IT - Inquista Today (News)

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Mikaela Kligenberg Becomes the First Female Archbishop of Inquista; Appoints Gender-Balanced Secretariat

May 16, 2020

Mikaela Kligenberg has been elected as the new Archbishop of Inquista

On May 15th, Mikaela Kligenberg was elected the 3rd Archbishop of Inquista by the College of Bishops, succeeding the late Archbishop Paul Craticus. Archbishop Kligenberg was elected in a razor-thin vote, where she received 116 votes to Bishop Edward Firoux's 114 votes in the second round of voting.

In the first round of voting, Bishop Edward Firoux led with 108 votes, Bishop Michael Cunard received 71 votes, Bishop Silas Kligenberg received 28 votes, Bishop Karinn Lallana received 21 votes and Bishop Juan-Bernardo Fernandez-Velasquez received 2 votes. In the second round, the votes behind Bishops Michael Cunard, Silas Kligenberg, Karinn Lallana and Juan-Bernardo Fernandez-Velasquez rallied behind Archbishop Mikaela Kligenberg, who emerged as a surprise unity candidate.

Archbishop Kligenberg has become the first-ever female Archbishop of the Inquistan Orthodox Church. After being acclaimed as the new head of the Inquistan Orthodox Church, Archbishop Kligenberg was immediately tasked with forming a new Secretariat. Today, Archbishop Kligenberg announced 9 men and 9 women to her secretariat. While an equal amount of men and women have been appointed to the Secretariat, the Archbishop's own presence in the Secretariat as the 19th member means that it is actually slightly woman-dominated.

Bishop Edward Firoux has been appointed Chief Secretary and will act as Archbishop Kligenberg's deputy. It is expected that Bishop Firoux will be delegated a considerate bulk of responsibilities by the Archbishop. Archbishop Kligenberg has assumed leadership of the Reformist Bloc after being elected Archbishop, and Bishop Firoux has since been appointed as deputy leader of the bloc.

Former Reformist leader, Bishop Anja Emerett, has been appointed as Secretary of State. Bishop Silas Kligenberg, the first cousin of the Archbishop, has been made Secretary of the Treasury and Economy. Key swing-vote and personal friend of Archbishop Kligenberg, Bishop JennaMarelle Johnson, has been made Secretary of Trade and Secretary of International Development.

Despite not being Reformists, Bishops Juan-Bernardo Fernandez-Velasquez and Hariett Copala played crucial roles as swing votes which helped Archbishop Kligenberg clinch a majority vote in the second round of voting. For perhaps those reasons, Bishop Juan-Bernardo Fernandez-Velasquez has been named Secretary of Defence and Peacekeeping and Secretary of Veteran Affairs, and Bishop Hariett Copala has been named Secretary of Justice and High Inquisitor of Inquista.

Another notable addition of the new Secretariat includes Bishop Matthw Hargrave, who becomes the first-ever openly gay bishop appointed to the Secretariat. Bishop Hargrave has been made Secretary of Social Equities and Social Development, and is expected to support the Archbishop in a number of reforms concerning the status of gender and sexuality in the Inquistan Orthodox Church, including the expected legalization of gay marriage.

Archbishop Kligenberg has also received widespread praise for the racial diversity of her secretariat, which includes 3 women and 2 men of colour, making 26% of the Secretariat visible minorities.

The College of Bishops will begin its first legislative session on Monday, May 18th.

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[Inquista]

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The Inquistan Orthodox Church Legalizes Gay Marriage, Bans Conversion Therapy and Passes Other LGBTQ Reforms

May 18, 2020

Public celebrations of today's milestone reforms near Saint Dominico's Square

The first legislative session of the new College of Bishops was entirely dedicated to passing several reforms concerning the rights and privileges of Inquista's sexual minorities. Most notably, a historic and landmark decision was made to amend the Fundamental Laws of Inquista in order to enshrine and safeguard the right for any two individuals to marry, regardless of their gender or sexual identities. Previously, the Fundamental Laws of Inquista only permitted marriage between a man and a woman. When Bishop Secretary Firoux, as Inquista’s Councillor, wrote and passed an amendment to the European Declaration of Human Rights which guaranteed equal marriage rights, the then College of Bishops refused to legalize gay marriage in Inquista. Upon being elected to office just days ago, Archbishop Mikaela Kligenberg promised to bring Inquista and Inquistan Orthodox Church in line with the rest of the European Union on equal marriage rights.

The College also banned the practice of conversion therapy and classified it as a form of torture, which is a punishable criminal offence. Amendments were also made to Inquista’s educational policies, which previously suggested that school counsellors should recommend students struggling with their sexuality to seek out mental health counselling or conversion therapy. Now, primary and secondary school counsellors will be required to undergo training to offer emotional support to students regarding their sexuality, and will allow students to create GSA support groups.

Other reforms include equal adoption rights for same-sex couples, hate speech laws expanded to include gender expression, sex reassignment surgery will no longer be needed to make changes to sex markers on government forms, and MSM (men who have sex with men) will be able to freely donate blood (previously, MSM had to be sexually inactive for at least 1 year to donate blood).

During the College session, Archbishop Kligenberg apologized to the Inquistan LGBTQ community on behalf of the Inquistan Orthodox Church, apologizing for the Church’s decision to actively fight against gay marriage in light of the amendments that were made to the EU’s UDoHR, as well for the trauma which has been inflicted by conversion therapy practices supported by the Church. Bishop Secretary Matthew Hargrave, the Secretary for Social Equities and Social Development, and Inquista’s first openly-gay Secretary Bishop, delivered an impassioned speech about the importance of today’s reforms and the impact it will have on the lives and wellbeing of Inquista’s LGBTQ community. Following the College’s legislative session and the changes that were made to the Fundamental Laws of Inquista, which took immediate effect, Secretary Bishop Hargrave became the first person to be legally married in a same-sex marriage ceremony in Inquista, when he was married to his partner on the steps of the College of Bishops by Archbishop Kligenberg herself.

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[Inquista]

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Inquista to Decriminalize All Drugs; Re-Legalized Marijuana and Legalize Psychedelic Drugs

June 7, 2020

Cannabis stores will soon be allowed to re-open in Saint Dominico

The College of Bishops has passed legislation which shall decriminalize all drugs for personal use. Possession of drugs for personal use will no longer be a criminal offense, but will instead be considered a civil violation, and will result in a fine, mandatory community service or an option to attend a drug rehabilitation program. The Archbishop released a statement in which she has said that the Inquistan Orthodox Church recognizes that illicit drug users are vulnerable people facing issues of poverty, poor mental and physical health, as well as addiction, and should be treated as vulnerable people rather than criminals.

The use of marijuana has also been re-legalized by the Church. Marijuana usage was briefly made legal in Inquista after it was legalized across the European Union by the European Council. That legislation was later repealed, and marijuana was again criminalized in Inquista soon after.

Psychedelic drugs, which include certain drugs such as magic mushrooms and specific strains of LSD, have also been legalized. These psychedelic drugs, as well as marijuana, will not be considered illicit drugs, and will be allowed to be consumed for personal or medical use, or to be bought and sold at licensed stores.

