Duxburian News Media

[Duxburian Union]

The Daily Dominion
All the News You Need to Hear

Massive Protests Erupt Across the Nation as EU Commission Candidates Lay Out Agendas

In what has increasingly become a national pastime, hundreds of thousands of Duxburians took to the streets to protest various Commission candidate agenda items.

Fierce protests gripped Azrekko [OOC: Formerly "Laatzalveria"], the nation's 3rd largest city, where a police-estimated crowd of 70,000 filled Atomic Triangle to protest nuclear weapons bans, subsidies for poor member states, a green new deal, new rail networks, and a unified European education cirriculum. Protesters burned EU flags and effigies of several Commission candidates while wearing Trympov hats or waving olive branches, but no property was reported damaged or destroyed. The situation in the city remains tense as authorities brace for another night of large protests. The isolated, desert metropolis remains in recession since the violent protests against Commission policies and Council acts 6 years ago. Azrekko declared a state of emergency.

An estimated crowd of 40,000 in Verinteno and 23,000 in Niko marched against Commissioner Juncker's proposal against hacking. Hacking is not a crime in Duxburian territory and enjoys widespread popularity in these tech-heavy cities, with 68% calling it a civil right and 59% opposing any regulation of the activity, in a recent Nemeiro poll. Mystery celebrity Brandeus Devoy, a grandmaster of cyberwarfare, marched with Verinteno protestors and briefly addressed them by microphone, announcing that he'd "given up on the EPA" and directing his supporters to vote for other candidates. Much larger protests are planned.

In an entirely separate action, 17,000 Verinteno teachers walked out of schools to protest Candidate Winston's unified European education policy. With that many teachers out, the entire district was forced to close for the rest of the day. Another 8,000 teachers have pledged to join them tomorrow, along with unknown numbers of university students. Verinteno, the nation's largest city, has declared a state of emergency.

In Dairghazburo, a smaller crowd of 14,000 formed to protest many of the same issues, notably joined by numerous federal government officials. One employee from the Domain of Economics, who declined to be identified, warned protesters to prepare for the possibility of another recession. Master-General Drammen commented that he was "Very disappointed by the EU overreaching again and inciting dangerous sentiment, and he would be voting appropriately. Grandmaster Reid, a 5 star general, also made an appearance at the protest, but he was all smiles. "I told you so!" he shouted, calling out Grandmaster Devoy by name, having heard about the events in Verinteno. "I'm so proud that you've woken up after being stabbed in the back by Europe and now you can see the EU for what it truly is. They will take away your entire livelihood, the fate that awaits us all. Vote Trympov!" Olive branches appeared to outnumber Trympov hats at this protest.

Smaller protests were also held in at least 80 other municipalities. Calls to the Office of the Steward were not returned, neither were calls to the Office of the European Councillor.

[Duxburian Union]

Nemeiro Commission Election Questionaire

Below are the results of the questionaire taken by a random sample of the Duxburian probable voter population.

Economy

The EU budget should:
Increase - 14.2%
Stay the Same - 47.8%
Decrease - 38%
Majority Match: Merkel, Kerstin, Cikarova, Cocx / Juncker, Winston, Weber

There should be stimulus packages to poorer EU nations
Yes - 7.1%
No - 92.9%
Majority Match: Merkel, Cocx, Trympov / Oliver

Most of the time infrastructure projects should be agreed on a bi or trilateral basis, not on the EU level
Yes - 84%
No - 16%
Majority Match: All / All

The EU should be the sole or major financial contributor to large infrastructure projects (Like rail, 5G)
Yes - 19.7%
No - 80.3%
Majority Match: Merkel, Kerstin, Cocx, Trympov / Juncker, Oliver

I describe myself as:
Left Wing - 18.1%
Independent or Unaligned - 69.2%
Right Wing - 12.7%
Majority Match: Merkel, Kerstin, Cocx / Juncker, Winston

I also describe myself as:
Pro-EU Integration - 15.2%
Anti-EU Integration - 25.8%
Neither - 59%
Majority Match: Kerstin / Oliver, Weber

Internal Affairs

I support the Refugee Protection Act (Y918)
Yes - 38%
No - 62%
Majority Match: Cikarova, Trympov / Winston, Oliver

Do you support a European Green New Deal?
Yes - 7.1%
Somewhat - 84.6%
No - 8.3%
Majority Match: Kerstin / None

The ESA's funding should:
Increase - 8.8%
Stay the Same - 81%
Decrease - 10.2%
Majority Match: Merkel, Kerstin, Trymprov / Juncker, Weber

I would support a Schengen Area
Yes - 23%
No - 77%
Cikarova, Cocx, Trympov / Oliver

Do you believe the EU should ban nuclear weapons?
Yes - 36%
No - 64%
Majority Match: Cikarova, Cocx, Trympov / All

Immigration

Should it be:
Easier to immigrate/emigrate - 48.8%
Harder to immigrate/emigrate - 51.2%
Majority Match: Kerstin, Cikarova / Oliver

EU Economic Integration:
EU economics should be more integrated - 39%
EU economics should be less integrated - 61%
Majority Match: Kerstin, Chikarova / Winston, Oliver

The Constitution

EU Council seats should be assigned proportionally to population
Yes - 56.5%
No - 43.5%
Majority Match: Trympov / None

The term length for commissioners should be extended
Yes - 40.7%
No - 59.3%
Majority Match: Merkel, Kerstin, Trympov / Winston, Weber

Should the European Assembly be abolished?
Yes - 50.6%
No - 49.4%
Majority Match: Too close to determine

Do you believe the UDoHR needs expansion?
Yes - 48.4%
No - 51.6%
Majority Match: Cikarova, Cocx, Trympov / Oliver

Do you believe the UDoHR should apply only to EU citizens?
Yes - 56%
No - 44%
Majority Match: Trympov / Oliver

Council Bills

Elected and Accountable Council Act
Yes - 47.7%
No - 52.3%
Majority Match: Cocx / Oliver

Condemnation of the Coup in Icholasen
Yes - 60.9%
No - 39.1%
Majority Match: Merkel, Kerstin, Cocx, Trympov / Juncker, Winston, Oliver

