Jacobean Cildania (5321 - 5369)

[Wu Han]

New leader Zammit-Barca heralds "era of reform" for Order of Saint Sebastian

July 11, 5335 | On the 21st of September last year the founder and first leader of the Order of Saint Sebastian, Deputy Ilarju Rizzo, went missing together with his wife and teenage daughter. The national police force have been unable to crack the case and have offered no explanation to the disappearance. Calls from friends and relatives for Rizzo to return or for those that harmed him to come forward have gone unanswered. Private investigators hired by the Order have made no progress either, according to official party statements. Theories of what may have happened vary wildly, with some believing he chose to disappear himself after his alleged corruption being discovered. However no accusations of corruptions ever surfaced during the past few months. A more grim theory sketches the scenario that organized crime may have disposed of Rizzo, who in the weeks leading up to his disappearance sometimes behaved erratically and talked about "reforming the movement". The hardcore members of the Order, led by former deputy leader Valentinu Pizzuto, firmly believe in the theory that the government is behind his disappearance. Prime minister Alagona has made no statements on the disappearance apart from uttering his regret and best wishes to the family and calling on the public to remain calm and await the investigations. According to Pizzuto this distant approach to the case of the missing leader is a clear admission of guilt. Pizzuto himself made this very clear during the weekly questions of Alagona two weeks after Rizzo's disappearance when he draped a red stained bed sheet over Rizzo's empty spot, the incident caused minor outrage but had no repercussions. Order Deputies have been unable to find support across the Council for a tougher investigation.

Since the disappearance Pizzuto has acted as the interim leader of the party until "Ilarju returns to us or a conference has to be held". Deputy Pizzuto himself was unhappy about his position as acting leader: "My job was always to help Ilarju, not to take over." It was in February when the media became interested in the future of the party that the question was posed to Pizzuto whether he would stand for election. "Without my good friend I will not lead," said the Deputy. Since the disappearance of Rizzo the party had taken a milder tone, with only Pizzuto carrying on the early Order rhetoric. The swap to the left from the One Flag party, sympathy for the disappeared Rizzo, and increased outrage at the sitting government caused a large influx of new party members. The general tone however seemed to be less fringe than what the Order initially stood for, a development that started after the unfortunate death of Denzilee Despares. Many party members began to ask themselves the question: if there's no Despares, no Rizzo, and no Pizzuto: then who?

Several candidates stepped forward like seasoned Deputy Karlu Loporto, long-time party member and former actor Frenc Quattromani, and defence industry titan Izabella Paias. The most surprising candidate was Dumniku Zammit-Barca, a former officer of the Sacred Band who later served as a senior police investigator in the organized crime unit of the National Police. Several years ago he resigned out of protest declaring it all "inherently corrupt". Though Zammit-Barca's claim to fame came later after it came out he survived three different assassination attempts. After this Loporto was the first to withdraw from the race, putting his support behind Zammit-Barca. A visibly bruised Quattromani announced his own withdrawal and support the day after. In the end Zammit-Barca only had to face Paias at the conference.

At the purposely kept sombre conference the voting became a formality, with a nervous Paias calling on every member to vote for her opponent right before the ballots opened. In the end Zammit-Barca won the leadership election with 92% of the vote. In his acceptance speech Zammit-Barca paid his respects to Denzilee Despares stating they did not see the same way but that the same men that killed Despares are now after him. "He fought for what he believed in and died for it," said the newly elected leader. A moment of silence was then held on his request for Ilarju Rizzo and his family. "They tried to kill me three times, they killed Despares, they might have killed Rizzo. This country fails to admit it but we are at war. And right now we are losing, I will take the fight back to them. To the highest levels of government where we will take the corruption out root and stem." A notable detail is that Zammit-Barca was openly carrying a firearm during the entire speech, a fact he emphasized at the end by calling upon all Order members to arm themselves. "It is our duty to protect ourselves, our families, our voters and our nation."

