Luthori

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The Fort William Inquirer

Luthori and Xsampa to begin negotiations on free-trade agreement; expected signing in years.

January 5618 (backdated)

Fort William, Luthori - In a surprising twist of decades of Luthorian foreign policy in the Dovani continent (if that existed), the Government of Luthori has reported to the International Press Corps news agency (based in Fort William) that it had engaged in "preliminary talks" with Xsampan officials over the "deepening" of both countries' economic ties. This announcement came as a shockwave at the Fort William Stock Exchange, as while Luthorian and Xsampan discussions were "considered" by the International Trade Secretary Campbell, the scenario of it actually happening was "highly unlikely" mostly to the Tories' anti-communism which was considered to be, in right sense, a potential roadblock to negotiations.

The International Press Corps' dispatch was today confirmed through a statement from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, which stated the following:

Tonight, in Metz-Leonid, a delegation of Luthorian diplomats led by the former Prime Minister, His Grace, the Duke of Northminster has landed in the Xsampan capital. There, they have been well received by their Xsampan hosts with respect and hospitality.

The Duke's delegation has for mission to begin preliminary talks with Xsampan authorities over the establishment of a fair and mutually beneficial agreement on the formation of a Free Trade Area between the Holy Luthori Empire and the Democratic Republic of Xsampa.

It is the sincere hope of the Department of Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs that these negotiations ends with a positive sentiment for both sides and we pray God for that.

The Luthorian Government's optimistic tone about the whole situation has been remarked by observers as being "uncharacteristic" of the Luthorian style, which is usually bland and without too much pomp nor fanfare about any deals that they might secure. This situation may signal a shift in Luthori's international relations as the Empire seems to have recently refocused her efforts around either traditional allies and partners or towards regions where Luthorian presence has been low in recent decades or centuries.

No official government communiqué from Xsampa seems to have confirmed the existence of backroom meetings with Luthorian diplomats, although recent pictures shared by the Luthorian International Press Corps seems to confirm that fact.

Nonetheless, after the initial shock of the announcement, the Luthorian-Xsampan rapprochement seems to have been taken well by both the populace and economists. One liberal economist, Sir Arthur Gund seems to have well-received this announcement, even though Mr. Gund held highly-controversial statements in regards to Xsampa in the nationalist right talk-show "The Truth", saying:

"The day when the damn reds will know how to run an economy, we'll all be sitting in our coffins.." and "I don't believe that Xsampa will become a democracy anytime soon, their people isn't ready for the finest form of government yet.."

When asked about his previous statements on the Xsampan state and people, Mr. Gund backtracked completely from his previous words, apologizing to the Xsampan people for his "ill-minded" "former" views, which were "influenced", according to him, by the talk show's producers to draw more people to listen to them. Apart from that, he praised the Government's willingness to "look after dividing ideological lines" to work with Xsampa.

It's a good thing, in my opinion, that Luthori begin to work with Xsampa. Both nations are arguably two of the most powerful on the planet and it seems that the Government's willingness to look after the dividing lines of ideology may come in handy here, as both nations have serious interests at working with one another. For Xsampa, it'll provide them with an economic partner on the Artanian continent and will allow them to have more leverage in the Migrants' Pass, for Luthori, this partnership will allow it to sell its goods to another market, staying in course with the International Trade Secretary's statements on the question.

When asked about if the partial restoration of democratic rule, as announced has played a role in the "cooling" of relations between both states, Mr. Gund confirmed that "Xsampa's moves towards a socialist democracy certainly made this easier".

@TheFortWilliamInquirer

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Luthorian forces lands in Etxea; Kundratijians offering strong resistance

September 5612 (backdated)

Fort William, Luthori - It has been communicated that the Luthorian Armed Forces, alongside their allies of the Anti-Kundrati Coalition has landed in the Kundratijian island of Etxea, in the province of Jillidrath. This announcement was made at 5.35 a.m. by the headquarters of Luthori's Armed Forces at the Citadel.

After months of bombing campaigns upon Kundrati's skylines, it has been stated that air superiority was achieved to carry on with the invasion.

The Citadel reported that Kundratijian soldiers offered "heavy resistance" to the "brave Coalition troops", stating that the "brainwashing" of Kundrati's children by the rapist and cowardly Sladek government had "succeeded". Luthorian forces have been tasked with "avoiding" inflicting civilian casualties "as much as possible", the Citadel refused to provide more details about Luthorian casualities in the current time.

Since yesterday, the Lord Northminster's government has officially recognised the existence of the Kundrati Union as Kundrati's legitimate government and has vowed to collaborate with them in the aftermath of "Etxea's inevitable liberation".

God bless our troops overseas, as they'll need it in this righteous struggle.

@TheTimes

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OOC: Please note that this post is retconned and effectively there is no sort of armed conflict or escalation from Luthori with/to Rutania.
~ GreekIdiot

The Cross and Believer

Imperial Luthorian Army to monitor Rutanian border.