Condemnation of the Coup in Inquista
Yes - 48%
No - 52%
Majority Match: Merkel, Cikarova / All

Councillor Kohout's Amendment to the Free Movement of Required Labor Act
Yes - 38%
No - 52%
Majority Match: Merkel, Kerstin, Cocx, Trympov / Juncker, Winston, Oliver

Anti-Space Weaponry Act
Yes - 46.6%
No - 53.4%
Majority Match: All / Juncker, Oliver, Weber

Social Issues

Gay Marriage should be guaranteed by the EU
Yes - 2.7%
No - 2.3%
Unsure - 95%
Majority Match: Unable to determine due to cultural confusion with the prompt

The EU Council should ban abortions
Yes - 20%
No - 80%
Majority Match: All / All

The EU should legislate to legalise cannabis across the EU
Yes - 50.1%
No - 49.9%
Majority Match: Too close to determine

There should be a unified standard curriculum for European schools
Yes - 9.3%
No - 90.7%
Majority Match: All / Juncker, Oliver, Weber

Pro LGBTQ legislation has gone too far in recent times
Yes - 0.8%
No - 1.1%
Unsure - 98.1%
Majority Match: Unable to determine due to cultural confusion with the prompt

Total Majority Matches (Out of 28 possible items):

Premier Candidates:
Merkel - 13
Kerstin - 15
Cikarova - 12
Cocx - 14
Trympov - 16

Internal Candidates:
Juncker - 12
Winston - 10
Oliver - 18
Weber - 10

[Duxburian Union]

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[Duxburian Union]

The Daily Dominion
All the News You Need to Hear

8 Killed as Violent Riots Rock City of Azrekko

Reaction to an announcement from the city government of Azrekko today swiftly descended into deadly chaos as tens of thousands of Sandmasters took to the streets in protest. Maelir Rik Nomaro delivered the statement at 4:00 local time via Direct-Connect, informing residents that the city would have to comply with the newly passed European Neurodivergent and Disability Rights Act. He pointed out some provisions in particular, such as a clause involving major fines or revocation of professional licenses for violations of the Act, along with an admission that the City would be forced to raise taxes to pay for compliance with many of its provisions. "I have to admit that the City of Azrekko literally can't afford to do most of this, and thus regretfully will be forced to significantly hike taxes in the upcoming 921 fiscal year."

Resident reaction was swift - thousands of residents had flash assembled in Atomic Triangle within 10 minutes of the address. Unlike the recent European Commission protests, these quickly turned violent as protestors smashed windows of businesses around Atomic Triangle and burned parked cars. The police alliance was deployed in riot gear by 4:30, but violent unrest continued unabated. Violence escalated at 5:00 when police deployed crowd control measures and unknown persons opened fire, resulting in the deaths of 3 police officers and 5 protestors.

Maelir Nomaro has declared a State of Emergency and called in the National Guard. The Police Alliance is bracing for protests to continue throughout the night.

Azrekko Coalition of Commerce Threatens City-wide Strike

In response to the Maelir's announcement and European Neurodivergent and Disability Rights Act, the Azrekko Coalition of Commerce has called for a general strike city-wide starting tomorrow at 9:00. The Coalition of Commerce cited several clauses of the Act that it viewed as "intolerable for businesses" in its Call to Action. A general strike has not taken place in the City of Azrekko for over 100 years. Maelir Nomaro responded that such a strike would be "totally illegal" and has vowed to halt it. He stopped short of describing how such a massive strike would be put down.

[Duxburian Union]

The Daily Dominion
All the News You Need to Hear

BREAKING: CITY OF AZREKKO ON VERGE OF ECONOMIC COLLAPSE AFTER OVER 50 DAYS OF STRIKES, VIOLENT PROTESTS, SKYROCKETING UNEMPLOYMENT

A perfect storm of crises continues to tighten its grip on the nation's 3rd largest city, which now stands close to failure.

Coalition of Commerce Strike
The general strike continues into its 53rd day. Business in the city has mostly ground to a halt.

Violent protests
Protesters in massive numbers remain assembled throughout the day and night in Atomic Triangle and public streets throughout the city. Despite deployment of the National Guard, many protests continue to turn violent, particularly at night. 46 have now died from wounds sustained in these protests. Almost all storefronts around Atomic Triangle remain boarded up and at least 100 have been destroyed or heavily vandalized. Protesters have also blocked the Azrekko Skyway at Salvation Mouth, the only entrance into the city, cutting off trade.

Mass layoffs
Unemployment in the city ticks closer to 50% as Azrekkian businesses, already struggling from the deepening recession, announced intent to lay off another 1.3 million employees in Q1 Y921. Some companies have cited avoidance of compliance with the European Neurodivergent and Disability Rights Act as the trigger for more layoffs. One CEO, who declined to be named for fear of international reprisal on social media, explained, "Our business involves operation of heavy machinery, long hours in exhausting manual labor, and tremendous physical strength. We simply do not hire people who can't meet the mental or physical rigors of the job and can't accommodate them in any aspect of our business. Compliance would force us out of business, full stop. It makes more sense to lay off 550 employees to get under the 250 threshold and survive than to shut down."

City considers filing for bankruptcy
"Azrekko's government is in no better position than its residents," says one member of the Council of Sandmasters, who also declined to be identified for the record. "Our budget was already in deep trouble before the most recent round of crisis and now the emergency assistance fund is empty, the police budget is empty, we could have a tax revenue shortfall of something absurd like 70%. No city can survive that, especially a big underground one with unique challenges like ours. Everything is on the table, including outright bankruptcy."

How did it come to this?
"Azrekko specializes in all the "wrong" industries, as judged by the European elite," says Master historian Alan Jehns. "This is a heavily working-class city out under the desert doing big, dirty jobs that you wouldn't find among the glass towers of Europolis. Mining, chemicals, nuclear, oil drilling, weapons development, these industries are the lifeblood of the city. They are things that progressive European politicians disapprove of and seek to regulate into the ground. The end result is throwing a major city of 11 million out of work and sending shockwaves through the Duxburian economy. The failure of Azrekko would be catastrophic - Azrekkian components are in farm fertilizers, in smartphones, in bridges, in aircraft, in heating oil, in things all across the economy. 11 million people live there for a reason - we need the things they produce."

