Leagioan News Agencies

[Leagio]

Healthcare Nationalized By Congress

The National Healthcare Act, which was recently signed into law by President Mouri-Kudo, has caused a stir in the Commonwealth of Leagio. The new law aims to nationalize the healthcare service and establish a multiple-payer system. It is set to provide access to medical services to the 21% of Leagioans who currently do not have health insurance.The National Healthcare Act is the result of a bill presented by Prime Minister Lahaye and the Minister of Health, Mark Dime. The bill was widely debated in the National Congress, with arguments for and against it coming from both sides of the political spectrum.

Proponents of the bill argue that the current healthcare system is too expensive for many Leagioans and that the new system will provide affordable healthcare to all. They also highlight that the new law includes vision and dental aid, as well as mental health services.

Opponents, however, have voiced concerns about the potential cost of the new system and the impact it could have on private insurers. Some have also raised concerns about the quality of care that will be available under the new system. Leader of the Conservative Reformist Party in the House of Councilors, Councilor Kai Shina argued that the idea of nationalization the healthcare of the Commonwealth strains the budget of the government and takes away power from the states in running their own affairs. These lines are also similar to the Leader of the Federation of Democratic Centrists in the House, Councilor Furuse Mine, who argued that the bill should instead be forcing states to give away power of healthcare to the Common Government and at least offer grants to the Health Ministries in the Provinces to regulate the healthcare system to achieve more efficient results.

Despite these concerns, the bill passed through the National Congress and was signed into law by the President. In the House, the Government majority managed to pass the bill with all 361 Councilors voting in favor while the Conservate side of the House voted against with 140. The Civil Populists in Congress abstained in both houses, while the Senate quickly voted in favor of the Act by 77 Senators. The government has now begun the process of nationalizing the healthcare service in Leagio with Minister of Health – Mark Dime leading the way with the momentous task ahead that will take years to perfect and possibly by the time the task is complete a new government will be in-charge or the next election will take place.

The inclusion of vision and dental aid in the new law has been met with mixed reactions. Some have praised the move mainly those in supportive of the Lahaye Government, stating that dental and vision care are often neglected under traditional healthcare plans. Others that support nationalization healthcare such as the Civil Populist Party, however, argue that the inclusion of these services will increase the cost of the new system for something brand new being attempted within the Commonwealth.

Overall, the National Healthcare Act represents a significant change for the healthcare system in Leagio. It remains to be seen how successful the new system will be, and whether it will achieve its aim of providing affordable healthcare to all Leagioans.

[Leagio]

KSP and ALUP Labeled Minority Parties

After the recent decision by the Common Electoral Commission (CEC), the African-Leagioan Unity Party (ALUP) and the Karptniz Solidarity Party (KSP) have been granted minority status for the upcoming elections in the list seat category.

This decision by the CEC means that the two parties will be exempt from the 2% voting threshold that is required for political parties to receive seats in the National Congress's House of Councilors. This is a significant victory for both parties, as they will now have a greater chance of representation in the government. The ALUP has been advocating for the rights of African-Leagioans for years, and the granting of minority status is a major milestone in their fight for representation. The KSP, on the other hand, has been working to raise awareness about the struggles of the Karptniz community and the need for greater support.

With the exemption from the voting threshold, the ALUP and KSP will be able to more effectively advocate for the issues affecting their communities, and their voices will be heard in the National Congress's House of Councilors. In addition, this recent decision by the CEC now means that the two parties will be receiving government subsidies to provide for the future success of their parties. This decision has been welcomed by many as a positive step towards a more inclusive and diverse government. The ALUP and KSP have expressed their gratitude to the CEC for their decision and have pledged to continue working towards the betterment of their communities.

In a statement, President Mouri-Kudo said, "I am pleased that the CEC has recognized the importance of ensuring representation for minority communities in our democracy. The granting of minority status to the ALUP and KSP is a step towards a more inclusive political system."

The leader of ALUP, Aisha Mbeki, expressed gratitude for the decision, saying, "This is a victory for the African-Leagioan community. We have long been underrepresented in the political sphere, and this recognition of our party as a minority interest party will ensure that our voices are heard."