Dumniku Zammit-Barca has openly promised a reform of the Order of Saint Sebastian: "We will work on it, a milder approach on many levels. We will think on what the people desire, but I promise you this: our main goal will be the complete and total eradication of organized crime and foreign meddling within our nation. That or I will die trying."

The Ħarald tas-Sur is one of the oldest Cildanian newspapers, which nowadays lays its focus on investigative journalism. It usually remains politically neutral but has a history of writing for the upper middle class.

---

Originally posted by Kubrick on 21 Jul 2023.

[Wu Han]

Cildanian government hoping to boost tourism with new campaign
11 August 5335

Minister of Tourism Leonardu Panzavecchia has launched a new advertising campaign hoping to encourage international tourists to visit Cildania. Based around the theme “Historic Cildania”, the campaign aims to revitalise tourism in the country. In the past, it has been a major component of the national economy. Domestic political instability and poor economic conditions elsewhere in the world have caused a decline in the industry though.

At the centre of the new campaign will be Cildania’s numerous sites of historic interest. The archaeological site of the Old City in Qart Qildar is among the most important in the world. Over five thousand years old, it was the centre of the ancient Qedarite Empire.

At its peak, the Qedarite Empire controlled a vast area of land around the Majatran Sea. The territory included most of the modern territories of Beiteynu and Pontesi, coastal regions of Jelbania, Deltaria, Kalopia, and Kafuristan, as well as the islands of Selucia, Cildania and Badara.

The advertising campaign is part of an ongoing effort to boost tourism in Cildania. For many years, it was a key component of the national economy. In the later years of the dictatorship, the number of international tourists fell as governments warned their citizens against travelling to the country. Recent political instability and the threat of violence has further damaged Cildania’s reputation.

In addition to history and culture, Cildania’s good weather has often attracted holidaymakers from cooler climates, especially in Artania. Kosta tal-Punent is among the most popular destinations for domestic and foreign tourists wishing to enjoy warm weather and sandy beaches. Located on the eastern coast, it is within travelling distance of the major tourist city of Santa Alexandra too.

At the launch of the campaign, Panzavecchia told an audience the objective was to show “Cildania is open to the world”. The government hopes that a resurgence in the tourism industry might support economic growth in the rest of the economy. In the past five years, Cildania’s economic position has improved. For many people, the benefits of economic growth have not been felt though.

Majatran Eye is a broadsheet newspaper available throughout Majatra focusing on international economic and political affairs

---

Originally posted by Jamescfm on 21 Jul 2023.

[Wu Han]

PLR leader expresses his dismay at proposed partial privatisation of CNSC

Qart Qildar, Cildania - In an impassioned speech in the Council of Deputies today, the Leader of the Radical Labour Party, Minister of Finance Mattew Levanzin, voiced his strongly held opposition to the partial privatisation of the Cildanian National Shipping Company. This follows the beginning of the PLRs leftward shift in regards to economic policy.

The partial privatisation, introduced to the Council by the Constitutionalist Party, proposes the sale of 30 million out of a total of 100 million CNSC shares to private investors. It also proposes that an additional 10 million of the 100 million would be transferred to the Ministry of Trade and Industry. The shares would be offered at an initial price of around $4 per share on the Cildanian Stock Exchange.

The Radical Labour Party is basing its opposition to the law on their opinion that it represents the beginning of what they feel would be a move towards eventual total privatisation of the company. They also feel it opens the door for private investors to demand changes to the way the CNSC is run that may damage certain areas reliant on the shipping lines' transportation of goods. Some have also privately expressed that they feel the privatisation could be an attempt to further enrich the already highly wealthy individuals linked to some other political parties.

