Luthori

[Ligbruderkrieg]

Government's SAEA passes both chambers with relative ease, changing Luthori's political landscape.
May 5664



The Senate, the most dangerous institution to any Labour government - is gone. No, the Senate in itself isn’t gone, but the Labour Party’s bold agenda of reform finally caught up to the old institution - once considered an unbreakable Conservative stronghold that even the most dedicated of Reformist Conservatives couldn’t break the institution into something that answered their most radical wishes. Upon entering office as Prime Minister of Luthori, Mrs. Kathy Miles, Leader of the National Labour Party, stated that her main priority as Prime Minister was to see the completion of her dream of reforming the Senate into a more “representative” body of the population, instead of the body we once had. This reform alongside the High Court reform bill was considered to be her main priority before shifting to economic reforms to strengthen her position before the 5662 local elections and the 5663 Senate elections which would seal the control of the Senate for 5 years. The Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Institutional Reform had to deal with two proposals, either forming an independent, unelected upper house tasked with overseeing every bill passed by the Chamber of Representatives and their members appointed by the Emperor under advice from the Prime Minister and with political barred from having representation in the upper house or having an directly elected upper house, with the Senate having the same electoral weight than the Chamber of Representatives and Senators elected directly by the people at the same time as the Chamber of Representatives for 5-year terms.

Another issue was the representation of peers within the Senate, the Labour Party officially wrote in its party manifesto the need for the end of representation for both life and hereditary peers alongside Archbishops of the Holy Luthori Church. The Conservative Party opposed such a “radical” move and proposed, in light of the strength of the Labour Party in both Houses of Parliament, that the Senate be transformed into a fully unelected House aimed at “checking” the actions from the lower house. Opposition Leader Hawkins stated that the Tories were “open” to negotiations about the future of the upper house with the Government, as the future grew increasingly bleak for the Senate without reform - plagued with gridlock, a paralyzing electoral system - a near total dominance from the Conservative Party due to the presence of both hereditary and life peers in the upper house. All these issues plaguing the Senate - Prime Minister Miles promised to sweep away the “old order” and create a “new” “representative” house.

Secretary of State for Institutional Reform, Gregory Bercow proposed the “Senate Appointment and Election Reform Act” in the Chamber of Representatives - this Act aimed at transforming the Senate into a fully-elected body, with the same electoral weight as the Chamber of Representatives. This new body would be composed of 200 Senators, a sharp decrease from the currently sitting 600+ Senators and these Senators would be elected through directly elected by the Luthorian people every 5 years, at the same time as the general elections for the Chamber of Representatives. Due to the directly-elected nature of the reformed Senate - the dissolution of the body will now be available to the Prime Minister, as the Emperor will gain the prerogative to dissolve the Senate at the same time as a dissolution of the Chamber of Representatives. This move will trigger early elections for both Houses of Parliament. To the Prime Minister - this Bill is the “single-greatest” bill to strengthen our democracy, for the Conservatives, the sudden reversal of the status quo was too much to handle, and alongside the Liberal Party, the Moderates and other moderate right-wing moderates in Parliament, voted against the Bill in the Chamber of Representatives and the Senate, but to no avail, with the Government’s steamrolling the Bill to passage in the Senate before bringing it to the Emperor, who gave his assent to the Bill afterwards.

To summarize. The Senate in this post-SAEA environment will look like this:

• - The Senate will continue working as usual until the 5665 general election - where all Senators’ term will be ended and new Senators will be elected.
  
• - The Senate will be composed of 200 members elected through direct universal suffrage.
  
• - The Senate will be elected through regional proportional representation - avoiding a single-party majority like in the Chamber of Representatives, each province will be tasked with electing 40 Senators.
  
• - The Senate will hold the same electoral weight as the Chamber of Representatives - as in, any law passing the Chamber must pass the Senate before becoming law. The Chamber will no longer have the upper hand compared to the Senate.
  
• - The Senate will not be able to propose a no-confidence motion as the Government remains responsible before the Chamber of Representatives.
  
• - Any dissolution of Parliament means that both the Senate and Chamber of Representatives are dissolved and up for election.
  

[Ligbruderkrieg]

Luthori’s Foreign Secretary “Welcomes” Dorvik-Luthori Bilateral Discussions.
June 11th, 5666



Discussions have been announced by the Dorvish press between the Dorvish and Luthorian Governments. Amid the current government’s pivot towards Artania in its foreign policy, mostly enlightened by discussions with Dundorf to loosen travel restrictions between the two states and the implementation of an education cooperation program between the two Artanian powers. Secretary of State for International Commerce, Jim Holson commented about the discussions that ‘Luthori and Dorvik engaged in discussions about limited expanded trade in areas that are going to be discussed upon between me and the Dorvish Trade Commissioner, we eagerly await rekindling our trade relationship between our two nations and we hope that both of our delegations could come to a reasonable and fair agreement on the matter’.