The College of Bishops will be investing ł80 million in information campaigns to educate the public on the side effects of marijuana, psychedelics and illicit drug use. ł1 billion will be invested in drug rehabilitation centres and detox centres in order to treat those facing drug addictions. An additional ł120 million will be spent in setting up safe injection site across Inquista for those facing addictions with illicit drugs. Currently, there are no safe injection sites in Inquista. The Inquistan Orthodox Church aims to open 26 safe injections sites by the end of 2020.

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[Inquista]

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Archbishop Mikaela Kligenberg Will Star in New Reality TV Show

June 17, 2020

Mikaela Kligenberg: On Top of the World is set to premiere on July 2nd

The Archbishop of Inquista, Mikaela Kligenberg, has announced that she will be starring in her own new reality TV program. The reality TV show, called Mikaela Kligenberg: On Top of the World, will follow the Archbishop as she navigates her new position, her new responsibilities, her political affairs, as well as her personal affairs.

Archbishop Kligenberg described the series as her "most vulnerable and personal" reality TV series yet. "It's also really, like, brainy, and will make you think... 'huh?' It's very intellectually simulating," the Archbishop added. Troy Stamos, an executive producer of the show, described the show as a "trailblazing program that meets the intersection of politics and reality TV", and said that there will be a lot to take in as the Archbishop travels around Inquista and around Europe in her new political office. The theme song of the show has already been released online.

The Archbishop is already a massive reality TV icon. Archbishop Kligenberg was the centre focus of the critically reviewed program Keeping Up with the Kligenbergs, which aired from 2009 until 2017. Keeping Up With the Kligenbergs was the most watched reality TV series in Inquista for almost its entire duration, which drew in many millions of viewers each week.

Filming of Mikaela Kligenberg: On Top of the World began on May 18th, three days after the Archbishop was elected to her office. The first episode is set to premiere on July 2nd. The series will be airing at 9PM CET every Thursday night, and will be available only on IBC and Netflix. .

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[Inquista]

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Inquista to Establish Communist Refugee Program as Tensions Around Nicoleizian Recognition Rise

June 18, 2020

The Inquistan Orthodox Church has announced the creation of a new refugee program which will offer refuge to those living under the oppression of communist governments. The refugee program, which has been named the Communist Refugee Program, guarantees 300,000 openings for citizens of Icholasen, Czech Slavia, Eastern Haane and the PRT to claim refugee status in Inquista by the end of the year. In 2021, the number of available spots will be increased to 450,000.

This new refugee program marks a reversal of Inquista's approach toward refugees. Under Archbishop Craticus, Inquista eliminated virtually all of its refugee programs and accepted less than 2,000 refugees annually between 2013 and 2020. Currently, the Law of Ascension serves as the largest pathway toward Inquistan citizenship for foreign nationals, who would be required to convert to Inquistan Orthodoxy in the process.

Archbishop Kligenberg touted the Communist Refugee Program as not only a great humanitarian effort, but also an economic opportunity for those living in communist countries. According to the latest economic data, Inquista not only boasts Europe's largest economy, but it is also home to Europe's highest wages and highest level of disposable income. The average disposable income per capita is almost 22 times higher in Inquista than Eastern Haane and 6 times higher than in Icholasen (before the communist coup). The Archbishop also promised that benefits and a safety net would be guaranteed to refugees that come through the Communist Refugee Program, including access to affordable housing, access to skills training programs and a job guarantee.

A refugee job bank has already begun registering partnerships with several interested companies that would offer potential employment to refugees, one of which includes Kligenberg Industries. Bishop Secretary Silas Kligenberg stated that he believed that refugees from Icholasen, Czech Slavia, Eastern Haane and the PRT could fill labour gaps in Inquista's construction and manufacturing sectors.

Several Nicoleizian refugees, who have taken extraordinary and dangerous journeys from Icholasen to Inquista, were also granted asylum today. These refugees escaped from Icholasen on makeshift rafts and are said to be suffering from intense amounts of stress and trauma. The Archbishop insisted that she would look into aiding efforts to establish a "freedom railroad" between Inquista and Icholasen, the latter of which has since closed its borders to emigration following the coup.

Bishop Secretary Hariett Copala insisted that other communist countries, such Czech Slavia, Eastern Haane and the PRT, must allow legal emigration from their countries and must allow refugees to leave as per Section XII of the UDoHR, which guarantees freedom of movement. If freedom of movement is not respected, the Bishop Secretary stated that she would personally take those states to the ECoJ.

Bishop Karinn Lallana criticized the new refugee program, instead calling for Inquista to reduce its current 3.7% unemployment rate, end homelessness and guarantee all Inquistans jobs before employing foreign workers. Bishop Lallana also criticized the program as unnecessarily "divisive" and "politically-charged". The Bishop also renewed calls for Inquista to recognize the communist government of Icholasen, and said that this refugee program has been created to further alienate the country. Surprisingly, Bishop Lallana's calls to recognize the communist government in Icholasen has been received by many welcoming ears in Inquista.

The Traditionalist Bloc, the spiritual successor of the Craticist Bloc, has echoed Bishop Lallana's calls. Bishop Michael Cunard, the leader of the Traditionalists, agreed that Inquista should recognize the communist government, and that Inquista should not follow through with the new refugee program, believing that it would "result in the long-term erasure of Inquista's Church, state and culture."

Several very liberal-leaning members of the Reformist Bloc have also stated their support for communist recognition. A potentially unusual ally includes Bishop Secrtary Silas Kligenberg, who said that Inquista should not close any doors to any potential business partners. "Whoever controls the economy, should control our attention," the Bishop Secretary of the Treasury and Economy told reporters. Despite these comments from her cousin, Archbishop Mikaela Kligenberg affirmed her unwavering support to the Nicoleizian government in exile, and in particular, her loyalty to Queen Anastasia. Chief Bishop Secretary Edward Firoux also echoed his continued support for the government in exile.

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[Inquista]

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Opinion: "As Montfort Resigns, He Leaves the Lingering Death of Georgina Coldwell and a Legacy of Racism to Haunt EuroVoice"

Opinion by Lex Burnley
June 29, 2020

Peter Montfort (L) has received intense criticism throughout his tenure as EuroVoice Director, particularly from IBC President Farrah Rio (R)

EuroVoice 38 is officially in the books. After taking Europe by storm (and receiving a well-deserved 12 points from Inquista), the Nicoleizian folk group Sham Rock and their hit "Tell Me Ma" have won the latest EV contest in Neomantua, Angleter. Sham Rock's victory raises some uncertainties as to where the next contest will be hosted, and whether countries will protest the contest should the event be held in communist-controlled Icholasen.

These questions, as well as Sham Rock's victory, were quickly overshadowed by an abrupt announcement made by by EV Director Peter Montfort, who announced his resignation. His resignation announcement was then interrupted by conspiracy theorist and former European Council Speaker, John Oliver, who lambasted Inquista and Icholasen in a deranged and nonsensical speech. Oliver also continued to espouse the conspiracy theory that Georgina Coldwell was alive, and that she was in the audience.