April 5624

Fort William, Luthori - The Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Luthori's diplomatic arm has been relatively silent on the recent rise of Thallerism in Rutania. This silence from Bismarck Palace was considered to be "highly suspicious" by foreign and domestic analysts and news organisations such as the International Press Corps who stated in its last report that the Luthorian Government's "deafening silence about the very concerning situation in Rutania is unlikely to draw much confidence in the Luthorian State's ability to conduct military operations nor push forward effective counterreactions against the Thallerist regime in the West". Luthorian strategy about the Rutanian regime has been unclear, as the Thallerist have been known as a family of global influence and connections, while the Luthorians quietly ignored the Thallerists around the World, when a Thaller seized power in Rutania in a move that the Imperial Foreign Intelligence Agency considered as "unlikely, albeit normal in this troubled world".

State Secretary for National Security today confirmed that Luthorian troops were assembling next to the Rutanian border as a deterrent against the Rutanian Government. "The Rutanian government's actions against its own people worries us very much here in Luthori and we cannot tolerate the existence of such a regime in Luthori's border territories.", he stated in regards to the Luthorian Government's position. The Citadel, Luthori's military headquarters released a statement about the Luthorian Armed Forces' recent maneuver on the Rutanian border, stating that the Luthorian Armed Forces that were stationned in the area, where due to "heavy concerns" about the new Rutanian regime's volatile nature and its seemingly worrying nature for the Artanian continent.

As a conference in Altea was announced to discuss global security concerns among all nations of the World, the Luthorians will be represented by the Foreign Secretary and First Secretary of State, Matthew Cromwell and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Matilda Brakenbrooke. Her presence was particularily noticed as it's unusual for a Chancellor of the Exchequer to travel abroad in such sensible government meetings at the international level, with neither Crown Street nor Bismarck Palace stating any reason for her presence in the Conference. Prime Minister MacGregor is stated to be absent from the proccedings in Altea, with the Prime Minister's residence stating that a "cold" prevented him from attending the proccedings in person.

Secretary of State for Defence Anthony Taylor, who was appointed in this position following George Howard's resignation following the release of papers detailing his affair with a woman of the name of Margaret Stanford, permantely destroying his political career, even though he was placated to the position of Parliamentary Secretary for Parliamentary Protocols, before his resignation as an MP.

Regardless, announcements are expected in the next few days as Luthorian air and ground forces remains in high alert due to the Thaller taking over.

@TheCross&Believer

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Radio Free Terra

Radio Free Terra to be reformed as global extremism runs wild.

July 5624

Fort William, Luthori - It was once believed that the World had finally re-engaged in a reasonable way, one tainted with the respect of the rule of law, stable democratic institutions and the guarantee of a reasonable peace existing between this World's powers. Yet, it was twice proved to be false, one during the Lost Souls War, where the Yeudis in Yishelem threw the fragile peace proned by them and the Canrillaise into the brink of extinction and while Canrille would eventually emerge victorious from the conflict, this gave us a false sentiment that the World was only going to get better from then on.

How foolish and wrong we was to believe that.

In truth, the World didn't go in a peaceful way, nor did it begun to respect the rule of law and democratic principles, on the contrary, we've seen, ever since the collapse of the Beiteynu-Lourenne dominated world order, a new disorder settling in, with no major powers to be reckoned with and the transition towards a system dominated by small-scale regional powers, in the West, Luthori, Narikaton and Darnussia and Dundorf continues to dominate the continent with the collapse of Kundrati influence due to fascism governance and while these three powers remain committed, somewhat to the democratic order, the continent isn't.

From Rutania to Kundrati, fascism is on rise. In Kalistan, absolutism reigns supreme, in Valruzia, a military coup just overthrew a government which came from another military coup.

The World is obviously going down a dark age if we are not stepping up to restore the freedoms of all peoples of this World to enjoy a democratic system of governance, where they'll not be afraid of getting up and stating their political opinion.

While these regimes rises in the World, democracies stays silent, laid their head in their pillows and don't think about it. Other, claiming to be democracies, openly or covertly cooperated with these regimes for their survival.

It's important that, we, in our scale, do something to destroy authoritarianism in the World, that passes through, the restoration of Radio Free Terra. Yes, Radio Free Terra shall resume its operations aiming at spreading democracy outwards.

It's important to remind everyone that their lives shouldn't be dictated by anyone and that any of their officials should be scared of their people through the ballot box, every autocrats should be reminded of popular representation and sovereignty and our mission will not be over until every nation in this World has finally acquiesced to that simple fact.

Yet, do not be deceived, liberal democracies, socialist democracies all have flaws and it is up to us, the people of these nations, to guide them towards a more open and democratic future.

This is our mission.

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Radio Free Terra. And how much we would have wanted to not come back here, but alas, here we are. Back again.

