Mordusia

[Autokrator]

Massive infrastructure investment barely passes Federal Parliament
A close one for the Yellow-red coalition
March 5632 (backdated)

  

Randworth - Ever since their electoral victory in 5624 the Reform-Labour government has been aiming to showcase to the Mordusian people that their new and more progressive approach to governing the nation brings forth a better future than that of the conservative National Party. One of the things they wishes to do was to support an environmentally friendly way of transportation and make it able for people to travel from and to various places of Mordusia with relative ease, they choice? Public transportation.
 
For years the government worked on a proposal that would invest billions of pounds into public transportation, more specifically an expansion and upgrade of the train network. The idea was that the ever expanding highway systems take more and more space whilst the traffic congestion keeps increasing. The more highways that need to be built to reduce this have a high burden on the environment as lots of plains, forests and such need to be removed. This was the explanation given by the Ministry of Infrastructure under the Reform-Labour government in 5626.
 
The major cities which are connected by the Trans-Seleyan Railway are in fact nothing less than high speed bullet trains which bring people from state to state in a matter of a few hours. However the connection between these big cities, often capitals and the other cities, ports and important landmarks are old, underfunded or only connected by road. With the investment, the government hopes to change this. The plan is to connect these areas through inter-city trains. These trains will bring the passengers to various other cities who aren’t connected to the TSR and from there they can commute through either metropolitan trains, metro’s or busses within the city area or transfer to regional trains who connect the various important towns and workplaces outside the city.
 
The investment plan comes with a detailed plan to bring the expansion of the railroad network into being. For starters the Federal Government will invest and contract building the inter-city and Trans-Seleyan Rail expansion and restoration efforts. At the same time the state-level government will be given money if they submit plans to connect rural areas and other towns and cities to this network with railways, metro’s or trams of their own. With this the Federal Government wishes to keep control of the major infrastructure whilst also giving local governments a say in how the infrastructure within their state can be improved. A feat the Reform Party was very proud of, with it being the party that often supports devolution of powers the most.
 
With a left and environmentally friendly majority in power the thought was that it would be an easy victory for the Coalition in achieving their dreams. However during the debate about the bill the confidence of Infrastructure Minister Bill Kiwi went down bit by bit. Firstly the Wild Life Party began praising the concept after which they sharply criticised the protection of wild life areas and the sacrifices these sometimes untouched areas had to make in order to facilitate humans even more in their greed. They said that the governments plan though better than the National’s obsession with roads it still was nothing more than destroying ecosystems dressed in a green jacket.
 
More criticism came from within the Coalition’s own ranks began to voice their concerns, beginning with the more environmentally friendly Green-Labour group within the Labour Party, of which 5 sided with the Wild Life Party on the expansion of the Trans-Seleyan Railnetwork through the environmentally near untouched mountains on the border with Saridan. Something they find unneeded and unacceptable. Then another group stood up, 9 people from the Coalition voiced their concerns. 2 from Labour and 7 from Reform. They opposed lack of state and local government involvement in the locations of the expansion of the inter-city railways. This group believes that the local governments on the state level have more knowledge of what is needed for what is needed to improve the lives of the ordinary Mordusians. ‘’We are no better than the National Party if we act like this’’ one of the dissenters said.
 
The National Party had a field day with this, their new leader Michael Hewson, said that the ‘’Coalition cannot even agree on anything, plagued by division not only between the two parties but also within their parties as well’’. He went to say that the bill ‘’lacked a vision for strengthening the economy’’ pointing out that the bill had no provisions for including freight, connection to roads for car usage or usage of inland water transport or inland air transport. ‘’A mist opportunity by a government that is too scared and to incompetent to succeed’’.
 
In the end the bill passed with a minimum number of votes, with 176 votes in favour, 171 against and 4 abstaining.

