Leagioan News Agencies

[Leagio]

Eastern Economic Development Bill and Rumors of a Defensive European Military Alliance in the Works

It has officially been at least four days since the Commonwealth of Leagio joined the European Union and has slowly started to become a part of its everyday life. The Commonwealth has seen signs that our economy is starting to improve. Economic experts in the country are saying that it is looking to be the beginning of the end of the Panic that occurred back in April. With this the approval ratings of both the President and Governor-General are starting to improve sky-high. Now, we must look to the future as the nation moves forward. And now we have received some recent important news that will have without any doubt an impact on the Commonwealth.

First, let us go to the confirmed news within the National Congress. Earlier this morning, Councilor Camille Aubert of the Civil Populist Party (CPP) announced a proposal for a new bill for the Chamber of Councilors. This prospal of what is called the Eastern Economic Development Bill has received mixed results from politicians of various political parties and provinces within the Commonwealth. The focus of the bill produced by Councilor Aubert is supposed to provide a stimulus to the Territories in the Eastern part of the Commonwealth, who have suffered the worst from the Crash on April as that is where most of the nation's unemployed people reside.

Within this bill, the Councillor stated that the Government would provide over 4 Billion Sulias to the east territories for the use of economic and infustrustructal development. The latter is understandable as the east is the area with the least amount of the rails and roads when compared the states in the west. Other provisions in the bill include the creation of an Agency jointly run by the Ministeries of Treasury and Labor, where it will as quoted by Aubert "steer foreign development into the East by providing favorable loans with low-interest rates." This provision was met by harsh criticism from many members of the Chamber, particularly from the Socialist Union Party (SUP) calling it a capitalist plot by Aubert to oppress the people of the Eastern Provinces.

Both the President and Governor-General have both given their own personal approval about the bill through social media, especially with the last provision of the Eastern Economic Development Bill. In this final provision, it would officially begin the process of completely opening the Leagioan Stock Exchange in Tulion to the citizens of the European Union. This provision not only meets the criticism of the Socialist Union Party but also from Councilors and Senators from the nationalistic Progressive Action Party (PAP), who stated that "Leagioan economics should only be run by Leagioans and not foreigners."

The bill is said to be up for debating within the Civil Populist controlled Chamber of Councilors for the next 3 to 4 days, where a vote will be held to determine if it is passed. Afterward, the bill is to go to the Senate (also controlled by the Civil Populists) and then signed by the President if it is passed.

In other news, there has been a recent leak within the Executive Mansion that the Governor-General and EU Councilor Francis Plessis have been discussing with various leaders of European nations particularly from the Kingdom of Reitzmag and the United Stars of Valhalla that a sort of defensive military Alliance is in the works of being the developed. When we asked the two respective governments and the Governor-General on whether or not that this leak was accurate, they refused to comment. But this has left questions on if this leak is correct and what impact that this would have for the Commonwealth.

[Leagio]

Debate For the Eastern Economic Bill Continues with Revisions
For the past two days, the bill, called the Eastern Economic Development Bill introduced to the Chamber of Councillors has been up to heavy debate between all the political parties a part of it. Both the Conservative Reform Party (CRP) and the Socialist Union Party (SUP) have both illustrated that no part of the bill should be implemented at all. The opposition of the bill had even been seen in various news stations like the ultra-conservative and nationalistic Palico News, who called the bill a " power move from the Civil Popus**ts." While the Social Democratic and Progressive Alliance Party (PAP) appearing to be willing to negotiate the passage of the Eastern Development Bill with some revision and additions. When first introduced, the bill introduced by Councilor Aubert from National Congress contained the following provision:

• Foreign Companies will be given favorable loans with low-interest rates for the remained of the year of 2020 if they decided to open a branch in any part of the Eastern territories of Leagio.
• A total of 4 billion Sulias will be used by Leagioan Common (Federal) Government to expand the rail and road infrastructure in the Eastern Territories
• An agency will be developed to stir economic business to the Eastern section of the country.
• The Leagioan Stock Exchange in Tulion will be opened to members of the European Union, who be granted access to invest into it.

When these provisions were brought to the general public, the opinions were all over and mixed. According to a survey finished just an hour ago, only 45 % of Leagioans were in favor for the bill while 25% were against it and the rest were undecided. The Bill does indeed come at crucial time as the country is still going on under the effects of the economic crash in April were 20% of Leagioans lost their jobs within the span of a week and compelled the country to officially join the European Union just a week afterward; which helped to improve the conditions that the nation was facing from the crash, but as Councilor Aubert explained in an interview last night: "additional economic measures need to be taken to ensure the economic health of the Commonwealth is assured."

Aubert's fellow Councillors from the Civil Populist Party were in favor and the Social Democrats, as well as the Progressives, would support it as long as it had provisions and revisions made into the bill. One of them was the extension of the freshwater pipeline to be included in the use of the 4 billion Sulias. The Line does go into the Eastern Territories but it is only prominent within the capital cities of said territories and not other parts. After much discussion with his fellow Civil Populists within the Chamber, Councilor Aubert was willing to agree to that.

The Progressives wanted the rail-lines to be widened in the East to match the gauge of the West because the East uses a smaller track width when compared to its western counterpart. Aubert and the Civil Populists are still debating the topic as we speak as it would require a whole series of rail-line track to upgrade it and would be more costly. However, the writer imagines that there will be some sort of a compromise being made as both parties could benefit from this. If passed, the bill will be sent to the senate and then to the President for approval. The deadline to vote on the bill has been set to be on May 19th, 2020 in Chamber of Councilors.