Similarly, the leader of KSP, Jakob Wahalla, stated, "The Karptniz people have faced discrimination and marginalization for too long. This decision by the CEC is a positive step towards breaking down barriers and ensuring that our community has a seat at the table."

As the election of 2024 approaches, it will be interesting to see how this decision affects the outcome and whether it will inspire other minority parties to fight for their own recognition and representation.

[Leagio]

Project Wayside Residents to Vote on Name for New City in Upcoming Referendum

In an unprecedented move, the State government of Arlick has announced that it will hold a referendum on the naming of the new city under Project Wayside during the upcoming EU-Commission Elections. The referendum will allow residents of Project Wayside to vote on the city's name, with options that include the names of New Belfast, Saint Beau, Valladares, Oko, or Masir.

This move has been praised by many as a positive step towards greater democracy and citizen participation in government decision-making. However, it has also been criticized by some who feel that the decision should have been made by elected officials rather than through a public referendum.

The results of the referendum will be determined through the use of the Instant-Runoff voting system, which allows voters to rank their preferences in order of preference. This ensures that the winning option is one that is preferred by the majority of voters. In addition to the naming referendum, the Arlick government has also announced that a non-binding referendum on statehood for Project Wayside will be held. This referendum is part of the coalition agreement between the Social-Progressives and Civil Populist Party coalition government in Arlick.

The Arlick government has expressed hope that the referendums will help to promote greater citizen participation in government decision-making and ensure that the needs and preferences of Project Wayside residents are heard and taken into account. The results of the referendums are expected to be closely watched by political observers both within and outside of Arlick.

[Leagio]

National Congress Passes New Progressive Tax System

After debate and discussions that involved various agreements between members of Prime Minister Lahaye’s Coliation government, the National Congress was finally able to agree on the passage of a new tax system that would be more progressive and provide more equality of income between Leagioans. The bill that passed the National Congress, on March 27th, called the Progressive Tax Share Act introduced a tax bracket system that Leagioans would pay the Common government outside of the State or Territorial Income Tax that they would have to pay with their year income. The agreed upon brackets was something that had been in constant negotiation between members of the Lahaye Coalition Government and the Finance Committees in both Houses of the National Congress. The Act also included a list of new taxes that would be introduced that repealed or merged other tax acts that were passed since the founding of the Commonwealth. For example, the Progressive Tax Share Act was merged with the Negative Income Tax Act of 1982, where it provides to a people to spend freely as a stimulus if they are below the lowest tax bracket. In the case of the new tax act, the lowest bracket is where single people have to pay 0% of taxes if they make 10,000 Euros or 6,535 Sulias a year.

Tax Income Percentage bracket	Income for Single Filing in Euros (Sulias)
0%	<10,000 (6,535)
18.5%	10,001 - 29,451 (6,536 - 19,249)
24%	29,452 - 50,369 (19,250 - 32,921)
30%	50,370 - 82,781 (32,922 - 54,105)
33%	82,782 - 98,834 (54,106 - 64,597)
40%	98,835 - 131,625 (64,598 - 86,029)
46.5%	131,626 - 168,325 (86,030 - 110,016)
49%	170,526 - 250,025 (110,017 - 163,415)
+2%	over 250,026 (163,451)
+5%	over 500,000 (326, 797)