[Autokrator]

Rest in peace Governor-General

Mordusia mourns the loss of Prince Louis

October 5634

 

Rechtenberg – In the early morning Rechtenberg castle gave notice that His Royal & Imperial Highness, Prince Louis, Governor-General of Mordusia has passed away in sleep. A nation mourns the loss of a guiding figure and a man from another country who made Mordusia his home and loved it deeply.
 
Prince Louis became Governor-General after the terrible terror attacks by the Aldurian government and led Mordusia through the war with Alduria. After the war he returned to doing what he loved, supporting Mordusian culture, cuisine and protecting its landscape. All in his function as Governor-General, a job he said he loved with all his heart, representing the Crown in Mordusia. Prince Louis was the grandson of Emperor Charles VII, nephew to Empress Audrey and cousin to Empress Katherine. A man of royal and imperial blood who dedicated his life to public service for his entire life.
 
During the last few days the 82 year old Governor-General began to feel sick and was visited by doctors regularly, news came out rarely about his condition, but it grew worse and worse. With the Governor-General being replaced for the last four weeks by a Lieutenant-Governor-General appointed by Orange Palace in Luthori, his 51 year old son Duke Edward of Orange-Villayn-Colliwick, Duke of Colliwick.
 
An hour ago the Prime-Minister announced a day of mourning and announced a statement in parliament will be made by him and his government as well as the leader of the opposition to state the respect and hard felt loss of the nation as well as gratitude for the work the Governor-General had given the nation during his life time.
 
Duke Edward has stated not to succeed his father as Governor-General, stating it isn’t ‘’a hereditary position, for now I want to continue to dedicate my work to the Orange-Villayn Foundation in Mordusia, supporting education, preserving the natural habitat of our wonderous nation and preserving the dream of my father together with my son Alexander’’.

[Autokrator]

Mordusian economy recovers slowly 

A temperorary recovery or begining of new boom?
March 5634 (backdated)

  
Randworth - Though the Mordusian economy wasn’t doing bad as in a recession all good hopping Kangaroo’s and dodo’s noticed that the markets had started to slow down. The hopping became less frequent and less high, with even a few years of contraction of the economy and mostly small neglectable growth occurring. Economists now see an optimistic recovery in economic output and growth, mostly thanks to government expenditure.
 
The Coalition government in their latest budget, which passed with a majority of all votes in the chamber except those of the National Party, affirmed once more the national policy of ‘choosing for Mordusia!’ as the Reform-Labour coalition’s budget and government plan is called. The policy set out by the government as explained by the treasury is that a budget deficit is allowed to exist and to borrow on the international bonds market to make use of the low debt position of Mordusia to invest in vital sectors of the economy. These investments have been made into increasing salaries of civil servants, decreasing taxes on arts and literature, investing in education and above all the expansion of the railway systems.
 
These investments have caused a year on year budget deficit, but also lead the country out of the decline according to the government. These claims seem supported by the increased growth numbers in the economy and the increase in consumer confidence. The National Party leader stated in a response in the Parliament that it is a mere coincidence and that the increased spending and major investments without structural coverage from the government revenue will lead to dangerous growth in debt or in painful budget cuts in the future. ‘’Is this the Reform strategy? Spend our reserves now and leave us broke later?’’. Which was promptly left off by the Coalition.
 
Currently the government spends around 1,4 trillion MPD (712 billion CMR) and gains around 1,39 trillion MPD (699 billion CMR) in revenue. A deficit of 25 billion MPD (12 billion CMR), not a big deficit and well within the accepted limits of max 2% deficit of GDP. However the government borrows next to this deficit the required funds to pay for the investments in infrastructure throughout the country. This does lead to better connectivity which in the long run will aid the economy, but the benefits will not be seen shortly for the government coffers. A worry some economists on the right have as does the National Party.
 
Next to the increasing economy the stock market seems to do well with the MNSE rising as investor confidence rises. Especially stocks in the construction, steel, electronics and train companies are going up. A good day for the Mordusian economy.

[Autokrator]

Count Alexander marries Princess Charlotte of Hutori!

