Fremetian News Media
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Sunset for the Seventh Kingdom?
Special Edition — 15 November 2020
Above: Nordligeslott, a royal estate and summer vineyard in the foothills overlooking Nordhavn (Owned and Maintained by the Bureau of Land Management)Every four years, at the opening of the new Staatsrat, the body must reaffirm the status of the monarch. Fremet’s unique monarchy, stemming from the tribal authorities of old, derives its power not from god, but the people— or, in this case, the people’s representatives. Without the consent of each new Staatsrat, the monarch loses their legitimacy. Article IV of the Constitution of the Fremetian Union (1935) enumerates the processes of the elected monarchy and, should the people decide, how to dissolve it.
What might happen?
OPTION 1: Article IV, Section 2 of the 1935 Constitution of Fremet requires that the Staatsrat recognise the monarch by the first full moon of the New Year. As the Fremetian calendar started on the first of November this year, 30 November is the deadline for the Staatsrat to affirm the status of the monarch. If not, Article IV, Section 3 of the 1935 Constitution calls for a binding referendum that would either deliver the people’s assent to the current monarch or reject the current head to be held on the second moon. If the current monarch is rejected, the Staatsrat has until the third moon to find a suitable candidate to present to the people for be held by third moon. If rejected, Article IV, Section 4 would be triggered on the fourth moon suspending the monarchy until after the next general election (4 years), in which this entire process would repeat. This has only happened twice since the Fremetian elected monarchy was canonised in the 1935 Constitution: The First Regency (1979—1988) and The Second Regency (2015—2016).
OPTION 2: The Statsminister places the Articles of Federalisation on the floor of the Staatsrat, as outlined in Article IV, Section 5 of the 1935 Constitution. Should the Staatsrat pass these articles, a binding referendum would be held 30 days after the passage of the Articles of Federalisation. If the referendum is successful, the Fremetian monarchy (and the Kingdom of Fremet) would cease to exist. An election for the new President of the Republic would be held 60 days after the referendum, with subsequent elections being synchronised with the provincial 4-year elections cycle (the next election would be held in 2022). This option closes all constitutional avenues for future installment of the monarchy.
Are either of these cases realistic? The 1935 National Conclave wanted to make the monarchy a lasting institution that wouldn’t be subject to political infighting. The constitutional mechanisms for removing the monarchy are intentionally slow and difficult to prevent any “acts of passion.” Republicanist forces in the National Conclave were placated with the broad restrictions placed on the monarchy, but even still they were not a large enough contingent of the Conclave to remove the institution altogether. The consensus among the more moderate members of the Conclave was that the monarchy was needed as a symbol of national unity after the occupation, with many scholars noting that the general expectation was that the institution would be abolished through constitutional means by the turn of the millennium.
Polling performed by Die Zeit and Der Trondheimer shows that between 53% and 58% of Fremetians are in support of the retirement of the monarchy. Passing the Articles of Federalisation has been a policy objective of the Socialists since the 1980s, could Statsminister Solberg finally realise that dream? Or is there simply too much apathy regarding the institution to successfully remove it.
The Royal Household refused to comment, but a spokesperson from the Liberal Democrats reached out to us earlier this week, saying:
“The Fremetian Elected Monarchy is one of the most majestic and unique systems of monarchy of Europe. The people of Fremet approved the ascent of King Gustaf III in 2016, and we see no realistic reason for the Statsminister and her party to expend such large sums of political capital for any other reason than to provide a grandiose spectacle for her base.”An unnamed member of the Solberg Administration gave a statement to Die Zeit:
“Monarchy of any kind is an outdated concept. No true egalitarian society can exist while there are members of it given special privileges because of their bloodline and not solely because of their merit. We must cast aside the old order and build a new, greater society for all Fremetians. The abolition of the monarchy is the first step on the road to a more progressive future no longer hindered by the inhibitions of old.”Regardless, as the deadline grows ever-nearer, questions are being asked about what would happen to Fremet’s royal family should the monarchy be established. While they would become private citizens, Gustaf would be eligible for retired state employee benefits given his high scale in the Fremetian government. As for more obscure royals, many of them are already living as private citizens in everything but name. 50 years of cuts to the Royal Household’s budget means that only the monarch’s immediate family is eligible for the benefits of royalty. Castles, crown lands, museums, etc are all owned and operated by various agencies within the Interior Ministry, with only Trondheimslott still being held by the Royal Household (an institution separate from the Royal Family). The Royal Household would be disbanded and folded into the Interior Ministry, leaving the ex-royals without a permanent residence. Fortunately, Gustaf owns a share in a housing co-op in Vestlandet. It is highly likely that he and his family would retire there after the dissolution of the monarchy.
This is not without great risk to the Statsminister, however. If her efforts fail, it is likely that she will face a vote of no confidence from her own party.
The New Year’s legislative session starts Monday, with a flurry of new legislation set to be introduced from numerous members of the Staatsrat. A national debate is already starting over the future of the monarchy, and the Statsminister seems keen to ride that wave into the history books.
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Weekly Bulletin
Tuesday - 9 February 2021 - TRONDHEIM
VDL Endorsed Cocx Over the WeekendAs Commission Elections Near, LeBerre's Softening Lead Bends over For Hardened Cocx in Three-Way
TRONDHEIM— With Fremetians set to vote this weekend and lend their voice to the future of the European Commission, pollsters have been scouring the country to capture the sway of the populace. Over the course of the campaign period, Syndical candidate Francois Le Berre had been the frontrunner for Premier in Fremet following his rally in Rutte am Mainz. As the only Premier candidate to make the trip to Fremet this cycle, he captured an early lead and was able to achieve record name-recognition for an independent candidate.
However, thanks in part due to a recent endorsement from former Statsminister Ursula von der Leyen and rumors of at least partial endorsement of Cocx from current Premier Angela Merkel, Cocx has managed to surge ahead in the polls. With rumours of Erna Solberg gearing up for an endorsement of LeBerre, vote for premiership in Fremet is a dead heat as Cocx and LeBarre continue to butt heads on— and off— the debate stage.