Written by Kevin Witman, a political writer from the DLN.

[Leagio]

Revised Eastern Economic Development Act Passes Through Both Chamber and Senate

After days of debates and negotiations between all the parties within both the Chamber of Councilors and Senate, the Eastern Economic Development Bill has become officially a law of the Commonwealth. The voting results over the bill with the Chamber was 105 in favor with 70 against, while the Senate had 28 For and 10 Against. Within an hour after the bill was pased through the Senate on May 19 at 12:15 am (Leagio Standard Time), the President signed. Although, the Eastern Economic Development Act of 2020 as it is now called, meet stiffle resistance from the parties in opposition, the Social Democrats and Progressives were in favor of the Act after they negiotated with the author of the Act (Councilor Cammille Aubert). The Act contained the following provisions:

• Foreign Companies will be given favorable loans with low-interest rates for the remained of the year of 2020 if they decided to open a branch in any part of the Eastern territories of Leagio.
• A total of 4 billion Sulias will be used by Leagioan Common (Federal) Government to expand the rail and road infrastructure in the Eastern Territories along with adding the 3 1/2 width gauge rails into the West's 4 5/6's Guage, which would make Leagio into a Dual Gauge nation. In addition, the money will be used to extend the Fresh Water pipeline into the East.
• An agency that shall be known as the Office of Eastern Economic Development (jointly run by the Ministeries of Trade & Industry and Labor) will be developed to stir economic business to the Eastern section of the country.
• The Leagioan Stock Exchange in Tulion will be opened to members of the European Union, who will be granted access to invest into it.

The Minister of Treasury announced that the deadline for the opening of the Leagioan Stock Market to the European Union will be set on Sunday, May 24th. In addition, the Minister of Trade and Industry announced after the passsage of the Eastern Economic Development Act that members of the EU will be able to bring their industry to the Commonwealth, particularly its Eastern Territories, on May 30th at most.

Written by Kevin Witman, A political writer from the DLN.

[Leagio]

Constitutional Reform Begins for Leagio! Hurrah! Hurrah!

Today, joyous news is upon us fellow Leagioans. The Leagioan Common Government announced that as of this moment, all of the major political party leaders, political thinkers, government officials, and representatives of all the states as well as the territories are in the process of drafting a new constitution to replace the weak Constitution of 1904. A conference that comprises of about 50 individual are gathering at an undisclosed location within the Commonwealth to determine the best guidelines to be followed in the drafting of this new constitution. Various political parties and individuals displayed a series of reactions for the event.

When asked for his opinion about the announcement of the reform of the government, Luke Garnet (leader of the Conservative Reform Party, which is an affiliate party of Dragan Trympov's Make Europe Great Again Foundation had this to say "this is the begining of making Leagio great again. With this reform, we can be able to avoid any Civil Wars, Rebellions, and Coups in Leagio with the formation of a stronger as well as more united Common Government." Garnet, who is planning to run in August as EU Councilor for the CRP, announced that he will indeed be a part of the Constitution Convention that is currently going on. When asked on what he hopes to attain through the convention, Mr Garnet responded by saying "a more intergrated government that responds only to the people of Leagio and not the Globalists that run the European Union."

However, leader of the Socialist Union Party, Jess Lupi stated that this convention is something that the party will only attend with caution. Miss. Lupi explained that the party was fearful that the Convention will be used as a way to expand the power of the capitalists and exploit the workers of Leagio. However, one might expect such bulls*** from a bunch of socialists that really want to oppress the people of the Commonwealth. I mean, it is obivious that the Socialists are not for a new constiution. and you wanna know why people of Leagio? Because it is not a Consitution that puts them in power and keeps other parties like the Civil Populists, Social Democrats, Progressives, and even the Conservative Reform Party. The f**king Socialists want to have only a Socialist Government people like the one in areas like Icholasen under Communist Control. The Socialists want Leagio to become like Icholasen where they have the power and not allow other forms of Idealogoy to take root within. That is why i still say that the President should just make the Socialist Union Party illegal and a terrorist. Eliminate them before the cancer of Socialism sprouts and pollutes the Commonwealth with tryanny and oppression.

Now back to the Constutional Convention, as mentioned earlier the location is being undisclosed at this moment for the safety and security of the delegates within this convention. When asked on what the deadline will be for a new fully drafted constitution, the President of the Commonwealth said this, "there has not been a hard deadline given yet, but it is imagined that the convention will take around a whole month to be concluded."

Written by Astrid Leloup, a political writer of the Palico News.

[Leagio]

Progress Within The Constitutional Convention

Last night, the leaders of the major political parties within the Commonwealth have announced that progress has been made within the Constitutional Convention that is currently going on with a secret location. The only ones that showed really any major opposition to the convention were the Socialist Union Party, who has stated that neither of the other parties or delegates within the convention was willing to compromise any of their demands at all. Although, the public was told that there were other issues in deciding the best way to reform the government and the Commonwealth.

A leaked photo of Governor Tina Lineas (of the Civil Populists) from the Territory of Karptniz, who represents the Eastern Territories, calling for a way to ensure that the East has both fair representation and equality within the government.