Most of the taxes that were repealed were of the more of the Pro-Big Bussiness taxes during the Presidency of Alberto Malillos (1994-2000). In these taxes passed by Lahaye, the Captial Gains Tax, Corporate Tax, Excessive Profits Tax was raised by over 10 to 15% or in the case of the Excessive Profits Tax then a up to 38% increase. However, the Progressive Tax Share Act also included new taxes that were considered controversial by the opposition parties which were a Expatriation Tax for persons that wish to emigrate outside of the Commonwealth that to is also progressive with its highest rate being at 42.6% for person with a income of over 150 million Euros or 229.5 Million Sulias. Members in the Conservative Reform Party and in the more old-guard as well as conservative members of the Progressive Alliance Party (the party of President Mouri-Kudo and Prime Minister Lahaye) opposed calling it a move of attacking the free market of business within the Commonwealth. Some of the taxes that were implemented into the Act can even be raised to certain level by state governments when passing their own taxation legislation. Another complaint that was raised by the opposition, mainly those in the Conservative Reform Party, was the idea that the tax rates where too high of a burden on the population of the Commonwealth. For example, Councilor Tristan Fortier (also a member for the party in the House Finance Committee from where the bill started) argued that the flat tax rate that was started by President Mallilos provided more food to the table for poor working-class families of the Commonwealth. However, President of the United Peoples Front Alliance James Moriarty sent a retort on television yesterday during a conference with the Commonwealth Steel Workers Union by saying that "Councilor Fortier seems to have forgotten that the flat tax rate started by Malillos had hurt the eastern states or territories at the time as the Flat Tax Act prevented States and Territories from passing laws that allowed them introducing their form of a progressive system to pay for their governments, which had hurt the families of union workers and common citizens in the east as the flat tax did not account for lower-income situations." Moriarty had also made an additional retort in that the flat tax had actually made big businesses in the commonwealth stronger and have more power to the point that it require Mouri-Kudo to pass the Labor Union Civil Rights Act a couple of years ago.

Tax Type	Rate
Sales	2% (can go up to 6% by Provinces)
Corporate	38.5%
Payroll	3.4% (can go up to 5.1% by Provinces)
Capital Gains	29.4%
Expatriation	42.6%
Excessive Profits	40%
Alcohol	8.2% (can go up to 12% by Provinces)
Vat	2% (can go up to 6% by Provinces)

The Progressive Tax Share Act passed the National Congress where in the House of Councilors had 295 Councilors Approving the bill and 238 against the bill with some being from Mouri-Kudo’s own party; The Senate approved the bill with 73 Senators For and 50 Against it (with a couple too being from Mouri-Kudo’s Party). The Fact that some of Congressmen in the PAP have brought recent concerns that the Progressive Alliance Party is at risk of fragmenting and shattering the majority that the Lahaye government currently has. However, President Mouri-Kudo expressed reassurance that there is no sign of serious conflict with members within her own party. "Although, it is understandable that some might feel that there is fragmentations happening with the Party, " The President said in a conference with the press after signing the act yesterday, "but it is common for disagreement within the interiors of larger parties to occur. The party took their opinions but was unable to meet the needs of every member in both houses and so we have the results that we saw on the 27th of March. However, the members that voted against the party made reassurances that they had no intention to split with the party that they have benefitted from at this point. We will try to accommodate for them better in the future as a sign of understanding."

[Leagio]

(MInister Tom Kelly at the annual Commonwealth Economic Forum last week

Kudonomics: Bold Government Intervention or Recipe for Disaster? Congress Divided on Economic Policies

In a interview recently at the annual Commonwealth Economic Forum in Dilaton, Condris, Minister of the Economy and Treasury Tom Kelly explained that the economic policies that he termed as ‘Kudonomics’ have been driving the economy of the Commonwealth of Leagio to new heights. The 45 year-old minister and Councilor representing the southern eastern section of Gopen since 2003 backed his statement by illustrating how the GDP of the commonwealth has risen by 250% of what it was before the inauguration of President Ran Mouri-Kudo after two year period, where the Country has a strong economy that can efficiently compete against other European nations economically. When compared to the previous president of Kenith Lifejumper, the GDP has see more growth with yearly salaries rising by at least 30,000 Sulias. Furthermore, Minister Kelly stated that in his opinion the policies of Mouri-Kudo involving the implementation of a progressive tax system, focused attacks on reducing the power of big business, increased government spending as a way to increase GDP with development for eastern provinces, and the creation of a ethics code for business to follow was very effective and successful.

