Nuntius Inimici - Inimician Broadcasting Corporation

[Inimicus]

INIMICIAN CONSTITUTION AMENDED - TERRA DIUTIUS FORMED

The Imperial Palace in Telum, where the Constitutional amendments were passed

Telum, 27/07/2020 - Following last week's pressure on the national administration by the Ducal Council, Inimicus's Constitution was definitively amended in a clear-cut vote yesterday afternoon. Members of the National Imperial Council (NIC) voted overwhelmingly to change the Inimician Constitution with the amendments proposed by His Imperial Majesty Emperor Artabanos earlier this year.

Notably, the new Constitution dissolves the Imperial Generality territory, an unincorporated plot of land in the southwest of Inimicus which was directly governed by the Emperor and the NIC. The first of the Constitutional amendments passed replaces Article I, which formerly contained a freedom of speech clause, with the following:

The territory of the Empire of Inimicus comprises Terra Centurio, Terra Dominus, Terra Duitius, Terra Legatus, Terra Praestoris, Terra Quaestoris, Terra Rosarum, and the Imperial District of Telum.

This new Terra, Diutius, consists of the former Generality as well as a fairly large amount of land from Terra Rosarum, whose population has grown exponentially in recent years. The new Terra's institutes of government are to be incrementally set up over the next few weeks. In any case, the swift passing of these Constitutional Amendments allow the citizens of Terra Diutius to vote for their two National Imperial Council representatives in the upcoming election on August 12th.

The following amendments were also passed:

• In Article XVII, on Constitutional amendments, the clause "provided two thirds of each of the permanent bodies of the Imperial Diet concur" has been replaced with "and a majority of the National Imperial Council", allowing for Constitutional amendments to be enacted by Act of NIC or Imperial Decree.
• Article XXIV on Amendments to the system of Imperial Succession has been scrapped, subjecting the rules of Imperial Succession to legislation by Act of NIC or Imperial Decree.
• An important clause has been added to Article XXVI on Regencies: "The Emperor is temporarily incapacitated, to be declared and verified by at least two qualified physicians and a majority of the National Imperial Council"
• A further amendment to the Regency Article was made in XXVI(2): "The National Imperial Council shall assume the Imperial Prerogative upon the declaration of a Regency. The National Imperial Council shall retain the power to appoint a Regent."
• In Article XXVIII, concerning the appointment of officers of the National Executive, the clause "in accordance with the Constitution" was scrapped.
• Article XXXII on the rules of appointment of Imperial Consuls was also scrapped, allowing for the dismissal of Consuls or Executive Officers by the Emperor without the consent of the Executive Representative Leader.
• In Article XXXII on the Imperial Diet Fundamentals, the clause "the entire people of Inimicus" was replaced with "all Inimician nationals".
• Article XXXIII(d) "Regulations for membership of the National Imperial Council are set out in further articles" was scrapped.
• Another scrapped clause was XXXVII(b): "No one may be a member of more than one assembly of the Imperial Diet."
• And, the final scrapping of this set of Amendments, XL(b) "The dissolution shall take effect on the next day on which the House meets", allowing the Emperor to dissolve the Lower House of the Imperial Diet instantly.
• Another important amendment was made to Article XLII on NIC voting. Previously, this read: "The Emperor shall be worth eleven National Imperial Council votes. Every other delegate in the National Imperial Council shall have one vote. Decisions shall be made by majority." However, with the incorporation of a new Terra, this has been amended to: "Provincial, appointed, and Executive members of the National Imperial Council shall have one vote; The Emperor shall have one more vote than there are Provincial members; Decisions shall be made by majority."
• Furthermore, an entire chapter was added on the rights and duties of Provincial administrations, this chapter beingt the main reason the Ducal Council pushed for the swift passing of these amendments. Ch. III provides the Provinces with a host of powers and stipulates that Provincial goverments are the main recipients of new powers and duties, rather than the National Government.

The full, newly amended Constitution for the Empire of Inimicus can be viewed here.

[Inimicus]

ELECTION CAMPAIGN STARTS WITH POPULIST MOVEMENT FOUNDING -- INITIAL ITSA FINDINGS INDICATE PROJECTILE DOWNED NEEDLETAIL ONE

Lacerta, 29th July 2020 - The official 14-day campaign period for the National Imperial Council by-elections on 12th August was off with a bang today as a new pro-Imperial movement announced its participation in all four Terras up for election. The "Emperor's Finest" filed all necessary paperwork at the provincial Electoral Commissions of Terra Centurio, Dominus, Quaestoris, and Diutius early on Wednesday morning. Duchess Simge Galanth of Terra Quaestoris, Chair of the Inimician Ducal Council (an advisory body of all provincial Dukes and Duchesses), has announced she will formally be leading the Emperor's Finest into this election. "Now truly is the best time to be a pro-Imperialist", she announced on the steps of Quaestoris Provincial House, "The Inimician People have had enough of the large gang of political beasts occupying the Imperial Palace. The only man of power that should be behind those doors is the Emperor, the only man with integrity, honesty, and dedication. He loves this country and its people, as I do. Let's pull together in support of the Inimician people, and in support of our Emperor."

Spokespeople from traditional Inimician parties, such as the Centre-Conservative Union and the Inimician Liberal Appeal, responded by branding the Emperor's FInest "hyper-populist", a movement surrounding a "personality cult", and, in the words of United Green Front leader Jeff Speller, "a bunch of baked air - fancily baked air, I'll give them that, but baked air nonetheless." His Imperial Majesty Emperor Artabanos, though now reportedly able to speak and in high spirits, is still unavailable for comment.

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In other news, the Imperial Transportation Safety Authority released what it calls "highly preliminary" indications for the conclusion that a projectile was the cause of the downing of Needletail One, the fateful event that saw four Imperial Councillors and a member of the Imperial Executive dead and the Emperor grievously wounded. When quizzed by a Nuntius Inimici reporter, ITSA Chair Carol Fencer declared: "based on the findings we have and the fieldwork our officers carefully conducted, including with help from the European Aviation Authority, we are currently assuming a crash by projectile as our main hypothesis."

When asked where a highly sophisticated surface-to-air missile required to down a high-speed passenger airliner might have been located at the time of the crash, Fencer commented: "We have absolutely no idea as of yet, but it's intensely unlikely the missile would have been fired from Inimician soil, of course. It's not easy to move the type of high-tech mobile surface-to-air missile around the highly populated Terra Rosarum countryside, of course. I know you're looking for answers, but I have none at this point."

Representatives from Inimicus's northern and southern neighbours, North Diessen and Neo-Venetia, respectively, have been summoned to the Imperial Palace in Telum for an immediate discussion. It is as yet unclear whether the Neo-Venetian delegation will genuinely attend: ever since the communist uprising in this country, Inimicus has withdrawn all diplomatic ties, boycotted all Neo-Venetian produce and manufacturing products, and completely closed the Inimician-Venetian border to all traffic. The North Diessenian delegation, however, is already in Telum and has offered its full support in assisting this investigation.