Luthorian-Dorvish trade have seen a sharp decline in the context of a general decline in Luthori-Artania trade relations in comparison to the other continents, although Luthorian trade declined over the course of a century, with other nations taking more importance in terms of global trade compared to other states whom influence in the global market share has only continued to rise over the last decades (ie: Egelion). It has been observed that the global market share has recently been thoroughly dominated by rising superstars such as Xsampa, Egelion, Kalistan, Lodamun at the expense of the traditional Western powers such as Beiteynu, Narikaton and Darnussia or Luthori. Reasons can be wary but one key reason as to why Western trade began to decline significantly is the decline of Yeudi trading routes and commercial influence that has helped grow Western commerce with it, with Yeudi shipping in decline worldwide due to the destruction of the State of Beiteynu following the Red Bass War.

The visit from the Dorvish Trade Commissioner in Luthori created hope that momentum for a future trade deal between the two would be created by this visit. “We are certainly hoping to hear about Dorvik’s proposal about trade and will, of course, bring our own proposals and concerns with such agreements.”, Trade Secretary Holson announced during an interview with the Financial Inquirer that under his leadership, Luthori wouldn’t sign any trade agreements that went “against our interest and most importantly against the interests of the group concerned by the trade agreement”, once stating that “we made a promise to the Luthorian electorate, we will not sign any deal that disadvantage our farmers, industries in favour of foreign competitors”, while the Government aims at keeping this promise, business leaders have called up the Government, with the Luthorian Employers Association (LEA) describing the decline of Luthorian trade as the “key” reason of Luthorian economic decline and called upon the Trade Secretary to “reconsider” his stance to allow for greater freedoms in a future trade relation.

“It is unclear whether or not bilateral talks between the Luthorian Empire and the Kingdom of Dorvik will actually produce anything meaningful for both countries’ economies and trade relationship, both having been in decline for decades. It would be a welcomed development if any trade agreement gets signed between Luthori and Dorvik, as currently Luthori’s trade relationships in Artanian remains mostly limited to both Dundorf and Narikaton and Darnussia, with the latter having a formal trade agreement with Luthori, since Kundrati became no-go zone.”, said Dr. John von Clauwitz (Dundorfian-Luthorian) when asked about the possibility and necessity of a trade agreement between Dorvik and Luthori in the current economic environment surrounding the Luthorian economy.

Reports of a possible trade agreement have also seen a lot of support across party lines. Conservative and Opposition Leader Hawkins reportedly said to the Prime Minister that a trade agreement was “needed” and that the Tories would “support anything that both answered Luthorian economic needs and didn’t betray the [Luthorian] people”.

[Ligbruderkrieg]

Meeting between Emperor and Crown Prince “gone well” according to the Orange Palace.
October 7th, 5668



The Crown Prince of Ananto and Kalistan visited Fort William in late September, marking the Eighth Stop in the Prince’s World Tour. This tour, aiming at reworking Kalistan’s image on the world stage, by visiting foes and friends alike has been praised as a “gesture of goodwill” by both the Kalistani and international press. In Luthori, the recently married Crown Prince and Crown Princess met with His Majesty the Emperor and Her Majesty the Empress at the Orange Palace. While in September, the Emperor is normally enjoying his family vacations in Rottingham Palace - the visit from the Kalistani Crown Prince changed his plans, with him making a return before Halloween season in Fort William, which is usually when the monarch comes back to the capital and remains either at the Orange Palace or at Highbury House between Halloween and Hallowtide, afterwards the sovereign and his family spend the winter holidays at Highbury.

Emperor Richard (64) and Empress Valeria (66) met with the princely couple shortly following their arrival on Luthorian soil - where the couple were escorted by the Metropolitan police all the way from the Emperor Albert Military Airport (~20 mil from the Orange Palace) to meet the imperial couple. A stark difference from the absence of state-provided protection and from the state reception or meetings during the Empress of Kalistan’s own private security detail early into Richard II’s reign, during a “private” visit that drew controversy in both Luthori and Kalistan, although for two different reasons.

According to the Orange Palace - the meeting between the Emperor and Crown Prince went “well”, with their private discussion revolving around an hour before the Crown Prince went to Darlington Palace to meet both Foreign Secretary Coverty and Prime Minister Miles. The Orange Palace refused to comment on the Kalistani press’ own allegations about the nature of the discussions held in private between the monarch and the prince, the Kalistani press has for example stated that Emperor Richard II and Crown Prince Frederick discussed about Mordusia, the Orange Palace stated that any “discussions about the foreign policy of the Commonwealth of Mordusia are, of course, communicated to the Government of Mordusia in His Majesty’s capacity as a neutral, apolitical and fair arbitrator in policy-making”. Other statements from the Crown Prince following his visit express some willingness from Kalistan at resuming ambassadorial-level communications between Fort William and Kaliburg, communications that have been broken in 5642. 26 years later, a door has been opened towards the resumption of normal relations between Luthori and Kalistan.