The term of Kudonomics has been on the rise in the commonwealth through social media lately that has helped to improve the image of the current president where it involves a level of government intervention in the economy that had not been seen since the days of President Maxime Gauthier, who implemented his New Deal program during the economic hard times of the 1950s. The level of intervention when compared to President Lifejumper in particular is more aggressive in where Mouri-Kudo and Lahaye implement large-scale government spending in infustrature that went above even Lifejumper’s Eastern Economic Development Act which had the spending of 4 billion sulias that were saved to improve the infrastructure of the eastern provinces during a time of economic uncertainty after the Commonwealth joined the European Union.

However, many members of the National Congress that are in opposition to the Lahaye Government argued by explaining that the increase spending had caused a large decrease in the savings and amount of disposable income that the common Leagioan has in their pockets while at the same time the cost of living within the Commonwealth has risen by a large amount as well, which will at some point in the future will come back and do even more damage to the economy that will reverse all the results and effort of the Lahaye government.

In response to especially from the criticism of Councilor James Hilda from Huttson and of the Conservative Reformistists (who made such comments in the floor of the House of Councilors during its weekly 2 hour period of debating the policies of the government and the President), Economics Professor of the University of the Commonwealth William Heasa explained that “although, increased cost of living may result in lowered disposable income for some Leagioans, which could have negative effects on consumer spending and economic growth in the long term. The benefits in the long-term will start to outweigh them in the future at an even further state.” Another comment of concern from members of Congress was that Senator Maria Kerstin, herself, who issued a statement of concern that these large scale and expensive development programs will lead to a level of Debt that the Government will probably need to burrow from the EU and other European powers in order to finance the programs and projects completion.

Professor Heasa continued to explain that the effects of Kudonomics in how the benefits will still out weight the costs in that:
• By focusing on development for eastern provinces, Kudonomics may help to improve infrastructure in those regions, which could have long-term benefits for the economy.
• The progressive tax system implemented under Kudonomics may help to reduce income inequality in the long term, which could have positive effects on social and economic stability.
• By implementing a progressive tax system and reducing the power of big business, Kudonomics may help to create a more stable economic environment in the long term.

[Leagio]

Ministry of Environment Launches Innovative Recycle Payment Scheme to Promote Sustainability

In a groundbreaking move towards fostering environmental sustainability, the Ministry of Environment has introduced a pioneering Recycle Payment Scheme aimed at incentivizing and rewarding individuals and communities for their recycling efforts. This initiative, a first of its kind in the Commonwealth, is set to revolutionize waste management practices and create a culture of responsible consumption.

Under the Recycle Payment Scheme, individuals and households will be encouraged to participate actively in recycling programs by providing monetary incentives for their recycling contributions. The scheme aims to motivate citizens to separate and recycle their waste effectively, reducing the burden on landfills and promoting the circular economy.

Through this scheme, citizens will receive a designated monetary value for each unit of recyclable material they properly dispose of, such as paper, plastic, glass, and metal. The Ministry of Environment will collaborate with local municipalities and recycling centers to implement an efficient tracking and reimbursement system. Participants will be able to claim their rewards through various methods, including mobile applications or designated collection points.

The Recycle Payment Scheme not only serves as a financial incentive for individuals but also fosters a sense of responsibility and environmental consciousness. By actively participating in recycling initiatives, citizens will contribute directly to the preservation of our natural resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and combat the detrimental effects of waste accumulation on our ecosystems.

This initiative aligns with the Ministry of Environment's broader goals of achieving sustainable development and reducing the carbon footprint of our nation. The Recycle Payment Scheme aims to significantly increase recycling rates, thereby reducing the need for raw materials extraction and reducing the environmental impact associated with waste management.

The introduction of the Recycle Payment Scheme reflects a proactive and forward-thinking approach by the Ministry of Environment. By encouraging citizens to play an active role in waste reduction and recycling, the scheme aims to create a paradigm shift towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious society.

The Ministry of Environment invites citizens, local municipalities, and businesses to actively participate in this transformative initiative. Together, we can shape a greener future, where recycling becomes an integral part of our daily lives, benefiting both our environment and future generations.