[Inimicus]

PRO-IMPERATOR HUGH TO BE PUSHED FROM NATIONAL IMPERIAL COUNCIL AFTER ELECTION -- EUROPEAN COUNCILLOR AUGUSTUS BARRINGTON TO RESIGN

Former Emperor (Pro-Imperator) Hugh Doyle

Telum, 7th Aug 2020 - Imperial Palace sources confirm Emperor Artabanos will not be renewing the appointment of Pro-Imperator Hugh Doyle on the National Imperial Council. Since the NIC was instituted in 2015, Hugh, who served as Emperor from 2013 until his resignation due to illness in 2014, filled one of the Council seats appointed by Emperor Artabanos. The NIC is currently on summer recess until the by-election of the 12th August, meaning Hugh will no longer get to sit on any NIC session. Hugh was, upon his appointment, lauded for his "expertise, love for the Inimician people, and sheer will", praises which were not repeated in the statement officially dismissing him.

The letter, authored and signed by Vicarius Wilfred Cocx, Emperor Artabanos's temporary deputy, thanks Doyle for his "long-time service" but claims that "the time has come for the Doyle era to end" and that "the Inimician People clearly desire change after recent events." Nuntius Inimici approached Wilfred Cocx for comment, and he said that the dismissal was "long overdue", and that "Hugh was appointed by the Emperor, but never acted like it, never showed gratitude."

Hugh Doyle, meanwhile, responded with a series of tweets:

Hours following the former Emperor's call for a popular movement to take control of the streets, around fifteen protestors were spotted among the tourists on the square in front of the Imperial Palace. When Telum Police arrived to check whether they had been given permission to protest, the demonstrators turned violent. They were all arrested within twenty minutes of their arrival.

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Inimicus's European Councillor Sir Augustus Barrington has announced he felt "compelled to resign" by "issues of a personal nature" yesterday evening in an official announcement. Sir Augustus emphasised he will continue to represent Inimicus until 31st August, when his deputy Charlie Tilki (currently also employed as Nuntius Inimici Palace Correspondent) will take over until a suitable successor has been found. According to EU law, Inimicus must now organise direct elections for the office of European Councillor, leading to a second round of votes in a short space of time after the NIC by-elections on the 12th. In his resignation letter, Sir Augustus stressed he would like to see his predecessor, Nicholas Benfield, return to the Council, and called on him to register as a candidate. Several other popular figures also made their interest for the position known, including Imperial Councillors Ralph Jaevons (also a former European Councillor) and Edmund Everett, and Deputy Cllr Tilki.

From left to right: Nicholas Benfield, Ralph Jaevons, Edmund Everett, Charlie Tilki

As is customary in Inimicus, however, European Councillors are typically serving members of the NIC, in order to facilitate as direct a liaison as possible between the Imperial Government and the EU. "If it were deemed desirable for a non-member European Councillor to still attend the NIC", explains Prof Reinette Boekholz, "A constitutional amendment would be required. We just finished a round of constitutional amendments, so it is unlikely this will happen in the short term." Executive Representative Leader Lord Christopher Strathclyde noted to Nuntius Inimici that discussions around how to organise European elections, and whether non-NIC members will be allowed to stand, are still ongoing. He mentioned a possible "observer role" for a European Councillor on the NIC, but refused to divulge details.

Rumours about Sir Augustus's health have been cirulating in the corridors of the Imperial Palace for a long time - his is one of the most time-consuming and stressful jobs in the country due to Inimicus's councillor's status in national as well as international politics. "European Councillors from Inimicus work two full-time jobs concurrently", Prof Boekholz explains, "They represent the Imperial Government on the international stage, but they also represent their constituents on the NIC. It truly is the job of giants."

[Inimicus]

NEW EVIDENCE TAKES BLAME FROM NORTH DIESSEN, POINTS TO SOUTHERN ORIGIN OF ARTABANOS CRASH MISSILE

Jerome van Dommelsch, Constable-in-Chief of the Imperial Transportation Safety Association and the lead investigator into the Artabanos Crash

Portus Inimici, 9th August 2020 - In a report seemingy contradictory of earlier press statements, Constable-in-Chief of the Imperial Transportation Safety Association (ITSA), Jerome van Dommelsch, announced the "highly probable" source of the missile that downed Needletail One, the supersonic jet carrying His Imperial Majesty Emperor Artabanos, was north Neo-Venetia. Last week, Van Dommelsch announced the cause of the crash to be the impact of a surface-to-air missile in a press conference with Imperial Councillor Basil Lawson, who specialises in military and defence matters. At this earlier conference, Van Dommelsch suggested a northern origin of the missile in question, antagonising Inimicus's northern neighbour, North Diessen. Today, those accusations appear to have reversed.

"A combination of eyewitness testimony, sattelite images, as well as pictures and videos taken moments before the fateful missile impact, lead us to this preliminary conclusion", Van Dommelsch announced, "Copious amounts of videos and photographs from multiple angles, taken by avid planepotters and enthusiast, unmistakably point to a missile origin point just south of the Inimician-Venetian border." When questioned whether he would apologise for his earlier statements, Van Dommelsch announced: "I never insinuated any involvement from the North Diessen administration in this, and if my words were taken as accusations of the sort, I unreservedly withdraw and apologise for them. But this was never what I said."

Following the statement, the North Diessenian government announced an immediate end to the sanctions it imposed on Inimicus after the press conference last week. "We are happy the Inimician government has withdrawn its unbased accusations against our nation", President Inge Pekcan of North Diessen stated, "We will stand down our military and allow all borders to open as normal. The suspensions of visa applications for Inimician nationals are also, as of this moment, lifed."

North Diessen's Confederal President Inge Pekcan

Inimicus's relation with Neo-Venetia, the nation now accused of either harbouring the terrorists who shot down the Emperor, or of executing the act itself, has been strained ever since a communist-led coup occured in the nation several months ago. inimicus suspended the Neo-Venetian embassy, completely closed the border with its southern neighbour, and cancelled all visas and residency permits of Neo-Venetians in Inimicus. The Neo-Venetians retaliated with similar measures. The Imperial Government issued a Warrant of Summons to the Neo-Venetian government, strongly requesting a delegation to attend the Imperial Palace to provide information about possible missile installations, to which the Neo-Venetian government has, as yet, not replied. The government has also appealed to the Apostolic Crown of Angleter, which it still recognises as the legitimate overlords of Neo-Venetia, for co-operation.

[Inimicus]

SWEARING-IN OF NEW IMPERIAL COUNCILLORS // NICHOLAS BENFIELD TO TAKE UP EMPEROR-APPOINTED COUNCILLORSHIP // CANDIDATES FOR EU ELECTIONS PRESENTED

From left to right: Simge Galanth IC, Venman Hern IC, Dilkes Ayla IC, Nazil Schout IC, newly-elected Imperial Councillors

Telum, 18th August 2020 - Following the National Imperial Council by-elections of last week, the four newly-elected Councillors were sworn in during an official ceremony in the Imperial Palace this afternoon. The Councillors swore alliegance to the Inimician Constitution, to the Emperor and his Vicarius, and that they would faithfully discharge their duties. Three of the four new Imperial Councillors were elected on lists from the Emperor's Finest movement, a new popular front campaigning on an Imperial Support platform. Simge Galanth, now former Duchess of Terra Quaestoris, was elected in her own Terra, while Dilkes Ayla and Nazil Schout conquered the newly formed Terra Diutius. The only non-Finest victor, Henman Vern, ran in Terra Centurio on behalf of the Centre-Conservative Union, and narrowly beat the Inimician Liberal Appeal's candidate.