Congratulations to the newly weds!

October 5635 (backdated)

Rechtenberg – Hello Orange fans outthere! Monarchists and Royal watchers, ready your seats! Have we got news for you! Coliwick Palace has announced that Count Alexander, Count of Rechtenberg and son of Duke Edward of Orange-Villayn-Coliwick, Duke of Coliwick, Duke of Stewart and Duke of Malbury, head of the Orange-Villayn Foundation in Mordusia, will marry Princess Charlotte of Steuart-Carmichael, Princess of Hutori. 

The 27 year old Count met the Princess whilst visiting Hutori according to the press release. The Ducal family stated that the relation between the two high born developed over time and was kept secret as much as possible to give them as much privacy as is possible for public figures. This is essentially a wonder that it was kept a secret for so long. Princess Charlotte is known for being a very involved royal in the Kingdom, helping out her brother and family where ever she can. 

The marriage will take place next week in Hutori, the ducal family, the Luthorian Imperial Family and the Hutorian Royal Family were all invited for this happy occasion. It has been made known that the eldest son and heir of the Duke will move to Hutori so his new wife will be able to keep performing her duties and he will assist her where he can as a dutifull husband. He has however stated that he wants to keep working for the Orange-Villayn Foundation and that he will take it over as soon as his father retires. 

A union between the Steaurt-Carmichaels and the Coliwicks, a truely beautifull moment. What will await our 27 year old count in Hutori with his 30 year old wife? We hope a happy family with new little nobles born from the union! The best wishes to the newly weds from us at the Royal Standard!

God save the King

[Autokrator]

Election Results: National Party win plurality, Reform-Labour minority government formed
March 5635

 

 
Randworth - Despite not clinching an outright majority in Parliament, the National Party has decisively won the battle for public support — capturing nearly half of the vote across Mordusia. With a swing of nearly 8 points! Meanwhile, the Reform-Labour coalition clings to power by seat count alone, having lost ground in both vote share and regional strongholds.
 
The elections were hot headed and wildly contested. What was clear was that the National Party regained much of their lost electorate after decades of Reform-Labour coalition rule. Mainly the economy, despite its recovery of the economic slump, the growth remained a bit weak and the increased taxes due to spending hikes on the middle class and higher incomes seemed to put a drastic shift towards the Nationals, that coupled with new environmental regulations which hit businesses really hard put the Reform Party in a bind. The regulations were mostly pushed by the Labour Party and the Wildlife Party who the Coalition relied on for a strong majority.
 
However the Reform-Labour Coalition were not out of the race yet. The race turned into a rally around the flag, which saw many other parties losing votes to the two main parties. This caused an uptick for the Coalition who campaigned with the slogan ‘’Keep Mordusia on the right track!’’. Whilst the National Party campaigned with the slogan ‘’Be sensible, vote National!’’. When the polls opened the winner wasn’t clear to see and every pollster said something different.
 
Then came the result, a cheer for the Nationals followed by a deep bitterness for them as they managed to win the plurality of the vote with over 49% of the popular vote against the 39,57% of the Coalition. However they only managed to gain 174 votes, 2 short a majority. Whilst the Coalition lost a lot of seats they still managed to hold unto 170 seats in the Parliament. It was clear from the campaign that the Wildlife Party would not help the Nationals, who campaigned against their beloved environmental policies, to a majority and as such formed a deal with the Coalition, keeping the Dustin ministry in power.
 
The National Party chairman called it a ‘’tragedy of our electoral system, a spit in the face of the people and losers being kept in power held hostage by tree huggers’’. The leader of the National Party, Michael Hewson, however didn’t want to go that far, saying that ‘’this is our democratic system and we didn’t manage to form a majority. But we are so thankful for all those Kiwi’s brave Kangaroo boys out there voting for us. We’re going to deliver strong opposition and holding this weak coalition government to account whilst making us ready to take over as soon as possible for a recovery of Mordusia under sensible national governance.’’.
 