Speaking to the Council of Deputies, Mr. Levanzin expressed the views held by most of his party when he said that “Whilst at present the government would retain a 55% controlling stake, this is opening the door to the future whole-privatisation of the CNSC. This act would begin to allow private companies and individuals to pressure the CNSC on its operations, encouraging the cutting of key services in the name of greater profits for those who own shares and simultaneously cutting off many of our people and the goods & services they produce from the rest of the world.”

He also said that “The passing of this law would indicate that in modern Cildania, everything is for sale and nothing is sacred. It would open the door to the flogging-off of our iconic industries for a quick buck by our governments. Not only that, but it would move us further down the dangerous path where wealthy individuals and corporations control Cildanian politics rather than the people we are supposed to represent.”

He finished his speech by passionately “imploring” his fellow members of the Council of Deputies to vote against the law, which he called “disastrous”. His speech was accompanied by some boos but cheers from the members of his own party.

Despite this, the law looks almost certain to pass and the reversal of these changes in the future would certainly be far more costly to the Cildanian government than the revenue they may make from the current planned partial privatisation.

Il-Gazzetta Radikali is property of Grupp Gazzetta, a private limited company.

---

Originally posted by RadicalGeo on 22 Jul 2023.

[Wu Han]

Ġobon immuffat: Cildania’s black market for maggot-infested cheese


Ġobon immuffat: production of this traditional but illegal cheese involves allowing the cheese fly to lay eggs inside it.

March 8, 5336 | Ġobon immuffat is a traditional cheese historically produced in Kinaan. Production of the cheese involves the addition of rennet to heated sheep’s milk, after which it is placed inside moulds into brine. For the final step, the cheese is left outside to allow the cheese fly to lay eggs in it. The fly’s larvae begin breaking down the fats in the cheese to give it a distinctive soft texture.

For many people, the prospect of eating thousands of live maggots is enough to turn the stomach. Ġobon immuffat (which literally means “rotten cheese”) is a traditional cheese with a history dating back to ancient times though. Generally served on flatbread with red wine, it is reported to have a strong taste and a unique smell. According to tradition, the cheese is a strong aphrodisiac.

Consumption of ġobon immuffat is a serious health concern. Numerous authorities have concluded that the larvae are able to survive inside the digestive system of human beings. As a result, the cheese is banned in most countries due to the risk of myiasis (commonly called fly strike) when the maggots are consumed. Although some people prefer not to consume the maggots themselves, traditional Kinaan custom regards this as a faux pas.

Food safety laws have not stopped production of the cheese though. In rural Kinaan, it is not difficult to find sheep farmers willing to sell for the right price. Estimates suggest that over 150 tonnes of ġobon immuffat is produced each year. In addition to selling the cheese within local communities, farmers often sell to organised crime groups. Using their existing distribution networks, gangs are able to transport ġobon immuffat across the country and sometimes beyond.

In many ways, the tale of this unusual delicacy is symbolic of modern Cildania. Rules and procedures are decided by central government but they are not enforced uniformly. Rural communities are left to govern themselves while politicians focus on the country’s urban coastal regions. As always, there is a role for organised crime.

The Ħarald tas-Sur is one of the oldest Cildanian newspapers, which nowadays lays its focus on investigative journalism. It usually remains politically neutral but has a history of writing for the upper middle class.

OOC: The following real-life reference material informed this post.
Casu martzu page on Wikipedia.
Casu marzu: rotten cheese. [Link no longer available]
The secret resistance behind the world’s most dangerous cheese.

---

Originally posted by Jamescfm on 22 Jul 2023.

[Wu Han]

Balxam mayor stepping down to run for Council of Deputies
3 July 5336

---

One Flag's Botrys Meilaq, who has served as mayor of the large town of Balxam for nearly a decade, will step down from his position before the upcoming election to contend for a seat in the national legislature (the Council of Deputies). A broadly popular and relatively moderate politician, Meilaq has avoided the national spotlight for much of his career and has a reputation as a quiet but competent administrator. In announcing his decision today, Meilaq said he hoped to bring his experiences running the south Kinaan town to the federal level. He also stated that he was specifically recruited by One Flag national leader Margerita Giudice, who is a close friend and a fellow Hosian democrat on the party's moderate flank.