[Duxburian Union]

Nemeiro Commission Election Pre-Debate Questionaire

Below are the results of the pre-debate questionaire taken by a random sample of the Duxburian probable voter population. Some questions/policy statements are the same as last election cycle and shifts in opinion are noted by (gain/loss).

I describe myself as:
Left Wing - 17.5 (-0.6)
Independent/Unaligned - 65.7 (-3.5)
Right Wing - 16.8 (+4.1)

I also describe myself as:
Pro-EU Integration - 13.6% (-1.6)
Anti-EU Integration - 33% (+7.2)
Neither - 53.4% (-5.6)

The European Union represents me and my interests
Yes: 40%
No: 60%

I am better off now than I was last Commission election
Yes: 42.3%
No: 57.7%

The Union of Duxburian Dominions should leave the European Union
Yes - 49.8%
No - 50.2%

The EU budget should:
Increase - 11.5% (-2.7)
Stay the Same - 48.3% (+0.5)
Decrease - 40.2% (+2.2)

There should be stimulus packages to poorer EU nations
Yes - 5.9% (-1.2)
No - 94.1% (+1.2)

Most of the time infrastructure projects should be agreed on a bi or trilateral basis, not on the EU level
Yes - 86.1% (+2.1)
No - 13.9 (-2.1)

The EU should be the sole or major financial contributor to large infrastructure projects (Like rail, 5G)
Yes - 18.3% (-1.4)
No - 81.7% (+1.4)

Climate change is a problem that should be addressed at the EU level
Yes: 68%
No: 32%

Do you support a European Green New Deal?
Yes - 6.4% (-0.7)
Somewhat - 86.1% (+1.5)
No - 7.5 (-0.8)

Natural disaster preparedness and response should be addressed at the EU level
Yes: 79.9%
No: 20.1%

EU Economic Integration:
EU economies should be more integrated - 36.6% (-2.4)
EU economies should be less integrated - 63.4% (+2.4)

Should the European Assembly be abolished?
Yes - 50.3% (-0.3)
No - 49.7% (+0.4)

Does the European Council have too much power?
Yes: 77.8%
No: 23.2%

Do you support the Elected and Accountable Council Act?
Yes - 41.6% (-6.1)
No - 58.4% (+6.1)

[Duxburian Union]

The Daily Dominion
All the News You Need to Hear

BREAKING: BOTH DAIRGHAXXLIR AND MAELIR OF AZREKKO RESIGN AS WEIGHT OF PROTESTS AND STRIKES BRINGS DOWN THE GOVERNMENT

In a shocking new development, the Maelir of the City of Azrekko and the Dairghaxxlir of the Dominion of Azrekko have both resigned their offices. Both officials released a joint statement admitting "complete failure" and "total loss of control of the city economy" along with desire to step aside for fresh faces with new ideas to try and save the city.

In his final news conference as Maelir of Azrekko, Alan Nomero urged anyone with ideas for the future of the city and entire dominion to step forward and run for the special election. "It was a difficult decision to step down, but I couldn't bear to watch my city continue to devolve into chaos and depression. I came to the realization that this is the only way we can begin to heal," said the 2 term Maelir.

Rather than celebrate their political victory, protesters quickly re-organized via social media and marched to the Council of Sandmasters, chanting for the entire City Council to resign, which would trigger a full ballot special election. "It's time to start over in the entire city government, only then can we truly begin healing and working on solving the many challenges our city faces," said one organizer, who declined to be named for fear of reprisal. While security was deployed to the building, offcers wore no riot gear and protests remained peaceful and upbeat. Only 3 calls from the Daily Dominion to the City Council were answered, but all 3 councillors reached appeared to express receptiveness to the idea of a full election.

The deadline to register as a candidate for the special election is currently set to the 50th, with voting on the 80th.

Azrekko Coalition of Commerce announces lifting of the general strike

After 54 days, the only general strike in the 3,000+ year history of Azrekko is over. Coalition leaders called off the strike minutes after the announcement of the Maelir and Dairghaxxlir resigning. The scene at the Coalition was nothing short of jubilent as leaders celebrated the "strength and resolve" of Sandmaster unions. There are more registered unions in Azrekko than any other Duxburian city, and in a wider variety of industries, which may have led to this strike's decisive outcome.

[Duxburian Union]

The Daily Dominion
All the News You Need to Hear

Supreme Court to rule on high profile Devoy vs Maximillian case with potential election ramifications

The Duxburian Supreme Court has signaled that a decision on the long-awaited federal elections case between international man of mystery Grandmaster Brandeus Devoy and Steward Dante Maximillian may finally be announced in the coming days. The case over whether a new federal election should be automatically triggered in Y920 originated as a citizens challenge by Grandmaster Devoy, which amassed the 1 million signatures required in order to force the nation's highest court to adjudicate the matter.

The Steward has maintained that elections don't automatically trigger once the next general election year comes around, and that he should remain Steward. Grandmaster Devoy asserts that Stewards were never intended to rule indefinitely and that a general election must be held now. Leading scholars agree that both sides have merit and precedent on the matter in historical Duxburian case law has contradictory guidance.

Azrekko Coalition of Commerce plans "Miracle Million March" from Azrekko to Dairghazburo to protest at the Supreme Court

As new elections fill Azrekko with real hope of change for the first time in years, angry passion in the city now turns against the Duxburian federal government, which has remained totally silent on the situation. The Steward has never issued any press statements on Azrekko and has not visited the city during its crises. With his approval rating in the city down to single digits, whether he will be permitted to remain in office, potentially indefinitely, has been thrust into the spotlighta among Sandmasters.