One of the many things that were agreed upon within the Constitutional Convention was both the division and sharing of powers within both houses of the Nation Congress. Each House with their own powers given from this new constitution but the two will share some powers for certain circumstances. Another idea that was agreed upon was the division of the State of Tution, with the its city snakename and national capital becoming its own state having representation within the National Congress.

Other Ideas that were agree upon were the system in which how the President is elected. Due to the polilitical deviation of the country, a two-round voting system was decided to ensure that when a president becomes elected then there will be a wining candidate with more than at least 40% of the popular vote. Both the Governor-General and EU Councilor positions will be elected through the porportional electoral college system. With the EU Councilor position being up for election being up this year on August, where candidates may announce their decision to run starting June 20th.

Further details of what will be discussed within the Convention has not yet been released, but it is expected that there will more details as it progress.

Written by Killen Hoyd, a political writer from the Leagioan Broadcasting Company.

[Leagio]

Constitutional Convention has been Deemed Complete with Various Reforms For the Common Government

The Common Government of Leagio has announced that the Constitutional Convention, of which its location has not been disclosed, has finally concluded with various new reforms that change how the new coming Government will function under it. The President of the Commonwealth stated that "the Convention was a huge success as it helped to find a way to ensure that Leagio has a more functioning government with the opportunity for any changes to be made to be done without out difficult challenges." In order for the Constitution to be ratified for approval, it must be approved through the National Congress then sent to the people for approval. The President of the Commonwealth promised that the people will have the chance to see what this new draft of the Constitution is like and debate on it while the National Congress decides on the motion to send it to the people for a Referendum.

Although, not everyone has illustrated approval of this draft of the new Constitution that has been completed within the convention. Socialist Union Party President Jess Lupi stated the party's strong opposition to the constitution being presented to the Nation Congress. Lupi called it a tool to give more power to those tainted with corruption and could oppress the working-class people of Leagio. Furthermore, she states that the Socialist Union Party was hardly allowed a chance to even have a voice in the debates through this constitutional convention that had recently was completed.

However, many politicans disagree with Miss. Lupi as they stated that she had been offered the chance to speak mulitple times and which she had accepted as she proposed many things to the Convention. Most of which seemed to unacceptable or things that the President of SUP unwilling to compromise on unlike the other parties.

Meanwhile, the Conservative Reform Party called the Convention a great success and the beginning of a brighter future for the Commonwealth. Both the Social Democrats and Civil Populists felt that the Constutition agreed upon gave too much powers to the Common Government of Leagio, but were willing to work with this new model and see how to ensure that both the States and Federal Government are treated equally. The Progressive Alliance Party stated that "while the Constitution was a step forward....it did not meet the type of Federal Unitary Government that [they] wanted."

Once the new Constitution goes through Both Houses of the National Congress, the Constitution will be put up for a three to four week national referundum about the ratification of the Constitution. If it goes through both steps, then the Constituion will officially become the new document that rules the Commonwealth.

Written by Kevin Witman, A political writer from the DLN.

[Leagio]

New Constitution Passed by National Congress and Ratified By the Leagioan People

After much debating and voting, the Constitution that was drafted in a hidden and protected Constitutional Convention had been approved by both Houses of the National Congress, with the House of Councilors having approved with 152 FOR to 23 AGAINST and the Senate having 30 FOR to 8 AGAINST on Monday. Afterward, as the people of the Commonwealth outside of the Congress was debating over this constitution, a national referendum was held throughout the Commonwealth and so far the results are now concluded in this six Day Referendum. In a vote that comprised of a total 3, 782, 557 people (83.7% of the vote) FOR the new Constitution with only 736, 626 AGAINST (16.3% of the vote) the document. It is estimated that the voter turnout of this vote was near 67.1% of the Voting Population within the nation. With the approval of the people, the constitution has now become the new legal ruling document of the Commonwealth of Leagio.

With the new Constitution, there are now new empty seats within the National Congress that total up to 81 at this moment. The Governor-General with the consent of the President announced that a bill will be sent to the National Congrees to have these empty seats will be filled Democratically by September (months after the election for the EU Councilor Position being held on August, which is something that we cover in the next article; in addition, the same day that almost the rest of the National Congress will be up for re-election). Right now, those seats will be empty until those elections begin.

In addition, this news comes at the same time as the Leagioan Football Association wins the 2020 EURO by absolutely dominating the playing field against Spain last week and then emerging victorious within a very contested playing field against Fremet with a 4-3 Penalty score. The Leagioan Football Association and their fans were very excited for the outcome of the Tournament.

Written by Astrid Leloup, a political writer of the Palico News.

[Leagio]

The Territory of Muale Sends Petition for Statehood & Possible Diplomatic Tensions Between Commonwealth and Republic Nofoaga?

This afternoon, the Governor of the Territory of Muale (Edd Harris of the Social Democratic Party) submitted to the Leagioan Common Government in Tullion a petition approved by Muale's Territorial Assembly with a close simple majority. In the petition approved by said assembly was the call to bump the status of Muale from a territory of Leagio to a State with complete representation in the Senate. The reason stated in the petition for this call for statehood was because Muale had met the requirements necessary to become a state. With a government formed through a democratic constitution that has been deemed by the Supreme Court of Leagio does not conflict with the new Constitution of 2020. In addition, the Territory of Muale already met the population requirements stated within said Constitution. The Territory through a recent Census has a population of over one million, which is larger than 2 two states within the Commonwealth and all the Territories in the East. One of the reasons that experts believe for the sudden boost in population within Muale which was once at 500K people is due to the Eastern Economic Development Act that was passed about a month ago, which has indeed shown to have an effect on the economy that was once on a downwards trend in Economic Crash in April this year.