Vicarius Wilfred Cocx led the swearing-in ceremony, which was broadcast on Palace Live. "You have ascended to one of the highest offices of State in this Empire", Vicarius Cocx spoke, "The Inimician People expect you to give your best. Your office will neither be easy, nor make you rich. You must act out of love for your country and your Emperor." After the ceremony, which involved decorating the councillors-elect with laurel wreaths, as was customary for royal advisors in the days of the Kingdom of Telum, before 1801 AD, the new Imperial Councillors took their seat at the NIC table, and participated in their first Council meeting, which involved an announcement from Vicarius Cocx about the replacement for Pro-Imperator Hugh Doyle, who was relieved of his NIC duties last week.

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This replacement, it appeared, is Nicholas Benfield, former Inimician EU Councillor and political veteran. Benfield retired following a car accident in which he lost both legs, but now says he "feels better than ever" and "more than ready to represent the Inimician People once again." The Imperial Decree appointing Mr Benfield to the National Imperial Council was signed by Vicarius Wilfred Cocx, a long-time ally of Mr Benfield, and His Imperial Majesty Emperor Artabanos - indicating that the Emperor is once again getting involved with the running of the State.

Mr Benfield represented Inimicus on the European Council from 2012 to 2014, and attracted significant controversy during his time in Europolis, arguing against the proposed Ocean Protection Act on anti-environmentalist grounds, claiming that global warming is caused by weather rather than man-made actions, and taking a tough stance on immigration and social policies. When asked about these unpopular stances, Benfield today said: "We all learn, and over the last few years I have learned these ideas were not always tenable. I still take a tough stance on many issues, but I have, without shame, liberalised on others. One thing is as clear as it has always been, however: I love this Empire, and I love its Emperor."

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Nicholas Benfield was also, incidenally, one of the names that appeared on the Imperial Electoral Commission's list of confirmed candidates for the upcoming European Elections in Inimicus, along with several other famous Inimicians. Nuntius Inimici political correspondent Colin Husky comments: "It is likely that Vicarius Cocx hopes Benfield will win this vote, which the government does not really want to hold, and can then hold office in both the European and Imperial Councils." Inimicus's current European Councillor, Sir Augustus Barrington, announced his resignation due to personal reasons last week.

The other registered candidates are Hetty Tilki, journalist and current Deputy European Councillor (independent); Jeff Speller, leader of the United Green Front and current Imperial Councillor, Guliz Sagin (People's Movement), and Judy Speller (Central Progressive Party/UGF). The Centre-Conservative Union and Inimician Liberal Appeal did not field candidates of their own.

Hetty Tilki and Jeff Speller IC

Guliz Sagin and Judy Speller

[Inimicus]

HETTY TILKI WINS EUROPEAN COUNCILLORSHIP IN BLOW TO ADMINISTRATION // CONFUSION OVER BENFIELD'S NIC APPOINTMENT

Inimicus's new European Councillor, Hetty Tilki

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Telum, 28/8/2020 - In a blow to the established Imperial administration, former European Deputy Councillor and Nuntius Inimici journalist Hetty Tilki secured enough votes in yesterday's European Councillor elections to win the contest. Tilki defeated Benfield, who was widely expected to win the election - including by the current administration - and all other candidates by a narrow margin, winning 37% of first-preference votes and an even larger amount of second preferences.

The European Councillor elections were called after Sir Augustus Barrington, long-time veteran of representing Inimicus in Europe, announced his resignation earlier this month. In accordance with European legislation which mandates direct popular election of all Councillors, Inimicus was compelled to organise its first ever European elections only weeks after the National Imperial Council contest which saw the Emperor's Finest movement sweep the halls of the Imperial Palace.

In response, Vicarius Wilfred Cocx raised Nicholas Benfield to the Imperial Councillorship, evidently anticipating his long-time ally's election to the European office, which Benfield held before between 2012 and 2013. Now that Tilki has won yesterday's vote, Cocx and the Vicarial admnistration must seek a different way to instruct Inimicus's European Councillor, who traditionally is always a member of the National Imperial Council, as well.

"It is likely one of two things will now occur", comments Colin Husky, Nuntius Inimici political guru, "Either Benfield will be dismissed and Tilki will take his place, which would be immensely controversial, or a type of pseudo-Councillorship will be created for Tilki, perhaps she will not be allowed to vote, but just attend. Wilfred Cocx will not allow Inimicus's European Councillor to escape direct instructions from the National Imperial Council."

At 20 years old, Tilki is the youngest ever European Councillor from Inimicus and one of the youngest elected or appointed officials in the Empire. During the campaign, which was not well-publicised due to general election fatigue and disagreement with the election of the European Councilllor in general among the population, resulting in a turnout of 32%, Tilki was criticised by her opponents for her lack of experience, however she also became incredibly popular online - it is this online enthusiasm which appears to have handed her the victory.

Although the Imperial Electoral Commission did not stipulate a term limit for the Council term that begins today, the European Elected and Accountable Council Act stipulates that elections for European Councillors should occur every four years at least. Nuntius Inimici will follow Miss Tilki closely during her term in office.

[Inimicus]

INIMICUS BACK AS NUCLEAR POWER // CONSUL STRATHCLYDE ISSUES WARNING ABOUT MILITARY GULF USE

Europolis, 28/09/2020 - In a unanimous decision by the European Nuclear Arms Authority, the Empire of Inimicus was re-granted its licence to stockpile 200 nuclear warheads, in a huge morale boost for the Imperial Regime. Inimicus formally re-applied to the ENAA in July after the Three-Year Plan of Emperor Artabanos, which involved temporarily suspending major parts of EU legislation, came to an end. "This decision shows Inimicus is back where it belongs: at the heart of the European family of nations", Imperial Defence Officer Boris Mancov commented this afternoon, "Inimicus has shown it is capable of handling nuclear weapons securely and has, in the eyes of the ENAA, secured the right to defend its people by whatever means necessary."

The Imperial Defence Office and its subsidiary the Imperial Nuclear Authority announced today that a stockpile of 200 nuclear warheads, the maximum allowed by the ENAA decision, commenced production the moment the ENAA declared its judgement. Additionally, the IDO and INA publicised some details about 50 new ICBM launch sites spread across the Empire, as well as about 10 newly-produced mobile ICBM launcher sites. "We will be ready", IDO Mancov said, "To counter any threat to our Empire with resolute force if necessary. Let the Inimician People sleep soundly in their beds to night, safe in the knowledge the Defence Office is standing guard."

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In other news, rumours from the North Diessenian Presidential Palace about a possible agreement with the Kingdom of Reitzmag involving the construction of a canal from the Caspian to the Persian Gulf were met with hostility in the Imperial Consulate. Lord Christopher Strathclyde, Executive Representative Leader and Imperial Consul, spoke at a press conference today: "Inimicus cannot stand idly by if a significant military power which has only recently been openly hostile to the Empire and its allies gains access to what the Empire considers its protected naval zone. We call upon the Kingdom of Reitzmag to cease its attempts at gaining access to the Persian Gulf immediately or face action."

