Republic: The National Salvation Council proposes welfare, economic reform, cultural restrictions,"anti-gay" laws

The National Salvation Council, in its first major act as the country's collective head of state following its seizure of power from Ursula Orlich, has put forward a number of sweeping reforms to many of the country's economic and social laws, seeking to return the country to the pre-war "social consensus" while maintaining the economically liberal direction set by former Prime Minister Indras Uskeled in her brief stint in that office.

The reforms primarily feature an expansion of the special allowances for the elderly, students, and the disabled that she created, which will no longer be "flat" transfers but instead be a guaranteed minimum income, factoring in other sources of wealth recipients may have, equal to the calculated "living wage" of the region in which they live. This will be funded in part by increases in value-added, severance, and emission taxes, as well as by a cut to the previously 500 ketsel universal basic income to 450 ketsels.

They also include reforms to Istkalen's healthcare and education system. Doctors and educators will be permitted to form independent cooperatives to offer their services to the public, with the goal of a full transfer of control over the sectors from the state and workers' associations to cooperatives and independent proprietorships by 2029. The current state guarantees of specific medical and educational services will end and be replaced by a system of vouchers.

This expansion and legalization of the cooperative sector is also to apply to all other economic sectors, though new cooperatives in the mining and energy industries particularly will be subject to strict state regulation and taxation in order to ensure that the profit they create is shared with the whole of the nation.

Employment by cooperatives and by workers' associations is to be ended, and the associated national unemployment fund to be phased out. New training centers will be created for those who find themselves unemployed as a result of this action.

New welfare measures for the "underemployed" - members of a workers' association who earn below the set "living wage" of a given region - are also to be implemented. The government intends to create several new major infrastructural and cultural projects across the country in order to create "dignified" work for those who cannot find it. When it is fiscally possible - by the timelines released by the National Security Council, between 2028 and 2029 - a national employment guarantee will be made.

The government will also support price ceilings for agricultural goods, with a newly created Ministry of Agriculture to negotiate prices with the Farmers' Associations on a biannual basis and unpurchased resulting surplus to be bought by the state and distributed to the "working poor."

The relatively liberal cultural environment that has prevailed in Istkalen from the beginning of the occupation to the present day is also likely to end. A significant part of the reform involves a system of state patronage and censorship of the arts that promotes "national" projects, such as the development of folk music and nearly completely bans art deemed as "modern," "cosmopolitan," or "foreign." Where previously restrictions of this type applied only to "official" artists receiving state benefits through the national Cultural Association, these are intended to apply even to amateur artists and creators, from fanfiction writers to social media influencers.

A number of restrictions on public behavior are also included in the reform. Public manifestations of "sexual and gender-based deviance," as well as for support for the same "deviance" are to be prohibited. Unlike previous legislation which has placed restriction on public activity, this prohibition extends not merely to the physical space but also to the online world and to the publication of media.

The age of consent for same-sex relations is also to be increased to 25, and will no longer be equal with that of opposite-sex relations.

The reforms are theoretically subject to the approval of the recently reconvened National Assembly, where many are likely to face a steep climb to passage due to the body's progressive political makeup. However, the National Security Council has not clarified how exactly it would respond to the potential rejection of its reforms, and it remains a strong possibility that the decision of the Assembly will simply be ignored.

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June 6, 2023 - 7:20 PM

LGBTQ+ people and allies celebrate Pride as June rolls around

Major parades in St. Lucas expected to start this Saturday

We're back from our ad break. I'm William Berwick, and you're watching Evening News at LNN. The month of June has begun and with it, Pride Month. Elthics who are LGBTQ+ and their allies are preparing to celebrate this special occasion with parades, with the ones at St. Lucas expected to start on the second Saturday of this month, which lands on June 10th this year.

June means a celebration for Elthics who are LGBTQ, and this June is no different. In St. Lucas, the celebrations have already begun. In the iconic Maitland Avenue, located downtown, you can see shops of all sizes hanging the recognizable rainbow flag, with some of them having a chevron of colours, representing transgender people, queer people of colour and those that passed away from AIDS.

Spoiler

OOC: In a news article from the European Health Organization from September 2020, Reitzmag is mentioned to have a charity for AIDS prevention, therefore I am assuming that HIV/AIDS does exist in this world.

We got varying answers when asking various people in St. Lucas what Pride Month meant to them.

"C'est une belle fête, vous savez. Je ne pense pas vraiment à être fier de ce que je suis, mais je respecte ceux qui le sont.... J'ai décidé de visiter St Lucas cette année parce qu'il y a des bars gays uniques. J'ai parcouru certaines rues et il y a vraiment des endroits que je ne trouve nulle part ailleurs," says Bianca, a tourist from Ineland.

(Subtitles: It's a nice celebration, you know. I don't think much about being proud of who I am but I respect those that do... I decided to visit St. Lucas this year because it has gay bars unique to it. I've been walking some streets and there really are places that I can not find anywhere else.)

The city of St. Lucas held the first march for gay men in 1938, titled "The Homophilic March", one of many predecessors to the current pride parades held in Elthize today. However, homosexuality was illegal due to colonial laws of the time, and former President William Lee Marchand was initially sceptical of decriminalizing it. Regardless, in 1942, The Supreme Court found the ban unconstitutional, stating it "contradicted the Constitution of the State of Elthize". It was the first of many victories for the LGBTQ+ community in Elthize.

"It means a lot to me!" tells Ethan, an excited teenager answering our question. "I mean, it is a great reminder of the community we have and we built over decades! I am proud to be gay." A friend of Ethan's is also present, but he declines to answer our question.

While the gay community was slowly building up in Elthize, with St. Lucas leading the movement, everything came to a halt when the Yosainese invaded the country in 1954. Most gay activists across the occupied Elthize were arrested, as many of them took part in the resistance movement against the Yosainese regime. Many of them were either executed, sent to exile or never seen again.

"I mean, it's hard being gay in an environment where everyone is trying to kill you. We were shoved back into the closet until 1968, and when we finally had liberty, there was almost no one to guide the young queers," says Emerson McCormick, a queer historian. "We were back to square one."

Regardless of the setback, the community was rebuilt, with strong discourse around how diverse should it be. "The Elthic queer community has always had this interesting discussion throughout its history, about who are the leaders, who should be included, what boundaries should there be, among other things. And, more often than not, those with radical viewpoints, and when I say radical I mean more welcoming, I mean those that opposed the hierarchy within our community entirely. They were the loudest voices in the room, in the streets. We owe them a lot." McCormick also noted that these loud voices were often of racial minorities.