A Geographical Map of the Territory of Muale, with its territorial capital of Sauliers marked with a yellow circle. The city of Saulliers is where most of the population in the territory is located with 700K of the over 1 million people in the Territory of Muale.

The Speaker of the House and Governor-General announced that the petition will be brought to the floor of the National Congress by Wednesday this week. Although, the petition has already received criticism from members of Conservative Reform Party and especially the Conservative faction of the Civil Populist Party. The reasoning for their opposition was because they feel that Muale is not politically ready for statehood, which they state is shown obviously through the fact that this petition managed to only pass through the unicameral Muale Territorial Assembly with just only one vote.

When asked for his opinion, the President issued this statement to the press, "both I and the Governor-General are excited to see the process for the admission of Muale as a state within the Commonwealth." In addition, the President stated that the Governor-General will be reporting on the complete effects of the Office of Eastern Economic Development and its legislation counterpart.

Furthermore, the Governor-General announced that he will be drafting a bill for the National Congress to Revamp the military within the next five years as a way to ensure the protection and security of the Commonwealth. When asked about the situation occurring within the Republic Nofoaga, the President said that he will issue a government statement as the situation progresses. For a reminder to our readers of what the situation is within Republic Nofoaga, the President of Republic Nofoaga Nikola N'nago refused to hold elections after the breaking of the MG coalition that was once recently a part of his government. From what one Leagioan citzen vacationing in the recently renamed PORT BEAUHARNAIS said, "the political situation in this nation has tensed to the point that i fear that it will brew a revolution or something. They have recently implemented a curfew that will be enforced starting today at 9PM" What the corcerned Leagioan mentioned is indeed correct as the Government of Republic Nofoaga made am announcement doing exactly that. This curfew has been deemed by many political officals within the National Congress to be undemocratic and a move for Nikola N'nago to remove any form of opposition to

Many people in within the Commonwealth feel that the administration of Nikola N'nago has become tyrannical and should be overthrown by the people of Republic Nofoaga, where a more democratic government could be reform. Some people have even called on EU Councilor Francis Plessis to draft an official Condemnation of the Actions of President Nikola N'nago of Republic Nofoaga for approval through the EU Council.

Written by Killen Hoyd, a political writer from the Leagioan Broadcasting Company.

[Leagio]

"Good evening everyone, I am Tom Kennedy with the Palico News today. The only news network throughout the whole Commonwealth that is willing to tell the people the truth and nothing but the truth. The start the day off with the debates that goes on within the National Congress, particularly within the Senate as these, i will tell you folks, are getting really heated."

"Most of the Civil Populists, Progressives, and even the Social Democrats are in favor of Muale's statehood. However, the Socialists and the Conservative Reformists are against it. Surprisingly i guess that will be the only thing that the Socialist dumbells and the glorious Conservatives will ever agree on. The reason why the huge debate over Muale Statehood which has admittedly meet the requirements for statehood is that the Conservative Reformists and along with the conservative wings within the other parties that is not apart of the Socialists is that maybe Muale is just not ready for statehood." Kennedy says this as a picture of the Gerographical map of Muale is shown to the viewers.

"You see folks, the reason why the question if Muale is just not ready for statehood deals with mainly the politics of Muale. You see every Muale unlike other parts of the Commonwealth is politically diverse in political idealogology. This understanding can be seen through the compostion of the Legislative Assembly of the now Territory of Muale. Let me show you...."

A image apears after the map of Maule showing the Muale Assembly

"Out of 175 seats within the Assembly, no one has a huge majority and that is why folks that the new Constitution of 2020 was signed to maybe avoid political situations like this. especially where Coalition Governments could be formed to run the country. Now within its territorial constitution, Muale does not have a provision where Coalitions could be formed. This composition shows that Muale is so political diverse that hardly anything can be done for the good of the citizens of Leagio that reside within Muale. This issue can even be shown the petition that Governor Edd Harris submitted to the National Congress where out of the 175 members of the Assembly that voted, only 88 approved the submission of the petition for statehood to the National Congress."

"Now, most of the Civil Populists, except its Conservative branch, want to approve Muale Statehood. However, the Conservatives have been blocking the voting on the matter until something about Muale's political issue can be resolved in a politically peaceful way. Luckily a Conservative Senator Dick Doconell developed a plan that would satisfy everyone in this debate and i would personally say that it is just brilliant. Let me show everyone here..."

Another image appeared right beside the news anchor

"What the Senator from the great state of Huttson is suggesting is that instead of just outright denying Muale statehood, but we give it Statehood but remove its northern counties above this red line in the middle of Muale and form it into a territory called Wilson named after Memphis Wilson, who was the Commonwealth's 8th president but first to be assassinated. He was assassinated on October 2nd, 1942 by a deranged gunman who shot him on the steps of the Pilson Theater."