By introducing the Recycle Payment Scheme, the Ministry of Environment sets a precedent for innovative environmental policies that prioritize sustainability and create a positive impact on our society. It is a significant step towards a more circular and responsible approach to waste management in our nation.

[Leagio]

Treaty of Telum Membership Bill enters National Congress with heated debate

This afternoon with much coalition between the different parties of Prime Minister Lahaye’s government, Minister of Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini submitted a bill to the Foreign Affairs Committee in the House of Councilors with a additional copy being submitted to the Sentate. In this bill was a bill of ratification of the Treaty of Telum should its member nations welcome Leagio into the Alliance. However, the road for ratification will be hard for at least Mouri-Kudo and Lahaye in their party to get in line with the Treaty. Almost every member of the United People’s Front Alliance within both houses of the National Congress have stated that they would vote in favor of a Leagioan Ratification of the Treaty of Telum as well as all the members of the Social Democratic Party. However, the same cannot be said of the members within Prime Minister Lahaye and President Mouri-Kudo’s party (Progressive Alliance Party), where the more conservative flank of the Party have strong hesitations and in multiple occasions have threaten to vote against the Treaty’s ratification. 12 Senators for the Progressive Alliance Party have stated that they are against the idea of a ratification. The main reason that they have issued that they favored the policy of de-facto neutrality within the European Union, which has been a policy started in the last months of the Lifejumper Presidency. However, many members of the United People’s Front Alliance that policy had since failed once President Lifejumper managed to get the ratification of now expired Treaty of Tullion with the Kingdom of Ritzmag.

Even Governor-General Kaito has raised hesitation to allow the bill of ratification to pass the Senate as he has the power of President of the Senate. However, the issue is that if Prime Minister Lahaye can get enough support within the House of Councilors, then she might be able to get the Bill passed through the House if the Senate does not respond have the House pass the bill again with the two-thirds majority vote but she would need support of all the members of the Progressive Alliance Party in the House of Councilors to pass it. Rumors have been running from sources within the Executive Mansion that President Mouri-Kudo is currently meeting with the dissenting members of the Progressive Alliance Party to come to a compromise in resolving the issue smoothly.

Other rumors are running that members of the Foreign Affairs Committee within both House and Senate are currently wanting to issue a request of testimony on Spanish President Jesus Aguilar to represent the Treaty of Telum Alliance. A request of testimony by a Congressional Committee does not hold criminal investigation on what a committee is studying or investigating, merely it is a request by the Committee or Committee’s to provide information on a topic relating to a bill being debated within the National Congress committee if possible. The resolution is merely a request by the committee to provide information to help the committee to obtain viewpoints on an issue of debate from experts or witnesses. Pundits believe that the reasoning for the resolution of testimony is one of the holdouts of the many members of the National Congress is that they have highlighted the time of Elizabeth Truss comment of EU law being used as Toilet Paper. This comment made by the former Spanish Minister in Aguilar’s Cabinet was being in relation to heightened tensions that were involved in the debate within the EU Council over the Navigation of Seas Act that occurred last year, which many opponents to the Treaty of Telum used in connection whenever the discussion of Leagioan membership into the treaty is ever brought up into the floor. However, supporters of Leagioan membership stated that the Spanish President rectified the issue by removing Truss from her position had apologized for the statement made by the Former Minister. But same people that mentioned the rumors state that the resolution of testimony is unlikely to come through due to the recent news that President Aguilar will be stepping down from his position.

The initial debates within the Foreign Affairs Committees of the two houses in the National Congress are expected to last for at least till next week, where they will decide on whether or not to allow it to proceed for the debate in the main floor of either of their chambers.

[Leagio]

Treaty of Tellum Ratification Resolution Passes National Congress after Intense Negotiations and Passing Stronger Electoral Reform for 2024

In a historic session held yesterday, both houses of the National Congress came together to pass two pivotal pieces of legislation, marking a significant milestone in the nation's political history. The Treaty of Telum Ratification Resolution and the Democracy & Stability Act were met with bipartisan support, signaling a renewed commitment to international cooperation and a more inclusive democratic process.