The dichotomy between the candidates mirrors a small part of a larger political transformation here in Fremet. As the Kingdom continues its march left, how much longer can centrist candidates out of the EPA and Inimicus count on Fremet's vote? Euroscepticism has already captured the political sphere once again, with Duchies hyper-integration candidate Peter Leeson struggling to get out of the single digits, unable to secure even a passing endorsement from one of the seven.
Fremetians polls were almost unanimously more concerned with the Federal Referendum Saturday on the continued existence of the Monarchy. With the attention of Fremet set on domestic issues, LeBerre, with his "you decide" attitude has an excellent opportunity to garner large swathes of support from burgeoning leftists and Fremetians discontent with unilateralism and EU integration politics in Europolis.
In the other Commission races, Duxburian candidate Jon Mitchell has managed to hold onto a healthy lead over Ronald Reagan for Foreign Affairs Commissioner. Reitzmic candidate Edmund Winston, thanks in part to the toxicity of his past campaigns and his firm support for EU integration, remains far behind Münevver Birdane for Internal Affairs, though a sizeable amount of those polled cited "no preference" in this category.
All in all, the whispers of Euroscepticism seen throughout 2020 seem to have surfaced in Fremetian politics. When asked to comment, Erna Solberg answered, "It should surprise no one that Fremet is seeking to set its own path, especially in this moment of great uncertainty. This is a revival of tangible, common-sense policy and decision making in Fremetian politics— and I, and many Fremetians, are tired of trying to conform to norms that simply do not apply to us— and of cutting through mountains of bullshit to find a hollow core."
Fremesker Bell Building, TrondheimWith Implementation of FUCC 2020 Act, F-Corps Among Largest Companies in Fremet— and Europe
TRONDHEIM— As restructuring of public utilities continues on schedule for the January 2022 deadline, a number of F-Corps have already rocketed to lofty heights on the lists of Europe's largest companies.
FG&E, Fremet's new electric utility, has announced plans to channel an additional ₣ 850 million from a combination of excess equipment sales and provincial grants into speeding modernisation and renewable energy projects initiated by the Merkel Administration in 2017.
Fremesker Bell, Fremet's newly-formed telecommunications utility, surpassed industrial titans FKEM and VW in December of 2020 to become the largest F-Corp in Fremet and became the largest corporate entity in the Kingdom after Trondheim-based FremetiaBank. FB's consumer division, FremetiaTelkom, reached a key milestone in January of 2021: total multi-gigabit fibre penetration throughout the island of Fremetia.
The 5-year program, established by the Oleman government in 2015 (and costing a hefty ₣ 8.2 billion a year) set out to build a highly resilient, low-latency fibre-to-the-home network throughout the entire country. Constriction in 2020, as part of the final phase of deployment, focused on proactively building out infrastructure in new developments and establishing a trust for the continued maintenance and expansion of the system. The program, largely criticised for its immense cost and 'excessive' redundancies, was one of the largest public works projects undertaken by the Fremetian government in the 21st century.
With continued transformation of the Fremetian economy, the Solberg administration faces a number of challenges as the Socialist Party seeks to hammer out a new future for Fremetians. In the private sector that remains, little regulation exists beyond environmental and safety guidelines, drawing criticism from centrists and leftists alike. And, in the fast-growing public sector, many systems (new and old) have yet to be proven as effective engines in the long term.
A JetBlue A320 Undergoes Routing Deicing at Trondheim International AirportJetBlue, Air Fremet Report 7% Uptick in Passenger Numbers in 2020
RHODENHEIM— The long-plateaued airline industry in Fremet reported its first significant passenger growth in 4 years as new travel allowances and visa wavers went into effect with popular tourist destinations. Longstanding travel restrictions with Gallorum and Vayinaod were suspended at the opening of Q2 2020, allowing for massive passenger increases to Fremet's largest trading partners.
Air Fremet, which prioritises more medium and long-haul routes, reported significant passenger growth on its routes to Inquista, Spain, and Mennrimiak as reductions in travel barriers began to pay off for the airline industry in Q3 of 2020.
Ferry use saw a sharp decline as ferry services to neighboring Icholasen were suspended. With Fremetians long preferring flying to the continent, many ferry operators turned to bulk or specialty shipping to and from the mainland. Tourists, instead of going to Icholasen, instead sought to take advantage of new travel allowances to Inquista, Gallorum, and Vayinaod.
With restrictions on the UNSR set to remain for the forseeable future, a noted uptick in domestic air travel (specifically between Trondheim and Rhodenheim), and increased economic activity with Southern Europe and states across the Atlantic, airlines are expecting to see another year of growth in 2021.
Above, Left: The Staatsrat passed the Articles of Federalisation last January
Above, Right: King Gustaf III at his winter residence in Èze earlier this weekArticle IV Referendum Set to begin Saturday, 13 February; Polls Inconclusive
TRONDHEIM— With the passage of the Articles of Federalisation on the 15th of January (last month), the Fremetian Statsrat designated the referendum date on the continued existence of the Fremetian monarchy as the same period Fremetians will go to the polls to vote for commission candidates. As national election days in Fremet are a 2 day process, the referendum will run from the 13th of February to the 14th of February 2021 (Gregorian Calendar).
As per usual, we have included the standard explainer for our international readers (with some adjustments):
The term Plukkedag (litterally "Picking Day") is used to describe both voting days. Both are national holidays, with countless shops and businesses closed or on limited hours. Plukkedag, for federal elections is always the first Monday and Tuesday of August every four years from 1936. However, certain allowances are made for cases such as these.
The Statsrat, as provisioned in Article IV of the Fremetian Constitution, the referendum for monarch must occur on a Saturday and Sunday within 30 days of passage of the Articles of Federalisation.