Under Meilaq, One Flag candidates have consistently won elections in the town of around 70,000 - which is the largest in the county of Balxam. He had been a town councillor before joining the pro-democracy movement in 5319 to challenge one-party rule. He ran for local government once again after democracy was restored, contending as a centre-right independent. After Denzilee Depares was ousted as One Flag leader, he and two other independent Balxam councillors defected to the new Yan Despott-led organisation which had thrown off some of its more extreme policies and politicians.

With the death of Alec Benaglia and the retirements of party bigwigs Adon Solimella, Yan Despott and Ġann Calafato, the One Flag party machine is seemingly on the look-out for talent that can attract voters in overlooked rural and small town areas. Margerita Giudice herself is neither particularly liked nor disliked nationally but retains high name-recognition. A fresh injection of supporting characters could energise new voters, as well as repair bridges with communities that have previously been sceptical of One Flag. Kammum town councillor Adonna De Petri, whose mother is Yeudi and whose father is Istalian, is another official with a base of local support who has been recruited to run nationally. Outflanked to the right by the OtSB and on unfriendly terms wit the Alliance for Cildania, One Flag seems to be looking to localism as a key part of its election strategy for 5337.

---

Illum Kinaan is a news agency based in the Kinaan region of Cildania. It covers both local and national current events.

---

Originally posted by Pragma on 23 Jul 2023.

[Wu Han]

Mayor of Santa Alessandra registers new regionalist party in bid for governorship
Santa Alessandra, Principality of Aheblun, Cildania
12 October 5336

Current Mayor of Santa Alessandra Monica Bessoaud has formed a new regionalist political party, the Aheblun League (Lega ta’ Aheblun)*, in order to support her campaign in that Principality’s upcoming 5337 gubernatorial election. At the party’s public launch event, Bessoaud pledged to promote the Principality of Aheblun and its products, as well as to protect its language and unique cultural character. The League has proclaimed adherence to “purple economics,” an emerging field within the economics of sustainable development, which recognizes the economic value of human diversity, relying on the cultural dimension of local communities to add value to goods and services.

Prior to entering politics, Bessoaud was an author and lecturer at the University of Santa Alessandra. In 5330, Bessoaud narrowly defeated her challengers to become mayor of Santa Alesssandra, pledging to reinvigorate the city and make it a capital for the Hebilean people “which we can truly be proud of.” Subsequently, her time in office has seen the transformation of Santa Alessandra into a leading educational centre in the country, as well as the construction of many important landmarks across the city, including the Santa Alessandra Library.

Bessoaud is the daughter of the Amastan Bessaoud, who has been described as the “contemporary poet-emeritus of the Hebilean people.” Mr. Bessaoud is most known for his acclaimed works Do Not Say I Haven't Spoken of Flowers, and Songs of My Mother. Speaking to reporters at a café near the Santa Alessandra Harbour, Mr. Bessaoud endorsed his daughter’s campaign, stating that “the time has come for our people to become an active part of the national conversation, rather than being tokenised by One Flag.”

SK (Stampa Kildanja; Cildanian Press) is a not-for-profit news agency headquartered in Qart Qildar, Cildania.

---

Originally posted by Wu Han on 24 Jul 2023.

[Wu Han]

Ilħna | "Voices"
"Your Source for Cildanian News"

Redentur Piscopo Dead at 84 - He Truly Gave The People What they Wanted
January 5337

QART QILDAR -- Longtime media tycoon, entrepreneur and political reformer Redentur Piscopo has passed away at the age of 84 at his family's Cildanian villa. Considered one of the wealthiest Cildanians at his peak, Redentur's influence did not stop at the marketplace, but was reinvigorated when he saw an opportunity in the early days of the restoration of Cildanian democracy to create a party, People's Choice, which debuted in the election of 5326 and has remained a consistent player in Cildanian politics since then.