In the eighties, the province was hit with the HIV/AIDS epidemic, disproportionately affecting gay men. In response, former President Alika Mbanefo launched special programs to curb the spread of the disease, as well as subsidizing healthcare and research programs to ensure further treatment. Her successor, Benny Kalzer, continued these programs, against people's expectations.

In 1980, St. Lucas became the first province in Elthize to recognize same-sex unions. Seven years later, it became the first province to recognize same-sex marriage. No province would follow suit until 1997 when Florence (modern-day Ackerson) and Port Nelson legalized the practice.

Here's how McCormick closes their statement: "St. Lucas has always been the leader when it comes to the queer movement in Elthize. Today, in every Elthic city, almost all towns in Elthize have a group of openly queer people no matter how small it may be. And we owe it to those people that sought their community's liberty, our liberty, in the city of St. Lucas. As a Forecoaster resident myself, I am forever grateful."

Well, you don't see a Forecoaster person express gratitude to a Lucatian every day. We must capture this moment or something... Haha, anyway, happy Pride Month, everyone! Next up: How does the European Monetary Unit affect the way we shop in Elthize? Our correspondent Mikaela Brown is on Forecoaster for answers.

Tax change in United Duchies
Today the government have announced two tax changes to come in from January 2024. The change will concern VAT and Income tax in order to help with the cost of products and food. The change announced is that VAT charged on all final sales will be lowered to 10% from 15% while a new band will be created at the highest end targeting taxpayers or couples above £125,001.00 or €193,751.55 per person with a new tax rate of 61% .The Health and Care Precept will also rise to 3% leaving the effective top rate at 64% The change was requested by the PSD who are believed to once again pushed an item of their policy into the coalition. The aim is to lower the tax the poorest pay while the rich pay slightly more tax. The tax change will raise 10's billions of Euros to enable the government to cut other taxes that hit the poorest. The Roscoes will pay an extra 700-800 million Euros under the new tax rates with other billionaires likely to be hit at a similar scale.

This would raise the tax rates on the rich to one of the biggest in Europe though there is no concerns according to experts of people moving with experts saying "For years Duchies has had one of the highest income tax rates, if people were to move for tax reasons they'd have moved long before now."

RB: Good morning! The sun rises as we bring you the latest results from the elections in Inquista. Let's take a look at where things stand.

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RB: Well, it's official, the Kligenbergists have secured 138 seats, which is well beyond 121 needed for a majority. We will undoubtedly see Archbishop Kligenberg be re-elected as Archbishop of Inquista. The Pietists now have 65, while the Reformists have 9 and the Liberationists have 3.

KV: An outstanding victory for the Archbishop and her allies, who clearly ran really enthusiastic campaigns. The Pink Revolution really came to light.

RB: What does this result mean for Inquista?

KV: Well, obviously the Archbishop will go on for another term, but there's going to be a lot of change within the Inquistan Orthodox Church. The Archbishop is going to have a really big tent of supporters who are actually loyal to her interests, unlike the previous government, who owed much of their fealty to Chief Secretary Firoux.

The Church Secretariat is going to see some new faces. This election has seen the Firouxian camp swept out, and the Kligenbergists swept in. Who also gets the Chief Secretary position will be interesting to see. The doctrine of New Public Prosperity has been at the core of the Archbishop's campaign, so whoever is able to push that forward with the most vigour and fervor is likely to get the top job.

For better or for worse, we've seen the Reformists be moderating forces within the Archbishop's government, who have acted as her sober counsel and have limited her more eccentric inclinations. There's no predicting how things will move forward now with a majority at her fingertips as she pursues whatever New Public Prosperity means to her.

RB: And what does this mean for Europe?

KV: There's no denying that the Archbishop is one of the friendliest leaders on the European stage, and she's pursued a very warm and collaborative foreign policy that is very open and willing to cooperate with other European countries. The Archbishop's win signals a continuation of Inquista's open-armed approach to European affairs, and we will likely see Inquista build new relations abroad while strengthening existing ties.

The last three years have been been quite peaceful for Inquistans, which is actually saying something considering that country was at war with Icholasen only weeks before the Archbishop came to power. Since then, there was turmoil and violent uprising in Copala City, divisions and cessations within Icholasen, a genocide and foreign intervention in Eastern Haane, crises with the Spanish straits, "diplomatic bombings", an occupation of Istkalen, civil war in Sertia, foreign intervention into Svarna Surya, just to name a few conflicts, and no Inquistan forces were ever mobilized during any of it.

The Archbishop has steered clear from all conflict-related affairs, though she did come in strong to condemn the violence in Copala City, where she called for peace and a return of Inquistan Orthodox people to the city. The Archbishop also granted genuine independence to the Sahrawi Union, which marked a peaceful end to that chapter. Czech Slavia, which has become a key Inquistan ally, also announced the nationalization of foreign assets, and the Archbishop has so far responded in a very measured and optimistic way.

The Archbishop appears to seek out win-win and peace-driven solutions whenever she gets involved, but I think the biggest criticism laid against her is that she doesn't get involved enough, and that she overlooks confrontational foreign policy actions taken by her allies. In general, the Archbishop has played a very passive role within the Telum Treaty, which isn't appreciated by countries that have an axe to grind with Spain. Certain countries seem to have developed completely one-sided animosity towards the Archbishop largely because they see her as being accepting of the Spanish's President's more hawkish maneuvers.

Similarly, I think a lot of people don't appreciate her coziness with the Czech President for Life, who some see as authoritarian, or her closeness with Emperor Artabanos of Inimicus, who could probably announce a full-on annexation of North Diessen tomorrow that Archbishop would readily accept. Since the Archbishop has shaped Inquista to be quite loyal in our diplomatic ties, I think countries which we have a close bonds with have much to celebrate tonight.

Countries which don't have close ties to Inquista also have much to appreciate about the Archbishop's re-election. The Reformists and Pietists have historically been quite uncompromising in their dedication to their strong principles and values - as we saw in the Craticist years and the Reformists' more radical stances on Icholasen - while the Archbishop's more mutable foreign policy worldview is much more accommodating of foreign idiosyncrasies.

RB: Wow, thanks for that Ted Talk, Kathy. I'm hearing all the results are officially in, so let's take a look.

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RB: And there we have it, everyone. All votes have been counted and all dioceses have acclaimed their new bishops. The Kligenbergists have come out on top with 150 dioceses. They shall have a very comfortable majority within the College of Bishops, and Archbishop Kligenberg will see herself re-elected without much resistance.

The Pietists have gained 5 seats altogether, bringing their total to 76 dioceses. The Reformists have fallen significantly, losing 86 seats and only winning in 11 dioceses. The Liberationists have collapsed tonight, only winning in 3 dioceses.

Any last big-picture takeaways, Kathy?

