Elthic News Media
-
President Chai to veto proposed CBI program
Chai stated that she would veto the proposed citizenship by investment bill
April 12, 2025
President Melissa Chai has given the red light against the possibility of foreigners acquiring Elthic citizenship by investment (also known as a CBI program), during a press conference in Forecoaster this afternoon. The bill, which was proposed by Member of Parliament Karl Lindberg (PCP - St. Lucas), was put into discussion in the parliament in March. Lindberg defended his bill, stating that Elthize could always use more investors in our region, and that the bill would bring a new source of income to the state. Critics, however, believe that the bill is both offensive, but also dangerous.
Laura Atteberry (CSD - Marchand) heavily criticized the bill, stating that citizenship by investment is "a great insult to those who have made the commitment to naturalize and become citizens of Elthize". Jack Netalini (Moderates - Port Nelson) showed great concern that the program would weaken the passport of Elthize, stating that the program would let foreigners who are citizens of countries with "weaker passports and poorer international standings take advantage of the Elthize passport, and this certainly would lower the value of [the passport] and its travel opportunities."
When asked whether if she would approve of such program if it were to pass the Parliament, President Melissa Chai responded that "the answer is a resounding no".
"Our passport is not for sale", Chai continued. "There will be no negotiations about this. Being an Elthic, being a citizen of Elthize, it has value, it must have value. Our passport is a proof of the well founded diplomatic relations our country has had since its founding, it is not a tool of convenience that can be used by foreigners with enough money to avoid visa processes, for easier travel. I will not let it happen."
The bill has a very slim chance of passing if it gets enough support from the Moderates. Freddie Abbey, party leader, stated that there would be no collective party vote on the bill, meaning that MPs of Moderates are free to vote based on their approval. The time for when the voting procedure for the bill will commence, however, is unknown.
-
EZIHL to start play in September 2025
The Elthize Ice Hockey League will start their inaugural season later this year
April 15, 2025
The Elthize Ice Hockey League (EZIHL) will commence with its inaugural season on September 8, 2025, the EZIHL commissioner, Gabe Keller, has announced in a press conference. The league will represent the highest level of ice hockey in Elthize, following the demise of the old Elthize Hockey League (EHL) in 2023.
"Words cannot explain how excited we are to share this moment with you", Keller stated in the press conference. "We are looking forward to seeing you in September."
Six teams will participate in the first season of EZIHL, including St. Lucas Blaze, Forecoaster Capitals, and Ackerson Guards, as well as teams from Montgomery, Brownell, and Mananifari / Hunnicutt (labelled as Hunnicutt in the league), who have not yet announced their branding. They have until July 21st, when the inaugural draft will be held, to do so.
The inaugural season will see the six teams play each other at least two times, one home game and one away game. They are divided into two divisions: The Northern Division will include Forecoaster, Ackerson and Brownell, meanwhile the Southern Division will include St. Lucas, Montgomery, and Mananifari / Hunnicutt.
The first and second place in each division will qualify for the semifinals, which will be best of five, and the winner of the two semifinals will qualify for the finals, which will be best of seven.
The regular season will begin on September 8, 2025 and will conclude on February 23, 2026.
The league has already had controversies. Hunter Vance, governor of Montgomery province, stated that, due to the province's long history with ice hockey, the province should have had at least two teams at the inaugural season. This proposal was declined by Keller, who noted that the EZIHL would expand in the future.
Additionally, the name of Mananifari / Hunnicutt being displayed as Hunnicutt was also controversial, as the name of the city was changed in 2024 to display both the Elfiz name and the English name, to reflect the history of the city, MP Rebel Kofi (Elfiz Party - Eltikitani) declared the naming "disrespectful". Preston Vale, owner of the Hunnicutt team, declined to comment.
Update 18/04/2025: The Montgomery and Hunnicutt teams have announced that their names will be Montgomery Royals and Hunnicutt Titans respectively.