Redentur made his fortune in the news industry, where he began as a vendor of newspapers and eventually founded the tabloid Skandlu. This would be the cornerstone of Redentur's media empire, which eventually took form as Ilħna. Piscopo's dedication to the media industry never waned despite his advanced age.

An avid supporter of the people of Cildania, Redentur funded a number of charities with a particular emphasis on education and literacy. These areas, which came natural to the newspaperman, were recipients of lavish donations from Piscopo. Indeed, there are a handful of privately-funded libraries that were dedicated in his honor throughout his lifetime.

While he was never a Minister - leaving the work of statecraft to his sons and heirs, Nunzio and Xand - Piscopo was a Member of the Chamber of Deputies from the debut election of People's Choice in 5326. In politics, Redentur was known for his over-the-top oratory, his populist way of emoting, and his zeal for what the people deemed righteous. It was at a campaign stop in Qart Qildar that he contracted the pneumonia that would eventually take his life just days after the 5337 general election.

The legacy of Redentur Piscopo will be one of great significance. Not only did he leave a significant portion of his fortune to the Piscopo Trust Foundation, a nonprofit grant-making entity that aims to continue to promote literacy, he left a sizeable endowment to People's Choice, which his son, Nunzio (former Minister of the Interior and of Defense), will take over as Leader.

In business as in politics, Redentur Piscopo will be remembered by his famous maxim, "give the people what they want!" Indeed, that is what he gave Cildania through his life and contributions to multiple spheres over the decades.

Ilħna is the closely-held media empire founded by Redentur Piscopo, who also leads Għażla tal-Poplu.

---

Originally posted by Reximus on 24 Jul 2023.

[Wu Han]

General Election 5337‎
‎AgK seat share slides, while the BW and PLR suffer major losses to the newly-formed MLD; OtSB becomes largest party in the Council of Deputies
Harat, Principality of Gilzon
5 January 5337


General elections have been held at every level of Cildanian politics, the first since the passage of the Principalities, Counties, and Local Councils Act of 5336. As always, Fil-Prinċipalitajiet is dedicated to bringing detailed and timely analysis of the results from every Principality in the nation.



The main story of the general election is the surge of support for the newly-formed Movement for Freedom and Democracy (MLD) across the nation, particularly in the traditionally moderate Principality of Aheblun. Much of the party's success, however, comes at the expense of the Radical Labour Party (PLR) and One Flag (BW), both of which have moved radically to the left in recent years. The AgK, comprised (at the national level) of the Alagona Faction (FA) of Prime Minister Guiliano Alagona, and the Constitutionalist Party (PK) of Deputy Prime Minister Sigismondo Falzon, experienced losses to the far-right Order of Saint Sebastian (OtSB) and centre-right People's Choice (GtP), though these losses were smaller than some had anticipated. Goverment formation is likely to involve intensive negotiations, as parties generally remain opposed to forming government with the far-right OtSB and the new far-left MLD, founded explicitly on the principle of undermining Cildania's constitutional democracy.

In the gubernatorial elections, however, the AgK and its affiliated parties won three out of five races while the OtSB will win the governorship of the Principality of Kinaan, and the MLD will win the governorship of the Principality of Aheblun.



❧ Aqildar: PK holds Aqildar and elects Stiefnu Gauci-Saliba as governor

The PK grew its plurality in Aqildar, a principality traditionally favourable to the Constitutionalists, by 3 seats. Meanwhile, the left-leaning vote largely consolidated around the MLD, particularly in and around Belt-tal-Qam. The OtSB also maintained its presence in the more rural counties of the principality, expanding its seat count by 4. In the gubernatorial election, the PK's Stiefnu Gauci-Saliba, former mayor of Qart Qildar (5321-5326), was elected with a plurality of 36.43% of the popular vote in the only principality race openly contested by both the PK and FA. Notably, the son of former Prime Minster Alec Benaglia, Yan Benaglia, ran for the BW, obtaining 5.77% of the vote.