KV: We saw the Kligenbergists win over most of the supporters the Reformists have historically relied upon. I think the Reformists themselves were very significantly weakened by the retirement of Chief Secretary Firoux. Archbishop Kligenberg is evidently seen as the successor of the post-Craticist and post-Firouxian political space in Inquista.

The Kligenbergists also seem to have attracted most of the supporters the Liberationists used to enjoy. The Archbishop's 'pink populist' appeal definitely bled their votes. Strange to see a wealthy celebrity from a famously affluent family attract their support, but they clearly like whatever policies or messaging she's been selling.

With the Kligenbergists on top, and the Pietists as the only real opposition, I can confidently say this election is a win for populist politics. It's a win for the Archbishop's celebrity-driven populism, and a win for the ultraorthodox populism that has always driven Inquista's right flank. Everyone else lost.

RB: That's a lot to think about. Thanks Kathy. Okay, don't go anywhere as will soon have the results of Inquista's councillor election. Please join us again after the latest news headlines.

BREAKING: JEAN-CLAUDE JUNCKER TO RETIRE FROM EUROPEAN POLITICS AT THE END OF THIS TERM

Premier Juncker, in a stock picture taken in Europolis

EUROPOLIS - It is the end of an era in the European Union: sources close to Jean-Claude Juncker have announced that he will be retiring from European politics at the end of his last term as Premier Commissioner, something the Spaniard would have confirmed to his team in the European Commission. 68 years old, Jean-Claude has been one of the most influential European politicians of the past years and the main character of many European projects that, nowadays, many citizens rate as "useful" and "worth the investment done by Europe".

Juncker jumped into European politics back in September 2019, when he first ran for the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commissioner, a race that he lost. Nonetheless, victory did not take a long time to arrive: just a few months later, in April 2020 and after one of the most tense campaigns ever seen in Europe, Jean-Claude took victory against Atty. Winston in his second attempt to reach an European position, becoming Internal Affairs Commissioner. During his first term, he released the European Commission mobile app, revived the applications for different European organisations and made history by holding the first-ever European Leaders summit in Europolis.

His second campaign for the Office of the Internal Affairs Commissioner was another record-setting one, with the highest number of summits ever done in an European campaign by any candidate ever, with a total amount of 20 rallies, and visiting every single European Union member state back then. Once again, he defeated Edmund Jasper Winston, and won in every single electoral district of Inquista and Spain. Of course, his victories against Reitzmic candidates and his nationality did not help his reputation to be good in Reitzmag, where a grudge against him still continues to this date. But, despite this, his second term was also historical: Jean-Claude, with the help of the leaders of Inimicus, North Diessen, Spain and the United Duchies managed to make his biggest dream come true: have a trans-European railway to operate between nations. Eurorail, which is the name that this service received, has been one of the biggest EU success of the century.

His achievements in the Internal Affairs Office are not those ones only: during his two terms in that position, Juncker led the way towards an European Green Deal, led the peace talks in Eastern Haane, and put the first stone for projects like EUROPOL. He was also the Commissioner that pushed forward a proposal to celebrate Europe Day, attempted to mediate between Caspian countries after the 'island scandals' that sank his reputation in Reitzmag, proposed an European anti-racism plan, revived the European Heritage Site programme, held summits with Czech Slavia, Leagio, Montenbourg and Angleter and celebrated yet another European Leaders Summit in Europolis. He said 'see you soon' to European politics when he published his first book: I'll Come Back Soon; and rumours in Europolis say another book might be on the works.

However, Juncker took a long time to come back to the first line of European politics: after a series of defeats against former Premier Commissioner Cikarová, Juncker took a break to come back stronger than ever before and win the Premier Commissioner race in a landslide against Calvin Künhert. His first term was, nevertheless, somewhat dissapointing: inactivity soon took over after the passage of the European Agricultural Fund and the designation of Luis de Guindos as the European Central Bank President. He came back in December, to make history twice: he managed to pass the most ambitious budget of the European Union (with the highest investment ever-made on member states, worth 37 billion Euros that were given to the EAF) and became the first-ever candidate to win an European election without running. Write-in ballots showed Jean-Claude the love many Europeans had for him, and after days of thinking, he decided to run for Premier Commissioner one more time.

And in the repetition of the November / December 2022 election, Juncker ran unopposed and won with 10 member states giving him their support. His second term has been better than the first one, submitting a proposal to reform the Council, involving himself in the preparation of the Fourth European Leaders Summit and meeting with Speaker Iras Tilkannas. With his last days in office arriving soon, Jean-Claude Juncker has confirmed us that "surprises will be coming". Juncker and the European Progressive Alliance, the party he has always ran alongside with, and the one he loves the most and calls his family as he does with the Partido Popular in Spain, have started to prepare for what will be one of the saddest departures from European politics of the decade: a truly Europeist politician, that has always considered Europe as his main concern, is retiring. But as Juncker usually says: the show must go on, and fireworks will be used to conclude it.

From EUnews, we wish Jean-Claude Juncker a great retirement from European politics, as he has earned it after years of hard work. He will surely get the same wishes from millions of Europeans, as he earned something not many can affirm they have: the love of the European people. Farewell, Jean-Claude.

"Enough!" - the ADA's new platform

The Copalan Appeal has received a copy of the Anastasian Democratic Assembly's new platform, written by Gaetan Compere and approved by a plenary meeting of the party's central commmittee. An unusual melange of populist rhetoric and technocratic policy, it stands to be an extraordinary departure from the new line taken by the party's nominal leader, Jacqueline Aubry, who is pushing the party to emphasize Anastasian nationalism and secessionism above economic and social polciies. Though she remains in her position, and has already pledged to support the platform, its passage is a sign of her weakening hold over her party.

The Irmgardian people have had enough. Enough of crime. Enough of rising prices. Enough of constant unemployment. And enough of complacency and condescension.

For almost two years, we, the Anastasian Democratic Assembly,, and our predecessors have sought to provide a viable alternative in Irmgardis City to the politics of stagnation, corruption, and clientelism that pervade the United Duchies. Now, facing the greatest threat yet to our movement, we seek to make our last, heroic stand, against the cartels who deprive the impoverished for their own profit, against the oligarchs who press ever down on the small proprietors of this country, against the would-be dictators who surveil and arrest to keep their power but a term longer, against all those forces who have tried to keep this country, this people, this city down for so long.

Though all the power that be will oppose us, threaten us, suppress us, we will make the defiant voice of the Irmgardian people heard. Their stories - of the mother who can no longer feed her children because of the greed of the agricultural cartels, of the pushcart-woman who must now give up all that she has because she can no longer afford to buy even the fruit that she sells, of the little shopkeeper who must now sell his store to a corporation because of oligarch-designed regulations that he has no hope of keeping up with - will be heard. And their losses, their tragedies, will be avenged.