Cabinet ministers at all levels of government has seemingly taken this opportunity to express their willingness at “looking toward ways” to restore bilateral relations to a normal ambassadorial level - with both countries once again opening their closed embassies and ending the protected power status granted to other nations, in Luthori’s case that being the Kingdom of Egelion. Foreign Secretary Coverty described his own meeting with the Kalistani Crown Prince as being “productive” and hoped that during his term, “necessary bureaucratic hurdles would be taken care of before resuming Kalistani-Luthorian relations in a normal way”. Press Spokesperson Walter Dwight Windsor stated that “Luthori remains hopeful at the lowering of worldwide tensions - which are remarkably high in the current environment of world politics. Crown Prince Frederick’s visit in Luthori continues building into the hope of all peoples of the world, that states bury the hatchet of old tensions and work together towards building a safer and more prosperous world together.”

Amid rising tensions in the East - with Vascania and Xsampa each other looking eager at dominating the Sovereign Sea and successfully become one of the key brokers in international trade due to their control over one of the most strategic alternatives to either the Ananto Strait or the Aldegar Canal, it seems that lowering tensions with the Kalistanis, in hope of refocusing efforts into an inward-looking point of view and towards Dovani and Vascania. Especially as tensions in the region might reach another breaking point due to the actions of either Vascania or Xsampa, which might start antagonising the international community - fearful of seeing one of the most strategic trade routes falling to anarchy and disunity, turn on either of them.

[Ligbruderkrieg]

OP ED: Xsampan imperialism cannot be allowed to continue further West.
February 11th, 5669 - by John Seymour.

Xsampa, also known as the Democratic Republic of Xsampa is a nation located in the continent of Dovani, inhabited by over 57 million people. A small nation by today’s standards in terms of populations, with an average nation having a population of around 80 to 90 million inhabitants. But, in recent history, powers haven’t been related to population that much, Beiteynu only had 40 million people while being considered as one of the World’s primary powers during its prime. Egelion currently has only 43 million people while currently flexing her muscles in the Anantonese Ocean, and the only (recent) power that has a large population to use off was the Canrillaise Empire with 200 million inhabitants. In recent history, population didn’t make powers, it is good governance and good policy-building over decades that have made them, even if population remains a bonus for numerous states when talking about their economic potential or military capabilities long-term.

In recent decades, Xsampan influence reached levels that nobody thought possible. Following the atomic bombing of Metz-Leonid that tragically decapitated both the Xsampan Politburo and killed millions of inhabitants that were merely living their daily life. While this tragic event has been condemned by every nation on Terra, with Beiteynu itself collapsing following the nuclear bombing of Metz-Leonid, this tragic event still represented a key milestone in Xsampa’s foreign policy.

Following their “victory” against the Yeudis, Xsampa’s gaze turned inward, with their main focus remaining over the decontamination and rebuilding of Metz-Leonid, for which they received copious amount of international aid - which is normal due to the impact that the explosion of a nuclear device has on the world. This also led to Xsampa’s credibility as a great power rising, although this was out of the Xsampan government’s control. Due to the fact that they defeated a Western power to the point that the nuclear deterrent had been used against them and the fact that Xsampa was, due to this, the sole nation having been hit by nuclear weapons in recent memory, that led to Xsampa’s soft power increasing to high levels, and again, to levels that the Xsampan gov’t couldn’t even control. In recent years, we have seen an upstick in tensions between Xsampa and Vascania over the Sovereign Sea and the effects of Xsampan prestige have been felt, as both Egelion and Bianjie stood alongside the Xsampans against the Vascanians.

This is the real power of Xsampa, through their policy initiatives in Dovani that have allowed it to expand her sphere of influence to (mostly) include most of the underdeveloped world, positioning itself as a “Champion of Dovani” fighting against Western imperialist machinations, Xsampa became the dominant power in Dovani, allowing it to impose its own style of imperialism in “backyard”. Now, we might say that Xsampan foreign policy only stops at the Sovereign Sea, but it shouldn’t be seen that way. We do not know whether or not Xsampa, if successful in countering Vascania’s ambitions at checking Xsampan power over the Sovereign Sea will merely stop there. Will it fund Rapa Pile’s independence movement to destabilise Vascania, will it fund communists underground in Vascania? Does it wish to create the grounds for a communist takeover of Vascania at some point in time? And even then, will it stop? Doesn’t Xsampa want to have “revenge” for Metz-Leonid? Will it cross the Ocean to endanger the Migrants’ Pass stability? We do not know.

Xsampan moves in the global chessboard have always been difficult to comprehend, but in most cases, it brought success to Xsampan foreign policy, providing the tools needed to become a global power and not merely a regional power. As of now, the Vascanian Empire remains the only roadblock between full hegemony of Xsampa over Dovani and the collapse of the international order as we know it. Regardless of our feelings, if Luthori wants to become a global power, then Xsampan influence would need to be contained, except if we want to see the rise of another Lourenne or Beiteynu.

