Zardugal

[Flip]

June 8th 5737

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"THE MOON IS MADE OF CHEESE!"

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LaPapago was granted the exclusive opportunity to interview Dr. Petrosilio Stanfoĉapelo, the historian and sociologist who has become famous for his radical theories. We met the “prematurely retired” professor in his home study—a tastefully furnished, if somewhat cluttered, room filled with books in every possible language and from every conceivable era.

“Mr. Stanfoĉapelo, you’re known for being a true generalist in the humanities and always have strong opinions on a wide variety of topics. What’s on your mind these days?”

“The moon.”

“Could you elaborate a bit? What about the moon?”

“It’s not what we thought it was; recent analyses of the light spectrum it reflects speak for themselves. The moon is made of cheese!”

“Excuse me?

“Yes, you heard right—cheese! I know it’s an old joke, but what better way is there to successfully hide the truth than to turn it into a ridiculous fairy tale—an everyday banality?"

“But why would anyone try to hide that?”

“As always, that can be answered with a simple counterquestion: Cui bono?”

(There is a moment of thoughtful silence)

“The cheese industry is obviously behind this. If a discovery like that were known, it would ruin their business.”

“But even if that were the case, the cheese would still have to get here first in order to ruin the business.”

“That shouldn’t be a problem. Traveling to the moon and back has long been an everyday occurrence. That’s common knowledge. Just think of the Thallers and their moon base.”

“The Thallers have a moon base?”

“Well, they had to go somewhere after Luthori pulverized their mobile undersea fortress.”

“So you believe Thaller Fortress actually existed?”

“Of course. I don’t want to give too much away, since I’ll be publishing a comprehensive book on this topic next year, but I can tell you this much: Thaller Fortress must have existed; otherwise, there’s simply no way to explain the terrifying speed at which this scourge of a dynasty spread across all of Terra at the height of its power. You really don’t seem to be familiar with the subject?”

“To be honest… no.”

The interview ended abruptly at this point, as Professor Stanfoĉapelo received an unexpected visitor whom he unfortunately could not keep waiting. We are eager to see what revelations his upcoming book will hold. Stanfoĉapelo had also mentioned that he had only recently discovered social media. Now that he is retired, he is considering using this platform as well to share his ideas.

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@LaPapago
La Papago is a leading tabloid newspaper in Zardugal. Its articles mostly focus on stories about individual celebrities. In some cases, the newspaper also pokes fun at the people it features.

[Flip]

August 9th 5737
COMMISSARIAT OF ECONOMY: NERP
Nacia Ekonomia Raporto kaj Prognozo
National Economic Report and Prognosis

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Part I: Regional and Demographic Development


Trend towards Urbanisation in Faro and Cities of the central West

Analysis: In particular, an influx of people to Faro. Likewise, population growth in the west coast metropolitan areas of Skrubio and Novhaveno. Economic growth in all three locations. The trend appears to be bolstered by recent trade policy reforms.
However, a housing shortage is being reported for the first time. In addition, public transportation is becoming increasingly overloaded. Private car traffic is at its absolute capacity limit during peak hours.

Measures: As an absolute short-term priority, construction projects on the outskirts of Skrubio and Novhaveno are being initiated to safeguard the guarantee and fundamental right to housing. Planning is already underway, with construction scheduled to begin in two months.
In the long term, the goal is to relieve congestion in the metropolitan areas. Expanding rail transit and planning satellite towns in key locations are intended to enable more decentralized growth.

Faltering East Coast

Analysis: Veneto is increasingly suffering from a decline in tourism and trade from other countries bordering Lake Majatra. Diversification into other economic sectors has so far been insufficient, leading to productivity losses, population outflow, and economic contraction.