It is neither unsurprising to see Montfort's run as EV Director end with controversy, nor it is unsurprising that it has ended with such a shameful display. This latest EV didn't need to end in a mess, but it did. This EV ended just how Montfort's EV directorship has continuously unfolded: as a mess. As Montfort resigns, he leaves the lingering death of Georgina Coldwell and a legacy of racism to haunt EuroVoice.

Georgina Coldwell was a young Inquistan girl in the audience of the EuroVoice contest that was hosted in Aachen, Aalen. Coldwell was unfortunately killed in a stampede as Aalenic guards, who were openly carrying swords, attempted to corral a riot of Inimican, Rimrothian, Duxburian, Inquistan and other upset audience members, who were sent into a frenzy by John Oliver, who hosted the EuroVoice competition.

Members of the Coldwell family, as well a her friends, attribute her tragic passing to John Oliver, who instigated the riots by goading and provoking the audience into the frenzy. IBC President Farrah Rio immediately called for Aalen to be banned from the next EuroVoice contest and requested that Peter Montfort resign, as he allowed John Oliver to host the contest. In the end, Montfort did not resign from his position, but Aalen was successfully banned from entering in the next EV contest.

Until this evening, Montfort never fully addressed Coldwell's death. For many Inquistans, her death is a painful memory and association of what is otherwise supposed to be a light-hearted and joyous competition. Despite this, the incident always seemed to be a non-issue to Montfort. Even as he momentarily addressed the incident in his resignation speech, he never fully apologized or took ownership of the incident, and instead referred to it simply as a regret. For many Inquistans, a simple apology or a simple recognition of his lack of oversight on the issue could have set the stage for a long process to heal and unify after Coldwell's death, but it never happened. Montfort could never muster enough courage or leadership to take ownership of the disaster, and he could never muster enough energy do the bare minimum.

Now, unfortunately, he's allowed for these old wounds to re-open as Oliver stormed the stage, blurted out conspiracy theories about Coldwell, and viciously attacked Inquista and Icholasen. Montfort stood paralyzed as Oliver delivered a hate-filled monologue that degraded a deceased young girl and two countries of the European Union. Oliver was eventually dragged from the stage, not after calling Montfort his "friend", before then beings savagely beaten by guards in the background.

This latest incident has been widely condemned by audiences throughout Inquista, who are embarrassed to see this strange incident unfold tonight. Montfort, in particular, has also received further personal condemnation for allowing this to happen. It is then without surprise, that many Inqusitans are also happy to see him resign this evening. Among those who are happy to see him resign are several Inqusitan EV artists, as well as IBC Preisdent Farrah Rio, who have also had other gripes with the EV Director, particularly when it comes to addressing race.

During Montfort's directorship, which has spanned most of EuroVoice history, there has only ever been one black winner under his entire tenure: Inquista's own Kane Brown. Since his historic win, Brown has played an active voice in lobbying for people of colour to be better represented in EV, which he has described as "a very white contest, where people of colour are not represented, and they often don't do very well". As President of IBC, Farrah Rio plays an integral role in shaping the selection process of Inquista's EV entries. Rio has always made it her mission to platform and represent members of Inquista's black community, and as such, Inquista has sent many black artists to the competition. "Inquista alone has probably entered about 2/3 of all black artists into EV," Rio admitted. "Inquista is the only country which has been consistent and unafraid to platform a diverse array of artists, and unfortunately, we're pretty much alone on the matter."

Inquista typically does pretty well in EuroVoice, with an average finish of around 3rd place. However, despite sending many black artists under Montfort's directorship, only Kane Brown and Lizzo have has been able to reach or better this average for Inquista. Many highly respected and talented legends, such as Rebecca Ferguson, Janelle Monáe, Nicki Minaj, Alicia Keys, as well as up-and-coming superstars such Megan Thee Stallion performed poorly in EV, despite having significant reverence in the Inquistan artistic community, which, again, typically does very well in EV. Thus, racism has been ingrained in EV. Due to the poor competition placements for black artists, countries are more likely to be afraid to enter or represent people of colour.

Hopefully the next EV Director will be able recognize and address these systemic and lingering issues of racism and racial representation, and hopefully they will be able to take better ownership of any tragedies that might happen. Whoever it will be, they will have a lot of mess to clean up, and they will have a disastrous legacy to overcome.

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[Inquista]

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Inquista Adopts A Minimum Wage Amid Strong Economic Growth in Q2

July 4, 2020

A minimum wage of ł20 will take effect starting in August

The College of Bishops has passed legislation which has, for the first time, established a minimum wage in the country. A minimum wage of ł20 per hour has been established, and will take effect across all economic sectors starting in August. The announcement of Inquista's minimum wage comes a few days after EU-wide economic data was released for the second quarter of the year, which showed continued strong economic growth for Inquista. The Treasury Secretariat has also released data which has shown that the country's unemployment rate has fallen from 3.7% to 3.5% in the second quarter, which is the lowest unemployment rate in Inquista since the early 2000's. The Inquisto continues to hold strong, as the second most valuable currency in the European Union, currently trading better than both the Duxburian Kael and the Angleteric Pound.

The Archbishop announced that it was "about time" for Inquista to adopt a minimum wage, and that "a ł20 minimum wage will help alleviate a great burden and stress placed on the shoulders of Inquista's most vulnerable and hardest working people". According to statistics of Inquista's Treasury Secretariat, only 1.7% of working Inquistans currently earn less than the new minimum wage. Inquista, which boasts an average salary of €82,767 - which is two to three times larger than average salaries in Europe's other most developed economies - has long eschewed a national minimum wage. Bishop Secretary of the Treasury and Economy, Silas Kligenberg, who is widely seen as a staunch champion of Inquista's business community, assured Inquistans that "small and medium businesses across Saint Dominico have been consulted on a minimum wage", and that he found "agreement across Inquista's business communities in support for a livable, working minimum wage."

The 1.7% of working Inquistans who are expected to benefit from this minimum wage are mostly young adults and recent immigrants, but also includes some unskilled working adults. While Inquista maintains an enormously powerful economy and high working wages, it also has a very high standard of living and skyrocketing housing prices which would otherwise make it impossible to live on less than €29,000 per year. Bishop Secretary Silas Kligenberg has stated that while he is very encouraged by Inquista's economic performance in the second quarter of the year, he is still determined to combat Inquista's other economic ailments, such as housing and rental prices. "Saint Dominico is Europe's biggest and best city, and so we have to become strategic about how we can make sure that it remains economically viable for absolutely all people."

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[Inquista]

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Silas Kligenberg Eyes Ievonuia Drug in Eastern Haane as His New Drug Empire Blossoms

July 4, 2020

Silas Kligenberg has capitalized on recent drug legalizations in Inquista

Following legislation which legalized cannabis and certain psychedelic drugs in Inquista, Bishop Secretary Silas Kligenberg quickly capitalized on the opportunity to expand his business portfolio to include businesses in the newly legalized recreational drug sectors. Kligenberg Industries has not only committed itself to opening dozens of cannabis and other recreational drug-related storefronts, but it has also entered itself into the entire drug supply chain, including the growing and harvesting of cannabis and mushrooms, as well as the manufacturing and synthesis of designer psychedelic drugs. Inquista’s entire recreational drug industry is expected to produce ł175 million in retail sales by the end of 2020. Kligenberg Industries is aiming to capture at least 23% of these retail profits.