[Ligbruderkrieg]

AMC announces 6.000 job creation plan, amid increased fears of layoffs due to digitalisation of economy.
May 11th, 5669



Following recent massive investments in the auto sector, the sector itself has seen its stocks rise to new heights in the Fort William Stock Exchange, with of course, the “Big Three” of the sector obviously leading in terms of stock hikes. Speaking of the “Big Three” of Luthorian automobile, the Alchester Motor Company has announced the creation of around 6.000 jobs throughout the nation. In a bid to expand her production capabilities in Luthori to benefit from the government’s invested money in the sector, the board announced this new project at the surprise of many, as it was widely speculated that the money would be used to fund either upgrades to their current facilities and expand marketing to other nations for the Luthorian automotive industry. 

These new jobs have been announced to mostly three new factories that will be constructed in the Principality of Orange. These factories will employ around 2.000 new employees each and according to CEO Robert Dunkin, the new assembly lines in these factories will be aimed at increasing the production of manufactured cars by over 300 cars in a day through the three factories - with an average factory producing over 100 vehicles a day - at least this is what is hoped in a maximalist aim, most files within the AMC states that the company is hoping for a daily production of around 50-70 cars per day. While the AMC promises the presence of “numerous” human employees within the assembly lines, due to the government’s investments into the high tech sector, the company also stated that “in order to enhance the productivity potential of the factories nationwide”, more machines would be added in order to "alleviate the work made by humans and machines alike and allow for a faster production process”. The implementation of further machinery into the production process - one that is already highly automatised by now, is likely to cause layoffs in numerous factories - considering that the size of the plan isn’t yet known, the numbers are for now, unknown as well.

In a bid to restart exportations, the company aims at first, stabilising its production and then looking towards an increase in exportations. Due to the current global climate that CEO Robert Dunkin described as being “unwise” for global business to form and then stabilize in this “increasingly versatile and unstable environment”, nevertheless, the CEO remains optimistic that the company’s plans in the medium term wouldn’t be threatened by any major diplomatic moves, as states remains likely to be open to major economic agreements with each other, either in a bid to reduce global tensions by further intertwining economies with other global economies or in just pure pragmatic fashion.

Initial reactions to the AMC’s announcement have been of cautious rejoicement over it, unions remains wary of Mr. Dunkin’s announcement about increased mechanisation of the production process and aim at both avoiding potential layoffs due to this and fighting for a fairer wage granted to employees. Currently the average salary is about £2.100 per month (an average of £12.12 per hour), unions are wishing to raise the hourly salary above the national-agreed £13.50 per hour minimum wage that the current administration wishes to pass “in the swiftest delays”, raising the average wage by £1.89 per hour, passing to £14.01 per hour (£2.428 per month [with 40h/week]). Unions have called this salarial renegotiation process as being “necessary” for the employees of the AMC, as while the minimum wage is for now at £10.5 per hour, the government’s raise would mean that under the law, no salary below £13.50 could be potentially imposed to an employee from an employer, according to the LAWO (Luthorian Auto Workers’ Organisation): “the importance of reaching an agreement on the amelioration of working condition is our priority and should be the company’s priority as well”.

While the government expressed hopes at a “revival” of industries in Luthori, some experts warns about potential layoffs in favor of shipping these said jobs to other nations, the reason being the average Luthorian worker cost will become “unbearable” for certain companies, with the government’s increase in minimum wage, that would equate to an increase of most salaries to balance the sore feelings of numerous employees and to respect national legislation. For them, while there is “potential” for a revival of some industrial sectors in the medium and long term, primarily focused around exportation and consumption, Luthori’s attention should be mostly focused upon the technological and service industries, both being key industries that a “post-industrial economy” needs to thrive into the modern day, according to these experts.

[Ligbruderkrieg]

“The Czarina’s Dream”: an interesting view into an alternate reality of diplomatic relations.
May 18th, 5669



Luthorian author “J.B.M”, the shortened form for James Bryne Morgan, has recently released a book set in an alternate reality, in which, the great powers' dynamics are radically changed compared to our own. The main difference in worldbuilding compared to our own world is the fact that the Trigunian Empire remains strong and tall, under a new (Rothingren-Traugott affiliated) dynasty that sets its eyes on hegemony over the continent of Keris. The Tsardom of Trigunia has become the dominant power in Keris, with her dominion stretching from Altéa in Egelion to Petrograd, passing by New Endralon and Dolgava. In the Winter Palace, Tsar Nicholas IV (Nikolai IV - in the book) dies unexpectedly without an heir - leaving the fate of the Empire at the hands of a regency council that would be responsible for choosing the next Czar or Tsarina.