Prime-minister Peter Dustin announced the formation of his fourth ministry after visiting the Governor-General to gain the mandate from His Majesty the King to form a government in His name.

[Autokrator]

Emperor Richard II and Empress Valeria married in large ceremony in Fort William.

God save our King & Queen!

July 5636 (backdated)

Read full article here

[Autokrator]

Major Education Reform Passed in Parliament

New legislation reshapes funding, curriculum, and access to higher education

September 5637

Randworth – In a landmark move, the Federal Parliament has passed a sweeping education reform bill spearheaded by Education Minister Harrold Smithers (Reform). The legislation introduces significant changes to the way education is funded and governed across Mordusia, with a focus on expanding access and increasing local involvement.
The bill passed after a contentious debate, ultimately gaining support from across the aisle. Four members of the National Party and one MP from the Ipki Rights Party voted with the Reform–Labor coalition to secure its passage.

A Long-Standing Coalition Priority
Reforming the education system has been a core ambition of the Reform–Labor government since its formation. For Labor, the emphasis has long been on increasing accessibility for students from lower-income backgrounds and boosting investment in vocational education. The Reform Party, while supportive of these goals, insisted on greater autonomy for local governments in the management of schools. 

Progress had been stalled for months due to internal coalition disagreements, especially over who should oversee tertiary education such as vocational colleges and universities. Labor held firm that such institutions should remain under federal control, arguing that students move across the country in search of the best education and opportunities. The National Party backed Labor’s position, citing national cohesion and workforce competence as key reasons. Eventually, a compromise was reached that satisfied both sides, paving the way for the bill’s passage.

Key Changes in the Reform
The new education framework will be implemented next year. Here are the main changes:

1. Overhauled Funding Model
Previously, responsibility for funding and building educational infrastructure was split between different levels of government. Primary schools were funded by the states, while municipalities handled construction. High schools were funded federally, but states managed the facilities.
Under the new system:

• States will receive earmarked federal funds and take full responsibility for both funding and infrastructure for primary and secondary education.
  
• Tertiary education, including vocational training, higher vocational institutions, and universities, will now be directly funded by the Federal Government, with states allowed to contribute additional resources for local needs or initiatives.
  

The new framework aims to give states more flexibility while ensuring consistent national standards.

2. Updated Student Support System
Student loans will continue to be available, but all students will now receive a means-tested grant until the age of 18, based on parental income. After 18, students will receive a flat-rate grant, with additional support for those living away from home.
To encourage timely graduation:

• Students must complete their program within 10 years to retain the grant.
  
• If not, the grant converts into a loan with a 2% fixed interest rate, repayable over 30 years.
  

This change is intended to make higher education more attainable and encourage more Mordusians to pursue advanced studies.

3. Clearer Responsibilities and National Standards
The Ministry of Education will continue to set the national curriculum, including core subjects and the historical canon taught in schools—a long-time demand of the National Party. Nationals have argued that inconsistent educational standards across states could harm national cohesion and economic performance.
A major point of contention was the language of instruction. The National Party pushed for Luthorian to remain the primary language in schools and sought to limit what they saw as excessive criticism of Mordusia’s past. These positions were strongly opposed by Canrillais-speaking Voisain Mordusians and the indigenous Ipki communities.
To secure the necessary votes, the Reform Party negotiated a compromise with the Ipki Rights Party:

• Minority languages can now be used as the official language of instruction in schools.
  
• However, Luthorian must remain a mandatory subject, and states must ensure the availability of Luthorian-language schools.
  

This balanced approach convinced four Voisain MPs from the National Party to support the bill, sealing its passage.

Outlook
With the reforms now law, the government promises a more inclusive and responsive education system that better meets the needs of students across the country. Critics remain wary of implementation challenges, but Minister Smithers called the vote "a historic step toward a smarter, fairer Mordusia."