As always, while businesses may be open both days, it is illegal for anyone to work both days, unless they are in the armed services (they vote by mail). Starting at 09h00 FST, the Samlere (the "collectors") will begin making their rounds accross the country, up and down each and every residential street in Fremet, collecting ballots from every home where Fremetian citizens may live. At noon Fremetian Standard Time, the Samlere will have finished their routes, and the voter lists will be turned over to polling stations, the Valgurnene, to allow them to open at 12h30 FST.
Those persons who were either unable or unwilling to vote in the initial collection will then be able to vote at their local polling location, which is mandated to be no more than 1,5 km from their place of residence (exceptions are granted on a case by case basis, and the MoT must then provide adequate transportation on demand to the assigned polling location). The Valgurnene will remain open until 12h30 FST the following day. From 09h00 FST to 12h00 FST on Sunday , no non-essential business or service is permitted to be open. At the conclusion of the voting process, votes are counted and certified at each precinct. Votes have until Friday to be certified or the election risks being declared disrupted, necessitating a recount and possible redo of votes.
Early polling indicates strong support across the Kingdom for the abolition of the monarchy, which would trigger a new National Conclave and the appointment of an interim Chancellor. The High Council (the body that represents the ten provinces of Fremet) would be responsible for appointing the new interim head of state.
This referendum, held just four years into the reign of Gustaf III— and four years after the referendum that saw him accede the throne in 2016— is the third such referendum held in Fremetian history. With support across the spectrum in the Staatsrat— the Articles passed 290 - 97 —the dawn of a new republic may be imminent.
Upon the passage of the Articles of Federalisation, Erna Solberg issued a statement to the Staatsrat:
"The National Conclave of 1935 set out with the distinct idea of using the monarchy to unify a broken and battered nation with little institutions. Over the last century, we have rebuilt our island with concrete, ennumerated powers and institutions that have survived one crises after the next. The time of monarchy is over. We are not calling for revolution, but a peaceful end to an institution that has contributed so much to our island. Let us end this on a high note, with broad support, and the consent of His Majesty, so that we may truly live up to the egalitarian ideals upon which this nation was established and to which we ascribe." -
13 February 2021
Trondheim, TG, Fremet
Above, a woman ice skating on Trondheimfjord as the skies cleared briefly Saturday, a classic Trondheimmer Winter PasttimeFremetians Go to the Polls as Winter Storm Bears Down on Northern Fremet
The Fremesker Værservice has issued weather advisories for the entire island of Fremet as Winter Storm Jævla Kald bears down on Fremet into this weekend. Adding to an already windy winter, there has been registered snowfall in every municipality in Fremet for the first time in 35 years. Due to high winds in excess of 120 kph, the FVS has issued winter weather and blizzard advisories for much of the Fremetian North. Over Friday night, the Fremetian capital Trondheim saw 58 cm of snowfall, and is projected to receive another 80 cm of snowfall through Tuesday as nighttime lows continue to drop to the -40s C. While temperatures and snowfall averages are expected to remain within February averages in the Northern Provinces, the primary concerns are high winds and associated wind chill and snow blindness. The MoT began full ice mitigation and snow transfer operations Wednesday and expects to keep major roadways and rail lines open.
The light rail in Helmsdorf was closed for six hours today as workers repaired track heating systems. Similar issues with track heating systems occurred on the East Coast Mainline. Trains were able to divert onto freight track through Fjellmark.
Winds gusting over 160 kph in Ostgrenze and Nordland prompted Blizzard Warnings from the FVS as the high winds knocked down trees and power lines across the two provinces. FG&E reports that 8,500 households are without electricity in Ostgrenze and 4,000 households without power in Nordland. Gas supplies and municipal steam systems have not been affected.
The Port of Trondheim closed its outer terminal as the Trondheimfjord froze over as far out as Vestlander Point. The inner terminal in Trøndelag has been closed since November, as usual, due to the inner parts of the fjord freezing over. The Port of Helmsdorf, Port of Nordhavn, NordPort, the Port of Flachesfeld, and the Port of Halvøya have closed due to high winds (all forecasted in excess of 140 kph). Traffic has been diverted to the Port of Rhodenheim, the Port of Èze, and Sydgård-Eastport, all of which are forecasted more mild temperatures and wind conditions and have added facilities to safely handle cargo in the high winds endemic to the South. The Port of Trondheim is set to reopen Sunday after Coast Guard Icebreakers clear the ice from the entrance to the fjord.
Over the weekend, the highest forecasted temperature, in Rhodenheim, is -8 C, and the lowest, in Nordhavn, is -60 C. Election officials in the ten provinces are prepared to continue ballot collection and the effects of the storm on turnout and reporting time are expected to be negligible; this is the 6th Commission election held under such conditions. Some have spoken out over seeking compensation from the EU for being forced to hold elections in the dead of winter, but when asked, the Federal Election Commission Spokesperson simply replied, "Winter is part of who we are. Would you compensate a Duxburian for voting in the dead of summer?"
FVS Warning Map:
(Note, while all areas of Fremet are projected to receive snowfall, the warnings issued are to indicate areas where individual conditions pose an irregular risk to life and property. Winter Weather Warnings indicate dense snowfall and winds lowering chill factor significantly, Blizzard Warnings indicate dense snowfall and deadly winds and wind chill, Winter Storm Advisories indicate dense snowfall, and Wind Advisories imply high (albeit not life threatening) winds.)
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Special Edition: EU Commission Election, Referendum Results
Tuesday - 16 February 2021 - TRONDHEIM
The Salmere took to the streets over the weekend to collect ballots from Fremetians. Above: Salmere in Trondheim-Nord out collecting ballots, temperature -36 C
LEBERRE DEFEATS COCX, SUNSET FOR THE SEVENTH KINGDOM
TRONDHEIM— Fremetians rejected Cocx in the latest round of Commission elections. LeBerre's victory, a hallmark of a continued leftward motion in Fremetian politics, came as a surprise to many long-standing centrist and establishment politicians in Fremet.