We soon indulge ourselves deep into the Trigunian court culture, with intrigues surrounding the choosing of the next Tsar. We learn that the House of Pavenlov, the Trigunian imperial house that reigns over the double-headed eagle, is related to the House of Orange-Villayn, which rules the Imperial Confederation, the House of Ananto, that remains the ruling house of Kalistan and the House of Orléans-Vasser, reigning over the Canrillaise Empire, which in this timeline assembles Lourenne, Alduria, Kanjor and Rildanor. Through these links, a series of dynastic marriages had taken place, leading to numerous candidates being able to take the throne. Apart of these candidates is Grand Duke Nikolai Alexandrovich, a cunning tactician trying to make his way unto the top, Grand Duchess Anna, a charming yet ruthless woman and an unexpected candidate, the deceased Tsar’s second cousin, Grand Duchess Yekaterina, a young princess with no real ambition on the throne, she comes across as being “easily influenced” by most of the Trigunian aristocracy, leading to her being chosen to reign as Tsarina, in her surprise. She takes the name “Yekaterina III (Katherine III)” as her regnal name, with her being stated as Trigunia’s first female monarch over two centuries of a male-dominated institution.

Now as being “Empress and Autocrat of all Trigunias” (Trigunian: Императрица и самодержица всех Тригуний), Tsarina Yekaterina III will need to first deal with her obvious lack of preparation before taking the throne, for that aim, the Empress appoints a government composed of ministers that she can trust in their respective offices - rather than trusting their competence, closely retaining her key allies in government to survive in a turmoiled era. There the part about the diplomatic situation is introduced, the Trigunian Empire is an absolute monarchy, where the Tsar retains all forms of powers, due to their political system, they remain close with the Anantonese Empire - even though the two have some disputes over territories in Keris that the Anantonese recognises as theirs, the Empire remains also close to the so-called “Reactionary Twins” in Dovani, the Kingdom of Baeguk, who in this alternate reality crushed off the Dranean revolutionaries and further consolidated its semi-constititionalist rule with institutions such as the Hwabeck being sidelined in favor of increased responsibilities being granted to the Royal Family and the Celestial Empire, also known as the Great Wu or as Yingdala, the traditional hegemon of Dovani remains prominent in this timeline, sharing much of Trigunia’s beliefs in terms of conservatism, autocracy and the need for absolute monarchies to remain closely aligned with each other.

While Czarina Yekaterina remained focused on solidifying her claim to the Trigunian throne - and actually begin governing, while struggling to figure out which path the Trigunian Empire would take - would it actually democratise or liberalise, in the same styles as the monarchies of the Canrillaise Empire and the Confederation? Or would her reign be one of continued autocracy and increased Trigunification of the Empires’ many minorities, in the style of the reign of her uncle, Czar Nikolai IV? Before she could even make her decision about the tenure of her reign, an important issue took place in the world, the Anantonese made their moves on Athosia. For a while, Kalistan (the other name of the Anantonese Empire) remained at odds with the United States of Baltusia over the ownership of the Athosian region, Ananto stating that its theirs and Baltusia vice versa. On October 4th, 5670, in the book’s timeframe, Kalistan officially announced their intention to annex Athosia by force if necessary and the Kalistani military was put under high alert in anticipation of an invasion. Baltusia was protected by the Confederation as per with its doctrine that any Luthorian-speaking state would be automatically under the Confederation’s protection - and the Confederal Government announced that it would enter a state of war with the Anantonese if force was used against Baltusia. 

The Canrillaise, while enjoying high relations with the Confederation, remained neutral. Yingdala openly supported Kalistan, the Jelbics in the Southern Hemisphere, sensing weakness in the Confederation’ southern outpost in Majatra, supported Kalistan as well, with preparations to enter the war against the Imperial Confederation when needed and possible. Seeing war looming and with a neutral benefactor in Canrille, the Trigunians offered a peaceful summit to be organised under the guidance of the world’s great powers - that would decide the fate of the territory, both nations accepted and that is where the book ends.

Apart from the obvious suspense left after the end of the book - the author stated that a follow-up story in this “World of Monarchies” - focusing on both the Eroncourt Summit, the fate of Athosia and a greater focus upon other nations than only Trigunia. Readers left questions, it was obvious that the Imperial Confederation was either Luthori or Hutori who united the Luthorian-speaking world, but who did? Was it Hutori and the House of Steuart-Carmichael united both branches of the OVs? It would explain the relations between Canrille and the Confederation or was it Luthori? The author promised to drop “bits of lore” in his next work. Criticism about the book mostly laments its lack of “lore” explaining how we got there in the first place - a criticism that the author responded with: “make your own lore”.