@RadioFreeTerra

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The Weekly Telegraph

A glimpse into Matilda Brakenbrooke's Premiership - after her resignation.

January 5630

Fort William - Luthori: Prime Minister Brakenbrooke has resigned, ending an 5-year tenure as Prime Minister of Luthori and Leader of the Conservative Party. During her Premiership, it seemed that the MacGregor administration's works in both foreign and domestic policy has been slowed down, with Luthori's absence from the Altéa Conference being duly noted, faced with a death of a monarch and the ascension of the youngest monarch in recent Luthorian history, let's go back through these six years of Matilda Brakenbrooke's leadership of Luthori and look, with an objective eye, on what Luthori did during these five years.

First of all, Matilda Brakenbrooke came into power after the resignation of Prime Minister Harold MacGregor after revelations of his cancer, triggering a leadership challenge between Brakenbrooke, who was the then-Chancellor of the Exchequer, Flecher, the Environment and Energy Secretary and finally, Leader of the Chamber of Representatives Sarah Campbell. After winning a victory after the third ballot of the MPs voting, Matilda Brakenbrooke was formally asked by the Empress to form a government in her name, this first government was largely a continuation of the outgoing Second MacGregor ministry, with First Secretary of State and Foreign Secretary Cromwell remaining in office, even though he would resign as Leader of the Liberal Party a few weeks later, Alfred Flecher being re-appointed as Environment and Energy Secretary and other party rival, Sarah Campbell being appointed as Leader of the Senate and being given a peerage as the Baroness Campbell of Dambridge, serving as a life peer and the first Black Luthorian serving as a life peer in the Second Chamber.

Leading a popular administration among the Luthorian populace, Brakenbrooke was expected to lead the Conservative Party into the 5626 general elections, in which the Conservatives were expected to secure a plurality of seats and a majority of seats alongside their Liberal partners, while the end result was much closer than expected, with the Tories and Liberals winning 202 out of 400 seats, winning a merely +2 seats majority, the government was forced to negotiate with the Hosian Democratic Alternative to secure a Confidence and Supply Agreement (C&S) to effectively rule Luthori, something that drew concern from the Conservative Party's left wing, which would become quite a hassle for the Prime Minister during her whole tenure as PM.

Lord Hamilton, also known as Lord Northminster, former Prime Minister and appointed Chief Negociator with Xsampa sharply criticised the Government's decision to deal with the HDA, calling them "unfit to govern", while he'll stay on the backlines of Luthorian politics, as he has been ever since his forced resignation in 5615, he'll continue to remain a looming threat to the Brakenbrooke administration. Taking over the left-wing flank of the Conservative Party, Charles Groove became an even more avid opponent of the Prime Minister's style of governance and policies, the Telegraph and the Cross & Believer would criticise the Conservative politician for being an "even greater opposition to the Government's agenda than the Official Opposition itself", although this divide within the Party would grow into a split of the Conservatives's left-wing (aligned with Groove) and Liberal-Right politician to form a new political movement, called the "Moderates".

Formed around the fusion of moderate center-right political parties in Luthori's political spectrum, such as United Luthori, Democratic Action and Reform Party of Luthori, alongside small centrist political groups in Luthori, this new movement aims at creating a "powerful, reform-minded, open-minded, progressive-conservative alternative" to both the Liberal and Conservative Parties, with that development, the Government of Mrs. Brakenbrooke lost its majority in the Chamber of Representatives, triggering Labour MPs to push forward a motion of confidence on the incumbent administration, that, while was ended with a governmental victory thanks to the support of the Hosian Democrats, still pushed many Tories to contemplate changing Prime Ministers to fight off this new threat from the left.

Other than these political developments, the Brakenbrooke ministry largely continued the work of the MacGregor ministry on internal politics, with federal and local governments collaborating in a intense manner to apply federal projects in local communities, the Luthorian Government also laid the groundwork towards the construction of 2 nuclear power plants in Belin (Northriding) and Erping (Northriding), with the aim of replacing the region's old power grid stations operated by large private conglomerates, which of course, protested the loss of jobs and the closure of their activities, the Luthorian mining sector also protested the closure of these two coal power grid, as it would mean less domestic clients for their mining activities.

Mines located in Southern Orange have indicated a loss of revenue of over 13 % compared to last year, and layoffs plans are already being drafted by operators in case that these became permanent.

Meanwhile, the Government's plans to increase housing continued over the course of these years, with the Brakenbrooke administration increasing efforts to build and beautify Luthorian towns and cities, as of today, over 350.000 new homes have been built under this plan, known today as the "Habeck Plan", taking the name of the former Housing Secretary. Luthorian towns and suburbs have been "beautified" according to the Housing Secretary's website and rents went down by 2.2 % over the course of a decade, although some are criticising the program's overall "slowness" with the Brakenbrooke government having announced that the program's end was likely to be delayed until the 5640s or 5650s, while refusing to point out to an exact date.