LeBerre was able to seal victory in Fremet thanks in part to his no-nonsense campaigning and consistent rhetoric. As the only PC candidate to visit Fremet, he was able to establish a narrative in Fremet that presented him as a new alternative to a constantly stagnant centrism that had gripped the council and was encroaching on the rights of memberstates. Many found his policies and rhetoric highly similar to Erna Solberg and the larger Socialist Party, who secured a landslide victory in the Fremetian General Elections last year. In the words of the Mayor of Trondheim, "He told us what we've been saying at the dinner table for 4 years—" LeBerre was able to capture the new air of leftism in Fremet and secure a victory over the centrist Cocx, who suffered greatly due to his interventionist policies regarding the UNSR and his association with a stagnating centre.
Birdane handily defeated Winston in the second preference. Interestingly, a significant number of write-in campaigns were extremely active in the IAC race, with almost forty percent of voters selecting "Other" on their ballots. Birdane still saw a strong base of support thanks in part to her calls to keep non-participating countries from being forced to contribute to Eurorail. This, combined with Winston's tarnished reputation in Fremet thanks to a vexatious lawsuit in one of the 2020 Commission Elections and his Eurofederalist policies, allowed Birdane to sweep the floor in the second preference.
Duxburian Candidate Mitchell took victory with 69.420% (nice) of the vote in the first preference. His experience, detailed policy objectives, and perfectly blunt speaking style struck a chord with Fremetian voters and carried him to victory.
This cycle saw the highest turnout in history for a commission election, which many attribute to the referendum taking place on the same day.
Fremetians approved the measure to trigger Article IV of the Constitution of 1935, which enumerates a timeline and process for a new National Conclave and the process for removing the monarch, which must be done within 90 days of the certification of the referendum results.
Many have been campaigning for the dissolution of the monarchy since the election of Gustaf III to the throne in 2016. At the time, the Oleman administration refused to hold a referendum citing a lack of public support. Public opinion was on her side then, though the public approval rating for the monarchy has been steadily dropping since its 2016 high of 54% to its current all-time low of 31%.
Though a rise in leftism may be to blame, both the Liberal Democrats and Høyre both included calls for the dissolution of the monarchy deep inside their 2016 and 2020 platforms. When the Solberg government submitted the Articles of Federalisation to the Staatsrat, it was met with widespread support from across the political spectrum— both in and out of the legislature.
Regardless, the Socialists have been pushing for a referendum vote since the 1980s, and now that the measure has passed, it will be the Socialists who take the vanguard in building the future of Fremetian politics.
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Special Edition: Veritas, Justitia, Libertas
PART ONE
Trondheim, Fremet
20 April 2021
Above, fireworks over Trondheim after a midnight session of the Staatsrat held to dissolve the KingdomSeventh Kingdom Dissolved; Fourth Republic Declared
Today, the Staatsrat held its first session after the Jubileumsdag Recess. The results from the referendum on the activation of Article IV of the Fremetian Constution of 1935 were read to the full session of the Staatsrat that included the Hierarchical Members of the High Council.
At the end of the reading of the results, the Speaker of the Staatsrat (a position held by the Chief Justice of the Fremetian Supreme Court) declared the following:
“ON THIS DAY, the 20th of April in the year 2021, in the presence of the representatives of the 10 provinces and the peoples of the Isle of Fremetia,
Let it be declared: HIS MAJESTY THE KING GUSTAF III OF TRONDERLAG, PROTECTOR OF THE TEN PROVINCES OF FREMET, DEFENDER OF THE PEOPLES OF FREMETIA, THE HEAD OF THE FREMETIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH, KING OF THE ISLE OF FREMETIA, in his official capacity as head of state, king, of the Kingdom of Fremet and all that it contains, has reached the end of said term.
The people of the Isle of Fremetia and subjects of this Kingdom have voted in a free, fair, and secure referendum, and this Staatsrat and the High Council are thereby bound to carry out the provisions set forth in the 1935 Constitution of Fremet.
As such, in accordance with the Constitution of Fremet (1935), the mandate granted by the people of Fremet by referendum in the year 2016 is hereby REVOKED by the People of Fremet through this body under the provisions set forth in Article IV Section 5 of the Constitution of Fremet (1935). The position of monarch in Fremet, and all of the associated positions of the Monarchy of Fremet are all hereby dissolved permanently. The Articles of Federalisation shall be carried out by the High Council of the Republic.
The position of Head of State shall be invested in the President of the Republic, to be first appointed by the High Council of Fremet, followed by a national election on 1 August 2021, gregorian calendar.
The President of the Republic shall then obtain the duties and powers associated with that of the High Council, which shall be dissolved at the accession of the President of the Republic, in accordance with Article IV, Section 6 of the Constitution of Fremet (1935).
THE MONARCHY IS DEAD. LONG LIVE THE FOURTH REPUBLIC!”
The Staatsrat held a brief moment of silence as the Standard of the Seventh Kingdom was lowered and replaced with the ceremonial flag of the First Republic.
The Transition Bureau was once again activated to convert necessary government documents, forms, official designations, and facilitate the expulsion of the royal family from government housing.
Former King Gustaf, his wife, and his immediate family have moved to a housing co-op in Vestlandet, where they resided before Gustaf rose to the throne in 2016. Castles, crown lands, museums, etc have all been owned and operated by the National Parks Service within the Interior Ministry since the 1940s, with only Trondheimslott remaining as part of the Royal Household. The Transition Bureau has transferred ownership and operations of Trondheimslott to the National Parks Service as part of the new Department of the Interior.
The Transition Bureau, with approval from the Staatsrat, will establish Trondheimslott as the official residence of the President of the Republic and meeting place for the High Council of the Republic.
The High Council of the Republic opened a session immediately after the Staatsrat closed in the North Chamber of the Bundesrat to select a new President of the Republic.
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Special Edition: Veritas, Justitia, Libertas
PART TWO
Trondheim, Fremet
20 April 2021
Above: Staatsoberhaupt Gaarder speaking to Fremetians on the steps of the Bundestag after being sworn in as the new Staatsoberhaupt of the RepublicA New Head of State
The High Council, made up of the provincial constituency delegations from the Staatsrat and the appointed representatives of respective Provincial Councils, met immediately after the Speaker closed the session and moved to appoint the new Head of State to serve as interim President of the Republic.