❧ Aheblun: MLD surges, winning governorship and plurality of Council seats

In a major upset that has shocked observers and analysts across the nation, the newly-formed MLD secured the plurality of seats allotted to the Aheblun delegation in the Council of Deputies, largely at the expense of the Constitutionalists. The far-left MLD over-performed expectations in the conservative-leaning region, surging past the BW which had, at one time, considered the principality to be a strong base of support.

The MLD's gubernatorial candidate Abdullah Achtouk was elected with a commanding lead over his challengers from the BW and the newly-formed Aheblun League (Lega ta' Aheblun; LtA). A lack of enthusiasm for the Constitutionalists and the Alagonistas in the principality suppressed the vote for LtA's Monica Bessaoud, whose party is affiliated nationally with the AgK. Though a syncretic party, Bessaoud's LtA is generally considered moderate; however, many conservatives and moderates in the principality chose to vote for the BW in order to prevent a left-wing candidate from winning. The figures show that had the BW and LtA cooperated, Achtouk would likely have placed second.



❧ Gilzon: Workers' Party of Gilzon Leader Kalċidon Matrenza elected governor, Alagona Faction holds left-leaning principality

In the Principality of Gilzon, it appears that the Alagona Faction (FA) of Prime Minister Guiliano Alagona will win the most seats once more, despite losing three seats. In 5332, Alagona was re-elected prime minister in large part due to his ability to breakthrough in the principality, which is a left-leaning region once thought to be an impenetrable stronghold of the Radical Labour Party (PLR); the PLR had, until 5332, won a large plurality of seats there in each election since the restoration of democracy in Cildania. As such, Alagona's toughest challenge was thought to be maintaining his support in Gilzon, in which it appears he has succeeded—an especially notable accomplishment given the surge of support for the far-left MLD across the nation.

Strong support for the FA in Gilzon, and a small but consistent presence of the PK in the principality, translated to victory for Kalċidon Matrenza in the gubernatorial race with 44.57% of the popular vote. Matrenza's Workers' Party of Gilzon (PtĦ) is a member of the AgK and was endorsed by the Alagonistas and the Constitutionalists, who did not field candidates against him. Prior to entering politics, Matrenza served as the first President of the University of Harat, one of the nation's most prestigious universities, with a reputation for left-wing and progressive campus politics. Matrenza founded the PtĦ in 5335, with the party's membership voting to join the AgK in 5336 in advance of the election. This move surprised a number of local observers, who anticipated that the UtĦ would seek national ties to the Radical Labour Party or another left-wing national party. Matrenza, however, defended his party’s decision by pointing towards the work of the AgK in leading the democratic consolidation of Cildania in the post-dictatorship period:

“Certainly, our party has many profound disagreements with the Constitutionalists and Alagonistas, especially on issues of economic policy, labour policy, and a woman’s right to choose” said Dr. Matrenza, “but the focus of our party is on delivering results for the working families of Gilzon, and we believe this will best be achieved by joining forces with the AgK which, on the whole, has proven itself committed to the development and protection of Cildania’s democracy—for nothing we want can be achieved without democracy.”



❧ Kinaan: OtSB rises to the top on the back of campaign against organized crime, MLD takes second place

In Kinaan, another surprising result came from the OtSB, which won the largest number of seats in the principality, while electing Zakkarija Lagriscti as governor with 29.25% of the vote. The AgK endorsed the Alagona Faction's Irnaten Rahaim who obtained 17.61%, followed by the BW's Thawles Kaber with 14.46%.