Those who have held onto power for a hundred years, who believe they can hold onto power for a hundred years more, should quake in their boots. The people have had enough of their craving for power, of the endless disasters they have left behind them in pursuit of it.

For their sake, as their voice, we will put an end to the iron-grip of special interests, oligarchs, and corruption over this city and build, in its place, an Irmgardis governed by and for the people, an Irmgardis that is positive, liveable, and free.

Here, presented before the gathered masses, are the principles and policies that will guide and animate us in our struggle.

I. BASIC PRINCIPLES
a) The Anastasian Democratic Assembly is a localist, democratic, and social party.
b) The Anastasian Democratic Assembly is committed to the development of a healthy, green, and socially-minded economy in Irmgardis City, in which market forces serve the needs and the democratic will of the people.
c) The Anastasian Democratic Assembly is committed to the expansion of democracy in all spheres, political, economic, and social.
d) The Anastasian Democratic Assembly is committed to decentralization, and supports the increased devolution of power to municipal and neighborhood governments.
e) The Anastasian Democratic Assembly is opposed to clientelism, and works for an end to the dominance of special interests and towards a government that works for all, equally and with special favor for none.

II. BASIC POLICY
a) The Anastasian Democratic Assembly supports the democratization of public services. It will propose legislation to establish and/or expand the power of elected boards to ensure accountability and a role for the people in education, transportation, energy, and health.

b) The Anastasian Democratic Assembly supports local power. It will propose legislation to establish neighborhood goverments in Irmgardis City to organize basic local politics as well as to advise the municipal government. It will further advance the autonomy of Irmgardis City on matters of political organization, education, taxation, and economic regulation.

c) The Anastasian Democratic Assembly supports the full power of the city over its own infrastructure. It should have full control over its port, its transportation system, and its energy.

d) The Anastasian Democratic Assembly supports increased self-sufficiency over energy. It will propose legislation for increased subsidies for small solar installations and other essential parts of microgrids, as well as for an investigation into the construction of offshore wind facilities to be owned solely by the municipal government.

e) The Anastasian Democratic Assembly supports a strong public sector. The state must step in to ensure competition in a number of strategic sectors, from housing to retail, in order to reduce prices and increase quality. The only way to do this is to establish "public options" in each in order to establish democratically-determined standards with which private companies must compete.

f) The Anastasian Democratic Assembly supports the family. It will move to propose legislation to establish a guaranteed family wage, funded through payroll taxes, for families for the first six months after childbirth, to provide, upon a new birth, families with a "baby box," and to establish and increase a municipal universal child allowance.

g) The Anastasian Democratic Assembly will seek to reduce the cost of living and lessen the shock of inflation. It will move to prohibit corporate and absentee ownership of housing, to establish rent control on existing units of housing until a strong public housing sector is developed, and to broaden and increase housing/rental allowances for the poorest. It will seek to ban the agricultural cartels and end the price ceilings on agricultural goods, and in the interim push the municipal government to directly provide Irmgardian citizens, through importation, with cheaper produce during price shocks. It further will seek to create a guaranteed minimum income for working people equal to the living wage.

h) The Anastasian Democratic Assembly will seek to improve working conditions. It will move to ban the yellow unions and replace them with a system of state-regulated works councils, to encourage the further development of regional and sectoral collective bargaining, to replace nationally-determined minimum wages with ones determined by regional sectoral collective bargaining,and to encourage the democratization of the workplace through subsidies and the expansion of works councils.

i) The Anastasian Democratic Assembly supports political reform. The current across-the-board prohibition on confidence-and-supply agreements entrenches the power of a few historically dominant parties. It must be easier for the people to oust parties which have long-overstayed their welcome in government - and thus easier for the representatives they elect to form government without the support of the corrupt, the complacent, and the unpopular.

j) The Anastasian Democratic Assembly supports civil and political rights. The DISS must be significantly reformed so as to increase transparency and reduce the clear political control over its operations. Higher standards for arrest must also be established in order to prevent a repeat of the perversions of justice that have occurred in the past. Extended solitary confinement in prisons, which psychologists and other medical experts near-universally deem a form of torture, must also be prohibited.

k) The Anastasian Democratic Assembly supports free and equal media. Public funding and public ownership of media like RTD must end.

l) The Anastasian Democratic Assembly supports law enforcement. It wants to increase the funding given to the municipal police and to clarify the division of powers between it and the federal government in order to ensure coordination and streamlined enforcement.

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Government Announces Total Ban on Vape Devices, Raising Concerns and Igniting Debate

In a significant move to address public health concerns, the government has announced a total ban on vape devices, signaling a shift in policy towards stricter regulations on electronic nicotine delivery systems. The decision to ban vape devices comes as concerns grow over their potential health risks and their impact on youth and non-smokers.

The ban, which will encompass the manufacturing, sale, and distribution of vape devices and related products, reflects a comprehensive approach to protect public health and promote a smoke-free society. The government cites emerging evidence of the health risks associated with vaping, including respiratory illnesses and potential long-term effects, as key factors driving this decision.

The decision has been met with mixed reactions from various stakeholders. Health experts and anti-tobacco organizations have applauded the ban, highlighting the need to curb the rising popularity of vape devices and prevent a new generation from becoming addicted to nicotine. They argue that stricter regulations and a total ban will protect the population, especially young individuals, from the potential harms of vaping.

On the other hand, proponents of vape devices and some tobacco harm reduction advocates express disappointment and concern over the blanket ban. They argue that vaping has been touted as a safer alternative to traditional tobacco smoking and has helped numerous smokers transition away from combustible cigarettes. They raise concerns that a total ban may force vapers to resort to more harmful smoking methods or the flourishing black market.

The ban also raises questions about personal freedoms and the role of government in regulating individual choices. Some critics argue that adults should have the right to make informed decisions about their own health, emphasizing the importance of harm reduction strategies and access to accurate information about vaping.

The government has acknowledged the complex nature of the issue and the need to strike a balance between public health concerns and individual rights. Officials have emphasized that the decision to implement a total ban is rooted in scientific evidence and a precautionary approach, with the primary aim of safeguarding public health and preventing potential long-term harm.

As the ban takes effect, government agencies will work closely with law enforcement to enforce the regulations and ensure compliance. Penalties for violating the ban will be implemented to discourage illegal production, sale, or use of vape devices.

The ban on vape devices also provides an opportunity for public education campaigns to raise awareness about the potential risks of vaping and to promote smoking cessation resources. The government is committed to providing support and resources to individuals seeking to quit vaping or looking for alternative cessation methods.