After two hours of debate, one candidate eventually achieved a unanimous vote from the 101 members of the High Council, leading Whoopi Gaarder of Norrland to be declared the First Staatsoberhaupt of the Fourth Republic of Fremet.
Staatsoberhaupt Gaarder was sworn in on the steps of the Bundestag at Noon FST, 20 April 2021.
As stipulated in Article III of the Constitution of Fremet, the Staatsoberhaupt was sworn in by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Fremet. Gaarder used the official copy of the 1935 Constitution that was given to Norrland upon their ratification of the document. She placed her right hand upon the Constitution and raised her left to deliver the oath:
"By my honour and by my concience,
I, Whoopi Gaarder, do solemly swear:
That, in order to be selected Staatsoberhaupt of Fremet, I have not promised or given, directly or indirectly, any promises, gifts, or favour to any person under whatsoever name or pretext,
That, in order to do or refrain from doing anything whatsoever as Staatsoberhaupt, I have not accepted and will not accept, directly or indirectly, any promises, gifts, or favour from anyone whomsoever,
That I will preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of Fremet against all enemies, foreign and domestic,
That I will bear true, concientious faith, allegiance, and adherence to the same,
That I take this obligation freely, without any reservation or purpose of evasion,
and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the Office of Staatsoberhaupt of Fremet.
This I swear by my honour and by my concience in service of the people of Fremet."
The inauguration was observed by thousands of citizens in Trondheim's Central Square along with millions of Fremetians by radio, television, and otherwise. Whoopi's inaugural address was broadcast across Fremet and the European Union:
"My fellow Fremetians,
We have achieved something few in history have ever done: the peaceful dissolution of a monarchy and transition to a republic. This not only speaks to the strength of our institutions, but also our allegiance to them. Fremet is not merely an island, a race, or single culture. Our nation has survived decades of occupation, a century of fear, and horrific tragedy time and again. In all of that, we have been forged. In that great forge of history, we have been made into a country that protects the weak and seeks the betterment of all of its citizens. We have been lucky. In what should have destroyed our society, our culture, our spirit, our institutions, these things that give us our very grasp on reality only grew stronger.
Our institutions today remain strong. The state of the Union of Provinces formed in some shack in Fjellmark two centuries ago remains strong. We have cast off the chains of monarchy. We have proven that the idea of Fremetian democracy does not need some thoughtless figurehead to remain real. We have realised a chief goal of an egalitarian society that has alluded us for so long: that everyone, no matter their birthright, race, politics, creed, religion or lack thereof, sexual orientation— everyone— is equal under the law.
And so, we must look forward. We are all equal under the law, but what of society? If we are responsible for our actions who is responsible for our circumstance? If inequity is inevitable, must we fight against it? My fellow Fremetians, we must. For it is in the fight that we prove our ideals. It is in the fight that we grow into a better country. It is in the fight that we grow into a better society. It is in the fight that we grow into a better people.
We have always lived in tumultuous times, and the fires on our doorstep today are not merely just the crisis of the week, but the heat of the forge. This past year has proven that our metal will be tested every single day. We have been, are, and will continue to be ready.
Once again I ask, if crisis is inevitable, must we fight against it? Of course we must. What kind of people would we be if we traded our ideals— our identity— and withdrew into relative obscurity. We must fight tooth and nail in defence of every inch of ground. There is no security— there is only opportunity.
But 'Whoopi,' you may ask, 'at what point do we stop fighting?' — My dear, we stop fighting for the same reasons why we fight. When our principles— our ideals— are lost in the fight, what in truth is the point in fighting? Money is temporary and power moves with the tides. Throughout our history, only our ideals have survived the tumults of time. Only our institutions built upon those ideals have survived. When we keep fighting for the sake of it, we lose sight of the fight, we lose sight of ourselves, and we lose sight of why we fight. We must not let that happen.
As such, in my first official act as Staatsoberhaupt, I will be extending a hand across the Emerald Sea to our long-time enemy in Icholasen. Regardless of what has happened in the past, we must not let sins of the father to be laid upon the children.
Mr Sanders, both of our peoples have suffered too much for too long under the squabbles of two states nearing ever closer to disaster. If you, Mr Sanders, so claim that this UNSR is different from the empire of old, I want you to prove as much to the world. Prove it to the people of Fremet. Prove it to me. Come here and see for yourself the camps, the poisoned fields still unable to bear crops, the survivors and descendants of the tragedy that was brought upon us. Do what you must to reconcile with my people for the horrors wrought by the empire of the old, and we will do what we must to move past them.
I'm not asking for a trade agreement or an alliance of any sorts. I'm asking for communication. Dialogue. I'm asking to start the process of healing wounds a century old.
My fellow Fremetians, hear this: we mustn't lose sight, we musn't lose perspective. The government supplanted by the UNSR made no efforts to reconcile with us, instead choosing to distance themselves from the past and bury it. If this new regime is willing to hear us, why shouldn't we speak out?
Whatever happens, the forge continues its work, and we continue to grow in strength and number. We have a bright future ahead of all of us, and it is such an honour to be entrusted with this great duty by the representatives of my people.
Keep fighting, but do not lose sight of what we are fighting for.
Thank you. Long live the Republic."
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Weekly Bulletin
Friday - 1 October 2021 - TRONDHEIM
Midtenskov National LaboratoryFremetian Public Service Commission, National Laboratory Announce Renewed Investment into Thorium Power
MIDTENSKOV– Today, the FPSC announced a renewed 32 bn francs in funding for the National Thorium Laboratory, established in 2015 by the Department of Energy. The investment by the FPSC opens the door to convert existing conventional nuclear power plants to thorium use.