The Miracle Million March is being billed by organizers as a "desperate attempt to be heard", involving a massive crowd walking the entire length of the Azrekko Skyway to Kaumbrenn and then on to Dairghazburo. With winter heat exceeding 95° M during the day, such a march on the exposed Skyway is extremely dangerous. The long, elevated highway crosses shifting sand dunes and has no shade, no water, and no exits. To address these concerns, the Coalition of Commerce has started soliciting for vehicles to carry protestors at least part of the way. The Arekko Police Alliance does not intend to stop the march.

[Duxburian Union]

Nemeiro Commission Election Pre-Debate Questionaire

Below are the results of the pre-debate questionaire taken by a random sample of the Duxburian probable voter population. Some questions/policy statements are the same as last election cycle and shifts in opinion are noted by (gain/loss).

I describe myself as:
Left Wing - 23.4% (+5.9)
Independent/Unaligned - 56.8 (-8.9)
Right Wing - 19.8 (+3.0)

I also describe myself as:
Pro-EU Integration - 10.2% (-3.4)
Anti-EU Integration - 38.7% (+5.7)
Neither - 51.1% (-2.3)

The European Union represents me and my interests
Yes: 28% (-12.0)
No: 72% (+12.0)

I am better off now than I was last Commission election
Yes: 35.8% (-6.5)
No: 64.2% (+6.5)

The European Union needs major reforms
Yes: 68.3%
No: 31.7%

The Union of Duxburian Dominions should leave the European Union
Yes - 55.6% (+5.8)
No - 44.4% (-5.8)

If you answered yes to the above, should the Union of Duxburian Dominions join a new European Union?
Yes - 81.6%
No - 18.4%

The EU budget should:
Increase - 3.1% (-8.4)
Stay the Same - 51.0% (+2.7)
Decrease - 45.9% (+5.7)

There should be stimulus packages for poorer EU member nations
Yes - 5.9% (-1.2)
No - 94.1% (+1.2)

The European Union should loan money to poorer member nations
Yes - 8.8%
No - 91.2%

Climate change is a problem that should be addressed at the EU level
Yes: 77.5% (+9.5)
No: 22.5% (-9.5)

Do you support a European Green New Deal?
Yes - 24.9% (+18.5)
Somewhat - 68.6% (-17.5)
No - 6.5 (-1.0)

Should the UNSR become an EU member state?
Yes - 49.2%
No - 49.8%

Should the European Assembly be abolished?
Yes - 58.3% (+8.0)
No - 41.7% (-8.0)

Does the European Council have too much power?
Yes: 80.1% (+2.3)
No: 19.9% (-2.3)

Do you support the Sanctioning Powers Act?
Yes: 16.5%
No: 83.5%

Do you support the Elected and Accountable Council Act?
Yes - 43.7% (+2.1)
No - 56.3% (-2.1)

Should ESA funds be redirected for non-space purposes?
Yes: 40.4%
No: 59.6%

If the elections were held today, who would you vote for?

Premier Commissioner
JEAN-CLAUDE JUNCKER - 29.4%
SOFIE CIKAROVA - 23.5%
ISKIRIS KOLINE - 8.4%
Unsure - 38.7%

Internal Affairs Commmissioner
PETER LEESON - 27.2%
JOE BIDEN - 23.0%
PIANE DAGGOTT - 21.5%
EMMA GRANGER 6.0%
JOSEPHINE AREAI 3.3%
Unsure - 19%

Nemeiro currently projects election turnout around 30-45% - a decline of 29-44% from the previous Commission election's 74% turnout. The largest drops are projected to be in Azrekko, Verinteno, Niko, and their suburbs, mostly concentrated in the 15-30 and 31-45 age groups.

[Duxburian Union]

The Daily Dominion
All the News You Need to Hear

Duxburian Central Bank Begins Limited Trial of Electronic Duxburian Kael (EDK)

Starting today at 07:00, any Duxburian citizen or national holding an Enhanced National ID card (ENID) will become eligible to participate in a 25 day trial of the new Electronic Duxburian Kael (EDK). The EDK is a central bank digital currency, issued by the Duxburian Central Bank and pegged to the physical Kael at a 1:1 ratio.

How can you participate?
Those interested in the trial should update their ENID card firmware to version D104.5-EDK0.1, available from eservices.dcb. The setup process is similar to adding a private cryptocurrency, except the Duxburian Central Bank will hold your private key. Follow the on-screen prompts on your ENID in order to activate your account with the central bank and link it to your card. You may then claim free EDK to spend in the trial.

The EDK you receive is real money backed by the full faith and credit of the Union of Duxburian Dominions, and may be spent at any retailer that supports payment by ENID. Transfers of EDK between cards are disabled for this trial and any unspent EDK at the conclusion of the trial period will expire.

The Duxburian Central Bank is accepting feedback and technical bug reports at edktrial.dcb.

[Duxburian Union]

Nemeiro Commission Election Post-Debate Polling Results

Who do you plan to vote for in the Commission Election?

Premier Commissioner
JEAN-CLAUDE JUNCKER - 42.8%
SOFIE CIKAROVA - 42.7%
ISKIRIS KOLINE - 6.5%
Unsure - 8.0%

Internal Affairs Commissioner
PETER LEESON - 30.2%
JOE BIDEN - 27.0%
PIANE DAGGOTT - 29.9%
EMMA GRANGER 4.1%
JOSEPHINE AREAI 2.6%
Unsure - 6.2%

Premier race analysis:

The big stack of undecided voters has mostly made up its mind, resulting in a statistical tie between Juncker and Cikarova. Koline failed to generate much enthusiasm and has withdrawn from the race, however will remain on the already-printed ballots.

We have noticed Juncker's support slipping slightly and Cikarova making up ground. A whopping 83.5% of Duxburians oppose the Sanctioning Powers Act, which Juncker has re-affirmed his steadfast support for. An even larger supermajority oppose his position on stimulus and loans. However, his continual investment in engaging the Union of Duxburian Dominions and solid track record as a past Commissioner, particularly in regional crisis management, could outweigh unpopular stances. Juncker retains strong support with Duxburian upper and upper middle class voters and all age groups over 45.

Cikarova benefits from lower and middle class voter support, especially unionized voters in cities and voters under 30. This is currently the most energized demographic of the Duxburian electorate, although still projected to turnout in paltry numbers compared to past election cycles. Her lack of time investment in the country may have ended up leaving votes on the table.