In order to boost sales, Silas Kligenberg is now looking to sell the ievonuia drug located in Eastern Haane, which has made news headlines for the power of its psychedelic effects. The drug is known to cause intense hallucinations when consumed in concentrated amounts, which recently resulted in a Haanian man going on a killing spree. The ievonuia drug has not yet been approved by the Inquistan Drug Enforcement Control, who have been unable to obtain the drug for testing, but Bishop Secretary Kligenberg remains optimistic about the drug and its potential sales in Inquista. “This drug is absolutely nuts, and we need to have our hands on it as soon as we can,” he commented.

Bishop Secretary Kligenberg then publicly propositioned the government of Eastern Haane on his Instagram Live. “It would be a great businesses opportunity for the government of Eastern Haane to allow Kligenberg Industries to begin the commercial cultivation of ievonuia. The ievonuia drug would sell right off the walls, and we could make hundreds of millions off it alone! The government of Eastern Haane would be compensated with commercial royalties, which would greatly help develop the economy of the country. This would be such a win-win opportunity.”

Later, when asked about the natives in the area surrounding Essen Castle, who would likely oppose such a scheme, Bishop Secretary Kligenberg took to his Twitch account to state that he would “be happy to do the government’s dirty work”, and that he would “help foster the relocation of the natives” to “another really poor, undeveloped, and equally crazy place, like Malborya.”

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[Inquista]

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Edward Firoux and Gisela Stuart FINALLY Get Hitched at EXCLUSIVE Fairy Tale Wedding

Article by Kathy Vickers
July 7, 2020

ROYALS OF EUROPOLIS: Speaker Edward Firoux, 44, married former Premier Commissioner Gisela Stuart, 64, today in New Birmingham, Angleter.

A 20-year age gap and differing political views did not prevent Speaker Edward Firoux and former Premier Commissioner Gisela Stuart from falling in love. The pair originally met when Gisela Stuart joined the European Council as the Angleteric Councillor in 2015, and the two quickly fell into a relationship. Gisela Stuart went on to become the European Union's longest serving Premier Commissioner, serving from 2018 until 2019, during which time Councillor Edward Firoux also became Speaker of the European Council. As Premier Commissioner and Council Speaker, the pair became widely regarded as a political power couple and, unfortunately, became the targets of conspiracy theories and online harassment. Due to their working dynamic as Premier Commissioner and Council Speaker, as well as the ensuing harassment that followed, the two often kept their 5-year relationship, as well as their engagement, very low-profile and secretive.

Unsurprising, then, that the pair celebrated a highly exclusive wedding that shunned any and all media attention. The wedding took place in New Birmingham, Angleter, where it was celebrated outdoors in the capital's botanical gardens. The wedding ceremony was a joint Catholic-Orthodox ceremony, which was jointly officiated and performed by the Archbishop of New Birmingham and the Inquistan Orthodox Bishop of Angleter, who the couple are reportedly close acquaintances with.

GORGEOUS: Gisela's IMMACULATE wedding ring is reported to have been designed by famed Inquistan jeweler, Steven Stephenus, and it is said to be worth more than €11,000.

Sources who attended the wedding reported that Speaker Firoux wore a designer suit, uniquely created by Versace for the wedding occasion. Gisela Stuart wore a designer wedding dress, and is said to have been presented with a wedding ring designed by famed Inquistan jeweler, Steven Stephenus. Sources claimed that the wedding ceremony was “like a fairy tale out of story book”, and described it as “almost like a royal wedding”. The summer temperatures of Angleter, which tend to be quite hot, were apparently quite cooperative, which allowed the outdoor wedding to be a rather cool affair. “It was a perfect day. The botanical gardens were absolutely beautiful, and the wedding was so enchanting”, one source reported. Another source, who helped plan the wedding, stated that the wedding took “months of planning," and was “difficult to organize while maintaining secrecy from the public”.

The wedding ceremony had a very exclusive guest list, which was limited to just family, friends, and a handful of close colleagues from the European Council, European Commission, the Inquistan Orthodox Church, and leaders of the Angleter’s Social Democratic Party. Archbishop Mikaela Kligenberg, who just finished her meeting with the European heads of state and government on July 6th, is said to have attended the ceremony.

The wedding ceremony was followed by a reception later in the evening, where Kate Bush and Kane Brown of EuroVoice fame gave live performances. One source reported that Kate Bush performed “Oh To Be In Love” as her opening song, which the couple slow danced to. After dancing to several songs by Kate Bush and Kane Brown, the couple finished off with one final slow dance to Kane Brown’s “Heaven”.

The newlyweds are said to be honeymooning this weekend, but the location of their honeymoon trip has not been disclosed by any sources who attended the wedding. The couple were reported to be “beaming”, and appeared to be “extremely happy and deeply in love”. The newlyweds are apparently already looking for a new home together in Europolis, and are said to also be looking to buy additional properties together in both New Birmingham and Saint Dominico.

This weeding took place after months of speculation that the couple’s relationship was on the rocks. After Speaker Firoux wrote and passed the Elected and Accountable Council Act, and Angleter withdrew its Councillors to the European Union, Gisela was said to have become upset with her fiancée. Soon after, Speaker Firoux also entered more directly than ever into Inquistan politics, where he supported country-wide protests, and campaigned to become a bishop of the Inquistan Orthodox Church in the ensuing ecclesiastical elections. Speaker Firoux was elected to the College of Bishops, where he was also very nearly elected Archbishop of Inquista, but has since been made Chief Secretary Bishop, where he acts as the Archbishop’s chief deputy. Speaker Firoux now splits his time between Europolis and Saint Dominico, which has put additional stress on the couple. One source claims that Gisela is “very supportive” of the Speaker’s busy and time-consuming international political career, and that the couple “are amazing communicators."

Documents obtained from a courthouse in New Birmingham have shown that Gisela Stuart has changed her name to Gisela Stuart Firoux, double-barreling her surname. Despite being described as a “simp” and an “emasculated feminist” by one source, Speaker Firoux has opted to keep his surname as it is.

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Inquista to Increase Defence Spending from 3% to 3.9% of GDP

July 13, 2020

General Fernandez-Velasquez and Air Marshal Copala have pushed for greater military spending

The Inquistan Orthodox Church has announced the single greatest increase in Inquistan military spending, with a new projected military budget of ł283.417 billion. The spending increase will raise Inquista's military spending to 3.9% of the national GDP, which represents an increase of 0.9% of total GDP spending. Within the Church budget, military spending will increase from 9% to 14.5%, representing an increase of 62% of budget space.