The Government's slowness in acting on its programs was also remarked with Environment Secretary, Alfred Flecher's plan to radically expand Luthori's nuclear power plants park, while announcing that for 5530, 5 nuclear power plants would be in construction, only 2 are today, the site of Belin and Erping, this was due to increasing difficulties with both the mining, coal and oil lobbies within Parliament and with environmental activists engaging in peaceful protests in sites in which these nuclear power plants would have been built and the local residents' opposition to the idea. Amidst these sea of failures, the Imperial Nuclear Energetic Agency (INEA), meant to oversee the construction and exploitation of nuclear power plants all across the nation, which would be operated directly by the Federal Government.

Nonetheless, these events paled in comparison to the Death of Empress Katherine, which happened suddenly on October 23rd, 5627, at the age of 94. Upon this, Prince Richard, who was the Crown Prince after Prince Alexander's ultimate death in 5625, was proclaimed Emperor by the Imperial Ascension Council with the name of Emperor Richard II, breaking a millennium-old consensus that no other Luthorian monarch other than Richard I would be called as "Richard". He is the descendent of Empress Katherine through her daughter, Princess Victoria, the Princess Royal, who relinquished her rights to the Luthorian throne upon marriage to her husband, Konstantin. Their eldest son, Richard was expected to be the second-in-line when his uncle, unmarried would become Emperor. But fate had other plans, and 23-year old Prince was thrust into the position of monarch, becoming Luthori's most wanted bachelor. Emperor Richard's coronation was held at the St-Richard Cathedral on July 3rd, 5628.

After this once-in-a-century event, it was back to governance for the Prime Minister, who became increasingly unpopular with a Luthorian public which becoming frustrated with the lack of democratic alternative in their politics, polls in 5628 suggested that the 5531 general election would see the Conservatives being on track for securing the least-secured opposition majority, with the National Labour Party securing an impressive win in both electoral races, securing 86 seats through proportional representation (42 %) and 131 first-past-the-post races (65 % of all races), and if winning all of these at election day, the National Labour Party would secure the first single-party victory in a general election with a majority of +23 compared to the rest of the Assembly. The Tories meanwhile were predicted at winning 36 seats through proportional representation and only 44 first-past-the-post races (22 % of all races), winning only 80 seats in the Chamber of Representatives.

And while the Conservatives would likely retain their current hold over the upper house, the Senate, due to the 5632 provincial general elections and subsequent 5633 Senatorial elections, their hold over the upper house may soon be broken by a reinvigorated Labour presence in the provinces, where the Party (and affiliated parties) is polling better than Conservatives-affiliated parties in the regions, in Orange, the Orange Conservative Alliance is polling at 19 % to secure 29 seats in the 150-seat unicameral legislature, with the Socialist Party of Orange is currently polling at 40 % and is on track to win 61 seats in the Orange Assembly and is likely that, in case of a victory, works with Independents and Greens to form a strong majority of +27 seats. 

Other duchies are also following the same pattern with Labour-aligned parties projected to secure majority in all five provincial legislatures and in Fort William, where the incumbent Labour city administration is expected to remain in office after the 5530 municipal election, as polls are suggesting that, even with a reduced majority that might encourage the Mayor of Fort William to look forward forming a governing coalition to ensure stability, but nonetheless, the national mood swinging out of the Conservatives' favor seems to have encouraged the Prime Minister to announce her resignation and her succession debate to be left up to the Party.

[Ligbruderkrieg]

Conservative Party Elects Minister-President of Orange, Micheal Rodgers as Party Leader.
March 5630



FORT WILLIAM: Two months after Brakenbrooke's resignation in disgrace, the Conservative Party has elected current Minister-President of Orange, Micheal Rodgers to serve as Party Leader, and ex officio, as Prime Minister of Luthori. Rodgers' election comes as a surprise as the Minister-President isn't related to the outgoing Administration, while far more known names within the Cabinet were expected to take over the mantle left by Matilda Brakenbrooke and become Prime Minister in their own right. Rather than letting the 5302 Committee electing its own leader, the outgoing Prime Minister decided to "leave the Party choose its own destiny", meaning letting party members vote for the future Conservative leader, in opposite to the "closed-down" ballots used to elect the last three Tory PMs.

Rodgers' own election seems to have been unexpected by the main interested party, who seemed to have been quite confused at his selection by his peers to serve as their leader., even though it has been confirmed to him some hours ago, sources within the Party explains. The new Prime Minister is quite the anti-thesis of current Conservative policy, while claiming to be rightist, has been mostly considered to be of a centre-right governance, he, on the other hand, ruled the Principality of Orange, the largest of all five provinces in the Empire with a conservative iron fist, having secured re-election at the head of a "Blue-White-Red" Coalition, composed of Orange's Conservative Alliance (OCA), the People's Party of Orange, while sounding like a leftist party, is actually a liberal centre-right political party and alongside the Orange's Hosian Brotherhood and the moderate United List for Orange. This coalition has been remarked to be the "most conservative government" currently operating in Luthori, with restrictions being imposed on societal levels, with the Minister-President having been re-elected on a "return to sanity" platform.