"This idea seems to have satisfied the Conservatives, especially from Civil Populist Party. Now, the thing is that anger Civil Populist and other representatives (that are not Conservative) from the Territory of Muale. Unfortunately, we do not have a comment from the President of the Commonwealth, who is currently in Europolis for a gathering of national leaders throughout the EU. We then turned to the Governor-General's office for an opinion but he has not sent a reply at this time. It maybe possible that he is working on forming the Commonwealth's first Council of Provinces, ladies and gentlemen; which where he will meet with Governor's of all the Commonwealth to discuss on the paths that each state and territory should follow for a better future. We get more on this story about Muale as time proceeds but one thing is more sure and that is Muale will have to wait for a bit before any decision is made by both Houses of the National Congress. Until next time, this Palico News..the Commonwealth's true news network."

[Leagio]

National Congress Passes Leagioan Version of EU BANNING OF CONVERSION THERAPY ACT

This morning, it was announced that the National Congress passed a piece of legislation proposed by Councilor Johnathan Freeman of the Civil Populist Party. This legislation now called the Conversation Therapy Banning Act was proposed back after the EU Councils passage of the BANNING OF CONVERSION THERAPY ACT back on June 8th, which passed with a unanimous vote of 13 with EU Councilor Francis Plessis voting in favor. In this EU legislation that was approved in Europolis that day, the act required the following:

• (Section 3, Clause 1) "It is the duty of member states and their governments to protect people from conversion therapies and other practices based around conversion therapies. The member state and their government shall uphold this duty by ensuring that these practices are not performed."

In addition, the bill required that this type of legislation be initiated within 3 months of its passing. Once it was passed by the EU Council, Councilor Freeman presented his bill to the House of Councilors. After a few weeks of debating, the bill passed the House with a 123 FOR and 49 AGAINST the legislation. After it passing the House, the bill then went to the Senate where it faced attacks from Conservative Senators trying to delay the passage of the bill. however, the measure failed as the Senate vote this morning on the passage of the bill with 30 of the 38 in favor.

Within the Conversation Therapy Banning Act, it defines conversion therapy as what the EU act defines it "practices of changing a person's sexual orientation or gender identity by fraud, pressure or force." Furthermore, the bill states that institutions that offer conversion therapy are required to halt further offering such services. Any institution that continued to offer it will be issued a fine of up to 120,000 Sulias or receive jail time of up to 4 years for violating the act. In addition, the Commonwealth will ensure the protection of people from conversion therapies and other practices based around conversion therapies through the means of ensuring that this practice or practices are not performed anymore.

Although, the Act was passed through the National Congress, the bill still has to be signed by the President of the Commonwealth; who is still currently in Europolis talking with other European Union leaders. However, his office staff have confirmed that as soon as he arrivals back to the Commonwealth or if he recieves it in Europolis, he will sign it into law.

However, there have been opponents outside of the the National Congress who are in favor of the bill. Governor of Diamond Heart (George Wallace of the Consevative Reform Party) said that he will not enforce the Act as it violates the principles of the Leagioan States Rights. Luke Garnet (the Conservative Reformist candidate for this years EU Councilor election) stated that the BANNING OF CONVERSION THERAPY ACT will one fo the first things that he will repeal in the EU Council once he is elected.

Written by Kevin Witman, a political writer from the DLN.

[Leagio]

Governor-General Gorge Holds Commonwealth's First Session of the Council of Provinces

Today, the Governor-General of Leagio, Mark Gorge, has held the first session of the Constitution of 2020 mandated Council of Provinces. All the governors of all the states and territories including the new federal state of Tullion are currently in the meeting with the Governor-General. The Mayor of Tullion, Marquis Louis of the Social Democrats, as mandated by the Constitution was promoted to Governor of the state of Tullion. The Council of Provinces is composed of Governors of some of the top national parties within the Commonwealth. Only a few top Parties do not have an elected Governor, which the Socialist and the far-right LUFT. Although, a majority of them are Civil Populists.

The location of the Council of Provinces is said to be in Tullion within the National Capitol, where both houses of the National Congress is held. The Office of the Governor-General is said to announce what been has discussed the recommendations that were made for each state and territory after the meeting is concluded. However, many people through the Commonwealth wanted more jobs and economic opportunities to made through this meeting. In addition, there are many people from the Eastern territories (including Muale within the National Congress still debating its statehood at this moment) that want for the expansion of powerplants of various energies with one of the most popular ones being nuclear and solar wanting to be built.

Written by Killen Hoyd, a political writer from the Leagioan Broadcasting Company.

[Leagio]

Eastern Economic Development Act Shows Early Promising Results

After almost two months after its enactment with the Office of Eastern Economic Development and the project to expand the railroads within the Commonwealth, especially within the Eastern Territories, seems to have a positive effect on the economy of the Commonwealth with unemployment declining as the incase of new jobs comes through. The recent economic data from the EU showed that the Commonwealth has a Euro GDP that jumped from 91,512,115,200.00 to 538,146,812,000.00. Furthermore, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Julien Trudeau, has reported that the economy is likely to continue rising at this point. Although, some economic experts from various universities within the Commonwealth have announced some skepticism.

Minister Trudeau mentioned that a date has been announced for the railroad conversion of the west and the expansion of the Eastern railroads. They released to the press a picture produced by the Ministry of Labor showing the plans of the new railroads for the Commonwealth.

Although, the date for the railroad project's completion seems promising to the Commonwealth, several people within the railroad industry in the Commonwealth have expressed that the chances for meeting that date maybe difficult to accomplish. In addition, they mentioned that it that if the Common Government in Tullion hire foreign workers to meet the challenge ahead. It is expected that within the currently on-going Council of Provinces happening in Tullion right now with the Governor-General and all of the governor's of the states as well as territories of the Commonwealth, this issue of completing the deadline will be discussed.