[Ligbruderkrieg]

Prime Minister Miles announces resignation - leave Labour to decide leadership.
July 4th, 5669



Prime Minister Miles announced her resignation today - stating that after a nine years premiership - that her health had taken a toll during her two terms as Prime Minister. Luthori’s first openly lesbian head of government in the 57th century was appointed as prime minister by Emperor Richard II, at the head of a governing coalition assembling the Labour Party and the Green Party, forming another Red-Green governing coalition. Following a nine year tenure as head of government - the Prime Minister remained a steady hand at the direction of the government composed of numerous high-ranking ministers - such as Foreign Secretary and Green leader Coverty, former Chancellor of the Exchequer Dr. Rosenbach (resigned in 5667), former Defence Secretary Grant (resigned in 5666). Remaining as Prime Minister while working with ambitious personalities is an impressive feat - surviving with no real leadership challenges during her tenure as Prime Minister.

With Mrs. Miles’ resigning as Prime Minister - the Labour Party is for now remaining in troubled waters, with her resignation being preceded by prior resignations of numerous government ministers (Rosenbach, Grant) left a power vacuum that needed to be filled. Now entering the field as potential future leaders of the Labour Party are freshman senator for Orange, Patrick Howe (Pink Labour) who suggests a continuation of the policies enacted by the Miles government, like increasing minimum wage to £12/day and wishes to nationalise key energy corporations like the Imperial Oil Company. Mr. Howe stated that Luthori needed “energy security” for the decades to come, turning away from traditional Labour stance about energy transition, as Mr. Howe seems not too enthused with the prospect of jeopardising Luthori’s current ecological status quo, at the expense of both his relations with the Greens and environmental organisations. While he didn’t yet entered the race, Home Secretary Henry Pawlenty (in office since 5666) positioned himself as the heir to former Home Secretary McNeil, emphasizing his “progressive” positions in terms of immigration, economy and on national defence, he argues that, in the economic field, that investments into industries were arguably good, but that the government should remain "vigilant" and accompany corporations through these investments. Pawlenty currently remains the lowest-ranking Labour candidate with only 7% of voting intentions, his pragmatism and wish to collaborate with the right-wing political parties do not pass well in a post-Miles’ Labour.

Former cabinet members are also considered for the top position - former Defence Secretary Grant ruled out a potential run for the leadership, citing “medical concerns” that would be “incompatible” for a potential prime minister. Former Chancellor Rosenbach also ruled out a potential run for the Labour leadership - focusing instead on teaching at the University of Alchester, where he landed after resigning from the Treasury Office, he also stated that the Treasury Office was “very tiring” and that the PM’s office would "practically kill an old man like him”. Only former Secretary of State for Institutional Reform, Gregory Bercow publicly stated being “interested” in a potential run for the Premiership position. Mr. Bercow stated that after a “remarkable premiership, Luthori needed a steady hand to carry on the mission engaged by Prime Minister Miles”, while not openly stating that he thinks of himself in that position - carelessly left no doubts about his ambitions. Mr. Bercow remains a liberal by the Labour Party’s standards, standing for an increased commitment to the Luthorian welfare state while also granting more financial “gifts” to corporations - a stance that has been widely criticised within the Labour Party - but has been applauded as a “brush of relief” to corporations, he is also the main candidate pushing for the funding of increased efforts in terms of energy transition.

As of now, no current Labour candidate currently has an edge in terms of polling, with Mr. Howe’s current stance winning out due to his close support from unions, currently polling at 27%, Mr. Bercow currently stays at a stable 21% of voting intentions in polls, with the so-called “Gold Labour” faction seeing him as the "last chance” for the restoration of a “constitutionalist, moderate and liberal” Labour Party, after 9 years of a Miles Premiership that hasn’t left good feelings with the party’s right-wing, so were increasingly purged by the Miles administration, especially from the Senate and key leadership positions within the Party. Other candidates who didn’t officialise their candidacy to the leadership, current Government Senate Leader, George Kennedy is currently polling at 11% after rumours appeared that he might run, Secretary of State for Industrial Development, Liz Cortez is currently polling at 14.5% and has the potential to become the first prime minister to hold a dual nationality (Luthorian and Egelian).

The future Prime Minister will nevertheless have to deal with the upcoming 5670 general elections, as the Labour Party is currently polling well, coming strong with good economic growth and decrease in both poverty and promises of continuing policies that places the Luthorian people first. Although the Labour Party currently enjoys a strong lead, any mistakes on the campaign trail may be paid dearly by the party that has been in office for the most part of the decade.

[Ligbruderkrieg]

Labour chose Howe as party leader; liberals and environment activists sorely disappointed.
October 7th, 5669



Miles’ successor has been chosen and the Labour Party seems to have rallied behind the candidacy of Mr. Patrick Howe (49), freshman senator from Orange, as their next party leader. Mr. Howe, running on Mrs. Miles’ high popularity among party members, was able to fend off leadership challenges such as Mr. Pawlenty and Mr. Bercow’s respective bids for the leadership of the Labour Party. The Senator for Orange, even with his unorthodox views on energy and national security still nonetheless successfully repelled any of his foes’ attempts at winning the leadership instead of him. Backed by a strong coalition composed of unions to the Luthorian middle class, his strong promises of “unionisation” of the workforce and of economic liberalism reassured both sides of the Labour’s electorate, while his empty positions on social issues made him lose the support of most progressives in the Labour Party already.