The Conservative government has issued restrictions on social welfare benefits, notified to the Federal Government its refusal to oblige with the federal abortion law, although this refusal was more honorific that anything as any laws from the Orange Assembly coming against these rights would be immediately struck down by both the Federal Government and the Constitutional Court. Minister-President Rodgers also pursued a policy of fiscal conservatism, toughening the Government's finances by slashing welfare budgets. Minister-President Rodgers announced that his election as Conservative party leader would be the beginning of a "new, better and stable era" for the Empire, as he'll continue to be a "stalwart defender of the Crown and morality in the Realm". Prime Minister Brakenbrooke has extended her congratulations to the new PM, hoping in her congratulatory statement that the "moderate ways of Luthorian politics shall be kept", a hint to the Minister-President's radical conservative agenda in Orange.

But, what about his other post of Minister-President of Orange? Well, according to Luthorian law, no provisions exists in the case that a sitting Minister-President is appointed as a national party leader, and ex officio, becomes either the Prime Minister or Leader of the Opposition. Rodgers already stated during his address to the Orange Assembly that he had "no plans of resigning" as Minister-President during his second term as MP, although already, some, especially within his opposition in Orange have already called for his resignation as Minister-President before Mr. Rodgers is appointed as Prime Minister, stating that a "great risk falls upon Luthori's democracy if we allow one man to control both the national executive and the executive of the largest and most populous province in the Empire.", for now Rodgers haven't answered to critics about an eventual resignation from his local office.

Due also to the fact that Mr. Rodgers isn't a member of either the Chamber of Representatives or the Senate, it is expected that before his likely resignation from the office of Minister-President, that he'll be chosen by the Orange Assembly to represent the Principality of Orange in the Senate, giving him a seat within Parliament's upper house, allowing him to attend debates and PMQs, an other solution would be that the Emperor knights Rodgers and make him a peer within the Senate, also allowing him to sit in Luthori's Second Chamber and attend parliamentary business and debates. While all of this is important for the new Premier, it shouldn't be forgotten that the Conservatives are here running a battle for their survival, up from their 141 seats, they could fall to only 90, allowing Labour to win an absolute majority in the Chamber of Representatives for the first time in decades or even centuries. The new Prime Minister will be expected to call an election soon to salvage his party's chances in lights of worsening polls.

[Ligbruderkrieg]

BREAKING NEWS: Rodgers Remains as Minister-President of Orange Amid Controversy

May 5630

PARLIAMENT, FORT WILLIAM - Prime Minister Rodgers has announced to the Orange Assembly that "...after long consideration on the matter...", he would not resign the Office of Minister-President of Orange as was expected at the beginning of his term in office. The Prime Minister, during a Session of the Legislative Assembly of the Principality of Orange explained his reasoning about his decision, stating that "...the Empire needs a stable and capable ruler, helping to foster relations between both the Federal and Local Governments...", already, opposition in the Orange Assembly formed around the Workers' Party of Orange, who quickly filed in a motion of no-confidence against Rodgers in his capacity of Minister-President of Orange. Workers' Party leader, Daemon Swetchen stated that it was "...intolerable..." for his political formation to see "..such a blatant power grasp attempt at the expense of both our democracy and our balance of powers between both federal and local governance...", a sentiment that was shared by the People leader [Augustus Howard], although a partner of Rodgers in his "Blue-White-Red" coalition government was still nonetheless quite confused by the Prime Minister's move, some speculate that the PPO's support for the motion also came from deep resentment from Mr. Howard, who was expecting to become Minister-President after Rodgers' departure for national politics.

The Prime Minister still received support from his own political formation in the Orange Conservative Alliance, which released a supportive statement of the Prime Minister's bid to secure his place as Minister-President of Orange, stating that the "...stability of the Realm asks for necessary measures to be drawn from the Prime Minister, such as consolidating both the Office of Minister-President of Orange and the Office of Prime Minister of Luthori to assure such stability...", he was also supported by the Hosian Brotherhood and the United List for Orange, consolidating his overall rightist appeal among both the local legislature and populace. But, the opposition of the People's Party denied him a majority in the Legislative Assembly, so according to sources, a meeting was held between Mr. Howard and Mr. Rodgers and what came of it was unknown, but the People's Party withdrew its support to the motion during the vote, allowing Mr. Rodgers to continue as the Minister-President.