The National Thorium Laboratory currently uses 4 research reactors, and the project thus far has yielded “promising results.” Project leaders have expressed hopes that their research will preserve the relevancy of nuclear power generation in Fremet as the pressure to convert to more green forms of electric generation grow from both the general public and from Trondheim.
A small part of the 32 billion investment into thorium power is to be set aside for the National Fusion Laboratory in Midtenskov, which was slated to be merged with the National Thorium Laboratory in 2023. The new funding appropriation provides for a new facility, increased staff, and independent operation within the Midtenskov National Laboratory Complex until 2029.
Trondheim Performing Arts CentreTrondheim Looks to Federal Government to Share in Cost of EuroVoice Hosting
TRONDHEIM– Following the unexpected win by Queen Latifah at the last EuroVoice competition in Ruthund, the Trondheimmer government has established the EV Committee to oversee the execution of the event in the city. The Metropolitan Council voted yesterday to submit a request for funding from the Federal Arts Commission.
When asked if the city could foot the bill for the hosting, Mayor Lars quipped, “It is not a question of if we COULD fund the event, but if we SHOULD.”
With expected expenditures set to reach into the billions of francs, officials are concerned that ticket sales and licensing costs will not be sufficient to cover the event. A coalition of Staatsrat members from constituencies in Trondheim have introduced legislation that would form a special EuroVision Hosting Commission to coordinate interdepartmental operations and spending on the event. The EHC would centralise decision-making and funding beneath the Federal Department of Administration. The Solberg Administration has already thrown its support behind the legislation.
Johann Bjorn, representative for Rhodenheim-Nord, has voiced opposition to federal support for EuroVision in Trondheim: “I’ve called EuroVoice a circus before, and I will continue to call it as such. That being said, I cannot deny the intrinsic benefits held in hosting such an event. Which is why, should federal funding be offered to fund EuroVoice, that the EuroVoice Hosting Commission divide the ceremonies between venues throughout Fremet.”
When asked for a comment on Representative Bjorn’s comments, Statsminister Solberg responded, “No travelling circuses here.”
Federal Bank Building, TrondhiemAdoption of EMU Stalls as Central Bank Voices Concerns Over Political Instability on the Continent
TRONDHEIM— Den Fremesker Sentralbank, Fremet’s central bank, placed an administrative hold on circulation of the EMU in Fremet, citing concerns over fiscal, social, and political instability on the Continent. Fremetian government agencies had been set to begin using the EMU internally by 1 December 2021, with general circulation starting by 2 February 2022. The administrative hold effectively pauses this adoption. The FSB hold is set to last until 1 June 2022, but it can be shortened “if socio-economic conditions allow.”
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SM Solberg and Nikki Olemann Squared off in Staatsrat Debate over Labour Reform
Staatsrat Takes Up Major Labour Reform to Start 2022 Session; Opposition forms Coalition
13 January 2022 - TRONDHEIM
The 2022 legislative session
is in full swing, and, amidst budget negotiations and provincial squabbles, the Solberg Administration pushed ahead with its social agenda as it entered its second full year in office. The Administration put forward two new major social policy programmes as part of the Amendment to the Workforce Act of 1940: a new 36 hour workweek and guaranteed employment programs.
Fremet’s current 42 hour workweek, introduced in 1940, has remained unchanged, even with increases in productivity and reductions in workweeks from Fremet’s continental neighbours. The legislation, a key part of the 2020 Socialist Party Platform, will be the first test of the party’s strength in the new political climate of the Fourth Republic.
The new act would require that all persons employed for more than 36 hours receive special dispensation, such as increased paid time off or overtime pay. The law also sets the “involuntary overtime” limit to 40 hours per week. Currently, there is no limit to involuntary overtime. The limit would prohibit contractually obligated hourly work exceeding 40 hours per week without the consent of the employee. Retaliation against refusal would become illegal.
Salaried employees will also be eligible to file a “Work Time” complaint with the Labour Relations Board in instances where salaried pay does not match hourly minimum wage per the hours worked by a salaried employee. Such individuals would be eligible for increased pay relative to their contractually calculated hourly rate or a special deviation granted with consent of employer and employee. Employees in the defence, agricultural, and transportation industries are exempt from the Work Time Complaint System and will instead be subject to existing protections enforced by the Essential Labour Commission.
Fremetian institutions remained largely silent over the measure, as businesses large and small have been expecting a change in policy since the election and have “already taken steps to remain in compliance,” according to the Director of the Fremetian Chamber of Commerce.
The second act proposed,
the Workforce Act of 2022, establishes a program within the Department of Administration that guarantees employment to citizens through a series of major infrastructure and social investments. The Commission for Employment and Workforce, a part of the Federal Department of Labour, will take over employment opportunity programs for Fremetian citizens and expand in scope to guarantee employment to adults between the ages of 18 and 65. The act calls for a public-private partnership to transition workers to private industry, but lacks any concrete means or plans for making this happen.
The program is structured to compliment the Federal unemployment insurance program. By adding entry level jobs and new training opportunities to the unemployed, especially in economically depressed areas, the Socialist Party hopes to further reduce unemployment and provide tangible social value to those that would otherwise be on unemployment assistance.
“Though the Fremetian national unemployment rate remains at a historical low of merely 4%, there is still work to be done in primarily rural areas, where youth unemployment can be as high as 12%. Pilot programs taken at the municipal level in Helmsdorf and the provincial level in Blumenfeld yielded positive results in reducing persistent unemployment in 18 to 65s and reducing youth unemployment. By providing on-the-job training, trade school certifications, and entry-level jobs paying fair wages, we can offer a clear course to Fremetians that would otherwise be lost in the depths.”
WA22 starts the Socialist Party off on an aggressive stance for 2022. Nikki Oleman, Høyre Party Head and Leader of the Opposition, called foul with WA22 during the Staatsrat debate today:
Unemployment in Fremet is at its lowest level since Reconstruction. A large programme such as this with vast administrative costs associated with it seems to me too much of a risk given the cost of said program. It is my belief— and the position of my party— that such vast sums of capital should be spent elsewhere to improve the quality of life for all Fremetians. We must bolster innovation while also providing a healthy social safety net for all Fremetians— from the able-bodied to the disabled. All Fremetians deserve to find real productivity and push our society forward into the next era. I fear that such broad-reaching programs will only lead to economic stagnation and loss of innovation as the comfort of a dead-end government job sets in.