Asked what these actions may involve, Lord Strathclyde commented, "If Reitzmic ships pass through the Persian Gulf, if it comes to that, the Imperial Navy will act with appropriate force. We hope it will not come to that, and would be willing to work with the North Diessenian government to prevent such things from happening. If North Diessen proves unresponsive, as it has been lately, the Empire will not shun the protection of its national space by any means."

[Inimicus]

EMPIRE OF INIMICUS MOVES TO MILITARY READINESS LEVEL 4 -- THREAT LIKELY

Telum, 02/10/2020 - The Imperial Defence Office announced this evening that the military threat level for the whole Empire is to be raised from Level 3 (threat possible) to Level 4 (threat likely) out of a possible 5 Levels. A joint statement by the Defence Office and officials from the Capital Ready Defence Command, which determines the strategic position of the Empire in the region constantly, declared:

"Following the declaration by the Four Assembled Powers, of which the Empire is an integral part, of a no-fly zone over the territory of Eastern Haane, commencing tomorrow, Saturday 2nd October, at 1200 hours GMT+2, the Capital Ready Defence Command has advised the raising of the Imperial Threat Level from 3 to 4. This indicates a threat to the territorial integrity and safety of the Empire is likely. Several reasons underpin this decision:

"First, the Imperial Armed Forces are currently embarking on a military mission abroad, which could evoke retaliatory responses; second, this military mission involves a currently contentious issue that could antagonise one or several of the Empire's neighbours; and third, elements of the military of the Kingdom of Reitzmag are currently present in the region, with Reitzmic officials having stated they will not obey the no-fly zone as ordered by the Assembled Powers."

Large numbers of Inimician military vessels are currently operating in the Mediterranean to enforce the no-fly zone from tomorrow. The fleet is thought to include several of the brand-new Artabanos class Supercarriers, capable of carrying up to 95 aircraft each, as well as a small number of nuclear-powered, nuclear-armed Lator Penatis-class submarines. Nuntius Inimici will be following events closely as they develop tomorrow.

[Inimicus]

IMPERIAL GOVERNMENT, ARTABANOS FOUNDATION ANNOUNCE MASS AID TO EASTERN HAANE

Telum/Astro, 7th October 2020 - In a joint declaration by the Imperial Foreign Office and the Artabanos Foundation, His Imperial Majesty Emperor Artabanos, Consul and Executive Representative Leader Lord Christopher Strathclyde, and Imperial Foreign Officer Sarah Gladwell, announced the creation of a mass relief fund for those suffering in Eastern Haane. Or, in the words of Emperor Artabanos, "what remains of it".

The Artabanos Foundation, the massive charitable wealth fund managed by the Emperor, has agreed to contribute €75 million to the fund, and the Imperial Government has matched this sum. "The Empire is currently engaged in efforts to stop unauthorised transports and military aircraft from flying over and landing in Eastern Haane", Foreign Officer Gladwell announced, "It is only fair that the Imperial Government does its duty in providing relief efforst to the Haanean people while doing so. We cannot deprive Eastern Haane of resources and food, and let the country starve to death."

Starving to death, it seems, is what Haaneans have been suffering, if a recent announcement from the Government of the People's State of Eastern Haane is to be believed. "Everyone knows how much I love food", His Imperial Majesty contributed to the announcement, "And I take sincere pity on the people of Eastern Haane for not having any. I can't vouch for what water tastes like, but people tell me it's pretty important."

The collected €150million will primarily be spent on airlifting water and other basic nutritional requirements to the worst-affected areas in Eastern Haane. Imperial Consul Strathclyde encouraged other nations and organisation to make a similar announcement: "We ask all friendly nations to join with us in #Pledging75, assisting in the immensely vital effort to relieve the suffering of the Haanean people. Whether communist, capitalist, left-wing, right-wing, or somewhere in between, we are all humans. That, in a nutshell, is what this move stands for."

Initial shipments of the #Pledging75 Artabanos Foundation fund are expected to reach Eastern Haane within several days, subject to inspection times in airfields of the Kingdom of Spain.

Food packages are loaded onto an Imperial Air Force cargo plane at Portus Inimici Imperial Aerodrome

[Inimicus]

IS THE HOUSE OF NOBLES DYING OUT? -- //-- PALACE PROMISES ECONOMIC REFORM TO REAP BENEFITS OF EURORAIL AND GDP GROWTH

Telum, 3rd Feb 2021 - Yesterday, His Imperial Majesty Emperor Artabanos formally signed the Imperial Decree appointing Marquis Maximillian de Barrington, Imperial Consul, to the House of Nobles. However, appointments like this have not been a common occasion of late: indeed, this is the first appointment made to the upper house of the Imperial Diet since the restoration of the Empire. Since 2012, 97 Nobles have passed on, leaving 97 vacant seats in the House of Nobles -- unlike the House of Commons or the National Imperial Council, there are no elections to the Nobles; members are instead appointed directly by the Emperor. Some politicians in Telum are stepping up criticism of Emperor Artabanos for not appointing new members.

"The Constitution clearly says the Emperor is responsible for appointing the members of the House of Nobles", claims Jeff Speller, Imperial Councillor and long-time critic and convicted would-be assassin of the Emperor, "The fact that He is attempting to subvert democratic scrutiny in this way is unacceptable." When asked how the scrutiny of an appointed body could be called democratic, Mr Speller refused comment.

Telum University's Professor of Political Science Mia Hall explains the constitutional settlement surrounding the House of Nobles: "Although the Constitution gives the Emperor the right to appoint Nobles, it does not obligate Him to do so. Now, I'm not aware of the Emperor's intentions here, but there are some who suggest He is trying to informally abolish the House. This might be a strange way of abolishing an assembly, but it is, ultimately, a legal one."

Not all scholars agree. Dr Maria Gerbranda of Lacerta Politics Institute counters: "Article 35 of the Constitution stipulates that the House of Nobles should have 150 members. This implies the Emperor is subverting the Constitution by deliberately not appointing any. If He is intent on abolishing the House, then he simply has the option of leaving the House of Nobles suspended indefinitely, as Article 36 sets the duration of Noble sessions as determined by Imperial Decree." Such a move, however, is likely to infuriate the remaining Nobles.

Nuntius Inimici's Polling Report for the first week of Feburary included questions of approval of Imperial Diet bodies. The results of a 5,000-participant poll are as follows:

Body/Person	Approve %	Disapprove %
National Imperial Council	53	26
House of Commons	42	43
House of Nobles	17	75
Emperor Artabanos	88	4
Vicarius Cocx	63	12
Consul de Barrington	35	62
Consul Strathclyde	23	15
Walter Cocx	57	31

Intriguingly, de Barrington's appointment to the House of Nobles comes with another political conundrum: the National Imperial Council recently adopted a resolution banning any individual from being a member of more than one body of the Imperial Diet. Since Marquis de Barrington is also a member of the National Imperial Council, his appointment to the House of Nobles presents him with a constitutional conundrum: he can only remain a member of one body. Which he will choose is a question for him -- or, perhaps, for the Emperor.