Since becoming leader of the OtSB, Dumniku Zammit-Barca has campaigned hard against crime and corruption, hammering home a message which seems to have resonated with voters in Kinaan. The BW, which was thought to have consolidated its position in the more moderate Principality of Kinaan, lost seats to the OtSB in part due to its national leadership's shift to the left on economic policy—the national party's support for sweeping nationalizations and moves toward central planning (as proposed in legislation brought to vote by Mattew Levanzin, leader of the PLR) is thought to have been particularly alienating to voters. Nevertheless, on the other end of the spectrum, the left-wing MLD surged to second place in Kinaan's Council of Deputies seat count, pulling voters primarily from the AgK parties.



❧ Jilrit: FA declares victory while GtP maintains steady growth

In Jilrit, the FA and GtP have tied with 15 seats each. Nevertheless, the FA has declared victory following the triumph of Elena Alagona, daughter of Prime Minister Guiliano Alagona, in that principality's gubernatorial race, with nearly 40% of the vote. The MLD, surprisingly, did not elect a single MLD deputy in Jilrit.

The most notable result, nevertheless, is that of People’s Choice (GtP) which had been led by ancient businessman Redentur Piscopo until his recent death. The populist party, grounded in Piscopo's famous maxim "give the people what they want!" has never commanded more than 13% of the vote, but has performed well in Jilrit consistently since its debut on the political scene in 5326. Within the Cildanian political system, the GtP operates as an intermediary party which, given the composition of the next Council of Deputies, may find itself relied upon by a larger party or group of parties in order to form government.

Having proposed and passed less legislation than any other party in the democratic period (one bill), the party remains limited by its inability to craft a nation-wide message to communicate its policy positions and ideological outlook to Cildanian voters; with the death of Piscopo, moreover, the party must ensure that the absence of his personal popularity does not harm the party in its stronghold of Jilrit moving forward.

Fil-Prinċipalitajiet (In the Principalities) is a newspaper focusing on regional and subnational issues of general interest. The newspaper is owned by Grupp Editorjali PNFP.

---

Originally posted by Wu Han on 24 Jul 2023.

[Wu Han]

Giudice & Piscopo announce new alliance: il-Komunità
Qart Qildar, Principality of Aqildar, Cildania
20 March 5337

In the aftermath of January's indecisive election, the leaders of One Flag and People's Choice have announced an electoral alliance to contest future federal and gubernatorial elections. The Community (Gziri: il-Komunità), known by its Gziri acronym iK, will negotiate as a bloc after future national elections and put forward united candidates for the governorships of the five principalities. This changes the electoral landscape of Cildania, becoming the second 'pre-prepared coalition' after the Alliance for Cildania (AgK) which has dominated national politics since the return to democracy.

As their first act as an alliance, the two parties will be voting against the Alagona-led government and a continuation of the AgK-led coalition to support an OtSB-led coalition of the right. If successful, this government would require support from the centre-left PLR who would probably demand certain concessions on social and economic issues. "Anti-corruption, anti-republican and anti-Alagona" is how one BW deputy described the uniting principles of the parties involved in this government proposal.

Though originally far apart in their positions, the BW and GtP have moved increasingly towards common positions. One Flag was founded as an avowedly nationalist and traditionalist party but has since softened their rhetoric to a nominal Hosian democratic stance. People's Choice was founded as quite moderate but has become more conservative partially in response to the liberalism of the Constitutionalist Party, who have proposed a number of social-libertarian bills to the Council of Deputies. Hemmed in the by the OtSB to the right and the two left-wing parties, the BW and GtP have become much clearer allies in recent times and often compete for the same voters. In some areas, like Jilrit, Aqildar and Gilzon, Piscopo's outfit has historically done better and may take up leadership of the alliance. In Kinaan and Aheblun, the BW has generally performed better and may take more control of the alliance's functions in those areas.