Who are the remaining 8% undecided voters? We found that the lion's share of them are working or middle class, non-union, urban voters in the 31-45 age group. This demographic overwhelmingly desires meaningful change in the European Union, but is unsure which candidate is best suited to deliver that change. Juncker faces somewhat of a natural disadvantage with this pool of voters, but Cikarova has also not tapped into them at all, preferring to invest time in other countries. Where they land is critical for victory in the Union of Duxburian Dominions.

Internal race analysis:

Granger and Areai are not in serious contention, Leeson remains the frontrunner, but Daggott has soaked up the pool of undecided voters, making up ground and riding on Cikarova support to make current polling too close to call. Biden is still within range to contend, but has struggled to define himself and has no ground game in the Union of Duxburian Dominions. Like Cikarova, he may have left votes on the table.

Leeson's focus on fundamentals of sovereignty and democracy is widely supported across the Duxburian electorate, although some groups don't find his policies feasible. Daggott's strong ground game and equally credible change platform also finds wide support across the electorate. Daggott scores additional points with the 15-30 group for virtual campaigning to save fossil fuels.

Who are the 6.2% undecided voters? They are widely dispersed across demographic groups and are not a coherent bloc of people. Whichever candidate can bring the most momentum into the voting booth may eke out a narrow victory.

[Duxburian Union]

Nemeiro Commission Election Pre-Debate Questionaire

Below are the results of the pre-debate questionaire taken by a random sample of the Duxburian probable voter population. Some questions/policy statements are the same as last election cycle and shifts in opinion are noted by (gain/loss).

I describe myself as:
Left Wing - 16.2% (-7.2)
Independent/Unaligned - 66% (+9.2)
Right Wing - 17.8% (-2)

I also describe myself as:
Pro-EU Integration - 8.1% (-2.1)
Anti-EU Integration - 32.5% (-6.2)
Neither - 59.4% (+8.3)

The European Union represents me and my interests
Yes: 23.5% (-4.5)
No: 76.5% (+4.5)

I am better off now than I was last Commission election
Yes: 39.9% (+4.1)
No: 60.1% (-4.1)

The European Union needs major reforms
Yes: 70% (+1.7)
No: 30% (-1.7)

The Union of Duxburian Dominions should leave the European Union
Yes - 58.9% (+3.3)
No - 41.1% (-3.3)

If you answered yes to the above, should the Union of Duxburian Dominions join a new European Union?
Yes - 81.4% (-0.2)
No - 18.6% (+0.2)

The EU budget should:
Increase - 2.1% (-1)
Stay the Same - 68% (+17)
Decrease - 29.9% (-16)

There should be stimulus packages for poorer EU member nations
Yes - 5.2% (-0.7)
No - 94.8% (+0.7)

The European Union should loan money to poorer member nations
Yes - 8.7% (-0.1)
No - 91.3% (+0.1)

Climate change is a problem that should be addressed at the EU level
Yes: 79.5% (+2)
No: 20.5% (-2)

Does the European Council have too much power?
Yes: 80.1% (+2.3)
No: 19.9% (-2.3)

The European Constitution needs an overhaul
Yes: 62%
No: 38%

The European Council should investigate the sale of 30 planes to Iberia
Yes: 71.1%
No: 28.9%

If the elections were held today, who would you vote for?

Premier Commissioner
Harish Desai - 40%
Jean-Claude Juncker 32%
Unsure - 28%

Internal Affairs Commmissioner
Sir Joseph William Amberton Biden Sr - 15%
Sebastian Piñera Echenique - 7%
Ilmaras Kalessed - 16%
Dr. Margaret Schaumburg Ferdinand Thatcher - 8%
Unsure - 54%

Projected Turnout by Dominion:
Realm of Varia - 5-10%
Empire of Laatzen - 20-25%
Dominion of Linden - 25-30%
Alliance of Verinteno - 25-30%
Technocracy of Hasilthec - 15-25%
Commonwealth of Kaumbrennia - 5-10%
Dominion of Suez - 5-15%
Solarity of Azrekko - 60-90%
Stormhold of Chirez - 10-20%
Alliance of Nikoveria - 30-45%

Projected Overall Turnout: 20-30%

Analyst Notes: Nemeiro projects another steep drop in turnout as Duxburian voters increasingly tune out of regional politics. The days when public sentiment on leaving or remaining in the European Union was almost a 50-50 tie and over 70% of eligible voters were turning out seem like a bygone era now. Almost every dominion is likely to see declines in turnout and enthusiasm, with one highly notable exception - Azrekko could see record turnout as a byproduct of its imminent special election. This segment of the electorate is highly energized and it's unlikely any Commission candidate will be able to carry the Duxburian Union without winning convincingly in the Solarity. More than a quarter of polled voters are undecided in the race for Premier and over half are undecided for Internal, making these wide open races for anyone to win or lose (in Azrekko!)

[Duxburian Union]

Nemeiro Early Debate Poll

If the elections were held today, who would you vote for?

Premier Commissioner
Harish Desai - 28%
Jean-Claude Juncker - 26%
Sofie Čikarová - 25%
Ville Niniistö 2%
Kittichat Thongthang - 3%

Unsure - 16%

Internal Affairs Commissioner
Sir Joseph William Amberton Biden Sr - 9%
Sebastian Piñera Echenique - 1%
Ilmaras Kalessed - 10%
Dr. Margaret Schaumburg Ferdinand Thatcher - 3%
Paul-Gabrielle Muzhare 2 - %
Sanna Marin - 2%
Kittichat Thongthang - 1%

Unsure - 71%

Projected Turnout Adjustments:

Dominion of Linden - 30-35%
Solarity of Azrekko - 80-90%

Analyst Notes: Confidence is increasing for a massive or record voter turnout in the City of Azrekko - the low end has been revised up some 20 percentage points. The combination of multiple EU candidate rallies, Solaris Azrekko EU aid drama, and new developments in an already captivating special election race is sending voter enthusiasm skyrocketing. Turnout in the Dominion of Linden is also expected to see a moderate bounce after Jean-Claude Juncker visited the capital.