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In other news, a short statement released by the Imperial Treasury and Imperial Bank suggests the national government is intending to reap the economic benefits of the opening of international rail links under the Eurorail brand. "Provincial administrations will be encouraged to facilitate economic growth with stimulus packages from the national government", the statement reads. Imperial Treasurer Barrington commented: "By using the recent growth seen in the Inimician economy and the improved access links to other countries around us facilitated by Eurorail, the Inimician government will utilise labour and wealth from across our region to stimulate our economy. This will mean more money in the pockets of all Inimicians."

[Inimicus]

MARQUIS DE BARRINGTON RESIGNS CONSUL OFFICE - RUMOURS OF IMPERIAL PRESSURE SURFACE

Telum, 11th Feb 2021 - Marquis Maximillian de Barrington, one of the first ever Imperial Consuls in the Empire, this morning resigned his office as well as his seat on the National Imperial Council, citing "irreconcilable differences" with his colleagues and superiors. Marquis de Barrington was appointed to the House of Nobles last week, raising concerns about his eligibility to sit in the House as well as on the National Imperial Council. Some around the Imperial Palace have credited the Marquis's appointment to "Imperial pressure" on him to quit government office, although this has not been confirmed by any of the Emperor's spokespeople.

The resignation of Marquis de Barrington as Consul leaves one of the highest offices in the Empire vacant. The two Imperial Consuls, whose role could be seen as equivalent to other nations' Prime Ministers, are responsible for the day-to-day running of the national government, liaising with Provincial Administrations, and managing the National Imperial Council. Typically, the latter duty occupies one Consul full-time (Lord Christopher Strathclyde has assumed this role the last few years) while other duties are the responsibility of the other Consul.

Immediately following the resignation announcement, rumours began to surface of the Emperor preferring other candidates, such as former European Councillor Sir Augustus Barrington, at the helm of the national administration. Other names mentioned include Nicholas Benfield, another European Council veteran, Sarah Gladwell, whose expertise in the Imperial Foreign Office is recognised across party lines, and even Jeff Speller, whose appointment may not seem a practical choice, but would placate many of the Emperor's political opponents on the National Imperial Council and eliminate a voice of stern opposition to His rule for good. The Emperor is expected to make an announcement naming the new Imperial Consul imminently, although some sources claim He is under advice to await the results of the European Commissioner and Council Speaker elections, as the Inimician candidates standing in those races would potentially be required to fill national offices.

A statement by the Imperial Palace thanked Marquis de Barrington for his "tireless service to the Nation", and expressed hope that "he will continue to fight for true Inimician ideals from the benches of the House of Nobles." De Barrington was further lauded for his "excellent decision-making qualities", and it was particularly noted that "following the near-demise of His Imperial Majesty, Marquis de Barrington aided the smooth running of the State". The latter point is particularly intriguing, given that sources indicate a power struggle between Vicarius Wilfred Cocx and his family, and the Barringtons and their allies, raged heavily following the days of Emperor Artabanos's crash, with some even suggesting Marquis de Barrington pressured the Emperor to attend the inaugural flight Himself.

Marquis Maximillian de Barrington, former Imperial Consul

[Inimicus]

BREAKING:

EX-CONSUL DE BARRINGTON ARRESTED WITHIN 24 HOURS POST-RESIGNATION --//-- DID MARQUIS DE BARRINGTON AID NEO-VENETIAN ASSASSINS?

Cuius, 12th Feb 2021 -- After apparently attempting to cross the closed-down border between Inimicus and Neo-Venetia, former Imperial Consul Marquis Maximillian de Barrington was arrested on suspicion of Trafficking, High Treason, and Personal Treason against the Emperor, by Terra Diutius Provincial Constabulary early this morning. A statement by Diutius Sergent-at-Arms Lidia Legdan released just after 6am claimed "officers discovered the Marquis concealed in the boot of an armoured BMW attempting to use rural roads south of Cuius Township to cross into Neo-Venetia. The Marquis is currently held for questioning at Cuius Police Station, and is to be transferred to the Militarae Imperial Guard offices sometime today."

The arrest of the recently-resigned Marquis, who was the subject of a recent row involving the Emperor, has sent shockwaves through the Inimician political establishment. De Barrington's former Consul colleague, Lord Christopher Strathclyde, told Nuntius Inimici reporters that "This is the most shocking illumination of the Neo-Venetian affair I could have thought of", while Chancellor of the Treasury Sir Jonathan Barrington, the Marquis's brother, made an emotional statement to the press, asking his brother to "finally elucidate" his position. Vicarius Wilfred Cocx declined to comment on events.

The Marquis's supposed flight to Neo-Venetia connects him to events of last summer, when His Imperial Majesty Emperor Artabanos was gravely injured after boarding a test flight of the first Inimician-built supersonic jet, which was shot down from Neo-Venetian territory and crash landed at Portus Inimici airport. Several high-ranking Inimician politicians were killed in the disaster, including Aedile Elbert White. "If De Barrington was indeed making for the border", Nuntius Inimici political editor Colin Husky explains, "this would without a doubt have been at the invitation of someone in the Neo-Venetian administration. This, in turn, makes him a clear suspect for involvement with the horrid assassination attempt on the Emperor's life."

Marquis de Barrington was discovered heading south near Cuius, towards Neo-Venetia

Marquis de Barrington remained friendly with officers during his arrest

National Imperial Councillor for Terra Diutius Dilkes Ayla issued a strongly-worded statement to the press this morning: "If it is true, and Max Barrington was the mole inside the Palace that made all of this possible, he deserves whatever punishment he has coming for him. He was a trusted friend of His Imperial Majesty, and he appears to have betrayed this trust in the most horrid, despicable of ways."

Voices of opposition also rose in the Council, with Green Councillor Jeff Speller claiming: "We must not rush to conclusions about the Marquis's presence in Diutius yet. Isn't it remarkable how he transitioned from the third most powerful man in the country to a suspected traitor within the space of a week? The Emperor must answer for what has happened and why De Barrington was dismissed in the first place. Only then will the Council be in a position to judge the full extent of De Barrington's involvement with the Neo-Venetians."

His Imperial Majesty is expected to make an announcement regarding the arrest of Marquis de Barrington shortly. Unless released, the Marquis faces trial in the Imperial Crown Court, on which the Emperor sits personally, in what will no doubt be the most explosive and divisive trial in recent Inimician history. Should the Marquis be convicted, he could legally be sentenced to death. "No Inimician citizen has been sentenced to death during Emperor Artabanos's reign", Colin Husky explains, "Yet we must now ask the question -- will the Emperor's personal opposition to capital punishment outweigh the immense anger He must feel at the horrific betrayal one of His closest allies apparently committed."

His Imperial Majesty Emperor Artabanos of Inimicus

[Inimicus]

EUROPEAN COUNCILLOR TILKI TO RESIGN FOLLOWING SPEAKER ELECTION SHAMBLES --//-- WAS TILKI NEEDED TO MANAGE DE BARRINGTON'S SCHEMES?