Measures: Invest in the region’s existing biopharmaceutical sector. Typical products in this sector are internationally sought-after, predominantly high-priced medications. Investments should be made partly directly into companies, but primarily in retraining and continuing education for the local population to qualify them for this sector.
Also, more broadly diversified investments in other manufacturing sectors. Traditional expertise in textile and apparel manufacturing offers potential for renewed growth. Eased access to relevant raw materials from Xsampa and Utaristan also offers new opportunities for such development.


Upcoming Transformation in the Greater Argemonto Area

Analysis: Usable mineral resources are expected to be completely depleted by the end of the century. The heavy metals industry will eventually run out of raw materials, and the elimination of mining will result in a surplus of labor.

Measures: No direct measures from KOMEKON, only consultation and supervision: Leading cooperatives in the sector have already presented plausible plans for restructuring their core business. Better equipment for material recovery, less focus on heavy industry in favor of chip manufacturing and robotics as a long-term goal; however, large-scale ore imports from TOWOE partners will likely be unavoidable during the transition period.

[Flip]

September 12th 5738

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CONSTITUTIONAL COURT: FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT TO HOUSING IS "PARTIALLY AT RISK"

Director Surfungo responds promptly and has PKdSK begin work on a reform

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The Constitutional Court’s ruling indirectly constituted a deman for legislative reform. It stated: “The guaranteed right to housing continues to exist under the current circumstances; however, there is reason to believe that the quality of the housing provided cannot meet the requirements for a dignified life.(...) Given the PKdSK’s housing construction projects—some of which are already underway—it is evident that this trend will continue. This is unacceptable. The Supreme Council and its Executive Committee must take appropriate measures and create mechanisms to improve the average quality of available housing in the long term. Newly constructed housing must immediately comply with the relevant standards.”

The PKdSK reacted cooperatively, albeit tensely, to the ruling, as it effectively pulled the rug out from under its current plans. According to Director Surfungo, the entire committee is working intensively to draft a law that establishes binding, socially responsible, and constitutionally compliant regulations for the development of housing through new construction and retrofitting. In the meantime, a revised version of the construction plans has been submitted to the Constitutional Court, which is scheduled to be implemented before the end of this year. The court stated that the review of these short-term plans would be completed within one month.

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@Mesagisto

[Flip]

October 1st 5738

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NEW LEGISLATION

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The following changes have been made to legislation by the Supreme Council,

effective January 1st 5739:

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Dekreto 1-5738: Leĝo pri la kreado, evoluigo kaj administrado de loĝejoj (LKEAL)

Passed with 72% of Councillors voting "yes"

Summary of changes:

New Construction: Classification of newly created housing into the Core Sector (Kernsektoro) and the Extended Sector (Etendita Sektoro).
1. Core Sector: Fully state-administered. Housing units that meet the requirements for a guarantee of decent housing (e.g., drinking water and sewage systems, private bathrooms, minimum living space per capita, connection to electricity and district heating, and basic access to digital infrastructure).
2. The precise quantification of these parameters (square meters, quotas for energy sources that must be “affordable,” etc.) is delegated to a regulation to be issued by the Komisariato de Sana kaj Sociaj Servoj (KomSSS). The regulation is subject to regular reevaluation.
3. Expanded Sector: LDRE-compliant businesses, as well as citizen cooperatives established for this purpose, are generally permitted to construct residential buildings on designated sites. In doing so, the standards applicable to the core sector regarding the amenities of the residential units must be “clearly” exceeded. This will be verified by the relevant municipal authority upon submission of an application.
4. Citizens’ cooperatives may build only for the personal use of their respective members. Using them as a tool for real estate speculation is considered abusive and will be penalized.

5. Absolute priority for moving into new residential space in the core sector is given to all homeless people or those at risk of homelessness.

Existing State-Owned Residential Buildings
1. Assessment of the buildings against the minimum standards established for new construction
2. Intervention based on the condition of the building: renovation/retrofitting or replacement construction.
3. Reasons for intervention, in descending order of priority: building safety deficiencies; significant deviations from the core sector standard; impending relative deviations from the core sector standard due to an increase in household size; marginal deviations from the core sector standard.