Premier Notes:
Harish Desai lost ground as voters increasingly view his treaty-based ideas as infeasible. However, he remains the narrow frontrunner in the Premier race, effectively invoking fear of future EPA legislation - EUROPOL and FRONTEX concepts are unpopular in the Duxburian Union, while a Digital Services Act is of concern in tech cities like Niko, Verinteno, and Hasilthec. What could be in digital services legislation is deeply feared in Azrekko, particularly by Alan Davey supporters.

Jean-Claude Juncker gained ground off a successful rally in Dairghazburo, but without enough impact to overtake Desai. The lion's share of Duxburian votes this cycle lie in a different city, a city full of fear and riding a tidal wave of mixed emotions as its special election date draws closer.

Sofie Čikarová was able to connect with Azrekkian voters better than the other Premier candidates in her rally, propelling her to a close 3rd. Her ability to get Azrekkians to consider the merits of increasing the European budget is unprecented in the Duxburian Union. She has potential to rise to frontrunner position with this type of message.

The other candidates are almost completely unknown to Duxburian voters.

With just 3 precentage points separating 1st from 3rd and 16% of voters remaining undecided, this race could still go any direction as the debate continues.

Internal Notes:

Support for all candidates plummeted as the sheer amount of candidates generates considerable confusion and indecisiveness in the Duxburian electorate. 71% of polled voters are now undecided, an increase of 17% and the highest level of indecision ever recorded in a Nemeiro poll for any election.

Joseph Biden remains in 2nd and just shy of 1st with his pledge to review existing legislation for sovereignty-related issues. Biden has a solid base of support, but a thin platform on specifics beyond the reviews.

Sebastian Piñera Echenique's support collapsed after his stances about Commission inflexibility and continued interference in national affairs. These stances are deeply unpopular in every major Duxburian city, especially Azrekko.

Ilmaras Kalessed clings to 1st by a single point. She is widely viewed by Duxburians as the most "real" candidate in the race, connecting strongly with many people on a variety of issues. She has high upside potential, but is hampered by long and complex messages. Many Duxburians are skeptical about feasibility, keeping her polling close to Biden.

All other candidates are almost completely unknown to Duxburian voters. Kittichat Thongthang is viewed as a meme candidate, leading to a near-total collapse of support in cities like Azrekko, where the internal race is dead serious.

[Duxburian Union]

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[Duxburian Union]

The Early Bird

What's News Today?

---

This morning's quick rundown of top new stories:

1 - Wesley Greene Returns to European Council

After being called home due to serious safety concerns about the Council chamber, Councillor Greene is back to represent the Duxburian Union.

2 - Major Crypto Exchanges Coinbase and Binance Consider Moving Headquarters from Verinteno to Azrekko

Both Coinbase and Binance have filed regulatory paperwork related to the possibility of changing their primary headquarters as hype about the upcoming Azrekko special election ripples through the crypto world.

3 - Azrekkian Real Estate Market Surges to Unexpected High

Crypto companies are snatching up commercial and warehouse inventory in the City of Azrekko as speculation on the outcome of the election runs rampant. Prices for commercial real estate rose sharply for the first time in over 8 years. Residential values are also on the rise as population flow reverses into the city. The city has consistently lost population since Y915, but is projected to gain in Y921.

4 - Solaris Azrekko Solar Project Moves Forward

The City Council of Azrekko has agreed to sign the terms of the loan with the Green European Fund, leaving only a Maelir's signature left to go before work can get started. Phase one of the project is fully funded and preliminary orders for solar panels are expected to start going out after final layout adjustments.

5 - Laatzenian Coral Reef Threatened

Grand Suez, the last Duxburian coral reef left on the Suez coast and northernmost reef in the country, experienced a 15% die-off in the past 30 days as record warm water temperatures killed off symbiotic algae that the corals depend on. The entire reef is also imperiled by pollution flowing from the Port of Laatzen. A leading scientific journal estimates the Grand Suez will completely disappear within the next 25 years.

[Duxburian Union]

Nemeiro Opinion Poll for European Council Speaker Election

Duxburians were randomly sampled to determine national sentiment on the Speaker election.

Should requests for debate extensions automatically be granted?

Yes - 35%
No - 65%

Should the Speaker provide summaries for pending legislation?

Yes - 82%
No - 18%

Should the European Council operate in sessions?

Yes - 49%
No - 51%

Should the European Council take breaks for major holidays?

Yes - 50%
No - 50%

Should the Speaker enforce stronger civility in debate?

Yes - 21%
No - 79%

What quality(ies) do you find most important in a Speaker of the European Council?

Impartiality - 97%
Activity - 91%
Leadership - 88%
Experience in the Council - 86%
Conflict Resolution - 84%
Rules Enforcement - 77%
Approachability - 73%
Experience outside the Council - 24%

Rank the candidates by Impartiality
Iras TILKANAS
James MIZRACHI-ROSCOE
Yuridiana YAHONTOV
Donald TUSK

Rank the candidates by Activity
Donald TUSK
Iras TILKANAS
Yuridiana YAHONTOV
James MIZRACHI-ROSCOE

Rank the candidates by Leadership
Donald TUSK
Iras TILKANAS
Yuridiana YAHONTOV
James MIZRACHI-ROSCOE

Rank the candidates overall / Who would you vote for to become Speaker?
Iras TILKANAS
Yuridiana YAHONTOV
Donald TUSK
James MIZRACHI-ROSCOE

Results Analysis -
Respondents largely panned automatic debate extensions, citing potential for debate "to go on indefinitely in situations when no one wanted to debate in the first place".
Respondents responded strongly in favor of the Speaker providing legislation summaries, although most note that such summaries should be "at the discretion of the Speaker" "when reasonable" and "not a requirement for every act".