Hetty Tilki at an election rally last summer

---

Telum, 16th February 2021 - Inimicus European Councillor, Ms Hetty Tilki, today resigned her office after a crushing defeat in the Council Speaker elections this week. In a statement, Ms Tilki said she "had never felt at home" in her role, which she won in an EU-mandated special election last August. "The European Council never fully accepted me as one of their own", the ex-Cllr said. Ms Tilki's election as European Councillor last summer came as a shock to commentators and pollsters alike, and possibly even to herself, as she defeated former Cllr and government veteran Nicholas Benfield to assume Inimicus's Council seat. With her resignation, which is rumored to have followed Imperial pressure, Tilki will return to "the former passions and pleasures" she had before her election, which include a journalism role at Nuntius Inimici, a popular online blog, and a heavy social media presence.

Ms Tilki's brief tenure as European Councillor followed the resignation of Inimician council veteran Sir Augustus Barrington, who, as Ms Tilki's official deputy, will once again attend and vote in Council sessions until a new special election can be held.

It is also rumoured that Ms Tilki may still be called to advise and consult on affairs in the Imperial Palace. "The Emperor considers Tilki a potentially powerful political force", Nuntius Inimici Political Editor Colin Husky explains, "Her online presence is a particular strength the Emperor will seek to utilise. Neither He nor any of His friends in high office have successfully managed to gather a following even as remotely extensive as Tilki's. Her appointment to a high office of state seems imminent."

Particularly, the national administration may seek to use Tilki's extensive platform as a means to disseminate official information on the Barrington Affair, which saw former Imperial Consul Maximillian de Barrington arrested on charges of Treason while attempting to cross into Neo-Venetia. "It is particularly ironic", Colin Husky comments, "that De Barrington's brother, Sir Augustus, will now deputise for someone whose move to the national government seems to be directly influenced by Maximillian's treasonous case."

With the Barrington Affair dominating headlines, the Palace agenda, and the National Imperial Council, no date for the next European special election has as yet been set, although the Imperial Electoral Commission issued a statement earlier this morning, claiming "everyone at the IEC is working as hard as possible to get this election off the ground."

[Inimicus]

DE BARRINGTON CHARGE SHEET MADE PUBLIC --//-- PALACE IN NO RUSH TO TRIAL

Telum, 18th Feb 2021 -- Formal charges agains Maximillian de Barrington, former Marquis, Imperial Councillor, and Imperial Consul, were made public this morning by the Imperial Palace press division. In the one-page document, which sets out the exact crimes De Barrington is accused of, no date for a formal hearing or trial is set, contrary to precedent in Inimician criminal cases. Rumours circulating in the Imperial Palace claim the Imperial legal team requires more evidence from Neo-Venetian sources to be able to build a successful case against Mr De Barrington, who was stripped of all titles and fuctions by Imperial Decree this week.

"Mr De Barrington was a notoriously efficient worker", one unnamed source claims, "He did not leave a paper trail -- most information we have of his betrayal results from intercepted Neo-Venetian communications." This posits a problem for the Emperor's lawyers: as Neo-Venetia has been declared a no-go zone by the national government, and any Neo-Venetians found in the Empire are to be interrogated and deported immediately, it is difficult for any Neo-Venetian officials' testimony to be formally gathered and used in Court. A temporary change in the law is therefore expected imminently.

Questions were also asked about the Neo-Venetian issue by Imperial Councillor Jeff Speller in a Council sitting this morning. Mr Speller demanded to know whether the Emperor is currently planning to "kidnap" Neo-Venetian officials to testify in Mr De Barrington's case. His Imperial Majesty declared that He cannot divulge militarily sensitive information to the National Imperial Council. "It's not unlikely", Nuntius Inimici political editor Colin Husky comments, "that testimony from Neo-Venetians is necessary to make a compelling case and convince Crown Court judges that Mr De Barrington is guilty. After all, many judges on the Crown Court were appointed by Mr De Barrington over the past few years."

The full charge sheet accusing Mr De Barrington of High Treason, Treason against the Emperor, and leaking of State secrets, is as follows:

---

PROVINCE OF TERRA DIUTIUS, DISTRICT OF MILITARAE

The State of the Empire of Inimicus, Plaintiff
Mr Maximillian de Barrington, Defendant

Lidia Legdan, Sergent-at-Arms of the Province of Terra Diutius, in the Empire of Inimicus, under the Fair and Proper Jurisdiction of His Imperial Majesty Emperor Artabanos, and in the name and by the Authority of the same, on her official oath, makes and charges:

That at and within the Province of Terra Diutius, in the Empire of Inimicus, on the 12th day of February, 2021, one Mr Maximillian de Barrington did willfully, unlawfully, and feloniously attempt to cross the Threshold of the Province of Terra Diutius, in the Empire of Inimicus, with the sole intention to collaborate with foreign and hostile powers, thereby betraying his Sacred Oath to the Constitution of the Empire of Inimicus, and engaging in High Treason;

Further, that Mr Maximillian de Barrington indulged in conspiracy to effect the death of His Imperial Majesty Emperor Artabanos, thereby betraying His Sacred Oath to the same, and engaging in High Treason;

Further, that throughout a period as yet unspecified, but ending no later than the 12th day of Feburary, 2021, Mr Maximillian de Barrington did willfully, unlawfully, and feloniously supply, give, and receive payment for, information held confidentially under the Seal of His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Artabanos, thereby betraying His Sacred Oath to the Constitution of the Empire of Inimicus, and committing an offence under the Imperial Secrets Act (2012);

Contrary to the form of the statutes in such cases made and provided, and against the peace and dignity of the Province of Terra Diutius, and the Will of His Imperial Majesty Emperor Artabanos.

[SIGNED]

[Inimicus]

NEO-VENETIAN ASSASSINATION SUSPECTS NAMED AND SHAMED --//-- DE BARRINGTON'S LIAISON ALSO UNDER SUSPICION

Telum, 23rd Feb 2021 -- The Imperial Palace today released international arrest warrants against four Neo-Venetian politicians and military officers suspected of being involved with the downing of Needletail One, the fateful crash which nearly led to the death of His Imperial Majesty Emperor Artabanos, and sadly killed over a dozen high-ranking Inimician politicians. Several of the Neo-Venetian suspects are high-ranking figures in the Neo-Venetian Social Republican Army, the organisation largely responsible for the communist coup in Neo-Venetia last March. The four named individuals are:

• Dominic Dalfarra, the Speaker of the Neo-Venetian National Assembly;
• Andrew 'Marco' Brookfield, Deputy Minister of Defence and member of the Central Committee of the Social Republican Army;
• Paul 'Lando' Ambrogio, Northern Group Command, Social Republican Army;
• Col. Peter Zan, Northern Command, People's Army of Neo-Venetia.

In a statement, Vicarius Wilfred Cocx claimed that the latter two individuals "are thought to be directly responsible for the organisation and transport, and final execution of the missile strike that downed His Imperial Majesty", while the former two are "facilitating politicians", who "wrote and signed orders, directed military units, and, importantly, liaised with an Inimician source of information." This source of information is a reference to the current criminal case against former Imperial Consul Maximillian de Barrington, who was charged with treason and the leaking of state secrets last week.