Mr. Howe will become Mrs. Miles’ appointed successor on October 14th, when Emperor Richard II will officially receive the outgoing Prime Minister to receive her resignation and welcome the next Prime Minister and formally invest him with the responsibility of forming a government in his name. Mr. Howe becomes Prime Minister in an environment where the Labour Party and the Green Party, coalition partners since Miles’ impressive victory in 5660 are embroiled in tensions over PM Miles’ perceived weaknesses on environmental issues, an issue that hasn’t been addressed much by the previous administration, due to tensions between the two political formations on the road to take, the Labour Party, dominated by Red Labour votes, mostly emphasised the humane cost of clamping down on the coal industry, that the Greens pushed for, Foreign Secretary Coverty also repeatedly pushed the government towards “more concrete actions” in the environment field.

The future Prime Minister will have to handle numerous files upon entering office - from handling Luthori’s economic growth and industrial investments, guiding the nation through a more troubled world environment and mend the divide between the Gold Labour and the rest of the party, alongside the Green-Labour tensions that have recently spiked following Foreign Secretary Coverty’s announcement of retiring from the Green Party’s national leadership board by 5670. The Green Party, frustrated with over a decade of national leadership and very few progress on the level of both the environment and societal issues, is likely to elect two leaders this cycle, Jo Peterson and Martha Umball, running in an anti-Coverty platform, promising to “not let Labour get away with nothing in return”, slaming Coverty’s weak “influence” within the Cabinet, influence that didn’t allow him, in their view, to push for major and serious reforms.

With Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Coverty leaving the government - Mr. Howe has the opportunity to place yet another Labour minister within the Great Offices of State, further cementing Labour’s control over the government’s agenda and priorities. Mr. Howe’ perceived “liberalisation” twist, as he was once promoting Miles’ economic agenda is mostly seen as a result of his close relations with the booming tech sector, a sector that has seen increased investment and attention from the government in recent years. Mr. Howe once stated that he “hoped” to see Luthori become a “technological hub” in Artania during his tenure as Prime Minister, an increased effort into the development of the high tech sector should be awaited when talking about the future head of government’s economic strategy. The likely appointment of “Rocks Labourite” Donald Dole as Chancellor of the Exchequer is certainly going to lead to a far more restrained government in terms of public spending and a more business-friendly administration, in the great relief of the City of Fort William.

In the Times’ latest poll about the popularity of political figures, Mr. Howe rated low among the electorate with only 37% of the answers being positive. Most analysts explain this was caused by the newly-elected leader’s ambiguity in terms of economics and environment affairs and his preference for the status quo in social affairs, all of these making his stances unpopular with the left-wing establishment and failing to boost his credentials with the right-wing and center voters, who continues to support the Liberal Party and the Tories.

[Ligbruderkrieg]

Liberal Labour MPs defect from the Labour Party; forms Radical Liberal Party.
December 9th, 5669

Numerous Labour MPs, disillusioned with the current leadership of Mr. Howe, announced that they were “parting ways” with the National Labour Party and announced the subsequent formation of the “Radical Liberal Party of Luthori” or RLP. Former Secretary of State, Gregory Bercow, announced the formation of this new political formation to the press, after having sharply criticised the Labour Party as “having lost her ways” and described the formation of this centre-left political party, as “necessary” so to act as a “bridge between the left-leaning and right-leaning voters sharing the same goals and interests”, he said to the LBC. When asked about why the new Radical Liberals haven’t joined the Liberal Party, Mr. Bercow stated that the Liberal Party “didn’t answer to their needs and the needs of the Luthorian people for a compromising party between the socialistic and liberal philosophies” and that only a new political formation could “bridge the divide” between the left and the center.

Reports states that 7 MPs from the Labour Party, 5 MPs in the Chamber of Representatives and 2 MPs from the Senate have already decided to join the new party, most in direct protest of the election of the leadership position of Mr. Howe as Leader of the Labour Party and Prime Minister of Luthori. These grants to the new party, the necessary numbers to form a parliamentary group in the Chamber of Representatives, granted them representation in the lower house. Mr. Bercow already was chosen as the acting leader of the Radical Liberals, and hints towards a run in the 5670 general election in an urban constituency, where the party has the most chances of success. 

The ideology of the Radical Liberals have been described as being a “mix between socialistic arguments for a fairer economy and liberal arguments for a freer market economy”, mostly following the doctrine of “social liberalism”, calling for social justice, social welfare, a mixed economy, although where the state holds less influence than the mixed economy promoted by the social democrats in the National Labour Party. The Radical Liberals refused to join the already existing liberal political formation of the Liberal Party of Luthori due to its classical liberal roots and leadership. Former Institutional Reform Secretary Bercow explicitly stated that the Liberal Party’s abstention in the votes to reform the Senate caused him to throw his hat behind a new political formation, rather than join his ideological brethren in the Liberals.