This radical rise in military spending comes at time of great strategic uncertainty for Inquista, which has lost its biggest strategic partner, Icholasen, to a communist coup. With Inquista's greatest ally turned into a rogue entity, Inquista's military command are in a panic.

Inquista's highest ranking Army General, Bishop Fernandez-Veasquez, and Air Marshal, Bishop Copala, are both part of the Secretariat of the Inquistan Orthodox Church, and are both considered very close personal allies of the Archbishop herself (the Archbishop and El General are also engaged and soon to be married). The two military commanders have pushed for substantially greater military spending since the formation of the Church's new leadership, and it has become a battle they have apparently won. The push for greater military spending also received the support of the Bishop Secretary of the Treasury and Economy, Silas Kligenberg, who has stated that the increased spending will be good for Inquista's arms and military manufacturing sectors, which Kligenberg Industries coincidentally also happens to have financial stakes in.

This is the single largest increase in Inquista's military spending, which has very steadily increased since 2013. In 2013, Inquista's military spending was only 1.5% of the national GDP. Following Inquista's involvement in freeing the Sahrawi Union from Marrakechian oppression in 2014, Inquista's military spending was increased to 2% of GDP, and it has seen a continuous increase to 3% of GDP by the end of 2019.

Bishop Lallana, the leader of the Progressive bloc within the Church, criticized the sharp increase in spending, stating that she believed that the Archbishop has "been seduced by a warmonger". Even within the Reformist bloc, there has been some dissent, particularly by Bishop Secreatry Johnson, who called the new spending "a financial and moral mistake".

Majority of the increased spending is believed to go to the Holy Inquistan Air Force. Air Marshal Copala has unveiled plans to procure hundreds of new aircraft. Of particular note, it is believed that the Air Marshal hopes to procure a whopping 230 new strategic bombers, which are known to be her favourite type of aircraft.

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Edward Firoux Donates Millions to Environmental Causes After Being Named Sexiest Man Alive

July 28, 2020

Speaker Edward Firoux's Vogue Varda cover

Speaker Edward Firoux has been named the Sexiest Foreign Man Alive for 2020 by Vogue Varda. The Speaker recently won the honour while touring in Vayinaod, campaigning on behalf of Councillor Carita Falk, who won re-election as the country's Councillor to the European Union. As part of his reward for being named Sexiest Foreign Man Alive for 2020, the Speaker won a tremendous ₭1.5 million (ł1.477 million/€2.985 million) prize, which he could then donate to any charities of his choice.

The Speaker is a well-known environmentalist, who has authored European Council bills such as the Safe and Accessible Water Act and the Ocean Protection Act. Thus, in true Firouxian fashion, he has donated all of his prize winnings to environmental causes. The Speaker donated ₭375,000 to the Arctic Alliance (an environmentalist group that seeks to preserve and protect the arctic environment around Vayinaod), ₭375,000 to Save the Reef (a charity dedicated to cleaning and protecting the Duxburian coral reefs), ₭375,000 to Friends of the Emerald (a volunteer group dedicated to cleaning and preserving the Fremetian coast from Nicoleizian junk), and ₭375,000 to Operation Ibiza Clean-Up (a charity which cleans Ibiza's littered beaches).

This is not the first time that the Speaker has been named Sexiest Man Alive by a foreign publication. The Speaker previously won a similar honour from the Matriarchy, Red Croatia's most prized fashion magazine.

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How 'Junckle' and 'Comrade Sofierce' Have Achieved a Cult Following in Inquista and Why Others Should Be Worried

Opinion by Lex Burnley
August 28, 2020

Commissioner Jean Clude Juncker (L) and Sofie Čikarová (R)

The European Commission election is now well underway, with the Commission candidates now debating each other live in Europolis. With five candidates for Premier Commissioner, and four candidates for Internal Affairs Commissioner, each candidate must battle to stand out among the crowded field. In Inquista, this is more important than ever, as it's the first time that Inquistans will vote in a Commission election themselves (historically, the Inquistan Councillor has always voted on behalf of the Inquistan people in Commission elections).

With the power in the hands of Inquistan voters, and not the Inquistan Councillor, this election is fair game to all Commission candidates. No candidates have better capitalised on this historic opportunity than Commissioner Jean Claude Juncker and Sofie Čikarová, who have both visited Inquista this week, and who both drew warm and enthusiastic receptions. Both have achieved a cult following in Inquista, with their enthusiastic supporters donning them with loving portmanteaus: Commissioner Juncker is often affectionately known as 'Junckle' (a portmanteau of 'Juncker' and 'uncle'), while Sofie Čikarová has become known as 'Comrade Sofierce' (Sofierce being a portmanteau of 'Sofie' and 'fierce').

When thinking of the Internal Affairs Office of the European Union, it is almost impossible not to think of Commissioner Juncker, who is basically synonymous with his position. In a 20-stop campaign which has allowed the Commissioner to visit virtually every European Union member state, Junckle has demonstrated a willingness to reach out to every European country and leave no member state behind (literally). This is even better demonstrated by Junckle's impressive Commission record, which includes several successful visits to a handful of different European countries, and a historic first-ever meeting of all European leaders in Europolis.

Like a trustworthy paternal-like figure, Junckle aims to prove he has open ears and an open heart to all Europeans. Junckle has shown himself to be accessible and quickly responsive in his position, and like a member of your own family, you can count on him to show up unequivocally at your side if you call him in your time of need.

What's more is Junckle's seemingly endless source of energy and enthusiasm. Junckle is indisputably one of the most active Commissioner of Internal Affairs in European history. When the Commissioner is not hosting a summit or a visit, he's keeping himself busy with his many side-projects, such as his Commission app or his proposal for an official Europe Day. It's very apparent that Junckle is not only an eager public servant and an intensely hard worker, but you can tell that he clearly loves his job, and he thoroughly enjoys being at the beck-and-call of the member states.

While Juncker's enthusiasm for European projects has ruffled many feathers, he has shown himself to be a keen compromiser and listener, as again proven by his many summits and his leader's meeting in Europolis. Unafraid to reference or not reference, Junckle often pokes fun at himself through his campaign rallies, and he openly caricatures himself through 'Junckgets', which are his transportation gadgets, such as his 'Junckbike' or his infamous 'Juncktank' float. He's unafraid to laugh at himself, and he wants to include everyone in laughter, just as he hopes to create an Internal Affairs Office which advances unity, inclusivity and mutual respect.

The enthusiastic, energetic, well-intentioned, and goofy Commissioner is likely to cruise (or in his case, warp speed) to an easy victory in Inquista. In many ways, Junckle’s probable victory in Inquista isn't unexpected or unusual, as he's aided by his current status as an incumbent, he's clearly a favourite of the European establishment, and he's received a plethora of high-ranking endorsements from across Europe, including Inquista's own European Councillor.

However, the sharp rise of Sofie Čikarová is very much unexpected and extremely unusual, especially in the Inquistan context. A political outsider who openly brands herself as anti-globalist and anti-establishments may seem very Cratican, but her proudly communist convictions and her affiliation to the PEL make her uniquely different. Despite the fact that Inquista is often invoked as the avatar of free enterprise, capitalism, and the home of Speaker Edward Firoux, the country has suddenly been consumed by Sofiemania. Thousands of her supporters flocked to her campaign rally in Saint Dominico, which took place two days ago.

