The path is now completely clear for the Emperor to begin the administrative reforms that will create Counties and assign Counts to them. These administrative districts will come with titles of nobility that will be issued to outstanding Residents of the region and will come with a number of responsibilities, such as maintaining the health and welfare of the County, as well as raising and training the County's component of the Regular Military. "The most that will be expected of any one county is two companies of regulars, in whatever capacity the General Staff requires. These will complement the Standing Regular Forces in times of war, and otherwise, can be used as auxiliaries to handle disasters or more localized emergencies," said Col. Xavier Donnelly, Kalistani Minister of Defense. "We expect that these local forces will act similar to the Militia, and will be nationalized during war time."

In addition, the Emperor is expected to name a number of Cities "free cities" which do not fall under the jurisdiction of a Count. "Life in cities is much different than life in the countryside," opined Fredrich Carr, his Majesty's Interior Minister. "While in consultation with the Emperor about this administrative reform, we wanted to make it clear that capital cities like Sulari or Kaliburg should be self governing, and democratic, if at all possible. In this sense, they would owe allegiance only to the National Government, rather than falling under the administration of Counts or Dukes." The Minister further said that smaller towns would likely have Barons placed over them, the authority of which would be derived from the Count.

It is expected that Kalistan will be divided up into anywhere between 3-7 Counties per Duchy, which could yield as many as 35 Counties, as well as at least 7 Free Cities. More land is expected to go with less populous areas, meaning that some of the largest counties will be found in Odufaray, Neveras and Vrassa. "The County system is something that Kalistan has not had for many centuries," said Minister Carr. "We no longer even have accurate records of the old Counties but it is likely that many counties will end up the same just by pure accident. The rivers which will form the borders of some counties haven't changed that much in thousands of years, for example." This administrative reform is long overdue and it is believed, will yield a deeper entrenchment in the Imperial Structure of Ananto and Kalistan.

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Following 40 years of rule, Kalistan's first Emperor meets his end
Empress Elizabeth to formally Succeed Fredrick I
Kalistan, Ananto
January 18, 5198


A small procession carried the body of the Late Emperor Fredrick I Ananto to the funeral train to Eveari

Following a 49 year long reign which saw the establishment of the Monarchy and the construction of the basic institutions of Imperial Government, His Imperial Might Emperor Fredrick I Ananto, Emperor of Ananto and Kalistan, died last night, reportedly of old age. The first Imperial Ruler of Kalistan in more than 1000 years was reportedly suffering from mental decline in recent years and has been under the supervision of doctors for more than a month before succumbing to complications related to Alzheimer's disease. The Emperor was laid out in Kalistan, where he was presiding ex officio over a conference of Mayors, and will be brought back to a small forest near Eveari where according to his wishes, he will be allowed to undergo what is known as a natural process of decomposition. This process involves not being embalmed, but instead being buried in a simple pine box in a shallow grave and having a small apple tree planted over his body. Over the next few years, the mortal remains of the Emperor will slowly return to the soil, and what will remain will be the apple tree.

While the Emperor and the Empress Elizabeth had two sons and one daughter, the next in line for the throne is the surviving Empress, who is herself 73 years old. She will be known as Elizabeth I Ananto, and will take her husband's titles as well as his imperial authority, and shall rule until her death or retirement. Her son, David, The Crown Prince of Ananto and Kalistan, will succeed her when she leaves the throne, and then succession will travel through David's family. The command of the Emperor that his wife shall be co-ruler, has stalled David's accession to the throne, but there is no word whether David will carry on the tradition when he becomes Emperor. As her first act, Empress Elizabeth has decreed a national day of reflection in memory of her husband.

Fredrick I Ananto is now a memory, and we hope the reign of the Empress is long and peaceful.

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Funk Concert celebrates New Empress
"Kalistani Music needs to be a little funkier!" says Jimmy Stein
Kaliburg, Ananto
February 20, 5198


The Stein Gang headline Kaliburg Funk Fest

Funk isn't often music that finds much airtime in the Capital these days. But the Accession of the new Empress is "as good of an excuse as any" to throw a Funk Festival on the National Mall, according to festival organizers.