And so, in a move that I never thought I would take, Høyre, the Venstre, and the Rødt have formed the Coalition for Universal Basic Income. We must forge ahead to find new, innovative solutions to unemployment. Total unemployment may forever be impossible, but it must still be our goal. It is the opinion of CUBI that UBI represents a new opportunity to supplement the existing social safety net. CUBI proposes a major study be conducted by DFS (Den Fremesker Sentralbank) to determine the long-term viability of such a programme, its effects on broader society, and the effects of such a program on inflationary pressures and the Fremetian consumer price index.
We cannot know what the future holds, but the Coalition believes that the path that the Socialist Party has set out with WA22 will only set our Republic up for a stagnated, unadaptable economy in an era where external pressures demand the opposite from nations, economies, societies, and the common citizenry.
Indeed, change is a constant in life, but we must be careful not to change for changing's sake. We have built a stable and dynamic economy with low income inequality and high standards of living— something we should all be proud of. We must heed the warnings of the policymakers that put us here. It was Silvio Høten, long-time leader of the Venstre, that said in 1973: "We must aggressively embrace new ideas and aggressively pursue innovations in all corners of our island and beyond. But, never forget the true meaning of innovation: real progress and real innovation only occurs when it has been demonstrated that these new ideas pose a benefit to society and are superior to the solutions we have today. We must have evidence to move forward, for the risks to our people and our nation are far too high to be tried upon a whim."
We must collect more data. We must consider the broader consequences of these programmes and implement them to the best of our ability, unadulterated. Evidence-based policy making has always been the Fremetian way and we must ensure that it always remains as such. Charging forward with untested, unproven social programmes is reckless and puts the existing social safety net at risk."
The Coalition for Universal Basic income is the culmination of months of negotiations between Fremet’s mainstream opposition parties and represents a turning point against the Solberg Administration, which has thus far dominated Fremetian politics since their 2020 landslide victory. With the interim presidential election cycle set to begin this summer, the Socialist Party will be placed on the defensive for the first time during its term— and at a highly inopportune time.
President Goldberg has yet to make a statement on the proposed amendments to the Workforce Act of 1940 or the new Workforce Act of 2022.
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Weekly Bulletin
Tuesday 1 March 2022
TRONDHEIM
Above: Erna speaking at a session of the Staatsrat on Monday.Labour Reform in the Spotlight
TRONDHEIM— The Solberg Administration and CUBI agreed on a compromise today that settles the labour reform debate (for now). Both have agreed to allow the independent National Labour Commission to conduct a series of major studies over the coming months into the merits of various programs. The NLC, one of the Fremetian government's anonymous think-tanks, developed major portions of the existing program in the 1990s and early 2000s to great success.
Nikki Oleman reiterated in the Staatsrat on Friday: "We must collect more data. We must consider the broader consequences of these programmes and implement them to the best of our ability, unadulterated. Evidence-based policy making has always been the Fremetian way and we must ensure that it always remains as such. Charging forward with untested, unproven social programmes is reckless and puts the existing social safety net at risk."
The NLC will present its findings to a joint session of the Staatsrat and High Council on 1 August 2022.
Though concerns from more minor politicians in Fremet abounded over what is effectively kicking a can down the road, Erna Solberg silenced criticism of inaction in a statement to the press today: "By allowing the NLC time to problem solve, free from the scrutiny of the press and political ambition, we can find a proactive, effective, and holistic long-term solution that isn't gutted by partisan politics, implemented with the goal of failure, or a target for future opposition politicians to attack. The decision to call upon the NLC was unanimous in the Staatsrat, and we will all consider the findings of the Commission. Through, as my colleague calls it, 'evidence-based policymaking' we can develop programs that will deliver for Fremet and Fremetians well into the future. We all want what is best for Fremet— we all want our people to thrive. No person should suffer homelessness or hunger due to loss of employment, and it is our duty as a society to do all we can to prevent the mental illness and socioeconomic conditions that lead to these forms of suffering.
Our community— our country— prospers together or it does not prosper at all."
Above, a TD Inquista Trust branch in Saint DominicoFinancial Sector Makes Selective Retreat from Continental Markets
RHODENHEIM— Citing significant exposure to unstable markets, Fremetian megabanks Nordbank and Trondheim-Dominion are pulling operations in Spain, the United Duchies, and Reitzmag. FremetiaBank (and its Bank of Copala City subsidiary) exited institutional banking operations in Spain and Inimicus.
Trondheim-Dominion's Inquistan operations, TD Inquista Trust, increased its provisions for loan losses to ₣5 bn, citing a massive ₣35 bn exposure to trade through the so-called Spanish straights, a potential flash point for economic and physical combat.
TD-D (TD Duxburia) wrote off a ₣362 million loss in trading on Duxburian exchanges as markets tumbled amidst protests over EU legislation. Nordbank and RBF's investment divisions increased their exposure to Duxburian markets, buying the dip.
Compensating for decreasing domestic deposits and losses from failed BCC expansions, FremetiaBank doubled down on recent investments into operations in Angleter and is rumoured to be gearing up for a major push into the Australian financial sector. FremetiaBank has increased its cash reserves considerably since Q4-2021 and has yet to announce what it intends to do with them.
RBF sold 600 branches including deposits in Fremet to Handelsbank for ₣70 billion. RBF used its cash injection to increase exposure to Duxburian markets and to expand its wealth management and private banking divisions.
RBF purchased 7 Duchies Bank from FremetiaBank, in a stock swap valued at ₣200 bn, plus an additional ₣90 bn in cash. RBF will return its large ownership stake in FremetiaBank in exchange for full control over 7 Duchies Bank.