Whether the Council should operate in sessions and whether it should break for holidays ended up dividing the respondents almost evenly. Respondents in favor mostly expressed the potential for sessions and holidays to "help with Councillor inactivity". Respondents opposed mostly expressed concern that the sessions/holidays would be "for dates and events that we do not widely observe", "observe on different days than most of the EU", or "do not observe at all", "on a calendar we do not use", while "our traditions will be totally ignored". While "Cultural Respect" was not a polling item, it's clearly another important driver of voter sentiment, given the country's tense history with the European Union on cultural differences.

Respondents strongly oppose Speaker enforcement of greater civility. The most cited reason was Article II, Section I, Clause III of the European Constitution - "All views can be voiced in the European Council." Respondents in opposition further cited "professional courtesy", "peoples' feelings", and even "the Code of Conduct" being "overruled" by the Constitution. "All views" is an exceptionally strong level of free speech protection and 79% of respondents hold it to the letter.

The sampled respondents overall back Iras Tilkanas as first preference for Speaker, although with close margins. Respondents view Tilkanas as most likely to "respect the EU Constitution" in regards to the "All views" clause. They widely support legislative summaries and only ding her for shorter length of experience in the Council.

Respondents view Donald Tusk's experience and leadership above the other candidates, but hammer him for "a glaring lack of impartiality", the number 1 most important Duxburian preference for qualities a Speaker must have. Respondents also ding Tusk for his zero tolerance policy for various Council conduct, calling it "blatantly unconstitutional", and "a grave threat to free speech" in the Council. Tusk otherwise has the profile of a first preference pick, so these two major issues could have cost him 2 slots.

The other candidates failed to gain traction. Respondents worry about Yahontov's impartiality and how sessions / holidays would be handled. Respondents worry about Mizrachi-Roscoe's activity, experience, compliance with the Constitution, and how the sessions / holidays would be handled.

It is worth noting that the Union of Duxburian Dominions does not hold a direct election to determine its Speaker vote - that power resides within the Domain of the European Councillor. However, Nemeiro considers it highly unlikely that Councillor Greene's vote would depart from the sentiment found in this poll. He has yet to stake out any minority sentiment positions and his voting history is correlated exactly with national majority opinions. This is unlikely to change at this stage of his career, so we project first preference for Iras Tilkanas.

[Duxburian Union]

The Daily Dominion
All the News You Need to Hear

BREAKING: Mass Protests Erupt Over European Enterprise Penalties Act, DUSE Tanks 1,805 Points in Record Loss

Chaos enveloped Duxburian streets and financial markets as spontaneous protests broke out nationwide and the Duxburian Union Stock Exchange dropped 1,805 basis points in frenzied panic selling, the worst daily loss in Duxburian history. Comments by James Mizrachi-Roscoe, the United Duchies Councillor who proposed the European Enterprise Penalties Act, involving a stackable 10% revenue penalty for each violation, bankruptcy of existing corporations, and mass replacing of existing corporations, sent shockwaves of terror through the economy. Later amendments to soften the extreme provisions of the act did little to assuage sentiment, especially among massive crowds of blue collar workers in Duxburian major cities.

Radio silence from the Domain of the Steward fed to the panic, as investors felt abandoned and stormed for the exits. The crypto market surged to all time highs as investors sought safe havens from European Union control. Bitcoin surged to break K:70,000 for the first time and all major alts posted double digit gains. Precious metals also ended the day sharply up.

Azrekko's Atomic Triangle filled to capacity in a matter of hours, however, protests there remained peaceful. "With unemployment hovering over 60% and years of severe recession, the city has become so numb to yet more bad news from Europolis that nobody can even summon the emotional effort required for violence," explained a member of the Police Alliance, who wished to remain anonymous. "The prospect of massive economic collapse is meaningless in a place that has already sustained massive economic collapse, so I actually expect this crowd to disperse on its own, once more people realize this."

Azrekko's remaining Maelir candidates in the special election offerred their views for action - Anita Lenn pledged to hold a city-wide referendum on European Union membership if elected, while Alan Davey pledged to just leave the European Union without the need for a referendum. Both moves would mostly be symbolic, as an individual Duxburian city cannot just decide to leave the EU on its own volition. Over 90% of the city's electorate supported leaving in past Nemiero polls.

All of our analysts at the Daily Dominion expect the act to fail and markets to recover as fast as they fell, although investors are taking no chances.

[Duxburian Union]

The Daily Dominion
All the News You Need to Hear

BREAKING: "Protest Convoy" of Giant Container Ships Sets Sail to "Obstruct" the Strait of Varia in Sea Protest

While workers protest the European Enterprise Penalties Act on land, a unique protest is emerging at sea involving container ships. The Duxburian Longshore Union (DLSU), which represents over 100 vessels, has called for a protest at sea. Faced with the prospect of losing vital business from large corporations in the event of a systemic economic collapse, the DLSU intends to "blockade" the narrow Strait of Varia along the northern Duxburian coast, bringing international commerce between the Atlantic and the Persian Gulf to a standstill. The DLSU has also put out an open invitation for merchant vessels of any nation to come join their protest.

The planned protest area would effectively close the Port of Mortec, a facility mostly used to supply the major Duxburian naval base in Mortec. The Duxburian Navy warned the DLSU against disrupting naval traffic, but organizers brushed aside the threat.

It is not clear how many ships the DLSU intends to pull out of the global shipping system for the protest, which would amount to a de facto strike, but dozens of container ships have already been spotted exiting Azuro, Norporte, Verinteno, Suez, and Laatzen for the Strait of Varia. Disruption to shipping in the strait could begin within 24 hours.

[Duxburian Union]

Nemeiro Commission Election Pre-Debate Questionaire

Below are the results of the pre-debate questionaire taken by a random sample of the Duxburian probable voter population. Some questions/policy statements are the same as last election cycle and shifts in opinion are noted by (gain/loss).

