Baltusia

[Elena1012]

The Curious Case of Monarchism; Will the Regency ever evolve?
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June 18th, 5648
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The Commonwealth of Baltusia remains an interesting case for many. A regency in a republican nation. A country healing. A country with many questions. To the north and south lay thriving monarchies. To the West lay thriving republics. And in Baltusia? The Regency. The Regency was a compromise focused on ensuring a government is actually established and basic stability. It was narrow, but it was enacted. It's been almost a decade since the Silver Revolution and the question of monarchism continues to be raised. While the so called Turkey Regency continues to provide stability, many Baltusians have felt that it's simply an era of a compromise. Some Baltusians have called for a return to republicanism, arguing that the country is stable enough for it and can thrive with it, looking to the country's historical past as a basis.

Other Baltusians however, especially those in San Luis have called for an alternative. True monarchism, and a royal family for Baltusia. For most of Baltusia's modern history, there has never been a monarchy. But perhaps that can change? San Luis has been a hotbed for monarchists, with groups advocating for the establishment of a proper monarchy and ending the regency. But the big question is, who would be the monarch? Many Baltusians firmly oppose having a foreign monarch, but there are little to no avenues domestically. Some proposed the current Regent, others proposed an alternative. When it comes to politics, most political parties kicked the can down the road and focused on practical issues like the economy. But it seems in the wake of the Constitutional Reform Party imploding to a minority in Congress, monarchists are looking to force the issue to be mainstream and answered with the Royal People's Party looking to contest elections later this year on a conservative monarchist platform.

While some monarchists want to follow the "Benevolent Absolutism" of Kalistan, others want the Enlightened Absolutism of Egelion, whilst others entirely want a constitutional or even ceremonial monarchy. Whatever the case, the monarchist question is slowly rising and the Merridan Administration has not given any proper statements with First Minister Merridan not addressing the RPP or the question of ending the Regency. The Regent himself has not answered any definitive question, instead focusing on the need for stability, unity and progress. Whatever the case, it's clear that many Baltusians are looking for an answer, a permanent answer, to what was a half measured compromise.

[Elena1012]

Merridan secures a second term; Progressive Coalition forms.
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December 21st, 5648
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Elections have concluded and it seems the Real Deal has captivated voters to propel Merridan to a second term. As such, the Radicals will continue governing but this time with a few friends. While the Radicals did win First Ministership again, the opposition did grow. So much so that the majority that the Radicals had was properly removed, forcing a coalition between the Radical Party, the Progressive Party, and the Pan-Seleyan Social Democratic Party of Baltusia. This progressive coalition will largely define itself by progressive liberalism, the Real Deal, and the moderate centre-left. The opposition however has seen the Libertarians and surprisingly enough, the Royal People's Party share as the Libertarians remain the second biggest party, followed by the RPP. The Baltusia First Party remained in fourth place whilst the CRF/M39-40 remained firmly in last.

With monarchism now being propelled, the Merridan Administration will have to tackle and address the issue as the RPP has clearly secured a voter base, and the public is interested in resolving the issue. But Merridan has set forth a series of promises for this administration. Middle class revival, expanding the Trans-Seleyan Railway from the western border to San Luis Port, addressing the monarchist issue, and continuing the Real Deal. A continuation of before, but with renewed vigor.

As Baltusia begins to slowly recover and the threat of recession fades, the Real Deal remains popular with Baltusians, so much so that the opposition has largely refrained from attacking the Real Deal itself, instead calling for alternative methods. In any case, the victory of Aiden Merridan will see liberalism remains in Baltusia for another term. With infrastructure expansions ahead, middle class revival and the monarchy question, this term will certainly be exciting for Baltusians.