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@SuperaKonsilio

[Flip]

March 9th 5739

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SK AUTHORIZES LIQUIDITY MEASURES FOR HOUSING CONSTRUCTION

KomEkon to receive a total of 20 Billion ₷ from the ZCB, several Billions more from other sources

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The increased costs for ongoing residential construction resulting from the CC-enforced adjustment of standards, pose financial challenges for the PKdSK. Even though the 20 billion Spesmilo-which is to be allocated to the budget in several installments-will provide a certain buffer, further measures are to follow. Unpopular decisions must also be made to keep the government solvent during the construction projects.

Increased access to the reinvestment assets of LDRE cooperatives: By Supreme Council decree, all cooperatives based in the currently overcrowded metropolitan regions of the West Coast that exceed a certain asset threshold have been required to purchase government bonds. It had previously been agreed with these businesses that, in return, they would be given priority in the allocation of building land for Expanded Housing. The resulting rental income is to be directly offset against their financial obligations to the state once the construction costs have been amortized.

Levy consumption taxes on non-essential “short-lived” goods: As an additional measure to boost the national budget—but above all to help control the money supply, which has increased as a result of other measures—a 12% tax will be imposed on the purchase of various goods in the future. This tax will apply exclusively to consumer goods that are not intended for nutrition or are not part of the core diet. These include, for example: all alcoholic beverages, highly processed meat products, tobacco products, sugary drinks, and all non-TOWOE imported, manufactured goods including processed foods (yes, even the ever-popular Morbanaque cheese). Director Surfungo and Commissar Mustarmakulo announced the tax as a reversible measure; however, they deliberately omitted a fixed term from the law to prevent citizens from “delaying their consumption” until Day X.It is also emphasized that goods that are, in a sense, “luxury” items but are not consumed will not be subject to the tax, provided they are produced domestically. A car from MoNa, a camera from Lumovido, or a vacuum cleaner from Magibroso will not be taxed.
The tax reform met with strong opposition from the KNaCK; it has therefore been temporarily separated from the rest of the approved liquidity package and is currently before the Supreme Council for further deliberation. However, no significant changes to the draft bill are expected.

The PKdSK also faced harsh criticism from some members of the Supreme Council. Aĥilo Harafendo, a prominent member of the Finance Committee and former professor of Economics at the University of Veneto, accused KomEkon of forgetting history.

“The last time Zardugal pursued such a fiscal policy was in the 5560s, and we know where that led.”

Commissar Mustarmakulo dismissed the criticism, pointing out that while “money is being printed” again, the honorable councilman’s comparison was nevertheless flawed. Back then, he explained, money had been printed to subsidize electricity. Today, the PKdSK’s construction projects create an indisputable equivalent for the newly generated money supply virtually immediately. Furthermore, his commissariat does not rely solely on the injection of new money, but rather uses it as just one of many measures.

[Flip]

November 29th 5739

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ZaKeTA: A PROJECT OF ZARDIC-XSAMPAN FRIENDSHIP

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A newly founded KKL (“Kooperativo konforme al LDRE”) by citizens of Zardugal with Xsampan cultural backgrounds has now received permission from the agricultural land administration of Argemonto to establish tea plantations on the fertile slopes of the Irkaŭa Muroj. On the one hand, the goal is to produce for the Zardic market and help establish a genuine Zardic tea culture; on the other hand, the cooperative also aims to export to Xsampa and enrich the local tea selection with a variety called “Arĝenta Folio” which introduces new aromas and flavors thanks to the climatic and geological characteristics of Zardugal (and the Zardic spirit of experimentation when it comes to “optimizing” nature). However, more traditional tea varieties, adapted to Zardic conditions solely through selective breeding, will also always be cultivated. An example is the "Porpoĉa", which is particularly suited for the classic Xsampan tea ceremony. Spatial separation of the different plants is intended to prevent cross-contamination. The objective is to deliberately offer products to consumers who value a natural, unadulterated experience.

