Major nations demand proportional representation; Franconian community collapses over debate over nationality; Alsatian National Assembly dissolves into chaos; Kallas, Teimasenvou reaffirm sovereignty of Haane-Keste; ecological community successfully lobbies for protection of ievonuia plant; small celebration held over 'Haanean Economic Miracle'
The French, German, Danish, and Dutch National Assemblies, representing the four largest linguistic communities in Eastern Haane, today convened to discuss the issue of representation in the Assembly of Nations. Under the current constitution, legislation can pass with only a 3/4 vote in favor - that is, with 23 votes out of 30. As a result, linguistic minorities forming less that 20% of the population can pass legislation without external support.
This situation led to overwhelming majorities in the four mentioned National Assemblies in favor of proportional representation. Yet such a thing is little more than symbolic, for the Assemblies have no power to put such legislation throughout the People's Confederation. Given the probable opposition of the smaller nations to such a thing, it is unlikely that such a thing, if proposed in the Assembly of Nations, will pass.
In other news, the Franconian community has become sharply divided over the issue of nationality. Few of the recognized languages classified as being Franconian are well defined; many are considered to overlap. The question, as such, of where the boundaries between linguistic groups are drawn, is bound to be divisive. Hard-liners - that is, those who wish to exclude the greatest number of people possible as to ensure a more 'true' representation - are common; however, they are greatly outnumbered by those who are more liberal on the subject.
Yet even these liberals are divided over what should really be done, to the point that even the smallest considerations can ignite a war of words.
Protests and counter-protests are everywhere in communities with a Franconian presence; thankfully, none have been violent.
The Alsatian National Assembly, however, faces a similar division. The Alsatian community is known for its high concentration of Christian socialists, has always been more religious minded than the rest of Eastern Haane. Yet now, as the ANA debates the promotion of Haanean Quietism - a branch of Christianity - to an official religion - it appears as through they are much more divided that previously thought.
The Assembly is split exactly half-and-half; it has remained that way for over a week. Shouting is common in its chambers; several violent altercations have been reported. There appears to be no clear way to compromise; with the absence of the State Elder, the situation has been made even worse.
In better news, Kaja Kallas and Iuliha Teimasenvou, the leaders of the indigenous State of Haane-Keste, have reconciled. The two today released a joint statement that affirmed the total sovereignty of the State, defending their peoples' right to national sovereignty and putting forward a new policy for the defence of their national culture.
The ecological community has also successfully lobbied for the protection of the plant that produces ievonuia, which is currently highly endangered and has been described as an 'evolutionary marvel.' In essence, control over the plant will be handed entirely over to the State of Haane-Keste. The sale of the drug will be banned; however, its consumption will not. The Essen Castle, the only place where it naturally grows, will also fall under the administration of Haane-Keste. Tourism will be limited to one hundred persons per year.
Finally, a small celebration was held in Kiel today over the recent economic miracle, during which GDP per capita rose from 72,75 euros to 3052,08 euros in the matter of a little over half a month. The celebration was described as being joyous - a light in such dark times.