[Elena1012]

Expanding the TSR to San Luis; Infrastructure modernizations continue on.
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May 12th, 5649
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The Trans-Seleyan Railway. San Luis. What do these have in common? Both are economic trucks capable of delivering prosperity and development. So when you combine them, logically you should get stronger economic development. As such, connecting the Trans-Seleyan Railway to the port of San Luis will not only benefit Seleyan nations connected to the TSR, but it'll primarily benefit San Luis and Baltusia. As such, the Regal Job Corps will be mobilized to start work as soon as possible. The goal is to have the TSR go from San Luis Port to the western border. A cross country goal, but one that will provide economic development to communities around it, put Baltusians in work, and allow for exports and imports to be quickly moved in and out of the country.

Riding high off of last year's elections, the Merridan Administration is looking to continue the Real Deal and elevate Baltusians. With this effort looking to be a major push for economic revival, the Real Deal is expected to look at middle class revival next, and get Baltusia away from emergency spending to steady recovery. While fiscal hawks continue to decry spending, especially on such an expensive project, the Merridan Administration has continued to push through, with Merridan saying, "If we want to bring Baltusians prosperity, we need to be willing to take risks. Two nerds in a room talking about the national budget doesn't put food on the table for Baltusians. Work does." 

So far, the Progressive Coalition has been fully supportive of the Merridan Administrations spending habits, but social democrats have urged for some spending on welfare in the meantime. In any case, the Trans-Seleyan Railway and infrastructure remain the most effective, if boring, way for economic stability and recovery. Whilst fiscal conservatives grumble, Baltusians are excited for the possibility of a middle class revival, and being able to get from San Luis to anywhere else in the country.

[Elena1012]

First Minister Merridan shot; Merridan survives but is confirmed to be in immediate care.
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August 4th, 5649
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Chaos. Panic. Horror. These are the words that defined Johnston today. First Minister Aiden Merridan was supposed to hold an event regarding the possibility of a referendum on monarchism. Because the Royal People's Party continued to push for monarchism, and the strong performance they had in last year's elections, the monarchy question was put at the forefront, and First Minister Merridan was set to cooperate with the RPP and resolve the issue. 

The keyword is, supposed to. Instead of a peaceful event, the First Minister was shot. In Johnston Public Square, amidst a crowd, Aiden Merridan was shot as security would quickly rush to the stage..He was immediately rushed to emergency care whilst the gunman was shot dead by local law enforcement. Fortunately, the First Minister appears to have survived but will remain in care for the foreseeable future. Congress will be expected to elect an interim First Minister until Merridan fully recovers. Fortunately, besides the gunman, there are no further casualties but there are injuries, of which at least 12 injured. The gunman however, has been identified and while his motive remains unknown because of the several bullets in his body, being one Theodore Willis, aged 38 a recently dishonorably discharged member of the armed forces and a staunch republican, known for making republican political views online. He was discharged due to undisclosed circumstances. As such, it isn't a stretch to assume that this was a politically motivated attack intended to send a message about monarchism.

Quickly, Congress found itself united in condemning the assassination attempt, with chairman of the Radical Party, Sarah Porter calling the attempt a tragedy, and that no matter what, violence must never occur in Baltusia. One Libertarian, Cameron Murray said that the incident was nothing short of a tragedy, but that it must not derail the will of the people. Yet most shocking was the Regent, Sir James Hamilton issuing a statement, sending his sympathies to Merridan, the Merridan family and urging for calm, stability and denouncing violence.

As Congress rushes to elect an interim FM, sympathy for Aiden Merridan is skyrocketing whilst many become aware that divisive topics such as monarchism are no longer just ideologically dividing, but dangerous. Ever since the formation of the Regency, Republicans and Monarchists have been arguing endlessly over the future of the Commonwealth. When the Royal People's Party secured a portion of Congress last year, the polarization from the monarchy question only escalated.

While we're supposed to be politically neutral, this is not political anymore. We wish Aiden Merridan a speedy recovery. As many Baltusians share support for Merridan and question republicans, many have to ask, what's going to happen now? As Merridan fights for his life, are republicans responsible for this? Is this an isolated case? Should Baltusians be worried for their safety? Is political violence going to be more likely and common? These are only a few, of many questions that many Baltusians have.