Vicarius Cocx called upon "all friendly and like-minded nations to assist in the capture and bringing to trial of these hardened criminals." He further addressed the four named men directly by saying: "You cannot hide. We have named you, we will shame you, and we will arrest you. You cannot run, you cannot hide. We will get you. The Imperial Guard is on your tail." Pictures and descriptions of the named men were circulated just after Vicarius Cocx's statement, and bounties of €100,000 are currently on offer for information leading to the arrest and capture of each individual.

It is specifically believed that Dominic Dalfarra, the highest-ranking individual on the warrant list, was the direct liaison for Maximillian de Barrington. Dalfarra's testimony, therefore, would be key in the case against the former Imperial Consul. "This man is key suspect No 1", Nuntius Inimici Political Editor claims, "And his capture and bringing to trial would bind the whole case against De Barrington together."

It is still unclear what the Imperial Government intends to achieve with these warrants. Neo-Venetia has been completely locked off from the international community since March, when an armed communist insurgency separated the territory from Angleteric control.

Vicarius Wilfred Cocx addresses the press following the publication of the arrest warrants

[Inimicus]

TREASURY CHANCELLOR, PEOPLE'S TRIBUNE ARRESTED ON TREASON CHARGES // WARRANT ISSUED FOR SIR AUGUSTUS BARRINGTON'S CAPTURE

Telum, 28th Feb 2021 -- Chancellor of the Treasury Jonathan Barrington and People's Tribune Glennis Mayfair were arrested on charges of high treason and the attempted assassination of His Imperial Majesty Emperor Artabanos this morning. A representative from the Imperial Guard confirmed "both officials are currently in custody, having already been charged" in what commentators are calling the end of the largest Palace-wide conspiracy in recent Inimician history.

Sir Augustus Barrington, Inimicus's temporary European Councillor, appears to have so far evaded capture, although a warrant for his arrest was issued late last night and, reportedly, law enforcement across Inimicus has been placed on high alert to find him. Flight tracker data seemed to suggest Sir Augustus's private jet, which was en-route from Europolis to Telum last night, made a sudden course change due west, before disappearing from the radar.

This recent round of arrests has resulted in the all members of the prominent Barrington family having been removed from office and either placed under arrest or being hunted. A press release from the office of Vicarius Wilfred Cocx this morning read: "Imperial Guard investigations resulted in the whole Barrington network being implicated in the heinous crimes of last summer, when our Emperor was so very nearly taken from us all. Justice will always reign in Inimicus, and today's arrests are testimony to that."

The rolling up of the Barrington cell appears to be tied to the recent publication of several names of Neo-Venetian officials and military officers by the Vicarius, who swore "swift judgement" on all those involved with the Emperor's fateful crash. His Imperial Majesty's press office has so far declined comment on the arrest of His former close allies. Nuntius Inimici political editor Colin Husky comments: "These events must cause His Imperial Majesty great pain and suffering: to see His former friends, those He trusted most, at the heart of a conspiracy against Him, is among the worst pains anyone could imagine. We should all stand by Him at this time."

Sir Augustus Barrington

[Inimicus]

MAJOR STUART, HERO OF NEO-VENETIA RAID, IN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW --//-- IMPERIAL GOVERNMENT GUILTY OF WAR CRIMES?

Major Ettore Stuart, whose heroic actions in Neo-Venetia city rescued the mission from disaster

---

Portus Inimici, 11th March 2021 -- After the Imperial Government's statement yesterday confirmed the deployment of Inimician special forces in the territory of Neo-Venetia last week, many across the Empire were left wondering: How? Who? Today, Nuntius Inimici reveals one of the many heroes behind the daring raids, whose swift action following the death of the senior officer commanding the operation arguably saved the mission from total collapse. An extensive interview with Major Ettore Stuart of the Imperial Special Forces Command reveals how, after the initial plan for extracting hostages in Neo-Venetia was compromised by overhwelming Neo-Venetian resistance, Inimician operatives evacuated to a nearby park, where helicopters brought them to safety.

Major Stuart relates how at least one Imperial Navy helicopter was shot down by Neo-Venetian coupist forces using handheld missile devices, also known as MANPADs, leading to the demise of both pilots. Further anti-air resistance came from heavy installations throughout the city, the location of which had been known to the Imperial Armed Forces beforehand. In response, mission command decided to launch guided missiles from nearby Imperial Navy submarines. Stuart recalls "deafening noise, screams and shouts" after these missiles, which are among the largest in the Imperial Navy's arsenal, hit Neo-Venetia's capital city.

Stuart's testimony begs the question: was the Imperial Government justified in launching some of its largest non-nuclear missiles into the centre of a densely-populated capital city? "There is no doubt these strikes caused dozens of civilian casualties", explains former Major-General Lethbridge-Stuart, "However, Imperial Navy protocol dictates that, when Inimician lives are at stake or an operation is seriously compromised, this is entirely warranted. Clearly, the situation was dire to such a degree that the commanding officers saw no other way out."

This picture appears to be corroborrated by Major Stuart's testimony: "Hundreds of armed personnel, some SRA, some simple civilians brandishing their bedside cabinet pistols, converged on the secondary landing site. Air support was critical to us at that point, and there was no way we could get it if these surface-to-air sites were still active." Imperial Defence Officer (IDO) Boris Mancov, who assumed responsibility for the raids, confirmed that "Protocol was followed entirely", and that "Special Force Command operatives released an emergency broadcast, prompting emergency action."

Nevertheless, some in the National Imperial Council have called IDO Mancov to account, claiming the Imperial Armed Forces willingly and knowingly committed atrocities against civilian populations. Jeff Speller IC relates to Nuntius Inimici: "No matter the cause, the Imperial Government has no right to launch missile strikes against civilian populations. Are Neo-Venetian lives worth less than Inimician ones?" Speller has requested a special session of the National Imperial Council to discuss his grievances. IDO Mancov did not seem fazed by Mr Speller's accusations: "A man who was himself convicted of attempting to assassinate Emperor William would obviously not grasp the seriousness and importance of apprehending the suspected criminals who attempted to end Emperor Artabanos's life."

The full verbatim interview with Major Stuart may be read at nuntiusinimici.in/ettore.

[Inimicus]

SIMGE GALANTH NEW IMPERIAL CONSUL; KAREN SMITH NEW CHANCELLOR --//-- COMMONS ELECTION SCHEDULED FOR MAY 3RD

Simge Galanth (left) and Karen Smith

Telum, 9th April 2021 -- Following the arrest of several members of the Barrington family and associated allies, replacement appointments for the offices of Imperial Consul and Chancellor of the Treasury, which were held by those suspected of crimes, were made by His Imperial Majesty Emperor Artabanos today. Former Duchess of Terra Quaestoris Simge Galanth, who led her Emperor's Finest party to victory in the recent National Imperial Council elections, has been appointed to the Imperial Consulate, where she will share the important duties associated with this office with the other Imperial Consul, Lord Christopher Strathclyde. Galanth is the first woman to serve as Imperial Consul, and the first Quaestorian to ever serve on the National Executive. Galanth served as Aedile up until the present moment, and is currently an Imperial Councillor for Terra Quaestoris. This, however, is not thought to interfere with her Consular duties.