The Radical Liberals’ electoral strategy will likely revolve around competition with the Liberal and Labour parties in numerous electoral fields and constituencies, moreover, it seems that the constituencies currently targeted by the party, due to its low budget and resources mostly revolves around urban settlements and wealthy urban environments, where both the Labour and Liberal Party sees their biggest scores, especially the latter. Running on a platform of moderate reformism, it seems that Mr. Bercow’s party is aiming at least to win 10 constituencies to strengthen its place in the Chamber of Representatives and become an unmovable weight in forming a left-wing coalition government. Current polling states that the incumbent Green-Labour government might lose its majority in both Houses of Parliament, its narrow 7-seat majority being wiped out by a push from both the right-wing opposition, the Radical Democratic Party and the Radical Liberal Party, current optimistic pollsters states that the government’s majority will transform in a plurality of 162 to 187 seats, depending on the performance of opposition parties.

Nevertheless, the formation of this new political force, greatly undermines Prime Minister Howe’s chances at securing a majority in 5670, likely being forced to expand his coalition to either include the Radical Democrats or the Radical Liberals in a government, that is only if left-wing forces, radical, moderate or reformist, successfully maintain their majority in face of more bold and confident Conservative Party.

[Ligbruderkrieg]

RocksAI enters underdeveloped AI chatbot market with VestriAI 1.0 version; company’s stocks soars in FWSE.
March 12th, 5670



In the context of expanded government investment into the high technology sectors, the largely ignored and underdeveloped market of artificial intelligence seems to be one of the beneficiaries of said investments. For long, the Luthorian tech sector mostly revolved around the production of hardware such as computers, mobiles, semiconductors, processors and other technological objects destined towards exportation in order to fuel Luthorian growth through trade. The recent investments into the tech sector also continued into that same objective, increasing market confidence with the sector, allowing for greater private and public investments for companies to build more factories, create more jobs and increase the production rate in the future. 

Developed by the artificial intelligence organisation, RocksAI, the release of the first Luthorian generative artificial chatbot has been widely praised as having triggered a “revolution” in the sector, with public interest at the new technology reaching new levels ever since its release on internet networks such as Millard, FoxyWorld and others. Widespread use has been reported with younger populations, with the chatbot’s intelligent capabilities having been praised as being “incredibly helpful” by numerous students, who uses the app as an helper when doing their homework, this behavior has been described as being “...worrying” by numerous teachers’ unions and representatives, Jennifer Garling, 47, spokesperson for the Teachers’ National Guild, described that in her point of view, the usage of artificial intelligence by students in middle and high schools:

“The fact that new technologies are appearing to change our lives for the better is one thing, and it’s frankly an amazing thing to live in an era of innovation where new tools are at our disposal every single day. But, recently, the release of the VestriAI chatbot has revealed a new phenomenon in our schools. Many teachers have reported that more and more pupils are using artificial intelligence as a way to bypass reflective thought by having an AI generated answer to present to the teacher when doing their homeworks. It’s simple, while technologies are a blessing in our lives, it shouldn’t come as a replacement for education and schooling, and while the usage of AI as a tool for learning and enhancing knowledge is wonderful and should be encouraged. But, we need new programs that enlighten students, parents and professors alike on both the advantages of artificial intelligence in our daily life and in education, but also its dangers.”

While the Ministry of Education hasn’t yet answered Mrs. Garling’s request, one spokesperson is stating that the Ministry of Education is currently “studying” the possibility of creating new training formation to be imposed upon teachers and students alike in that aim, the Ministry still stated that artificial intelligence was a “new burgeoning industry”. RocksAI stated that TalktoAI 1.0 will focus upon engaging in “tasks which are aimed at enlightening the conversation between the user and the bot, through bringing knowledge and information whenever asked by the user”, the chatbot remaining solely focused on information and help as of now. RocksAI’s stocks at the Fort William Stock Exchange have risen dramatically in the last few days, with anticipation rising over TalktoAI’s release, investors have begun buying stocks en masse, with the price of an average stock today rising at an average of £147.09 at the opening bell, with its ever increasing value, RocksAI’s stock is predicted to go over £200 during this week.

The release of artificial intelligence into the public space seems to have created a new, renewed interest in technology and technological advancements - with RocksAI’s VestriAI taking the leading step in AI technology, RocksAI’s CEO, Clyde Brown stated that the 1.0 version was merely a “prototype” and that an updated version will be powered “soon”, following requests from customers and bugs noticed by the technical team. It seems merely normal that the AI market be pursued by other major competitors as well - and that this market isn’t going to remain untouched for long. Of course, our coverage specifically focuses on Luthorian reaction to the release of VestriAI, international reactions have for now, mostly been muted - with the ai platform being available on the global internet through Millard.