The decision to implement a total ban on vape devices aligns with the growing global trend of stricter regulations surrounding electronic nicotine delivery systems. Several countries have already taken similar measures to protect public health and mitigate potential risks associated with vaping.

Moving forward, the government intends to closely monitor emerging scientific research on vaping and reassess its policies accordingly. The ban will be subject to ongoing evaluation to ensure its effectiveness in protecting public health and address any unintended consequences.

As the ban on vape devices takes effect, it is anticipated that the decision will spark further debates and discussions about the regulation of emerging tobacco and nicotine products. The government encourages open dialogue among stakeholders, allowing for diverse perspectives to be considered in shaping future policies that strike a balance between public health and personal freedoms.

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Endorsements and Bot Activity Shake Up Final Election Stretch

May 27, 2023

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Commissioner Antoni Reynels (L) and Bishop Secretary JennaMarrelle Johnson (R)

With less than a week to go before Inquista's ecclesiastical elections, political machinations continue to mount. Archbishop Mikaela Kligenberg has further cemented her front-runner status with endorsemengts coming from Commissioner Antoni Reynels, Inquista's Bishop Secretary of Trade and International Development and the European Commissioner of Foreign Affairs, and Bishop Secretary Jenna Marelle Johnson, Inquista's Secretary of Defence. In addition to their endorsements, the two have also stated that they shall sit as Kligenbergist bishops if elected.

For the past few weeks, the Kligenbergist and Reformist camps have both thrown themselves at the two bishops to gain their fealty. The two bishops, who used to represent the most progressive-wing of the formerly united Reformist bloc, have been dubbed as "queenmakers" in recent times, straddling the line between the factions loyal to Archbishop Kligenberg and Bishop Secretary Emerett. Bishop Secretary Johnson's endorsement means a lot in particular, as she known to hold very significant political support among Inquista's black population, who make up roughly 15% of the country's population.

More than anything, however, the endorsements mean one thing: the two bishops clearly don't see a path for Bishop Secretary Emerett to become Archbishop, and so they've sided with who is very likely to win. The Archbishop's campaign is gaining more momentum, while Bishop Secretary Emerett's campaign is fizzling out. These endorsements suggest that the latter's campaign is done, and the public will likely react to these signals.

In return for their endorsements, Bishop Secretary Johnson could hold on to her job as Secretary of Defence, while Commissioner Reynels could potentially pluck the Secretary of State job directly from Bishop Secretary Emerett herself. Commissioner Reynels' endorsements may be harder pill for Bishop Secretary Emerett to swallow, as the two share a connection of being EPA-aligned European Commissioners. Bishop Secretary Emerett was elected as the second European Premier Commissioner under the EPA banner, after Eilidh Whiteford - who also happens to be a close friend of Commissioner Reynels.

The growing momentum for Archbishop Kligenberg's campaign has also created some irritation online. Pietist and Reformist candidates have voiced their concerns about being beleaguered by online bots who have plagued their social media spaces in the past week. Spam and troll accounts have ramped up attacks and have spread misinformation about Pietist and Reformist candidates and policies, and have also praised the Archbishop, and, at times, Bishop Karinn Lallana's campaign for European Councillor.

Economists have suggested that troll and spam accounts have disrupted scrutiny and discourse surrounding the Archbishop's doctrine of New Public Prosperity and her Pink Platform manifesto. The doctrine, which includes the creation of many new state-owned corporations in sectors of the Inquistan economy, the public purchase of several significant private corporations, and spend-spend-spend fiscal budgets, has become controversial in some circles as the Archbishop has simultaneously promised to never raise or introduce any new taxes - save for a carbon tax - during her tenure, and has committing herself to keeping Inquista as a business friendly tax haven. Misinformation online has depicted the Pink Platform as fully-costed and approved by renowned Inquistan economists, while casting negative and dubious economic forecasts on opposing economic plans.

Bishop Michael Cunard, leader of the Pietists, has alleged that these troll and spam accounts are products of foreign interference, and cites their perceived preference for the Archbishop and the Inquistan Councillor as stemming from "that Scarlet Red Witch."

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What should I do if I've failed my exams?

23 May 2023

If you're a student in Sertia, it's more than likely that you've gotten your exam results today. While many students triumphantly advance to their next stage of education, there are those who haven't passed their exams for a multitude of reasons.

Ella Hebride, 17, is one of those students. Having received an offer of a place for an English degree from Dredthe University, she failed to pass her exams and receive the prestigious Eswara classification required for admission due to ongoing family issues.

When she spoke to us, Ella was dreadfully disappointed. "I had been studying a very long time for this, and when I opened the results, I was, quite frankly, distraught".

"There's no way, I thought to myself, there's no way that I've failed. This can't be possible. I've been studying and studying and I've made it through a hellish year, only to fail my exams".

Ella received this letter in the post (address altered):

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Being on the brink of passing, and feeling confident in her abilities going into the exam, were two factors which contributed to her sadness and frustration.

So, if you're in Ella's situation, what options have you got?

1. Don't panic

Stress and anxiety are forms of panic, which is a natural response to fear stimuli in the environment. This includes bad exam results, which can cause panic. Before you open your results, take three deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth.

2. This is not the end

Just because you've failed to pass your exams does not mean you've failed your entire education. There are other qualifications available to you to reach the same place. Education expert Dirias Planser explains that "everyone learns differently, and there are qualifications out there fore all types of learners".

3. Results aren't everything

Just because you've failed your exams also doesn't mean that you'll never get a job. Some employers consider your results in school quite heavily. Other employers will hardly look at them. This should be an encouragement to present yourself well: everyone remembers a nice smiling face.

Jack Bernard, an recruiter for SNS, confirms this. "You can have the best qualifications in the book, but be a terrible person and so nobody hires you. Employers are looking for someone who can demonstrate their ability to work in teams, communicate effectively and be open to improvement".

Demonstrating interest can also be a deciding factor for some employers. "If a prospective employee shows that they will love their job and do it well, that's hardly grounds for rejection", Bernard says.

It's just a matter of looking in the right places that will help you to find your perfect match. Other options for careers include self-employment or vocational qualifications.

In short, don't despair. Anyway you go, you'll get there.

Election preparations reach the end as polls open tomorrow

Frederik Guesse

As the elections dawn near, political parties are gathering the support of the average Briekish citizen. Demokratiska Partiet, the current ruling party, has carried out a series of rallies and has released their most diverse manifesto in the history of Briekish politics. Support is crucial for all major parties, as many parties have vouched for policies or statements that have been inferred as controversial among the Briekish public. For instance, the opposition party introduced a progressive tax policy in some of their districts, which was popular among the less fortunate classes of people. However, it was vexed for the rest to gain support for the policy. The ruling party too, had its conundrums, as they failed to integrate certain regions of East Brickston which were not funded well enough.