Comrade Sofierce has earned her affectionate nickname through her fierce and uncompromising commitment to upend the status quo in Europolis. Her detailed policy platform includes broad measures for economic and environmental justice, and a strong devotion to protect the national sovereignty of European member states.

Bishop Karinn Lallana, who is widely considered the mother of liberation theology and leftist politics in Inquista, endorsed Comrade Sofierce on Monday. Shortly after, all other 20 members of the Progressivist bloc in the College of Bishops endorsed Comrade Sofierce. This marks the first time that Bishop Lallana, or any bishop of the Progressivist bloc, have endorsed a candidate for the European Commission. Bishop Lallana maintains that Comrade Sofierce is the real-deal, as proven by her refusal to moderate or tame her unapologetic left-wing message for the broader appeal of Europeans. Bishop Lallana and her Progressivist colleagues have now taken to Inquistan airwaves and to Inquistan media, advocating strongly on her behalf, arguing that this is the moment for change, and that Comrade Sofierce is the only candidate willing to enact those changes.

Comrade Sofierce's appeal comes not only from her strong ideological convictions, but also her compassion and kindness which seems to support her people-first persona. When 15-year old Imis streamer Simon Whitakker penned an approving op-ed in the Europolis Post, Comrade Sofierce took the time to deliver a personal response. Comrade Sofierce praised the young boy's keen interest in politics, and promised him the latest Imis DLC. Simon Whittaker, who goes by SimSimonSays on YouTube, and has over 890,000 subscribers, shared her message on his channel as well on his social media. Comrade Sofierce's response immediately went viral, with many praising her for her gentle and warm response, and for delivering a personal message to Simon. Many young Inquistans have also taken to her message of youth activism rather keenly, and have heeded to her words by campaigning for her online.

Inquistan social media has now become abuzz with pro-Sofierce activity. Simps4Sofierce is one of Inquista's busiest subreddits, and Red Rose Twitter is taking a break from dragging Speaker Firoux for caring more about Nofoagan turtles than about class conflict, to now championing Comrade Sofierce's candidacy for Premier Commissioner. Her supporters are widely perceived to be just as fierce as Comrade Sofierce herself, with many pushing for a campaign of "Sofierce or Bust". Despite using an AV voting system, Comrade Sofierce's supporters are painting her as the only opposition to Lady Angela Merkel in the country, and are demanding that supporters of Dragan Trympov abandon his ship and join their own.

This first-time instance for Inquistans to vote and participate in Commission elections presents an opportunity for Commission candidate to connect with European voters and win their support. Inquistan experts are predicting a rather low-turnout in the election, with a range between 40% and 45%, and thus every single vote will matter.

The Inquistan commission election shall take place on September 3rd, with results expected sometime on September 4th.

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[Inquista]

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Archbishop's Approval Soars After Record-High Inquisto and Record-Low Unemployment

September 13, 2020

Archbishop Kligenberg is receiving top marks on the economy, social policy and in foreign policy

Economic data released last week Monday by the European Central Bank spelled exceptionally good news for Inquista. The Inquistan economy grew sharply, becoming the first economy in Europe to reach a size of €15 trillion, and the first country to reach a GDP per capita of over €110,000. The Inquisto also grew to become the region's strongest currency, trading at approximately €2.05, which is the strongest the Inquisto has ever been in all of modern history. Data released by the Treasury Secretariat also showed that Inquista's unemployment also dropped to a historically low record of 3.2%.

Consequently, aggregate polling has shown the Archbishop's approval rating soar from 61% in August to 68% in September. The Archbishop is currently only 1% away from tying the approval rating record set by her predecessor, Archbishop Craticus, who achieved an astonishing 69% aggregate approval rating in February of 2020. The Archbishop is seen as particularly strong on the economy, with surveys all showing that more than 72% respondents approve or greatly approve her handling of the area.

While Inquista has seen consistent economic growth since 2013, the last four months especially have been marked by particularly exceptional and sharp economic growth, since Archbishop Kligenberg came to power. The Bishop Secretary of the Treasury and Economy, Silas Kligenberg, who is widely seen as an economy ace, has also been lauded on his handling of the portfolio. After the ECB's latest economic report, Bishop Secretary Silas Kligenberg boasted, as is his style, that "as long as a Kligenberg sits on Saint Dominico's throne [in the College of Bishops], then Inquista's economy shall flourish and prosper."

The Bishop Secretary admitted, however, that unemployment rates are expected to slightly rise in the upcoming months, especially as Inquista accepts more and more refugees as part of its Communist Refugee Program. As part of the program, refugees are offered a 'job guarantee', but the current intake of refugees, particularly from Eastern Haane, is likely to outpace job creation. Despite this, polling has also shown that Inquistans widely approve of the Communist Refugee Program, particularly since as recent atrocities in Eastern Haane have made front-page news in Inquista. 72% of inquistans respondents approve of greatly approve of the refugee program, up 10% since the outbreak of Eastern Haane's latest civil war, and 77% of Inquistans approve of the Archbishop's decision to not intervene in the conflict.

The Archbishop has also received strong approval ratings on her handling of social issues. The Archbishop is known to be distinctly liberal in her theological beliefs, and her successful push for gay marriage rights, among other socially liberal causes, has won the approval of 64% of Inquistans, according to surveys. Her high approval rating on social issues, however, is polarising: 31% of respondents strongly disapprove of her handling of the issues. Detractors, particularly from the Traditionalist bloc within the College of Bishops, have stated that the Archbishop has discarded traditional Orthodox values too unnecessarily and too quickly.

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[Inquista]

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Archbishop and Bishop Secretary of State to Meet With Sahrawi Supreme Councillor

September 23, 2020

Archbishop Mikaela Kligenberg (L), Bishop Secretary of State Anja Emerett (C) and Supreme Councillor Nadia Ali-Sayed (R)

A meeting between Archbishop Kligenberg, Bishop Secretary Emerett, and Supreme Councillor Ali-Sayed of the Sahrawi Union is expected to take place later this Saturday, according to a media release published by the State Secretariat. The specifics of the meeting have not yet been unveiled, but it is believed that Inquista will release the Sahrawi Union as a protectorate, and will grant complete autonomy to the country. The Sahrawi Union is also expected to then announce its withdrawal from the European Union.

The announcement of the meeting follows a period of lengthy, but cordial negotiations between Inquista and the Sahrawi Union. Bishop Secretary Emerett is said to have been working towards establishing full Sahrawi autonomy from Inquista since her appointment as Bishop Secretary of State. The Bishop Secretary served as Inquista's Secretary of Immigration and Citizenship from the time of Inquista's original intervention in the Sahara, up until the Sahrawi Union was unified. The Bishop Secretary is considered a heroine among Inquista's Sahrawi population, in part due to her open-door policy towards Sahrawi refugees, before she was replaced by an anti-immigration hawk appointee made by Archbishop Craticus.