Written by Killen Hoyd, a political writer from the Leagioan Broadcasting Company, and Judy Little, an economist of the Leagioan Broadcasting Company.

[Leagio]

Muale Becomes a State But Not As A Whole

The National Congress agreed to accepting the call for the full statehood of Muale, a region of the Commonwealth that recently experienced a spike in population in the past couple of months. Just last month, the Governor of Muale (Edd Harris of the Social Democratic Party) submitted to the Congress a petition passed in the Muale Assemly with just a one vote majority calling for the Common Government to grant the area statehood. However, the petition meet heavy debate within both houses of the National Congress. A good number of the members within both house felt that due to the political diversity within Muale said that it was not ready. But an agreement made by Senator Dick Doconell resulted in a odd resolution be passed within both houses of the National Congress. Muale would still become a state of the Commonwealth with full representation within the National Congress, but there is a catch to it.

The former territory would lose its northern counties reaching from its capital district all the way north to the territory of Sule. These northern counties that Muale would lose would become the Territory of Muale with a new Governor that would be appointed by the President of the Commonwealth to temporarily administer the new territory (called Wilson, named after the 8th President of the Commonwealth) until the up-coming Gubernational elections that will be coming up in the 2021 Executive Elections. The Territory of Wilson would have the chance to elect its own legislative branch after its drafts its own constitution that would be approved by the Supreme Court of Leagio in Tullion.

The resulution comes at mixed results by the general public (when news of the proposal came to light) within the Commonwealth with 42% approving the resultion wth 38% against it and the rest are undecided.

Written by Kevin Witman, A political writer from the DLN.

[Leagio]

Hugo Walthelet of the SDP Found Murdered in His Party Office

This morning Hugo Walthelet, the Social Democratic candidate for EU Councilor, was found murdered within his party headquarters office in Vese, Gopen. A cleaning lady of the office building found his body in his office sitting in his office with multiple stab wounds in his abdomen. Another interesting thing about the case was that there were traces of flour on Wathelet's face and bodied suit. Police are currently determining if the loss of the first round of the election last night had anything to do with the murder. Vese City police said that so far there are no suspects to the murder but they will investigate it to the fullest extent of the law. They illustrated that the murder most likely took place not long after the results of the first round of the Commonwealth election was first announced.

The murder could not have come at a worst time as it seems that many of the party's own politicans are announcing that they are going to switch their party loyalty after seeing how unpopular Hugo Wathelet was and many political experts believe that the reason for this switch might because Hugo was not even liked by his own party. At the start of the race, he had 11% favorability in the polls but afterwards he went on a steady decline with Kelly Idiotus of the Socialist Union Party doing better than expect in the first round. Many people within the political world of the Commonwealth believe that the death of Wathelet could mean the total end of the Social Democratic Party; a party that has been Commonwealth political history since the founding of the Commonwealth itself. In fact, it was the second main party that dominated the nation's politics after presidency of Huttson (the Commonwealth's Founding President).

Written by Astrid Leloup, a political writer of the Palico News.

[Leagio]

Murder of Walthelet Solved But SDP Still Crumbles

After days of investigation, the Gopen State Police was able to find a possible suspect to the murder of Social Democratic Candidate for EU Councilor, Huge Wathelet. Hugo Walhelet was found murdered in his party headquarters in Vese, Gopen after the results of the First Round of the EU Councilor election was announced. When the Romain Incident was brought to news, the Common Agency of Crime and Terrorism at first thought that the murder and the Romain were somehow linked, but after talking to the crew of the ship there was no connection that could be found. Gopen State Police looked into the monetary accounts of Walthelet and discovered that two weeks before his candidacy for the position, he recieved an unusal transfer of 200,000 Sulias (SA) or 308,000 Euros. Police found that the Social Democratic Party was having problems fiancing Hugo campaign and was intially going to say no a run for the position until Mr. Wathelet said 'he had it covered.'

Vese State Police found that the money was connected to a notorious loan shark and gangster, Shinny Malone, who apparently had a huge list of people that owned him money. According to the police, when they talk to people who previous owed the gangerster money, if the debts were not paid in how was said in a certain timeframe then the debter might as one victim in witness protection said 'find themselves with either a knife or a gun pointing at them.' Video footage not far for the Social Democratic Party headquarters showed that Shinny Malone was indeed in the area at the time of the murder.

Mugshot of Skinny Malone after he was arrested and charged with the murder of Hugo Walthelet

Police have arrested Skinny Malone for the murder (in the 1st degree) of the Social Democratic candidate last night after they were also able to find a knife in his own home through a warrant a knife that had Walthelet's blood. Although the arrest made a lot of people that were in Vese sigh in relief that Skinny might be now residing in a cell, this does not change the stability issue within the Social Democratic Party as all its members within the House of Councilors changed party loyalty and went to the other parties within the House inside the National Congress. Many people say that this does indeed mean the possible end of the Social Democratic Party.

Written by Eddy Fulson, a crime writer within the Leagioan Broadcasting Company

[Leagio]

National Congress Passes Nuclear Material Regulation Act

This afternoon, after numerous debates within its own chambers, the National Congress passed the Nuclear Material Regulation Act. The drafting and passing of this reaction were in response to the events that took place from the Romain Incident, which was attempting to illegally smuggle out Leagioan nuclear material to the illegitimate government in Icholasen, who call themselves the UNSR.