As Brickston follows a semi-plebiscite system of voting, all citizens will be encouraged to vote for a national party and a regional party separately. In certain metropolitan regions, online voting is now an available feature which is accessible by downloading the EC-Brickston app or visiting appropriate government websites. Polling stations are, however, also available.

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Irish elections: Results indicate Fine Gael minority

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DUBLIN---The polls in Ireland have closed and the campaigns keenly watch the results. From what Sky has estimated, Fine Gael has won a minority government on 43%.

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Roscoes and TUI Abbott found guilty of complicating or frustrating the process of nationalization, remaining companies based in United Duchies sued

The Supreme Court of the Democratic Republic of Czech Slavia has ruled that the Roscoes and TUI Abbott have violated the re-nationalization legislation by spreading misinformation about the re-nationalization process and stopping all trade with Czech Slavia, using their influence to bar other Duchian companies from trading with Czech Slavia. The ruling is final and the two entities have lost all their claim to compensation. The Ministry of Industry and Trade hailed the decision of the Supreme Court as a victory for justice.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade, following the finding of the Court has sued the remaining Duchian entities that used to operate in Czech Slavia, as those companies did not oblige with the Ministry's demand to restart trade with Czech enterprises and denounce the statements issued by the Duchian Business Council in relations to the Czech nationalization policy. Number of foreign citizens working for any of the Duchian entities were allowed to leave the country, although travel restrictions remain for some of the employees, which are believed to have control over the entities operations in Czech Slavia.

A poll by the Public Opinion Research Institute found that 76% of Czechs support the re-nationalization policy, 69% believe that there are no significant risk of negative consequences associated with the policy and 92% believe that the leadership of President for Life Albína Reiserová will be able tu guide the nation to successfully carry out this policy and protect it from any potential negative consequences.

Band wins with Flying Colours

Horse Guards Parade, May 7 2023 | The annual Armed Forces Marching Band Competition has concluded with the RAF Central Band bagging first prize, in a ceremony at Horse Guards Parade presided over by Prince Edward. The Band of the Coldstream Guards found themselves at 2nd place, and the Band of the Royal Marines Manchester at 3rd. In a speech during the event, Prince Edward expressed his intent of enlisting in the service that would win the competition. More than 10 bands competed, playing various marches and tunes whilst marching. The Corps of Drums of the Royal Marines made a surprise performance during the intermission while the judges deliberated on the results, while the Massed Bands of the Colleges consisting of marching musicians from Hampton University, Yonsei University, Cambridge University, the Far East University, and more. More than 10 ,000 attendees witnessed the event which ended with the 1812 Overture played by the combined Massed Bands of the Household Division and the Mounted Band of the Household Cavalry, with cannons fired by the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery.

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Yosai-Hellas Mineral Exchange

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After weeks of Negotiation between the governments of Yosai and Hellas has been reached to commence a mineral exchange FTA. It is a basic program of mineral exchange. From Yosai the contribution will be Zinc, Lead, Sulphur, Uranium and Rare Earth Minerals. Hellas’ contribution in exchange will be fish, Copper Ore, Titanium, and Fish.

One of the ways to facilitate this trade is that both nations agreed to purchase exchange in ports. Yosai agreed to purchaser a freight port in Athens, and Hellas has purchased access to an exclusive port in Tokyo. The Yosainese government is pursuing this trade agreement with the goal of facilitating Yosainese trade within the Mediterranean.

Thus freight ships will be sent starting June with Yosainese products. A provision can be made for finished products the more trade is facilitated, but the Department of Commerce and Industry believes this will boost both nations economies.

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(MInister Tom Kelly at the annual Commonwealth Economic Forum last week

Kudonomics: Bold Government Intervention or Recipe for Disaster? Congress Divided on Economic Policies

In a interview recently at the annual Commonwealth Economic Forum in Dilaton, Condris, Minister of the Economy and Treasury Tom Kelly explained that the economic policies that he termed as ‘Kudonomics’ have been driving the economy of the Commonwealth of Leagio to new heights. The 45 year-old minister and Councilor representing the southern eastern section of Gopen since 2003 backed his statement by illustrating how the GDP of the commonwealth has risen by 250% of what it was before the inauguration of President Ran Mouri-Kudo after two year period, where the Country has a strong economy that can efficiently compete against other European nations economically. When compared to the previous president of Kenith Lifejumper, the GDP has see more growth with yearly salaries rising by at least 30,000 Sulias. Furthermore, Minister Kelly stated that in his opinion the policies of Mouri-Kudo involving the implementation of a progressive tax system, focused attacks on reducing the power of big business, increased government spending as a way to increase GDP with development for eastern provinces, and the creation of a ethics code for business to follow was very effective and successful.

The term of Kudonomics has been on the rise in the commonwealth through social media lately that has helped to improve the image of the current president where it involves a level of government intervention in the economy that had not been seen since the days of President Maxime Gauthier, who implemented his New Deal program during the economic hard times of the 1950s. The level of intervention when compared to President Lifejumper in particular is more aggressive in where Mouri-Kudo and Lahaye implement large-scale government spending in infustrature that went above even Lifejumper’s Eastern Economic Development Act which had the spending of 4 billion sulias that were saved to improve the infrastructure of the eastern provinces during a time of economic uncertainty after the Commonwealth joined the European Union.

However, many members of the National Congress that are in opposition to the Lahaye Government argued by explaining that the increase spending had caused a large decrease in the savings and amount of disposable income that the common Leagioan has in their pockets while at the same time the cost of living within the Commonwealth has risen by a large amount as well, which will at some point in the future will come back and do even more damage to the economy that will reverse all the results and effort of the Lahaye government.

In response to especially from the criticism of Councilor James Hilda from Huttson and of the Conservative Reformistists (who made such comments in the floor of the House of Councilors during its weekly 2 hour period of debating the policies of the government and the President), Economics Professor of the University of the Commonwealth William Heasa explained that “although, increased cost of living may result in lowered disposable income for some Leagioans, which could have negative effects on consumer spending and economic growth in the long term. The benefits in the long-term will start to outweigh them in the future at an even further state.” Another comment of concern from members of Congress was that Senator Maria Kerstin, herself, who issued a statement of concern that these large scale and expensive development programs will lead to a level of Debt that the Government will probably need to burrow from the EU and other European powers in order to finance the programs and projects completion.

Professor Heasa continued to explain that the effects of Kudonomics in how the benefits will still out weight the costs in that:
• By focusing on development for eastern provinces, Kudonomics may help to improve infrastructure in those regions, which could have long-term benefits for the economy.
• The progressive tax system implemented under Kudonomics may help to reduce income inequality in the long term, which could have positive effects on social and economic stability.
• By implementing a progressive tax system and reducing the power of big business, Kudonomics may help to create a more stable economic environment in the long term.