"Kalistan is a little stale," said Stein Gang Lead Singer/Guitarist/Keyboardist Jimmy Stein, who headlined the newly christened Kaliburg Funk Fest. "We got a new Empress. It's time to get Funky!"

The festival aimed at raising the profile of the music form in the minds of residents of Kalistan. "We've been here a long time, Baby," said Dianne DuGard, of the funk trio Funk Ya Junk. "Funk was part of the RF scene way back at the beginning, and funk has formed the connective thread running through most dance music in this country's history." From audience response, the festival hit the spot. Music fans from ages 15-50 came out to jam, eat hotdogs and Kalopian gyros, and dance to the groovy rhythms laid down by 13 bands over two nights. Each band played a set of about six tracks, and all of them wished the new Empress Long Life and Good Luck.

Funk Festival Organizers wanted to emphasize this aspect. "Funk is traditionally fairly apolitical" said Bill Greene, a 25 year old funk fan and chief investor in the Funk Festival Project, who sponsored this year's festival. "But we wanted to have a show where people could get down and wish the new Empress Well. We grieved with her when we lost the Emperor, and now we wish her the best and ask her to begin moving Kalistan away from Stagnation." It is unclear whether the Empress was aware of the Festival, but as she was in residence on the Mall during the weekend, the crowd of people and loud funky bands couldn't be completely ignored.

"We think she digs Funk," said Greene, of the 73 year old Monarch. "She used to be in an RF band. How can she not?" Whether the Empress was entertained or not, Green called the festival a success. "Well, the concert was attended by more than 7,000 over two nights here on the Mall, and lots of bands, including our headliners The Stein Gang, gave great performances and got their name out there. That's a complete success in my book."

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New Empress Signals Change at first Advisory Committee Meeting
"We aim to revitalize Kalistani Society" says new Monarch
Kaliburg, Ananto
March 17 5198


Empress Elizabeth I sees chance for new beginning

The new Empress met with her Advisory Council today for the first time since her Accession to the Throne of the Empire. In her opening admonition to the Government, she called for "new Ideas" and expressed her desire to revitalize the Culture of Kalistan. "Over my tenure as Empress, we have largely focused on holding the line and maintaining the legitimacy of the Crown. But this has also contributed to a sense of stagnation in our once vibrant and important society. This is something I would like to see changed."

The Empress announced a set of initiatives to encourage investment in arts and sciences, technological and financial innovation, and increased trade and commerce with the world. "Kalistani schools used to be welcoming to great thinkers from around the globe. Our stages used to host the greatest musical and artistic talent from Seleya and beyond. And we used to open our doors to immigration to constantly keep our social order in constant renewal and growth. These last four decades have been an age of inward focus, of survival rather than thriving, and of rising suspicion of the outside world. We have first prioritized stability and regularity and then we have grown complacent, and then we have raised a generation of people who have a smaller world vision for Kalistan and the world than previous ones. I would like to see that reversed."

The Empress' speech was greeted politely by Institutionalist Ministers, who themselves are new to their positions. The loudest supporter of the Empresses proposals in the meeting was the Premier, Gina Fernandez, the 36 year old Party organizer from Yoshimi, who was promoted by the Party to Leader just last year after the last set of retirements finally saw the end of the founding generation in the Assembly. "I share the Empress' vision," said the Premier. "Institutionalism has never meant freezing Kalistan in time, nor should it. We now have the chance to make a change, and we look forward to maintaining the full confidence of the Empress."

Other older members of the National Government seemed more circumspect. "We shall see," said incoming Finance Minister Nadine Vera. "It will be up to the Premier and the Empress to work together to put some meat on the bones of these broad proposals. And additionally, we should make it clear that while our Sovereign reigns, we govern. We want to try to maintain a strict strict boundary between the offices of the Executive and the Legislature."

The Empress currently enjoys a positive favorability rating of 61% as most Kalistani citizens report sympathy for the Empress and also general allegiance to the Crown. If the Empress' policies can find some daylight in the Assembly, it is expected that she will remain popular during her tenure as Empress, and will leave the Crown in better shape than she obtained it.