This unexpected choice from the Orange leader marks a precedent within Luthorian politics, in which, ducal representatives, could theoretically hold both their local offices and a national office such as Prime Minister. The Minister-President/Prime Minister drew significant concern from other ducal leaders, who, for the first time in centuries released a joint statement condemning the Prime Minister's decision to continue carrying on the office of Minister-President of Orange, citing "..concerns with this "power grab" and "democratic backsliding" by the "consolidation" of the offices of Minister-President and Prime Minister of Luthori into a single individual. Minister-President of Northriding, Thomas Moore, was openly talking about "..collaborating in good form with the Prime Minister..", is also stating his worries about the Prime Minister's decision.

Already, the Official Opposition has filed a case in the Constitutional Court to contest the legality of the Prime Minister's decision, with the Court taking over the file and engaging in a period of deliberation for the next 4 months, during which the Prime Minister could continue to effectively govern both the Principality of Orange and the Holy Luthori Empire. Left-wing organisations have announced a period of protests that is going to take place in Luthori's largest cities to fight against Rodgers' consolidation of power. The Emperor has, for his part, remained silent on the matter, as have the entire Imperial family. Polls numbers for the Tories, while seeing a little boost from his appointment as Prime Minister seems to be on the down as of now, due, in most part, thanks to this decision, as the Labour Party is taking an even greater lead in the polls.

[Ligbruderkrieg]

Premier offers 'unconditional' support to New Englia; Luthori "studies" joining CROWN org.
June 5630

Fort William - Prime Minister Rodgers has recently offered Luthori's "...full and unconditional support..." to the "legitimate and democratically-elected" New Englian Government. This move comes after the Prime Minister announced his foreign policy goals in Parliament. The Senate's Committee on Foreign Affairs held a meeting attended by both the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and the Prime Minister, during which the two ministers announced their foreign policy goals for the reminder of the term. 

While Mr. Rodgers' term is expected to be short, since the Party that he is heading is currently going towards a catastrophic performance at next year's general elections, with recent polling putting the Party at 92 seats compared to the National Labour Party's 189 seats, being 11 seats shy from an absolute majority. Amid ongoing Constitutional Court study of his case about his ongoing incumbency in both the Prime Minister and Minister-President's offices, a fact that has radicalised Luthorian politics greatly with the National Labour Party and some segments of the Liberal Party openly calling for his resignation and the dissolution of Parliament for fresh elections.

The Government's foreign policy remains, in large, greatly influenced by the former Cabinet's foreign policy, although some tweaks have been observed. For start, the Luthorian Government is currently undergoing reflection upon the "necessity" of joining the so-called "CROWN" organisation. An organisation formed by the Deltarians as a mean to have monarchies "more closely" aligned with each other, during a time, at least according to members met the "necessity" of having a common monarchical platform. During the Brakenbrooke Administration, the Government had dismissed the claims of joining the Organisation, calling it "unnecessary", a decision that has been criticised by hardline monarchists and the Minister-Presidents of Orange, Northriding and Erneshire.

Luthori's joining of the organisation may signal a shifting point in Luthorian monarchical rhetoric, which hasn't been pushed by former Administrations, but with the ever-likely chance that the Conservative Party will be losing the next general elections, the Prime Minister's announcement comes as a political message aimed at seducing hardline monarchical voters and more far-right leaning conservatives that may be voting for the Hosian Democrats. Opposition Leader Hall has criticised this move stating that Luthori "...will lose a good part of its appeal by aligning with absolutist monarchies such as Deltaria and Kalistan and illiberal monarchies in Dorvik...", referring to Luthori's self-proclaimed role as the "Defender of Democracy".

On the other hand, where his policy will differ from Brakenbrooke's approach will be in New Englia, where the Government stated that "only" the "...legitimate and democratically-elected..." government of New Englia shall receive Luthorian support. The Prime Minister also invited his New Englian counterpart to a visit in Fort William after the election season, where the two men could "potentially" discuss Luthorian support to New Englian Defence Forces. Rodgers' policy comes as "hardline" here, as while Luthori isn't backing the Luthorian-speaking group of the IDF (Inglian Defence Force), that has been proclaimed as being recognised as a "terrorist group" by Fort William early in the morning, it's steadfast support of the MacGannon Administration marks a clear break from Luthorian policy of "reluctant neutrality" on the whole ordeal.

The Prime Minister has also indicted that early elections might be called during the summer or autumn 5630, culminating in, maybe, the greatest electoral defeat for the Conservatives if polls are to be believed.

[Ligbruderkrieg]

BREAKING NEWS: Emperor dissolves Parliament; Rodgers sets elections for August 4th.
July 5630


Sir Albert Mayowa, Sergeant of Arms of the City of Fort William proclaiming the Dissolution of Parliament at the Fort William Stock Exchange.