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@Mesagisto

[Flip]

June 22nd 5740

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A "HYGGE" WELCOME IN DAVOSTAG

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Following what was initially a rather superficial import inquiry regarding steel shipments from the Office of Foreign Trade, for which companies in Davostag (among others) were being considered, Director Surfungo decided, after brief but apparently extremely cordial contact between the PKdSK and the Davostag government, to use the occasion as the basis for a full-fledged state visit. Accompanied by Commissar Mustarmakulo, Commissar Pipo, and the future Zardic ambassador to Davostag, Zafiro Boaco, they accepted the invitation to travel to the other side of the world. Of course, in keeping with Zardian tradition, a large entourage of officials from the Commissariat for Economic Affairs was also in attendance.

Day 1: Arrival at Kivonia International Airport. Welcomed by Rikspresident Rasmus Nyström. Commissars Mustarmakulo and Pipo are already meeting with their Davostagian counterparts.  Military honors and full diplomatic ceremony for the director. Afterward, the delegation is handed over to the care of Prime Minister Knudson, followed by talks between the delegations.

Around 2:00 p.m., a press conference is held to present the results of the negotiations by Rikspremier Björn Knudson and Director Zakario Surfungo: Davostag will supply Zardugal with fixed quantities of steel in exchange for fixed quantities of explosives needed for iron mining. In addition, companies based in Davostag will, until further notice, receive licenses to negotiate freely with Zardic foreign trade conglomerates. The import of chemical and pharmaceutical goods is a particular focus here. The stated goal is to establish lasting trade relations. In addition to economic matters, diplomatic relations would, of course, also be formalized through the exchange of embassies. During the meeting, Director Surfungo repeatedly and slyly referred to President Nyström as “Comrade Nyström” in his remarks, which elicited roughly equal parts amusement and mild confusion among the other two statesmen and the press in attendance.

After a break, the day concluded with a state banquet. The Zardic delegation had brought 120 bottles of the premium red wine Argemonta Sangarebo as a gift for the hosts.

Day 2: Commissar Mustarmakulo visits a steel mill, followed by a meeting with union leaders and discussions with miners.
Commissar Pipo and Director Surfungo are given a tour of the industrial port by Rikspremier Knudson, followed by lunch at a high-end seafood restaurant in the historic port of Kivonia.
Commissar Mustarmakulo rejoins them, and the delegation travels with Rikspremier Knudson to the countryside. In the late afternoon, they observe the annual moose migration. In the early evening, travel to the nearest airport for an official farewell, followed by the return flight to Zardugal.

[Flip]

June 30th 5740

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CHURCH-PETITION REJECTED BY THE SUPREME COUNCIL

Rural delegates managed, with great effort, to secure a majority in the KNaCK for their demand for funds to renovate church buildings. Their efforts appear to have been in vain

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It took the Supreme Council less than two minutes to reduce months of work by the Synod of the Reformed Augustan Church and dozens of rural, traditionalist members of the KNaCK to a farce.
According to the rules of procedure, at least 15% of Supreme Council members must initially vote in favor of a KNaCK petition to force a debate before another final vote. Motions for financial support for which neither direct nor indirect funding is foreseeable face an uphill battle anyway - and an even tougher one in the current situation. A mere 12.7% voted to continue considering the petition. The endeavor was a complete flop.
Even in the KNaCK, a majority of 53% had been achieved only with great difficulty, which resulted in the motion being forwarded to the Supreme Council. Thus, overwhelming initial support had not been expected, but at least a serious consideration of the matter did not seem out of the question.