[Autokrator]

Mordusian companies & government embrace Luthorian partnership

Economic bloom between the red and white flower

October 5638

 
Port Alexander – The Imperial Government of Luthori and various Luthorian industires, mainly in the shipping sector have spoken out their wish to increase the trade relations and economic ties with our Commonwealth, with their prognoses being that the bilateral trade relations would increase by 3,8%. The announcement followed wild enthusiasm in the industrial and transport sector of Mordusia.
 
That the Mordusian economy is doing fine is quite known, but growth has been hampered by a lack of good international trading possibilities due to a limited shipping sector. Secondly the Mordusian military build up over the years and its commitments in helping in Artania has caused a need for more military goods. This is where Luthori comes in, Luthori has a well developed economy with a large shipping sector, a large financial sector with deep pockets to invest. These things Mordusia lacks.
 
It is the government’s wish to increase the level of trade between the two countries and make thankful use of the Southern Shipping Corporation’s penetration of the Mordusian market. The Minister of Economic Affairs Susan Heathrow has stated that the government, headed by the Reform-Labor coalition, is willing to aid in infrastructural investments to aid the increasing partnership between the two nations and would also look towards the Luthorian financial sector to offer them lucrative investments in the Commonwealth.
 
However the minister also got her fair share of criticism from her coalition partner the Wildlife Party, who call the increase in trade relations and international shipping as dangerous for the environment. The National Party however agree with the government but criticse them on not investing earlier in the building of freight space on the railway connections between Port Alexander and the eastern ports of Mordusia. Eric Wildman MP (Nationals) said in the Federal Parliament that ‘’it’s an incredible opportunity to ship our product to Luthori, to expand our mining sector with Luthorian investment and ship those resources to our industry or to Luthori to aid both our economies, to be the bridge between the east and west, letting trade from Vascania or other Dovani nations come to our shores, add something or trade them to Luthori but we only focused on person transport, we warned this government of this’’.  
 
The increase in economic activity between the two nations might set up possibilities for Luthorian shipping to expand in Mordusia and through that for Mordusia to spread its goods across the globe and increase the volume of imports of goods it doesn’t have but would really like from across the globe. A number of growing possibilities seem to rise for the land down under.

god save the Empire

[Autokrator]

Mordusia to Overhaul Voting System Ahead of Federal Election
More democratic or more of the same?
June 5639
 

 

Randworth – With a general election on the horizon next year, the Federal Electoral Commission has released a landmark report proposing major reforms to Mordusia’s voting system. Commissioned by a broad bipartisan majority in Parliament, the report recommends replacing the long-standing first-past-the-post (FPTP) system with a preferential voting system—a move the government has now formally embraced.

The report, the result of an 18-month inquiry into electoral fairness and democratic engagement, outlines several key challenges with the current system. Chief among them is the tendency of FPTP to produce skewed results in multi-party races, where candidates can win seats without a true majority of support. The commission argues that a preferential voting system—where voters rank candidates in order of preference—would better reflect the will of the electorate and reduce the number of "wasted" votes.
 
A Government Proposal in the Making
Following the release of the report, the Reform–Labor coalition government has announced it will introduce legislation to implement the recommended changes before the next election. Under the new system, voters will rank candidates on their ballots. If no candidate wins an outright majority on first preferences, the lowest-ranked candidates will be eliminated and their votes redistributed based on second and third preferences until one candidate secures a majority.
 
This method, already used in some state elections and party leadership contests, is designed to ensure that elected representatives enjoy broader support from their constituents.
 
According to Minister for Democratic Affairs Clara Jennings (Labor), “This reform strengthens our democracy by ensuring that every vote counts and that no one is elected without a genuine mandate. It will reduce strategic voting, encourage coalition-building, and reflect the diversity of views in our electorate.”
 