[Elena1012]

Kingdom of Baltusia proclaimed; Merridan resumes FM role and enacts emergency measures.
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December 26th, 5649
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The recent assassination attempt on Aiden Merridan left many wondering on whether he would successfully recover or not. Those wonders would come to an end as a few days ago, Merridan successfully recovered. As such, he has begun to resume his role as First Minister. And today, Merridan has looked to address Baltusia after one of the most visible events of political violence in recent history for the Commonwealth. In Johnston, speaking directly to Congress, Merridan gave a speech that has drastically altered the future of Baltusia. As his personal polling remains sky high and the Radicals following suite, alongside support for monarchism, it seems Merridan has looked to take initiative on this new found political capital.

Citizens of Baltusia, on this day we mark a transition. For a decade, the Commonwealth stood as the crowning achievement of freedom. Of what Baltusians can do when united and free. But there were those who would set us against one another. Syndicalists. Republicans. Fascists. Extremists. In doing so, we never suspected that the greatest threat to liberty would come from within.

Extremists had conspired to restore the shadow of instability. They had hoped to grind Baltusia into ruin. Grind it into chaos. But the hatred in their hearts could not be hidden forever. And, at last, there came a day when our enemies showed their true nature.

Extremists hoped to unleash their destructive power against the Commonwealth by assassinating the First Minister. But the aims of would-be tyrants were valiantly opposed by true patriots.

To any remaining extremists, I say this. You will be hunted down and defeated! These have been trying times, between the Silver Revolution, and economic recovery, but we have passed the storm. The attempt on my life has left me scarred and damaged, but I assure you, my resolve has never been stronger. The age of doubt is over. The age of scarcity is over. The age of fear is over. We stand on the threshold of a new era. In order to ensure our security and continuing prosperity, the Commonwealth will be reorganized into the Kingdom of Baltusia, for a safe and secure society, which I assure you will last for as long as Baltusia is free.

In order to preserve liberalism, freedom, and stability, the Radical Party will be merged with the Progressive Left into the Social Radical Party, for a humane, liberal, gentle, Baltusia. It pains me to do this, but the attempt on my life has shown that these are extraordinary times and it requires extraordinary solutions. Emergency measures will be enacted to ensure stability, combat extremism and guarantee freedom survives against the storm of tyranny.

As such, the Commonwealth that has lasted a decade is no more. The Regency will be dissolved within the coming week, and a royal family will be installed. With Congress fully behind Merridan and the public supportive, the referendum has been deemed to be unnecessary. But the most notable aspects have been the merging of the Progressive Coalition into the Social Radical Party, effectively creating the biggest party in Congress (and Baltusia), and the enactment of emergency measures. Legally, there is no framework for emergency measures as no one expected them to be used. As such, Merridan has leeway to define what emergency measures actually mean. We can expect extremists to be rooted out for the safety of liberty. 

Congress will look to transition Baltusia away from the Regency, and towards the Monarchy, and they will be responsible for proclaiming a monarch as head of state. These emergency measures will be justified, and temporal. They are after all, for the safety of liberty. That is what Merridan claims at least.

Unexpectedly however, the Libertarian Party has been quick to bash the Emergency Measures, calling it tyrannical. Criticism quickly went their way due to sympathy for Merridan. The Royal People's Party has been fully supportive because of the enactment of monarchism whilst to the left, the NPL has refused to give a comment to seeing it's splinters be merged into the Social Radical Party. While some Congress members did voice some concerns about the merger, most have been supportive, even if vocally concerned. 

As far as the public is concerned, the big question is not on the emergency measures but on who the monarch will be. Will it be a created house? A foreign house? Some even joked that it be a family member of Merridan. Legal scholars however are more concerned over what defined an extremist because of the ambiguity over emergency measures. It's likely that Congress will vote on a proper emergency powers actually to properly define what powers Merridan has during this emergency.