Karen Smith, currently a People's Tribune, has been promoted to the office of Chancellor of the Treasury, and will therefore be responsible for the Empire's day-to-day finances. Smith has been lauded for her efficient decision-making in the People's Tribune office, and is yet decidedly non-partisan. "I have, myself, full confidence that Simge Galanth and Karen Smith will serve My Empire with dignity, efficiency, and patriotism", the Emperor announced in a statement today.

Related to today's announcement, elections to the House of Commons have been called for May 4th. Unlike most nations' lower houses of Parliament, the Inimician House of Commons sits for one month every year only, a time during which it discusses pertinent matters of state and elects members of the Common Executive, including People's Tribunes, Aediles, and Quaestors. Since 2014, the Commons have sat in June every year.

The Emperor's announcement of elections today sparked waves of activity from political parties in Inimicus, who have been preparing their election campaigns all year. Inimician Liberal Appeal (ILA) Chairman Michael Dowding announced his party's open hostility to the People's Movement (PM): "This year, we stand, more than ever, against the forces of facism that would seek to divide us." A newcomer in this year's House of Commons could be the Emperor's Finest, a party founded last year -- Simge Galanth, EF leader, announced the start of her party's election campaign this afternoon. Given the Finest's popularity in recent months, it is expected their performance in this election will cost traditional parties significant amounts of seats.

[Inimicus]

COMMONS ELECTION CAMPAIGN KICKS OFF, SIGNALS FOREIGN POLICY SHIFT

Former European Councillor Hetty Tilki

Nation-wide, 22nd April 2021 - Campaigning ahead of the House of Commons elections scheduled for May 3rd has begun in full swing across the Empire. Centre-Conservative Union (CCU) and Inimician Liberal Appeal (ILA) leaders have been spotted out on the streets in their respective key voting areas, attempting to cling onto supporters who, polls show, are shifting more and more towards the Emperor's Finest, a newcomer force formerly led by Imperial Consul Simge Galanth. Her replacement, former European Councillor Hetty Tilki, is expected to take the Commons by storm.

Smaller parties, including Jeff Speller's United Green Front (UGF), the Central Progressive Party (CPP), and Adolf Danube's People's Movement (PM), are expected to show little to no electoral change compared to last year's Commons, and media coverage has largely steered clear of these minor political forces. Danube, whose controversial conduct over recent years includes orchestrating the smoke bombing of the House of Commons in 2014, claimed this was "evidence of the Imperialist framing of Inimician politics".

Notably, all major parties, including the Finest, have signalled new emphases on how Inimicus should behave itself abroad. ILA leader Michael Dowding went so far as to condemn the Imperial Government's actions in Neo-Venetia, stating "Inimicus has no business raiding a foreign nation unannounced". Even the Emperor's Finest, whose support for the Imperial Government had hitherto been unrelenting, compiled manifesto commitments claiming "the Imperial Armed Forces should only be deployed abroad in the utmost need and distress". Press releases from the Centre-Conservative Union, Inimicus's third party, even called for "the dissolution of the Treaty of Telum and the mutual defence agreement with Spain". Whether these proposed policies translate into government action remains to be seen, as the Commons, and the Common Executive which it elects, form only a minor part of the Inimician structure of state.

Voters in Terra Praestoris, the Emperor's province, are further due to elect a National Imperial Councillor after the resignation and accusation of Sir Augustus Barrington earlier this year. Frontrunners in this race include the Finest's Hetty Tilki and the People's Movement's Adolf Danube. This race has mainly centred around the Imperial government's handling of the Needletail One fallout, and associated arrests and foreign operations.

Lastly, Inimicus will also elect a new European Councillor on May 3rd, in line with European legislation mandating the direct election of Councillors. Although all parties except the People's Movement have stated their disagreement with these rules, instead calling for the National Imperial Council to determine who should represent Inimicus in Europolis, well over a dozen candidates will appear on the ballot paper. Nicholas Benfield, who served as Inimicus's European Councillor during the reign of Emperor William in 2013, currently leads the polls for this race, with other candidates trailing by at least fifteen percentage points.

The Imperial Diet, House of Commons chamber

[Inimicus]

EMPEROR'S FINEST SET TO STORM HOUSE OF COMMONS, PEOPLE'S MOVEMENT REPORTS GAINS

Inimicus, 29th April 2021 - With the House of Commons election just days away, Inimicians across the Empire have been making up their minds about who they will send to Telum this year. Polling shows fewer and fewer undecided voters as polling day nears, with the majority of undecideds siding with the Emperor's Finest. The Finest, a new movement centred around support for Emperor Artabanos's policies, and combining them together into what it calls 'Artabanism', first gained popularity last year after three Imperial Councillors with a Finest background were elected to office. For this election, the Finest are led by former European Councillor and influential, popular vlogger Hetty Tilki, whose strong performance in territorial and regional debate has helped steer her party to unprecedented heights in the polls.

The Finest are now predicted to win at least 250 of 700 Commons seats this year, with the Inimician Liberal Appeal's 150-something MPs trailing far behind. The Centre-Conservative Union and the People's Movement follow at around 100 MPs, and the United Green Front and Central Progressive Party, popular with urban populations, both poll at between 30 and 40 seats. Translated into real scores, these polls would not only imply the most extensive election victory for a new party in Inimician history by the Finest, but would also see the People's Movement, highly critical of the Emperor and the Imperial System, nearly double in size. The Movement returned 55 MPs in the 2020 parliament, and has benefitted from controversies surrounding the Emperor's handling of the investigation into corruption and the Needletail One crash.

Long-standing Movement leader Adolf Danube is expected to have strong support in his home territory, Terra Praestoris, as well as rural areas in Terra Legati and Terra Rosarum. Urban areas generally have not returned Movement MPs, and indeed, the Movement is not standing candidates in most constituencies in the Districto Teli. Although Movement motions and proposals have generally been subject to a rigorous cordon sanitaire in previous parliaments, should the controversial party return close to a hundred MPs, mainstream parties will find it hard to ignore them for long. "We will take our banners, ideas, and people to this parliament", Danube confirmed at a Lacerta rally this afternoon, "And we will show the elitists, the aristocrats, the plotters in power what the People really want - a true, clean, Inimician Republic." While the Movement formerly attracted mainly those on the far right, their recent shift to constitutional reform may be at least partly credited with their porential electoral success. A recent report by Nuntius Inimici showed that 22% of Inimicians are now actively in favour of abolition of the Imperial System, with 74% against abolition, and 4% undecided.

In related news, polling for the National Imperial By-election in Terra Praestoris, for the seat left vacant by the banishment of Sir Augustus Barrington, shows a clear lead for Emperor's Finest leader Hetty Tilki, who is now expected to win the seat she sorely lacked during her time as Councillor. It is rumoured that her surpise election to the European Councillorship led to pressures inside the Imperial Palace, which may have forced her to resign. Her election to the National Imperial Council would, however, no doubt settle this score. Similarly, polling for the European Councillor race shows current deputy and former Councillor Nicholas Benfield as clear frontrunner. Voters seem particularly pleased about Benfield's current conduct as Deputy Councillor,