Sahrawi Inquistans are the second largest minority population in Inquista, making up approximately 3.7% of the population. Despite being less than 4% of the country's population, Sahrawi Inquistans are especially active and vocal within Inquistan politics, and they are considered strong supporters of Archbishop Kligenberg and her Reformist bloc.

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[Inquista]

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Fundamental Laws of Inquista Amended to Allow Archbishop to Formally Adopt Daughter

September 25, 2020

The College of Bishops will allow the Archbishop to become a parent despite not yet being married

The College of Bishops has approved an amendment to the Fundamental Laws of Inquista, which will allow the Archbishop to adopt her daughter, despite not yet being married. The prior rules of the Fundamental Laws stipulated that the Archbishop of the Inquistan Orthodox Church was allowed to marry and have children, but that they could not have children - included adopted children - before being married. Archbishop Kligenberg would otherwise be disqualified from holding her office as Archbishop, should she adopt her daughter before marrying her current fiancée, General Juan-Bernardo Fernandez-Velasquez.

Archbishop Kligenberg refused to speed-up her marriage, and insisted that her daughter should be able to attend her wedding as her legally-recognised daughter, which she explained in an emotional plea to the College of Bishops. The College of Bishops approved the changes unanimously, and agreed that the previous restrictions did not reflect values which would disqualify an Archbishop from office.

The Archbishop first publicly gained custody of her daughter in April, but some reports and eye-witness accounts allege that the Archbishop has maintained custody of her child since at least late March. Since taking office, the Archbishop's daughter has been living with her in the Archbishop's Palace. Her daughter has previously appeared in some of her social media posts predating 2020, but many of those posts were immediately deleted shortly after being posted.

The daughter is understood to not be the Archbishop's biological daughter (and the exact paternity of the child has not been disclosed), but it is instead said that Archbishop gained custody of her child as her godmother, following circumstances which meant that the child could not be cared for by her biological parents. The Archbishop has not disclosed much information about her daughter publicly - besides her name, Alexandra - and has uncharacteristically attempted to shield her daughter away from the media as much as possible.

Rampant speculation has followed the Archbishop's custody of the child, as well as the child's true paternity. Rumours include speculation that the child is the biological daughter of General Fernandez-Velasquez, whom he had with a previous woman, or that the daughter is the biological child of Queen Anastasia of Icholasen, who had the child after engaging in a secret affair while still married to her first husband (the Archbishop is known to be the godmother of Queen Anastasia's other children). However, the damaging rumours even include crazy theories that suggest that child is the biological daughter of the late Archbishop Craticus. The Archbishop's Palace has asked the public to refrain from speculating about the child's paternity, and has insisted that the Archbishop's daughter simply be accepted fully as her own.

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[Inquista]

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Historic Laayoune Summit Sees Sahrawi Union Released as Protectorate; Sahrawi Union Exits EU

September 26, 2020

Deal makers: Archbishop Kligenberg (L), Supreme Councillor Ali-Sayed (C) and Bishop Secretary Emerett (R)

A landmark agreement has been reached today in the Sahrawi capital city of Laayoune. The Sahrawi Union has been released as a protectorate of Inquista, and the country has been granted full autonomy over its own affairs. All Inquistan military personnel currently located in the Western Sahara will return to Inquista, and all Inquistan military bases located in the Sahrawi Union will also be closed.

The first act of the Sahrawi Union will be its immediate withdrawal from the European Union. Despite the Sahrawi Union's withdrawal from the EU, it will still maintain all existing trade agreements with Inquista, as well as visa-free travel with the Most Blessed State. Inquista is home to approximately 5 million Sahrawis, and so free travel between the two countries is seen as imperative to the deep people-to-people ties that they share.

In 2011, Inquista was invited to establish peace in the war-stricken Western Sahara upon the invitation and request of the Marrakechian government. However, in 2014, Inquistan military forces pivoted from their peace-keeping role, and instead supported the Polisario Front in their fight for national liberation, and assisted them in freeing Sahrawi lands from Marrakechian occupation. A national referendum on the independence of the Sahrawi Union was then held, overseen by neutral international observers, which led to a result which overwhelmingly favoured independence. Sine 2014, Inquista has acted as the protector of the country, and has maintained a significant military presence in the territory

The agreement today in Laayoune has been marked by celebration and festivity, as the Sahrawi Union moves towards complete and total independence. Both Archbishop Mikaela Kligenberg and Bishop Secretary of State Anja Emerett were honoured in an accompanying ceremony, in which they were both presented with the Sahrawi Medal of Freedom. Bishop Secretary Anja Emerett, who is widely being credited as the architect of the agreement, has also been named 'Ukht Al-Uma', which translates to 'Sister of the Nation' in Sahrawi Arabic. Supreme Councillor Nadia Ali-Sayed delivered an impassioned speech, in which she thanked Inquista for freeing the country from foreign occupation, for creating peace and stability in the Western Sahara, and for allowing the Sahrawi Union to now flourish as an independent country.

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[Inquista]

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Archbishop Kligenberg Drops New Charity Album "You're My Haane-y" For Haanean Humanitarian Relief

September 29, 2020

You're My Haane-y is the Archbishop's tenth official studo album

Archbishop Mikaela Kligenberg has sent shockwaves throughout Inquista's music scene after unexpetedly releasing an unforeseen music album today. On her personal social media accounts, the Archbishop announced her tenth official studio album, titled You're My Haane-y, which was also immediately released for streaming and digital download. The album is dedicated to the humanitarian crisis in Eastern Haane, and all proceeds from the album's streams and downloads will be donated to the Inquistan Eastern Haane Relief Fund, which will help aid humanitarian relief efforts in Eastern Haane once it becomes safe for international organizations to visit the country.

You're My Haane-y is Archbishop Kligenberg's latest studio album since her 2014 release of Only Human. Inquistans have spent the last six years eagerly anticipating the return of the country's Pop Princess, who dominated Inquista's music charts from the early 2000's to mid 2010's. What remaining hope there was for a future Mikaela Kligenberg album seemed to be dashed earlier in the year once she became Archbishop, and many assumed her musical career was all but over. Notable tracks from the new album include "Let You", "Haane-y Haane-y", "East Side", "Ievonuia State of Mind", a collaborative Spanglish ballad called "Mi Hermoso Chico" featuring Icholasen's Carlos, and a girl-power anthem "GWORLBO$$" which features Meghan Thee Stallion, Cardi B and Paloma Faith.

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[Inquista]

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College of Bishops Rejects Treaty with Reitzmag

October 14, 2020

The College of Bishops has rejected the Inquistan-Reitzmic Accord

The Inquistan-Reitzmic Accord, signed in September by Archbishop Mikaela Kligenberg and Prime Minister Simon Bridges of Reitzmag, was defeated in a 13-217 vote in the College of Bishops today, meaning that the treaty has been rejected and will not be ratified. The treaty, which includes the elimination of trade barriers, provisions for free movement, channels for high-security communication, and most importantly - access to Inquista's military weapons and vehicle producers - has thus become void and nullified.