This act passed in the House of Councilors with 122 FOR and 53 Against, while the Senate had 28 FOR and 10 Against. The President of the Commonwealth signed the bill about 4 hours after its passage.

The Act had the following provisions:

• An Office called the Nuclear Trade Commission (NTC) would be established run by a Director appointed by the President for a 3-year term

• the NTC shall have the power to ensure that nuclear material is correctly sent to countries that are allowed

• The President has the power to command the NTC to halt the trade of nuclear material to nations

• The NTC shall establish regulations and rules to ensure that the nuclear material is going to the nation that is supposed to go.

The act is expected to take effect by August 13th, 2:00 PM (Leagioan Standard Time)

Written by Kevin Witman, A political writer from the DLN.

[Leagio]

Merkel and Kerstin Competing in Leagio for PC

For the past week, the campaign for Primier Commissioner of the European Union has been tense in Leagio. In this unqiue race, there are five candidates with three from Eurogroups and the rest being essentially independents. However, the top two competitors for the job that Leagioans are deciding between are Angela Merkel and Senator Maria Kerstin. The two a history of politics and appeal that interest many Leagioans. The rest of the candidates in this race have not been able to convince the people of the Commonwealth that Leagio should vote for them. The name of Trympov seems to bring distaste to the common Leagioan; even though he seems to be gaining some traction but there is no pundit that thinks that he will win in Leagio. Cikarova has some appeal to voters with Kelly Idiotus (The Former Socialist Union Party EU Councilor Candidate back in July) endorsing the PEL candidate for the position. Cocx, while Leagioans think that the Senator of Gopen was harsh on him, has some appeal as well but many Leagioan say in a survey that he does not bring them much to the table. A timeline showing the favorability of the candidates show that Kerstin and Merkel will be the most likely ones to be strongly contending for Leagio's vote.

The results of the race will be collected at the same time as Leagioans are counting the vote in the Electoral College Round for the EU Councilor Election between incumbent Francis Plessis and Marie Lahaye. Although the voting for EU Councilor will end on August 30, the voting for PC will continue until September 2nd with the results being announced on September 3rd. The dates will be the same for the Internal Affairs Commissioner, which many pundits in Leagio saying that Juncker is pretty much guaranteed to get Leagioan vote. Turnout for this race is expected to be high

Written by Killen Hoyd, a political writer from the Leagioan Broadcasting Company.

[Leagio]

Governor-General Gorge Presents The First Series of Amendments To The New Constitution
With the election of the EU Councilor passing and the race of the National Congress elections coming up, Governor-General Mark Gorge present to the floor of the Senate a series of amendments to the new Constitution of the Commonwealth that was passed and ratified a few months ago. These amendments have the entire floor of the Senate into a huge debate over whether or not, the Constitution should be amended at all. Most of the Conservatives within the Senate floor state that they are against some of the amendments, while the support of the rest. In these amendments that the Governor-General presented were actually five additional articles that would be added to the Constitution. In these articles that would be added if passed were as follows:

Article 13: Emergency Appointment of Senators

• In the case that a senator of a state/territory is incapacitated, dead, or removed from office, which would result in a vancy of representation for a province within the senate. The Governor of the state/territory of said province may appoint a replacement, with approval of said state's/territories's legislative branch to fill the vacancy within the Senate of the National Congress. The appointee of the vacancy shall represent that state/territory until the nearest election cycle.

Article 14: National Congress Salary

• Any change to the salary of elected members of the National Congress shall only take place upon next elected session of the legislative branch of the Commonwealth.

Article 15: Representation for Leagioans Abroad

• Leagioans that were born within the Commonwealth of Leagio or come from parents that were born Leagio, but live outside of the Commonwealth of Leagio shall be given representation within the National Congress. The Representation of Leagioans aboard within the Senate shall be no more than 4 senators representing certain sectors of Europe, while number seats within the House of Councilors shall be no more than the least populated state/territory of the Commonwealth. These seats shall not be included within the Popular Electoral College in the EU Councilor Election or the Governor-General Election cycles.

Article 16: Qualifications for the President of the Commonwealth

• In order for an individual of Leagio to be qualified to run for the title of President of the Commonwealth, they must be 25 years old and have been residing in Leagio for a total of 14 years.

Article 17: Redistricting of House of Councillors Seats

• States and Territories may divide their seats within the House of Councilors into districts for any of the methods mentioned within the Constitution of Leagio. However, the dividing of the seats must be done through a non-partisan commision that shall give every candidate or party has a reasonable chance in each election for the House of Councilors.

Some of the Senators that represent the Socialist Union Party state that they are against the amendments as it gives more power to the capitalists. However, the statement that was made by the Socialist Party may just convince the Conservative Senators to approve the amendments to the Constitution as a way to stick it to the Socialists sh*tbags. Oh well, people of the Commonwealth, socialists will be socialists. In this method of amending the Constitution, the Governor-General must not only get the Senator on board but he must get the House of Councilors and at least two-third's of the Commonwealth's stae/territorial legislatures to make it into the Constitution.

Written by Astrid Leloup, a political writer of the Palico News.