Broad Parliamentary Support—But Not Without Criticism
The push for reform received backing from across much of the political spectrum. The Wildlife Party and Ipki Rights Party both voiced strong support for the change, viewing it as a way to ensure smaller parties and minority groups have a fairer shot at representation. A faction within the National Party also lent its support, particularly MPs representing urban and outer-suburban electorates where multi-party competition is strongest.
 
However, some Nationals—particularly those from safe rural seats—have expressed concern that the new system could complicate voting and undermine their electoral advantages under FPTP. Despite this, party leadership has indicated it will not formally oppose the legislation.
 
Public sentiment appears to favor the reform. A recent poll conducted by the Mordusian Institute for Public Affairs found that 61% of respondents support a move to preferential voting, citing fairness and improved representation as top concerns. The proposed legislation is expected to be introduced in Parliament within the coming weeks. If passed, the new system would be in place in time for the 5640 federal election, marking the most significant electoral reform in Mordusia in decades.
 

Here are two video's to explain the electoral system:

[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y3jE3B8HsE]

[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eC_QqArDDiQ]

[Autokrator]

Mordusia imposes sanctions and condemns Baltusian government

Mordusia stands with the Silver Movement

December 5639

 
Randworth – In a rare and special moment of unity, His Majesty’s Government and His Majesty’s Most Loyal Opposition and all parties in the Federal Parliament were united in joining the Prime-Minister in condemning the government of Baltusia and sanctioning Baltusian trade and all freezing Baltusian assets from leaders of the regime in Mordusia.
 
For a while now protests against the syndicalist government have been going on and continually supressed by the dictatorial regime of Baltusia. It all began with the hopeful reformer Mr. Kirk, a man who wanted to lift Baltusia out of its economic woes and began reforms, creating a socialist society with more Baltusian characteristics which would allow for a more unique brand of socialism that more fits Baltusia. The reforms however did not save the economy from declining. With rising economic woes students, affected most by the economic down turn stood up campaigning for more and faster reforms. As the student movement grew, campaigning for sensible reforms, freedom and a better Baltusia, the dictatorial regime fell back to its horrible past, shooting down the protest with violence.
 
Out of this violence the Silver Movement was born, a movement that wants liberty, reforms such as democracy, a working economy. Though the protesters aren’t united in what they want, most want a liberal society. A free Baltusia in which each individual is free to choose his or her own destiny, that much is clear. With this group growing the government of Baltusia began cracking down upon it more and more, which only fuelled the anger of a population no longer taking this oppression. Finally, it caused Kirk to be replaced by a hardliner who now seeks to restore the old order, with violence and more oppression if needs be.
 
Prime-Minister Peter Dustin (Reform-Labor) spoke out against the regime and its practises, being joined by all sides of the Federal Parliament in a truly unique show of unity on the matter. In his speech the Prime-Minister said that ‘’it’s the right of every individual to make something of their life, to choose what makes his life better. To have prospects and voice his or her opinion freely, however the regime in Baltusia is a dark stain on our continent. A bunch of dictatorial grey suits who wish nothing but to enrich themselves at the cost of their own citizens in the name of an evil and outdated ideology’’. Later on the Prime-Minister commented that ‘’Baltusia’s Silver Movement, standing up peacefully for freedom, democracy and free trade relations with the world for a better future, to be able to choose their own leaders, make their own choices in life and wanting to be free to make their country a prosperous and better society will always find help and support from our Commonwealth, Mordusia will always stand with those who fight tyranny, be it in Baltusia or in Kundrati’’. The Prime-Minister ended his speech with saying that ‘’this government, this federal parliament, on all sides of the isle have decided to impose heavy sanctions on Baltusia, further more we will freeze any and all assets of Baltusian government officials within Mordusia. Baltusians fleeing persecution will find a home in Mordusia for we will generously aid them. And to the Baltusian regime, the Syndicalists, I would like to say, in name of all of His Majesty’s subjects: tear down this façade! Pick up the phone because freedom rings! And should this regime refuse to change, the Commonwealth must consult with partners to consider alternative measures to assist our Baltusian cousins!’’.