The accord, which was drafted between the Archbishop and the Prime Minister of Reitzmag while the two enjoyed a much-publicized night out in the city, was panned by bishops across all aisles of the College, but was still expected to pass despite all criticisms - until, at the last minute, it was apparently sunk by Chief Bishop Secretary Edward Firoux.

Bishop Karinn Lallana, of the Progressivist Bloc, argued that Reitzmag's recent involvement in Eastern Haane was "nothing short of a humanitarian catastrophe", and stated that Inquista could not allow a "war hawk" to buy weapons or vehicles from Inquistan military producers to "carry out more international carnage on behalf of dark-moneyed neoliberals and capitalists". Bishop Michael Cunard, the leader of the Traditionalist Bloc, also criticized the accord and asked his colleagues to vote against it.

The Archbishop's Reformist Bloc, which has a majority in the College of Bishops, and more than enough votes to ratify the treaty, became divided. Some Reformist Bishops were apprehensive of the accord from the start, especially after the European Court of Justice had already found Reitzmag guilty of breaking the Condemnation of the Coup in Icholasen. These apprehensions worsened after Reitzmag's intervention into Eastern Haane, but the final nail in the coffin seemed to come after the Councillor of Reitzmag voted in favour of the Ruthenish Neutrality Motion in the European Council, which Chief Bishop Secretary Firoux has characterised as a "step toward the normalization of international recognition of the UNSR".

The Chief Bishop Secretary, who initially favoured the treaty with Reitzmag, returned from Europolis and delivered disapproving remarks to the College of Bishops. "Reitzmag has now consistently, and once illegally, been shown to be open to collaborating with UNSR, doesn't share any of our views regarding the isolation of the illegitimate regime, and more consequentially, the country opposes us in the European Council on virtually every matter - our foreign policies simply don't add up. Reitzmag has its own sovereign prerogative to conduct its own foreign policy, however it's so different and divergent from Inquista's, that I'm not entirely sure how we could ever consider the country an ally, never mind also sell it military weapons."

Chief Bishop Secretary Firoux was originally seen as a keen ally of Reitzmag, but has since soured on his stance on the country following an attempt by the Reitzmic Councillor to bar him from European Council Speakership.

Archbishop Kligenberg expressed "regret" over the failure of her agreement to be ratified. The Archbishop, along with Bishop Secretary Silas Kligenberg, and 11 other bishops, were the only votes for the treaty. Bishop Sectary Silas Kligenberg, whose own military manufacturing businesses stood to benefit from the treaty, argued that the accord would have been economically beneficial to the country. The Archbishop, meanwhile, praised Prime Minister Simon Bridges as "a good guy who's not the monster that people make him out to be."

The Archbishop however was very quick to look for a replacement ally, and has now turned to Spain. The Archbishop departed Saint Dominico later this afternoon and is expected to meet with the Spanish President in Madrid, where she will hope to score a new agreement there.

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[Inquista]

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El General Caught CHEATING On Archbishop Mikaela Kligenberg with Secret SPANISH MISTRESS

Article by Kathy Vickers

AN AFFAIR EXPOSED: General Juan-Bernardo Fernandez-Velasquez Caught Red Handed

Visitors at Talamanca beach in Ibiza, Spain, have just now reportedly captured extremely intimate pictures between General Juan-Bernardo Fernandez-Velasquez and a woman believed to be Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn, who has recently been living under the pseudonym 'Renata' since her exposed affair with King Juan Carlos of Spain.

Beachgoers are said to have taken notice of the General, whose physique and arms of steel are said to be a crowd pleaser among those visiting the beach. However, several members of the public have noticed the General getting snuggly and hands-on with a woman, who bares little to no resemblance to his fiancée, Archbishop Mikaela Kligenberg. Upon further inspection, the woman appears to be Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn, who is the same woman who had an intimate affair with King Juan Carlos of Spain, which recently erupted in scandal.

Corinna, who has been living undercover as 'Renata' since exposing her affair with the former King of Spain, was easily identified by those at the beach, which prompted them to photograph her affectionate closeness with the General and submit those photos to Inquista Today. Further investigation by Inquista Today reveals that Corinna has been very active in commenting on the General's social media posts, often posting very suggestive and flirtatious messages.

According to eye-witnesses, Corinna seemed to kiss General Fernandez-Velasquez several times on the cheek, which were not reciprocated, but nor were they said to be rejected. Eye-witnesses also further report that the couple were seen holding one another, and Corinna was also found sitting on his lap.

The General is currently engaged to Archbishop Mikaela Kligenberg, who travelled with him to Spain to attend a state visit with the Spanish President. The Archbishop is believed to be discussing state affairs with the Spanish President as this scandal unfolds live.

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[Inquista]

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Archbishop Kligenberg Mourns on National Television Following Resignation of Czech PM

December 3, 2020

The Archbishop appeared to be distraught when reacting to the news

Archbishop Mikaela Kligenberg appeared on IBC News this evening, where she broke down crying when asked about her thoughts on the resignation of Czech Prime Minister Slavomíra Černá. Footage of the one-minute segment has since been widely shared online. In the interview, the Archbishop laments about seeing her international counterpart resign, stating that "I love what we had", before adding that she "feels numb" about her resignation.

It is reported that the Archbishop and the Czech Prime Minister struck a close personal friendship during the Prime Minister's visit to Saint Dominico in October. The state visit, as well as the Archbishop's apparent fondness of the Czech Prime Minister, has received criticism within Inquista, particularly from Inquista's burgeoning Czech community, who hold especially bitter sentiments towards the dominating ideology of the Czech government. Nonetheless, the Archbishop appeared to be undeterred by these criticisms, and is said to have personally asked Speaker Edward Firoux to oppose the recently proposed sanctions against Czech Slavia in the European Council.

According to insider political sources, the Archbishop was also asked by the Czech Prime Minister to remove Czech Slavia from Inqusita's Communist Refugee Program, which the Archbishop and the Inquistan Orthodox Church implemented earlier in June. The Archbishop rebuffed this pressure, but soon after the state visit between the Prime Minister and the Archbishop, Inquista eliminated all tariffs on all natural resources, ores and metals imported from Czech Slavia. The Secretariat for the Treasury and Economy also released two subsequent statements, with the first statement promoting further trade with Czech Slavia, calling for Inquistan companies and entrepreneurs to make use of the eliminated tariffs, and the second statement which praised "the stability" of the Czech economy, and reassured investors that Czech Slavia was a "reliable trade partner". The eliminated tariffs and subsequent statements were criticised by bishops of the Traditionalist bloc, with Bishop Michael Cunard criticising the Archbishop and her government for being "morally bankrupt" for their "willingness to do business with just about anyone".

Much like Czech Slavia, Inquista experienced mass protesters earlier in the year. The Inquistan protests eventually culminated in fresh elections that saw Archbishop Kligenberg and her Reformist bloc rise to power. The ripples of change, which have profoundly impacted Inquista this year, as well as many other European countries, now seems to be sweeping Czech Slavia. The Inquistan Orthodox Church has made no comments on the recent protests in Czech Slavia.

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