[Leagio]

New Amendments to Constitution Go Through National Congress Without a Strong Mandate

After many days and nights of debating, the National Congress came to a vote on the five amendments to the recently adopted constitution. Many members of the Conservative Reform Party debated for changes to the Amendments or even the withdraw of them. However, the fact that the Civil Populists had control of both the House and the Senate meant that it would pass. There changes made through that was hoped by the Governor-General, who introduced the amendments to the floor of the Senate a few days ago, would get almost everyone in the National Congress on board with them. However, the thing about the vote was that not all of the members of the Civil Populists were in favor of the articles for amendment. Although, in the House, there were hard heavy issues on passing the articles but the Senate was where there were issues mainly; even though, there are 38 members in the Senate with the Civil Populists having a 21 seat majority. Most of the articles went through the Senate with hardly even 55% percent of the vote from the Civil Populists.

The Senators of the Social Democratic Party, which is still trying to survive as a living political party after the failure in the first round of the EU Councilor election, all voted in favor of the changes to the new constitution. However, in what would be Article 15 of the Constitution, there was a tie in the Senate of 19 to 19. According to the rules of this new constitution, the Governor-General can only cast a vote to break ties, even if it is a tie on a bill or amendment to the constitution that he introduced. The Governor-General Mark Gorge would indeed break this tie, which now results in all five amendments going to the state and territorial legislatures for approval. If the Governor-General plans to see that these go through and be ratified, then he needs to convinces those legislatures to vote for them. However, some pundits suspect that Mark Gorge has done exactly that in order to get through by holding the Council of Provinces with the various Governors of the Commonwealth as a way get his own agenda through. The Following amendments that is currently being sent to the state and territorial legislatures are as follows:

Article 13: Emergency Appointment of Senators

• In the case that a senator of a state/territory is dead or removed from office, which would result in a vacancy of representation for a province within the senate. The Governor of the state/territory of said province may appoint a replacement, with approval of said state's/territories's legislative branch to fill the vacancy within the Senate of the National Congress. The appointee of the vacancy shall represent that state/territory until the nearest election cycle, whether it is of the EU Councilor, Any House of the National Congress, Governor-General, or Presidential election.

Article 14: National Congress Salary

• Any change to the salary of elected members of the National Congress shall only take place upon next elected session of the legislative branch of the Commonwealth. However, the selected salary must be approved or vetoed by the President of the Commonwealth before next elected session.

Article 15: Representation for Leagioans Abroad

• Leagioans that were born within the Commonwealth of Leagio or come from parents that were born in Leagio, but live outside of the Commonwealth of Leagio shall be given representation within the National Congress. Foreigners born outside of the Commonwealth but granted citizenship to the Commonwealth of Leagio shall be represented in the overseas constituencies. The Representation of Leagioans aboard within the Senate shall be no more than 4 senators representing certain sectors of Europe, while the number of seats within the House of Councilors shall be no more than the least populated stateof the Commonwealth. These seats shall not be included within the Popular Electoral College in the EU Councilor Election or the Governor-General Election cycles. However, if a seat become vacant, a special election for that seat will be held in order to fill it with the President temporalily appointing someone to the seat

• Leagioan Citizens that immigrate outside of the Commonwealth shall be represented in the overseas seats but not vote in the Governor-General, EU Councilor, or Presidential Elections until they return residing within the Commonwealth. These restrictions do not apply to staff and members of the Leagioan Armed Forces as well as the Leagioan Foreign Service.

Article 16: Qualifications for the President and Governor-General of the Commonwealth

• In order for an individual of Leagio to be qualified to run for the title of President of the Commonwealth and Governor-General, they must be at least 25 years old and have been residing in Leagio for a total of 14 years.

Article 17: Redistricting of the House of Councillors Seats

• States and Territories may divide their seats within the House of Councilors into districts for any of the methods mentioned within the Constitution of Leagio. However, the dividing of the seats must be done through a non-partisan commission that shall give every candidate or party a reasonable chance in each election for the House of Councilors.

Written by Edward Warren, A political writer from the DLN.

[Leagio]

President Lifejumper Announces Willingness To Support Republic of Eastern Haane Militarily

As news of the events that were occuring within the Eastern Haane reaches Europe and the Commonwealth, Leagioan nationals (especially those that mentioned that they were of the Socialist Union Party) that managed to escape from the chaos occuring managed to give tales of stunning and horrific gravity. The people of the Commonwealth began demanding that the President of the Commonwealth intervene to stop what many experts are calling a genocide from happening in Eastern Haane. The President of the Commonwealth announced that he is willing to provide support to the Republic of Eastern Haane by aid them militarily. This announcement was meet with support from members not only in the National Congress and the public, but also the Socialist Union Party with Kelly Idiotus stating that she supports the President's willingness to so. Although, she also mentioned that she wished he would also support the Soviet Republic of Eastern Haane. However, she mentioned that she would lobby the President for that as he works how he can provide a hand to taking down the rouge and genocidal government of Areai (who many Leagioans call her the Eastern Haane's version of the Antiparasite, which references the same type of colonial government that oppressed Leagio during its colonial times and resulted in its war of independence). Many Leagioans in the Street have mentioned that they are thinking about flying over to Eastern Haane and fighting on the side of the Republic of Eastern Haane or the Soviet Republic of Eastern Haane.

When asked about when if the President of the Commonwealth would begin moving troops to support the freedom fighters, Governor-General Mark Gorge had this to say:

"The President has the full confidence of the people, the Congress, and i am sure soon the oppressed people of Eastern Haane."

Written by Killen Hoyd, a political writer from the Leagioan Broadcasting Company.