Economic Growth Stalling according to reports
News from the economic ministry post conflict have suggested that economic growth in per capita terms is stalling from the previous rapid growth. The reports show that GDP per capita if on the the current trend is likely to be just 3,500 Euros per capita more this year slowing significantly. The government have blamed global conditions while some experts speculate that market uncertainty and issues surrounding stability of government and images of the protests around the world may be the root cause.

When questioned the government said "We acknowledge the sad slowing down of growth and as your representatives we are working to fix this issue and encourage investment in the country and give assistance to businesses in this country. We will be unveiling a recovery plan including infrastructure investment , support for businesses and funds to encourage foreign investment into Svarna Surya. We will be continuing with our reforms and looking at how to create a more favourable tax system for the country."

Government declares finding uranium deposits 15 km away from Edgemorta

Anna Muller

The Ministry of Resources and Development has declared the discovery of uranium deposits 15 km away from Edgemorta. These reserves are currently exclusive to public-owned reserve managing companies such as Briekisch
Reserve und Wirtschaftliche [BRW] and Ostufer von Brickston, which control most reserves of the country.

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Napa Premier Palaczuk Protects Chinatown

SAN FRANCISCO---Napa CLP government has passed legislation to protect the rights of the popular San Francisco neighborhood, Chinatown. The area has received national heritage status, giving special rights to existence there. It was established in the 1880s and has been important to Chinese Californians since. Little Tokyo in Los Angeles seeks the same protection.

A week in the life of Roscoes.
What does life look like for the most well known billionaire of the United Duchies and our European Councillor James Mizrachi-Roscoe and family. We spend time in his life, his job and family to find out who the man and his family are. You may hear more about the man usually than the family but we intend to do a deep dive in on family life. It might not be what you expect of such a man.

A typical Day

We wake up on a typical day in the household that is not what you’d envision for a Billionaire nor is the house and cars what you’d envisage. Sure the cars are nicer than average a Jaguar electric vehicle and X-On with a mini bus for trips out but nothing as fancy as say a Mclaren, Rolls Royce or Lamborghini you may expect. I asked James why he chose such relatively austere cars and he said “We as a family are comfortable, we like our cars, they offer comfort , the space we need and the range. They are a means to get to the place we are going , why do we need more? What would spending 100,00 Dux Libra more get me , I could do it but surely that money would be better deployed elsewhere.” The kids wake up. Mathias speaks to Arya on the phone having been visiting his family for the week while making wedding preparations, Danya, Jakob and Amaziah wake up, have their breakfast Weetabix and milk with sugar before munching down on a cookie before going to school by e-bike joining their friends who also live local , Sara goes to college after waking up and having breakfast. They phone James and Yohanna to say they have arrived.Apparently Jakob played a prank on Amaziah this morning much to the amusement of all in the family. James goes to his office and does his phone calls and meetings for the day while Yohanna cooks lunch and prepares for dinner as its her day off , however she does work three days a week on a flexible bases. The children come back from school and they walk the three very cute sassy Chihuahuas together, the dogs are not just family dogs but sensory dogs for Amaziah. I am still yet to find a massive difference beyond the bank account balance.

I stay until the weekend they have a trip out to Hopkins Alton Towers for the day with the wider family including Amaziahs Uncles and Aunts Marcel,Rachel and Adana, cousins Hosea who is deaf ,Aviv, Noah,, Finn and Levi. They skip the line due to Amaziahs issues with sensory and physical issues with standing. Most of the time you wouldn't realise there is an Autistic son and daughter in the family but its moments like this that remind you of the constant challenges of a hidden disabled person. I feel sad a little for him at the looks he gets when he requests the seats on the bus because he cannot stand or when he gets help getting to the front of the queues to avoid discomfort. The tuts and looks and sometimes blatant comments , you can see the pain it causes but when I ask him about it "It's life I guess, I know I'm different and will never really be accepted truly" , what a sad indictment of our society, we need to do better. I see some of the public mock his stims upsetting him , so I put them in their place. James thanks me . Later in the week he comes back upset apparently the bullies have "pranked" him in the break by intentionally making him have a sensory overload. James is naturally furious about it and says it's not the first time bullying issues have been faced saying it happens much more than it should even though the school are great in helping out and helping his son.

On the Sunday after Church Amaziah , Danya and and Mathias go for a meal with their friends Gavin, Walker,Ryker, Deacon and Dylan, Austin and Amaziahs Girlfriend Aerial(who attends the same church). I join them before they go home for the evening where at 18:00 they have big family roast dinner.

I talk to James about it and he says "Honestly the challenges of raising Amaziah apart from managing his trauma is the looks people give, the comments how society treats him. He is an amazing kid , kind hearted and wants people to just accept him that's all , he just wants no judgement , and society still fails that simple basic test. Most are great but it's just a small minority and they piss me off , like he isn't hurting you so leave him alone.

One of the things I try to instill is his Autism is awesome it's society that sucks. Society needs to get that."Seeing the challenges over time really makes it hit home how easy I have it. They sometimes dwell on the loss of Emmanuel but not in a negative way , weekly they watch family videos . James explains "It's a way for us to keep his memories alive , the terrorists may have took his body but they can't take the memory of him away. We'd much rather celebrate his life constantly than wallow I'm pity.There was a time Amaziah blamed himself but we've worked on that people don't see that side of trauma unless one lives close with the victim." I am amazed at the strength of this family and kid to continue on with such a positive mindset. I ask Amaziah what he wants and he replies " I want people to accept and acknowledge me like anyone else, to treat me equally and to just respect me. Normal things , I am different yes, I've gone through trials yes , but I don't want your pity or judgement. All we want is acceptance. I want to live a normal life and help others and learn every day. It's simple really" and all I can respond to that is yes it is , may society get that and change. From what I've seen we have come a long way but have a long way to go

A normal house and food
Likewise the house is a simple historic old cottage style house, it's nice sure but nothing fancy there is no bathroom per bedroom, every child having his own room, walk in closets but it is in the heart of the area with the walk to transit and the local shopping green being less than 15 minutes.