FORT WILLIAM - The Prime Minister's promise to set early polls "...in either summer or early autumn..." seems to have been acted upon by the executive, as the Emperor released a statement announcing the "...common understanding..." between him and the Prime Minister in the "...necessity of allowing the Luthorian people to choose their representatives at an earlier date that previously expected...", announcing that he'll be dissolving the current session of the Chamber of Representatives, terminating all MPs terms in office and setting the election date at August 4th upon the Prime Minister's request.

Prime Minister and Orange Minister-President Michael Rodgers stated last month that elections may be triggered "...soon enough.." by the Government and the election date would be set either "...during the summer or the early autumn...", the latter meaning basically in either late September or October. "The decision was made with the consent of the entire cabinet...", the Prime Minister reassured during his address to the nation from Crown Street announcing the early election date. He stated that the Government "hoped" that "...the hard choice of stability or chaos will be well-chosen..." by the Luthorian electorate. 

Regardless of his hopes, the Conservative Party is currently trailing behind the National Labour Party in seats numbers and electoral votes, with the National Labour Party winning over 192 seats according to recent polling by the SocPo organisation, while the Conservatives are collapsing at 82 seats. The Prime Minister's own approval ratings are currently at a lowest point for any incumbent Luthorian Prime Minister, with his approval ratings being at 22 %, while his main opponent, National Labour Party leader Olivia Hall is currently sitting at 47 %. Mrs Hall's young spirit, breath of fresh air in Luthorian politics helped contribute to her relative popularity among the public.

The Imperial Electoral Committee (IEC) stated that election monitoring has already begun, with poll locations for the 5630 elections having already been chosen at the national level and preparation for the poll taking place. Meanwhile, the Leader of the Opposition stated that the dissolution of Parliament was "...a necessary action and one for which my party is thankful as it gives the Luthorian people a clear choice to draw a new path from 3 decades of inactions...", the National Labour Party and the Conservative Paty have both already released their manifestoes, with the Liberals expected to release theirs in some days.

Campaigning has already begun in some parts of the country with incumbent MPs receiving support from the political party to defend their seats and new candidates being inaugurated to challenge these same MPs hold over their constituencies or secure a seat in the First Chamber thanks to the proportional list of each political party. 

The Conservatives have promised a "continuation of stability" in their manifesto, using their status as the "National Governing Party" to draw appeal among the conservatives and status-quo minded voters, meanwhile, both the Greens and Labour parties have stated in their respective manifestoes that a government dominated by both parties would bring "some much needed change" to the status-quo, with an increased democratic participation through referendums and increased representation in both the upper and lower houses of Parliament. The Tories promised to enact "conservative and family-orientated policies" during their 7th term in office, while the Green/Labour parties promised sweeping progressive reforms to Luthori's society.

On one hand, we are seeing a party tired of over 30 years in office, while on the other, we are seeing the left-wing of the political spectrum becoming more bold in their platforms, culminating in the 5630 Labour manifesto, which wishes for a total break from the status quo. Also to be taken into notice is that the Tories are facing divisions from their left and their right, as with the election of both Brakenbrooke and Rodgers to the party leadership, some left-wing "One Nation" or "Moderate" Tories have announced their departure from the Party and the formation of a new political formation, "the Moderates", a movement quickly taking popularity among urban conservatives.

Even excluding this, the Prime Minister is currently engaged in a long legal battle with the Opposition and left-wing organisations about his perceived "anti-democratic" grasping of both the Minister-Presidency of Orange and the Prime Ministership. The Constitutional Court is expected to release its decision on the matter in mid-October, after having heard all sides' arguments on the questions, with the PM's lawyer team exploring the fact that no precedent existed for that type of situation and that no Bill regulates accumulations of mandates at both the local and federal level. The Opposition argues that the Prime Minister's action was illegal under the precedent that the Prime Minister must only be a Member of Parliament and that allowing such actions to happen may greatly harm Luthorian democracy in the long-term.

Opposition Leader Hall vowed to pass a Bill aiming at regulating such practices immediately into her term.

Everyone in Luthori has one question, from the Emperor to the poorest of them. After 30 years of Tory rule, can Luthori turn red?

[Ligbruderkrieg]

Strong election night for Labour as Conservatives projected to fall below 110 seats; although denied absolute majority.

August 5630

Fort William, Luthori - Luthorian voters have delivered today a strong mandate to the National Labour Party, who is projected according to most media' exit polls to secure 182 seats in the Chamber of Representatives, while still a long shot from an outright absolute majority, it's nonetheless an impressive showing. Prime Minister Micheal Rodgers acknowledged his party's defeat in a speech delivered after his victory at his constituency of Oldvarde stating that the "voters have given a strong, powerful and absolute mandate to the National Labour Party, something that we must acknowledge and congratulate...".

The Conservative leader, expected to become Leader of the Opposition will give his resignation to Emperor Richard tomorrow morning, after which the monarch would ask Mrs. Hall to become Prime Minister.