Of the 5 major Fremetian banks, 4 will cease to have branch, investment, and institutional banking operations in Spain, the UD, Reitzmag, Inimicus, and Strathae by Q3 of 2022. RBF has maintained its operations in all named countries.
Nordbank announced a ₣19 bn investment in expanding its operations in Vayinaod, extending its branch footprint and institutional banking services to a significant portion of the population.
Fremetian banks have struggled to expand beyond core markets such as the DU, Fremet, Angleter, Vayinaod, and Inquista. Though this can be attributed to the risk aversion of these institutions, it also embodies the instability of European economics and politics. Fremetian banks have relied on domestic deposits at times to bolster their operations overseas— however, the 2013 and 1998 recessions taught these institutions and Fremetian regulators that international operations are critical for a country suffering from the after effects of decades of economic isolation and capital starvation.
Above: Port of Flachesfeld, Fremet's gateway to IcholasenReturn of Limited Travel Between Icholasen and Fremet
TRONDHEIM-- In conjunction with the ongoing summit between Whoopi Gaarder and Bernie Sanders, the AA and FSS have both announced a resumption of travel between the Republic and the UNSR. Limited visas will be issued for press, special events, education, and the transit industry issued on a case-by-case basis.
While met with generally widespread support in both the Staatsrat and the general public, Ursula von der Leyen, long a champion of travel restrictions with the UNSR, warned of national security risks inherent in easing travel. "We are reversing policy that took over a year to build and spread throughout Europe, and this reversal only serves to normalize the UNSR in the eyes of Europe."
Erna Solberg, when questioned in the Staatsrat, responded, "Madam Von der Leyen, if the intelligence services of the UNSR or any other foreign power wish to violate our borders, they will do so. That is why it is so very critical for our intelligence services in Fremet to be ever vigilent. Invalidating the passports and travel privileges of a single country and its people will do nothing to prevent Nicoleizian security services from gaining entry to Fremet. Preventing travel only serves to hurt those law-abiding citizens that could actually benefit from travelling between our two countries.
The UNSR has long been normalized. The Nine Dominions are not coming back. We must accept that. We must respect that the UNSR has made more overtures towards peace and reconciliation with this Republic in two years than the Nine Dominions did in nearly thirty.
We are moving into a new era of detente, and to do so we must balance vigilance with respect."
Above & Right: Anita Poehler, AA Commissioner, announcing the move on National Public Radio yesterday.Trade & Travel Restrictions With Istkalen Lifted
TRONDHEIM— The High Council of the Republic rescinded travel and trade restrictions with Istkalen on Monday. Travel to the country has been moved into Risk Category C (Advised Against) with the likes of the United Duchies, Spain, Europolis, etc. Travel visas will still be required, but visa requirements will return to the base restrictions applied to Category C countries.
Trade restrictions have ended and policies have returned to standard protocols set out in Fremetian law and by the Bureau of Trade.
AA Commissioner Anita Poehler framed the move as a part of Fremet's cautious acknowledgement of recent improvements to stability in Istkalen and the continent as a whole.
She commented:"We seek to work from a place of trust— but such trust must be earned. For now, the High Council has directed the AA to move ahead with a cautious optimism. Fremet may have closed many doors this past year, but we can open them as well— and this is an excellent opportunity to open the door to a country that we see immense potential in. These measures were put in place to protect Fremet and Fremetians from harm and to prevent rogue states from benefiting from our contact.
The Istkalener respect for collective ownership, the individual responsibility to society, and a broad rejection of western religious doctrine are commonalities we share— commonalities that are exceedingly rare in continental Europe. Any suggestion that the people of Istkalen or any people should be denied entry to Fremet on grounds of nationality is unacceptable.
The AA still advises against travel to Istkalen for the preservation of personal safety— but we have extended such advice to half of the European Union. Fremetians have proven themselves to be vigilant and adaptable at home, and this must be extended abroad— both at the individual and policy levels."
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Helmsdorf — 3 March 2022 — LATE EDITION
Above: Police Stand Outside the Royal's Home in Helmsdorf After the Nighttime Raid
Former King Gustaf, Queen Sylvia Renounce Fremetian Citizenship, Arrested for Fraud
After nearly a year out of the public eye, former King Gustaf and Queen Sylvia officially renounced their Fremetian citizenship. According to the Vestlandet Provincial Bulletin, the two renounced their Fremetian citizenship on Monday. No reason was cited in the record.
Tonight, the Fremesker Statspoliti arrested the ex-royals at a raid of their home in Helmsdorf.
A kunngjører was present to announce the charges:
"OYEZ OYEZ OYEZ! In the name of the people of the Commonwealth of Vestlandet and of the Republic of Fremet, the two individuals, Gustaf III der Helms and Sylvia von Syd are hereby under arrest. The warrant, issued by the Federal Court for the Central District of Vestlandet, charges the accused with the following: felonious tax evasion, attempted evasion of prosecution, unethical enrichment, exploitation of community, money laundering, criminal conspiracy to defraud the Commonwealth of Vestlandet, criminal conspiracy to defraud the government of the Republic of Fremet, and criminal conspiracy to defraud the people of the Republic of Fremet.
The accused have been informed of their charges and of their rights. The accused are to be transported to and held at Helmsdorf Central Prison. Arraignment is set for 4 March 2022 at 09h00 FST.
DISPERSE!"
The Statspoliti have a press conference scheduled tomorrow to cover the details of the arrest and of the evidence prosecutors intend to present against the former royals.
The king has not made a public appearance since he incurred a significant head injury last winter. Rumors abounded over his resentment at the changes that had been made to Fremetian governance. With approval ratings of the royals barely making it out of the single digits even during the heyday of their reign, these events do not come as a surprise to the many who have been mistrustful of the royals since accession.
Preliminary reports from the public bulletin show that as much as 23 million francs in various currencies and precious metals were seized in the home of the former royals.
As this is an ongoing story, some of the details may be subject to change. We will note any corrections made to our reporting here.