I describe my overall political views as:
Strong Left: 2.0%
Moderate Left: 6.1%
Independent, Unaligned, or Centrist: 59.8%
Moderate Right: 22.6%
Strong Right: 9.5%

All Left: (-8.1)
All Right: (+14.3%)
All Other: (-6.2)

I also describe myself as:
Pro-European Integration: 5.3% (-2.8)
Anti-European Integration: 48.0% (+15.5)
Neither: 46.7% (-12.7)

We should conduct international trade through a single currency issued by the European Central Bank
Yes: 6.0%
No: 94.0%

We should use worker collectives at the European level to assist with green transition
Yes:14.1%
No: 85.9%

The European Union represents me and my interests
Yes: 13.4% (-10.1)
No: 86.6% (+10.1)

I am better off now than I was last Commission election
Yes: 52.7% (+12.8)
No: 47.3% (-12.8)

The European Union needs major reforms
Yes: 55.0% (-15.0)
No: 45.0% (+15.0)

The Union of Duxburian Dominions should leave the European Union
Yes - 76.1% (+17.2)
No - 23.9% (-17.2)

If you answered yes to the above, should the Union of Duxburian Dominions join a new European Union?
Yes - 62.5% (-18.9)
No - 37.5% (+18.9)

The European Union budget should:
Increase - 35.8% (+33.7)
Stay the Same - 29.4% (-38.6)
Decrease - 34.8% (+4.9)

The European Union should devote more of the surplus to the European Development Agency
Yes: 62%
No: 38%

The European Union should loan money to poorer member nations
Yes - 6.9% 8.7% (-1.8)
No - 93.1% (+1.8)

Climate change is a problem that should be addressed at the European level
Yes: 63.9% (-15.6)
No: 36.1% (+15.6)

Energy sustainability is a problem that should be addressed at the European level
Yes: 84.0%
No: 16.0%

The European Council has too much power
Yes: 89.5% (+9.4)
No: 10.5% (-9.4)

The European Council is fair
Yes: 39.8%
No: 60.2%

The European Court of Justice needs reforms
Yes: 71.3%
No: 28.7%

Projected Turnout by Dominion:
Realm of Varia - 5-10%
Empire of Laatzen - 5-10%
Dominion of Linden - 10-20%
Alliance of Verinteno - 10-20%
Technocracy of Hasilthec - 5-10%
Commonwealth of Kaumbrennia - 5-10%
Dominion of Suez - 5-10%
Solarity of Azrekko - 80-90%
Stormhold of Chirez - 5-10%
Alliance of Nikoveria - 50-75%

Projected Overall Turnout: 18-26.5%

Analyst Notes: Recent events in the European Council have set the Duxburian electorate in motion, resulting in huge shifts in public sentiment. The nation appears to be taking a hard right turn, with a 14% surge in likely voters self-identifying as right and and a 15% collapse of the left across the past two EU election cycles. However, traditional left-right ideological camps continue to not be a good predictor of Duxburian voting habits, so caution must be used when drawing conclusions from such shifts.

One thing is certain - it's easy to conclude that many of these voters are angry, propelling support for leaving the EU to super-majority levels, with large increases in related positions, such as opposing further integration or the EU not representing the voter's interests. Even support for creating a new EU fell drastically. Improving economic conditions at home may be weakening the perceived need for the EU.

That said, over a third of voters now support increasing the EU budget, most likely influenced from the EDA's inability to fund massive projects like the Solaris Azrekko. Duxburians also overwhelmingly support pursuing energy sustainability, even though support for fighting climate change has declined. Interestingly, only 55% of voters now feel that the EU needs major reforms...perhaps they feel problems with the EU are more interpersonal than structural. There is still at least one big structural problem, with almost 90% responding that the Council has too much power.

Nemeiro projects another large drop in turnout almost nationwide. Many dominions might not even crack 10% turnout, which would approach record lows, but Azrekko remains stubbornly fired up to vote. This may be partly due to its special election being delayed, partly due to anger at the EU in a city where over 90% of its residents support leaving the union, or perhaps the Solarity realizes its vast power in low turnout EU elections on some meta collective level and wants to keep flexing that power. Whatever the reasons, as many as 9 out of every 10 eligible Sandmasters may head to the polls, again.

However, this time there is a new twist - Nemeiro projects high turnout in Nikoveria for the first time in any election. The nation's newest dominion may look tiny, with just 2 constituent cities and 0 rays of sunlight, but it's actually densely populous and has more voting power than Kaumbrennia or Varia. What do these voters want? It is difficult to know for certain with very limited polling having ever been conducted in the Alliance, but Nemeiro believes that Azrekko's high voter engagement is starting to spill over to its two sister cities. Perhaps Nikoverians vibe with Azrekkians and also see the same path to exercising enhanced voting power. Therefore, we think that both dominions will likely vote in lockstep, making it crucial to win both if a candidate wants the Duxburian vote.

It is too early to project support numbers for each candidate this time. Jean-Claude Juncker starts off with the advantage of name recognition and generally favorable past track record, although Duxburians remain wary of some of his proposed acts and policies, especially in must-win Azrekko. Juncker has struggled there in the past, particularly in last fall's Commission election. Calvin Kühnert faces the challenge of being totally unknown, but with the advantage of having favorable policy positions, especially in Azrekko.

Nemeiro is unable to assess Kevin Cotilla yet and expects additional, viable entries into the internal affairs race. Antoni Reynels enjoys high popularity, strong name recognition, and a positive foreign affairs track record. He is likely to cruise to victory regardless of whether Pekka Haavisto runs for re-election.

[Duxburian Union]

JUNCKER, COTILLA EKE OUT NARROW VICTORIES AMID DIVIDED ELECTORATE, LOW TURNOUT

Darker colors on the map indicate higher winning margins

Premier Commissioner	Map Color	Votes	Percentage	% of All Eligible Voters
Jean-Claude Juncker	Blue	26,052,840	51.6%	17.5%
Calvin Kühnert	Orange	24,437,160	48.4%	16.5%

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Darker colors on the map indicate higher winning margins

Internal Affairs Commissioner	Map Color	Votes	Percentage	% of All Eligible Voters
Kevin Cotilla	Green	8,187,102	50.12%	5.51%
Ilmaras Kalessed	Red	8,147,898	49.88%	5.49%

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Darker colors on the map indicate higher turnout

Foreign Affairs Commissioner	Map Color	Votes	Percentage	% of All Eligible Voters
Antoni Reynels	Purple	91,793,790	99.7%	61.8%