[Elena1012]

King George Alvarez crowned; A Royal Era begins for Baltusia.
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March 15th, 5650
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March 15th. This is the day that the status quo has formally ended. Today in Johnston, to a crowd of thousands, George Alvarez the First, aged 35 and from San Luis, has been crowned as the Sovereign of Baltusia. His Royal Majesty, King George Alvarez, previously a private sector exported is now the most important person in Baltusia. He was offered the crown due to his lineage containing royalty, being related to, but seperate from the neighbouring Anantonese Empire. As such, this not only ensures good relationship between Baltusia and the Anantonese Empire and it's constituents, but it ensures that the monarch for Baltusia is independent, sovereign and dedicated solely to the prosperity of Baltusia.

The Royal Era is set to begin as His Royal Majesty will largely govern under the Baltusian constitution. The monarch (and subsequently the House of Alvarez) will have the task of representing Baltusia, fostering unity, sponsoring events to support the public good and it's general health, and of course, announce the formation of a new Congress when elections are held. The position of First Minister will remain, as will previous aspects of the Regency, but obviously the only difference is that the Head of State is no longer a regent, but a king. His Royal Majesty is set to reside in Johnston as a Royal Palace is set to be constructed.

While the state of emergency is still ongoing, and Congress works on formalizing a proper Emergency Powers and Stability Act to formally define emergency powers, this is a moment for all Baltusians to celebrate. Long live the King. While he has no spouse or heir, we are certain that this will change in due time for obvious reasons. But, for now, it is a moment to celebrate. From the chains of syndicalism to a regency, to the freedom of a monarch. The stars in the sky shine just a little brighter now that there is a Sovereign to guide Baltusia towards the future.

[XanderOne]

State visit to Baltusia: diplomacy, economy and institutional vision at the center of the talks

[Elena1012]

Emergency Powers and Stability Act passes Congress; A firm hand for extraordinary times.
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June 7th, 5650
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Ever since the assassination attempt on First Minister Merridan, emergency powers have been enacted. The only issue was, legally, there was no precedent for emergency powers. In his endless commitment to freedom, First Minister Merridan sought out to work with Congress on drafting a proper bill defining emergency powers. After much debate, a finalized version of the bill, dubbed the Emergency Powers and Stability Act, was drafted and passed Congress easily. Because of it, First Minister Merridan has announced the end of a state of siege, pointing towards the EPSA. With the powers of the First Minister drastically expanded, stability can be restored and the Real Deal can continue on without dangerous extremists threatening the state.

The exact contents of the EPSA have seen firm, but necessary measures to combat extremism. Term limits will be formally abolished. This is a needed measure as the people may simply want Merridan to continue the Real Deal, and ensure stable, continuous, governing during times of peace, and especially crisis. Alongside this, the First Minister has the authority to dismiss the monarch and force an abdication. While His Royal Majesty is popular, this provision is likely included to ensure that future Sovereigns don't threaten the constitutional order, and try to embrace absolutism. Because of freedom being under siege by extremists, and the slow bureaucracy of the judiciary, the executive will be responsible for defining what extremism is. Extremism is an ever evolving threat, and we cannot allow decay. In the event Congress is too slow to act against disasters or extremists, the First Minister will have the authority to bypass Congress for legislation, should a deadlock occur, and the First Minister will contain an absolute veto. To ensure extremists don't infiltrate the free media, all media outlets will be required to register with the Baltusian Media Licensing Board. Plus, it assists in fighting disinformation. In the ever continuing defense of liberalism, and Merridan's competency, new political candidates will be vetted to combat extremism. This will remain in effect for 18 months as Merridan is looking to preserve our freedom, not create an autocracy. After 18 months, the vetting will be reduced. And as we heal from the trials of seeing our First Minister almost be killed, threats must be taken down before they emerge. As such, the newly created Royal Security Bureau will be created, responsible for online security and organizing security. While the right to privacy and organization are undeniably liberal ideals, extremists will exploit and challenge these ideals that must be protected. The RSB will help ensure freedom is protected. Finally, to prevent radicals who wish to destroy the kingdom and tear down the Real Deal, the electoral threshold will be raised to 8%.