National Labour leader and current Leader of the Opposition, Mrs. Olivia Hall gave an address following her party's strong showings at this election stating bluntly that "change is coming to Luthori" or "millions of people gave us their confidence in creating a fairer future for our nation and we'll deliver on our promises", Mrs. Hall promised that her government, when formed will tackle multiple issues which has been "ignored by the incumbent administration", such as social welfare, healthcare and education, while promising to reshape Luthori in a "better version of herself".

According to exit polls from numerous news outlets such as LBC, the Sunday Times or the Guardian, the National Labour Party under Olivia Hall will secure 182 seats in the Chamber of Representatives, while their main opponent, Prime Minister Rodgers' Conservatives are projected to fall below 110 seats, with the Tories expected to win around 102 seats in the lower house, a last stand from a fledging, tired and ageing Party that was expected to fall below the 100-seat line are is currently barely escaping that fate. 

According to exit polls, the NLP secured 82 seats and 41 % of the popular vote in the national proportional representation and are ahead in 100 seats races in throught the country, also flipping long-known "safe" Conservative seats, such as in the western, wealthier areas of Fort William such as Hebergton whose race is currently shifting in favor of the Labour candidate running in the constituency. Meanwhile, the Conservatives are currently leading in 44 Chamber seats races and have secured around 28.5 % of the popular vote, securing 58 seats in the Chamber of Representatives through proportional representation.

Other smaller political parties have also recorded successes during this general election campaign, triggered by the Prime Minister upon hopes of "controlling the bleeding" of the Conservative Party pre-election. The Liberal Party, traditional coalition partners of the Conservative since 5615 have registered some losses compared to their last electoral campaign, only securing 8,5 % of the popular vote and 17 seats through proportional representation, the Party is currently leading in 12 races in first-past-the-post constituencies, projections are right now that the Liberal Party may be at its lowest level since the beginning of the century, with 29 seats in the Chamber of Representatives.

The Green Party of Luthori is projected to receive 10.5 % of the national popular vote and as such is likely to win 21 seats through proportional representation. In addition to this, the Party is also leading in 22 races in single-member constituencies, with pundits projecting that the Greens may be achieving their best result ever, surpassing expectation and overtaking the Liberal Party as Luthori's third political force, with at least 43 seats in the Chamber of Representatives. The Greens also find themselves in a strong position towards a victorious National Labour with whom they are expected to join hands and form a governing coalition. Green co-Leader, Samantha Myers has congratulated the National Labour Party for their successes and vowed to have an "open and efficient discussion [with the NLP] on the subject of a governing coalition formation".

Onto other political parties, the last party that was present in the last general election is the Hosian Democratic Alternative, or HDA, according to recent projections in most medias' exit polls, the HDA is projected to win over 4.5 % of the popular vote, securing a non-impressive 8 seats through proportional representation, and according to these same exit polls, the HDA is currently leading in 9 single-member constituencies races, while a disappointing night for the HDA, who remains the second-lowest party by seats in the lower house, it shouldn't be understated that the HDA's sway over the hard right-wing voting communities has been strengthened during these election, with most of the HDA's support base is located in the rural areas of Luthori, where candidates from the Alternative are polling better than in more urban areas.

Finally, let's dive into the exit polls of the two newcomers of the general election, born out of resentment towards the mainstream political parties that are the Conservatives and National Labour, both of these parties sold themselves as being "reasonable alternatives" to the establishment. The first party that we are going to dive into is the Moderates movement, born out of a feud between Conservative leader and Prime Minister Matilda Brakenbrooke and the left-wing elements of the Conservative Party, the Moderates have successfully implemented themselves within Luthori's normally closed political arena, by uniting the center behind their message. According to current exit polls, the Moderates have achieved a decent first appearence in the election, winning the confidence of over 5.5 % of Luthorians and by that fact securing 11 seats through proportional representation and are currently leading in 9 key races in the direct election of MPs, currently the LBC states that the Moderates have a decent chance of winning 20 seats in the Chamber of Representatives.

Last but not least, the Radical Democratic Group, born out of the union of radical leftist party and some of Labour's left-wing having been disappointed with the Party's current trajectory, winning only 2 % of seats in the Chamber of Representatives through proportional representation, meaning around 4 seats, but success have come for the Group through its limited successes in some constituencies, and while it's far from the performances of other political parties, they would secure a decent 4 seats thanks to their successes, allowing themselves to form an independent group in the Chamber of Representatives with 7 seats.

The National Labour Party has already reached out to the Green Party of Luthori with the hopes of forming a "progressive and changing" governing coalition with them or alongside the Liberal Party, with the hope of forming a strong coalition with a strong majority of +54 seats in the Chamber of Representatives with the Liberal Party or of only +25 with the Greens. Labour leader and future Prime Minister Hall has expressed hopes that coalition discussions be "swift" so that the incoming government could "get to work quickly".