The party leaders have provided some comment to SK on the merger:

"It is clear that the Alagona-Falzon cabal would put personal interest ahead of the good of the country - but their electoral alliance has proven quite powerful. Our new group, il-Komunità, will provide a thoughtful, people-oriented alternative to the extremes on both sides while avoiding the pitfalls of corruption."

- Nunzio Piscopo, leader of GtP

"Corruption remains a serious issue in our country and the Community will tackle it with all our might. We represent the ordinary Cildanian who opposes leftist or liberal radicalism but still stands up for all people in our nation."

- Margerita Giudice, leader of BW

SK (Stampa Kildanja; Cildanian Press) is a not-for-profit news agency headquartered in Qart Qildar, Cildania.

---

Originally posted by Pragma on 24 Jul 2023.

[Wu Han]

↳ Sigismondo Falzon, leader of the Constitutionalist Party

Falzon vows to support "any alternative" to proposed neo-fascist
OtSB/iK coalition
22 March 5337
Amidst fraught debates over government formation, PK leader Falzon pledges to support any alternative, including that of the left, in order to keep the neo-fascist OtSB out of power.

Qart Qildar: The Council of Deputies has been deadlocked in negotiations over the formation of the next government since the general election earlier this year. It appears likely that Guiliano Alagona will not have the confidence of Council in the future, though who will succeed him remains less certain. Two days ago, One Flag (BW) and People's Choice (GtP) formed a political coalition intended to rival the Alliance for Cildania (AgK), comprised of the Prime Minister's Alagona Faction, and the Constitutionalist Party, led by Sigismondo Falzon. This new coalition, known as "the Community" (il-Komunità; iK), has announced its support for, and inclusion in, a government led by the far-right Order of Saint Sebastian, a party with historic ties to the neo-fascist paramilitary movement.

This move has shocked many across the nation, for there had long been an unspoken agreement among the parties that the OtSB was not to be normalized, nor included in government negotiations. Now, with the Order poised to form government, the iK has unilaterally terminated this custom in order to obtain cabinet appointments in a future OtSB-BW-GtP coalition. This move has particularly enraged members of the Constitutionalist Party, including current Minister of Labour and Industry Tonio Pullicino who declared before the Council that those who support "this deal with the devil" should be condemned "to the deepest pits of hell," before emphatically stating that "fascism shall never rule our democratic, God-fearing island."

PK leader Sigismondo Falzon, for his part, has been working to try to provide an alternative government that satisfies all parties, but excludes the OtSB. Reportedly, Mr. Falzon has been especially disturbed by the BW's acceptance of the OtSB as a normal and legitimate actor in Cildanian politics:

"And here I thought Margerita [Giudice] was this vivacious, ravishing woman—which she still is, ok? I can't take that from her—but f-ck me, is she ever dirty?!" said Falzon to reporters gathered outside the Council of Deputies this morning. "All of us who were engaged in the democracy struggle, we had one f-cking big, thick, hard red line: we won't make deals with the fascists. Now look what she's gone and done! And don't get me started on Little Piscopo Jr. This pair... they have royally f-cked our democratic system!"

To this end, Mr. Falzon has pledged to support any alternative to the proposed OtSB/iK coalition, in order to "prevent the normalization of fascism in our politics." Accordingly, Mr. Falzon has reportedly engaged in back-to-back meetings each day since the general election, including with representatives of the left-wing parties, to find a solution to the governing crisis Cildania faces.

"This is the legacy they want, Giudice and Mini Piscopo... they want to be remembered as the dumb motherf-ckers who opened the door to the fascists—and not a single Cildanian will neither forgive nor forget until the day their graves are soaked in piss."

il-POSTA NAZZJONALI is one of Cildania's most widely-read broadsheet daily newspapers, respected for its journalistic integrity and objectivity.
A standard-bearer of Cildanian liberalism, il-Posta has become one of the nation's 'newspapers of record.' It is owned by the Grupp Editorjali PNFP.

---

Originally posted by Wu Han on 25 Jul 2023.