These measures are firm, but necessary to protect Baltusian Liberalism, the Real Deal and democracy. Despite the EPSA passing, First Minister Merridan has pledged that the Real Deal will not stop, and that it will continue as if the attempt on his life never happened, as the Royal Job Corps wraps up the Trans-Seleyan Railways expansion to San Luis.
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The Public Broadcasting Corporation is a state owned media outlet, looking to provide an unbiased, political neutral, independent news network for Baltusians.

[Elena1012]

Expansion of the Trans-Seleyan Railway to San Luis completed; Delays prevented thanks to foreign assistance.
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January 3rd, 5651
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The Trans-Seleyan Railway has been the pinnacle of cooperation in Seleya, and for Baltusia, a vital economic lifeline. So when the Real Deal saw infrastructure focuses, the TSR was the first priority. Pushing the Railway from Sna Luis all the way westwards to the Valruzian border. After some time, the results have come through. The expansion is complete. While it was expensive, the Merridan Administration is certainly they the benefits will provide dividends in the long term via state revenue, community investment and faster transit times.

While the expansion did see many Baltusians working hard with the Royal Job Corps, it did almost face a delay. That was, until foreign assistance from Kalistan came in to provide funding. This allowed the project to narrowly be finished before it's deadline. As such, not only are more stronger relations with Kalistan secured, but it also means that the TSR now has another avenue of direction. From San Luis to the western border. Whether for leisure or business, the benefits are immense. And for the Baltusian economy which is starting to heal and recover? This is a godsend. All because of the First Minister Merridan's Real Deal program. Without it, Baltusia may have been lost. With the TSR able to run throughout central Baltusia, we can expect investments into communities, reduced export and import times, reduced travel times, and a slight economic boost to nations using the TSR due to shorter times and a new route.

While this certainly isn't the last infrastructure project, it is the first of many. And it will be invaluable to expanding the middle class, cementing it and allowing it to thrive. It will be vital to the Real Deal, and to fostering stronger relationships with other Seleyan states. The Real Deal will continue healing the economy, but what we can expect besides infrastructure investments is a focus on the middle class, continued exploitation of natural resources and diversification of the economy, and institutional reforms such as healthcare and education. 
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The Public Broadcasting Corporation is a state owned media outlet, looking to provide an unbiased, political neutral, independent news network for Baltusians. It is based in Rutledge.

[Elena1012]

Continuing the Real Deal; Creating a more stable and just Kingdom.
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June 19th, 5651
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The Real Deal has looked to begin growing a middle class for Baltusia, and continue economic recovery. With infrastructure and uranium giving the state breathing room, First Minister Merridan, has looked to begin giving the middle class the tools necessary to thrive with this new economy that's being built up. First things first, homes. Everybody loves a home. While liberalism agrees that the private market should have a say in it, the state must act as a helper. Otherwise, we are no better than laissez-faire liberals. As such, the Affordable Housing Access Program will begin. Public and private interests will work together to begin constructing houses across the country, and offer zero interest mortgages to workers employed in prime priority sectors. A special focus will be made on giving first time homeowners the tools to own their very own home.

Furthermore, healthcare. The syndicalists did many things wrong. The economy, handling the call for freedom, and may other things. But they did do healthcare right. Fully free, fully public, fully universal. The Free Market should have an influence on society. But healthcare is no place. As such, it will remain universal and public. But it will be upgraded. The Department of Health will give additional funds (thanks to uranium mining) to begin mobile care units and preventative care stipends. Alongside this, subsidized child and eldercare. Your children and grandparents will not be left to the cold. First Minister Merridan will guarantee that.

The security of the middle class is vital for the health of the nation. As the working class shrinks in favour of a middle class, even if the working class is still massive, protections must be offered. Both for the rising middle class, and the working class. Merridan has worked hard to protect democracy, liberalism and the economy from extremists. This includes protecting Baltusians from inequality.
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The Public Broadcasting Corporation is a state owned media outlet, looking to provide an unbiased, political neutral, independent news network for Baltusians. It is based in Rutledge.