Proposal’s Initiators Deeply Disappointed
In a statement, the Nuntio de la Ĝenerala Sinodo, Romeo Valerido, commented on the SK’s conduct as follows:
“It is a slap in the face to the people of Zardugal, for whom attending church is still an integral part of social life. Especially in structurally disadvantaged rural regions, places of worship are not only sites of religious devotion but also places of encounter, exchange, and refuge. Without the requested funding, it will no longer be possible to fulfill these roles in the future, and millions of people will be left in the lurch.”

Lapulo Defends the SK’s Actions
Commissar of Internal Affairs and Security, Teofrasto Lapulo rejects any responsibility for the concerns of the Reformed Augustan Church:
“For decades, it has been established that the state does not interfere in matters of religion as long as applicable laws are adhered to. Conversely, no one can expect politicians to commit to preserving church infrastructure. It is already a sign of sufficient goodwill that the RAE is allowed to continue operating its places of worship, many of which are located in prime locations, undeterred, even though there are plenty of other possible uses for the occupied land. The fact that the RAE cannot distribute its donations wisely and is completely overstretched in terms of infrastructure is neither a new development nor the fault of public authorities. The motion suggested an unreasonable obligation on the part of the general public toward religious communities, and the argument now put forward by the RAE representatives is simply indecent.

Outrage in Many Places Over the Process, Not the Decision on the Merits
What has sparked an outcry among the general public, however, is the Supreme Council’s arrogant handling of motions submitted by the KNaCK. Under the slogan “Superficial Council: No Democracy without the KNaCK,” demonstrations were announced in Veneto, Skrubio, Argemonto, and Faro, some of which were initiated by KNaCK representatives themselves. Representative Nikolo Luceko from Veneto made the following statement to LaMesagisto: 
“Even for me, who does not have the well-being of the Church at heart, it is scandalous how the SK has handled the expressed will of the people. The fact that the final decision-making authority lies with the SK presupposes that it will seriously engage with the ideas of the KNaCK, which represent a more vibrant, dynamic reflection of the current political spirit. The task of the council members is to translate these, admittedly, at times impetuous ideas into practical measures. What they have done, however, is to brush aside the will of a majority, as narrow and half-hearted as it may have been in some cases, as if it were a pesky fly. This is an unacceptable and undignified way to treat the work of the KNaCK.”

[Flip]

April 3rd 5742

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FIRST SESSION OF THE 46TH SUPREME COUNCIL

Zakario Surfungo is re-elected, but the political landscape threatens to become unclear

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First, the rules of procedure were agreed upon. Following that, Director Surfungo, in keeping with tradition, put the matter of confidence to a vote. This is a mechanism designed to allow, at best, confirmation in office and, at worst, a dignified resignation. Zakario Surfungo was confirmed in office with 99 “yes” votes, 15 abstentions, and 36 “no” votes. This is his worst result to date and provides insight into the new, approximate factional balance within the Supreme Council.




“Equal Development” Wins Over Marginalized Demographics
The “Egala Evoluo” electoral list, which was founded to advocate for the interests of rural areas and eastern Zardugal, achieved significant electoral success right from the start. Thirty of the new council members were elected to the Supreme Council either through the list itself or as official supporters via direct mandate. The most decisive result (82% of the vote) was achieved by Otelo Orbrodisto in his Stofkato III district. He is considered a fierce rival of Surfungo and criticizes the “technocratic dominance of the west coast,” accusing him and his circle of “ignorance of the hardships and concerns of all people outside of Faro and Kastelo.” Egala Evoluo’s growth came primarily at the expense of the AkN cooperative list. Together with the R3S, the electoral alliance of the LDRE-independent business sector, the council group is sometimes considered part of the fundamental opposition.

The deciding factor: the direct mandates from the countryside
Another thirty of the newly elected council members are not openly aligned with either AkN or EE; they have so far criticized the current PKdSK’s line, mostly in moderate terms, and called for course corrections, generally without raising questions about personnel. “Keeping them in good spirits” will likely become an important task for Director Surfungo.