The house is what you may expect an upper working class family to own , which as James explains it is where they came from when the house was brought by ancestors. He says on this “Our house is comfortable, the kids share a little and I can see one or two staying with us with the rest being brought a modest house , which honestly is a great luxury for them. How many have their parents buy them a house and have that start in life . We have lived in this house for generations as Roscoes my sisters and brothers were brought up here, its home simply put. I don’t see the need to move out or for posh decor , I just get what I like from local artists, this house is not about showing off, it's about being a comfortable place to live , a place where we can create simple memories like the time one sung terrible karaoke or played a nice game of cards etc …. We like to appreciate the simple things in life. I have billions I could afford a lot more houses and a lot fancier but I don’t need that to be happy. We are happy here, this house does what we need and I have good memories here of my first wife who died young and my present wife Yohanna who I love and stays at home and looks after the kids, a luxury we are lucky to be able to afford. We don’t have servants or butlers, we do have a cleaner come in every day, a luxury we are lucky to afford at our income to take the strain off the wife and myself. We enjoy our dinner parties and bbq’s in the garden. In fact having a second home in Europolis and buying the third in Goudadam for when we need to spend time there for business frequently was a big step for us. We'd always felt that would be greedy but we needed to in order to have a family life , otherwise I'd just always be away from the kids .

Another aspect that's fascinating is all the food is Roscoes, all the clothes are Roscoes I ask why , surely he can afford more unique clothes and food but he answers with the typical Roscoes answer “Why would I? If I use all Roscoes products which are good quality anyway the money comes back in and its affordable . I buy Roscoes because I put my money where my mouth is. I promote Roscoes as good quality and value for all , so why wouldn’t I shop at what I believe to be the best value and quality shop. If I shopped elsewhere constantly it would show lack of faith in the product. I do still buy from local bakeries , our favourite is the Bournville Bread Basket andwe go to the butchers next door regularly too but it's not my default, if there is Roscoes I’d rather buy from our own stores. It's just basic economic sense to buy from the store you own. “
Technology and Luxuries
The life of the adults seems simple, the usual amount of streaming and cable services nothing obviously billionaire or even millionaire spending. The travel is by e-bike, cargo trike with each having an e-bike , some drives for longer distances but also often train and budget airlines if necessary although traveling by Aerodux is opted for if they need to take a large amount of bags. James doesn’t even have a massively expensive phone, his phone cost him 700 Euros and a tablet cost 150 Euros which he got because in his words “they do what I need”. His wife has a similar set up and don’t think the kids get spoiled , they have to work or volunteer 8 hours a week for an allowance of 9,000 Euros per year out of which they have to buy any clothes, gadgets , entertainment, and trips and nights out and even bikes if they want them. If they want more they have to go and get a job. Spoilt kids these are not, but they seem happy enough. James explains “I want them to value money and see it takes work to earn it , they get a few presents for birthday and christmas but only 3 presents no more than that so they have to tell me what they want up to 200 Eurosand included in family trips of course, I pay for the Europe wide Hopkins pass but if they want more they have to earn it after all they already get more than the average middle class and working class person. I tell them how blessed they are and want them to see it, thats why I have them volunteer in real world places and want them to mix with middle class and working class, they have many friends in those classes, of course they have some very rich and notable ones like the Kligenburgs and notably for Amaziah His Imperial Highness Nikolai III who is a great family friend now. He really went out of his way to help us and has supported Amaziah through his hardest times. Honestly he has just been amazing for all of us, he is such an awesome person. I don’t know anyone who says a bad thing about him although he can be cantankerous with people who take the piss with him but he’s blunt and direct but a lovely guy overall.You know where you stand with him.”

Everywhere you look they seem to not spend on luxuries, the cups , dishes and plates are over 30 years old , Denbywith the odd newer one. A Lot of the furniture and clothes are either cheap but good quality or vintage and handed down. The newest thing is the consoles, the computers are 6 years old but the highest end when they bought them. Nothing would indicate them as super rich, certainly not billionaires. There's no private education; they go to Count Edwards School in Selly Oak, just a typical Grammar public school with 30% intake from lower income backgrounds, so nothing fancy there.

One thing I notice is the importance of their faith. There are regular prayer and bible sessions and the kids are always involved and torah sessions for Yohanna and her kids. They go to youth clubs regularly at their church and go every Sunday to a Church they even go on holiday I am told while Yohanna and her kids attend the local synagogue, a reformed one . Again regular Christian stuff. I speak to the pastor to find out more about the family , the pastor says “They don’t act or live anything massively different from others here. They are a lovely family. The kids are amazingly kind and humble as is James. They are respected in church. I know over 80% of their money goes to charity mainly because he doesn’t believe in excess living and he wants money to help others, naturally he doesn’t boast about this, that's just James for you. If you walked into church on a Sunday I think you would struggle to identify them as rich in any way. They are just regular joes who happen to be rich, a privilege they recognise and are cognizant of “

I speak with James about being a billionaire father and what that entails he says to me “I don’t think it's massively different. All fathers face trials , their kids have hard times and need support. Our family has been through a lot , I honestly think my kids being autistic has more of an impact. Amaziah needs a lot more support especially with what's happened to him. To go through a bomb attack and almost be murdered being left to die alone after a horrific and brutal shooting, stabbing and beating in a park for being just autistic is enough for an adult to cope with , never mind a 13 year old child. We are still working through the PTSD and I don’t think it will ever go away , but we are managing now with help and he seems to be on a happier footing now. Honestly that's having far more of an impact than any money I have coming in. I think people think us billionaires live in an entirely different world with no stress, issues etc but reality is we often face the same pressures as any average family.

We have to support the kids , get the right school , and make sure our children are safe and well. We go to DHS and public funded services for that, we try to avoid private ones if possible mainly because well the working class don’t have the private option.But a lot of the challenges are the same. I’m not going to say it's not slightly easier as we have the ability to afford private, which is more than many can say but that money doesn't buy you an easy life. No one's life is easy. In many ways ours is more challenging in getting the family -work life balance right. Being a politician there's always someone demanding your time or wanting a meeting or sessions to go to, but luckily my family understand so what we do is spend 50% of our time as a family in Europolis so I actually get to see them , we have a second nice home there which I insisted I pay for, but it's not fancy again. After all the taxpayer should not be paying a billionaire like myself a wage or expenses, I refuse to claim any expenses for that reason , I can afford to pay my PA and office staff and office expenses, the taxpayer should not have to , any money I do have to take in legally in wages I just donate to charities to help people.” It’s interesting to hear his perspective. He seems literally like an ordinary guy you’d meet down the pub. It just so happens he is a billionaire. I speak to Rachel and other Roscoes about their lives, Rachel appears to be one of the high spenders in the family with Edwin also spending more than James but even they seem relatively down to earth and frugal in comparison to their income. There are no super yachts , daily or weekly parties and frivolous expenses that way. Rachel's most extravagant expenses I’m told are 5 star hotels, again no private jets though she travels business class as do Edwim. Notably though Adana is very much like James, very frugal and humble, maybe it has something to do with the ICS faith they share.