The Treaty of Telum, a landmark international agreement aimed at fostering peace, security, and cooperation among participating nations, has been under careful consideration by the National Congress for the past several months. After thorough deliberations and discussions, legislators reached a consensus, recognizing the mutual benefits of ratification. This monumental decision solidifies the nation's commitment to global stability and collaboration on key international issues, where the Commonwealth would be placing in a different political playing field where it would have a member of ECON in the north (Yosia) but Minister of Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini reassured members of the National Congress in both houses Foreign Affairs Committee in saying that the relations between Leagio and Yosia will not having any sudden deterioration in how the countries committed to trade and the Southern Europe Universal Rail that connects the two with Ethize and the Duxburian Union to transport freight and passengers. The treaty puts Leagio in a defensive alliance with Spain, Inquista, Duxburian Union, and North Diessen. The Treaty also provides benefits that involves Artabanos Canal, Suez Canal, and the Strait of Gibraltar which are waterways that Commonwealth trade depends upon for a majority of its overseas shipping.

Simultaneously, the passage of the Democracy and Stability Act marks a significant step towards modernizing the nation's electoral system. Inspired by successful models from around the world, the bill introduces a Proportional Representation (PR) District method for the House of Councilors, aligning with contemporary democratic practices where the size of the House of Councilors will be keepto a base number of 525. This reform addresses long-standing concerns regarding the fairness and accuracy of representation in the House of Councilors, creating a more inclusive political landscape. By adopting the PR District method, the National Congress aims to better reflect the diverse perspectives and interests of the nation's citizens, ultimately strengthening the democratic foundation of the country and allowing more connectivity with the people that the Councilors represent. The number will also take effect for representation to be provided to the Project Wayside community that will be renamed to Oko City and be represented in the National Congress as a state of the Commonwealth separated from the State of Arlick. The action comes as the referendum that took place named Project Wayside as Oko City with a majority wanting statehood, which the Arlick state government decide to make approval of and got the approval of the National Congress. Oko City will officially run as a state with its own elected government after the 2024 National Election. In the results census completed last year, the new coming State of Oko City will have 6 seats in the House of Councilors which will increase the total new starting number of the House of Councilors to 531 for the 2024 Election.

The Democracy and Stability Act also included many different provisions of the method of Proportional Representation and elections for positions in the European Union. One of the important regulations created were on political alliances, where the act established that parties in alliances can decide if they want to distribute seat separately from alliances during the calculations. The national vote threshold was kept at 2% for individual parties and 6% for alliances, which will be calculated with the Modified Saint League Method. However, if a party that has 2% of the national vote does not receive a seat and is not in a alliance, then they will be qualified to receive subsides at the amount that is given to minority interest political parties until the next election unless they run into the same situation. In addition, the Leagio voter will be allowed to cast four different types of votes with minor differences. The First two relate to their first choice of party and person and then a second preference with the same types. The purpose of the second preference is if mainly the party that someone votes does not make the 2% threshold, which at that point will be redistributed to the voter’s second preference of both party and person. In addition, the act authorize funding grants to political parties and alliances that help elect independent affiliated candidates into the National Congress.

One of the key factors that led to the successful passage of the Electoral Reform Bill was a strategic political maneuver. Conservative members of Mouri-Kudo's party, recognizing the importance of the Treaty of Telum Ratification Resolution, entered into negotiations that resulted in a historic deal. As part of the agreement, they supported the electoral reform, paving the way for a more balanced representation in the House of Councilors. The successful passage of both the Treaty of Telum Ratification Resolution and the Electoral Reform Bill put into question the path of the Commonwealth and the stability of the Progressive Alliance Party as Mouri-Kudo had to make direct concessions to the conservative faction of her own party to achieve what she made as a campaign promise that she needed to fulfill before the Primary elections for both the office of President and Governor-General (which Mouri-Kudo’s party hopes to gain as it is a consider a vote in the Senate).

For matters relating to EU elections, the Democracy and Stability Act changes to where the the Foreign Affairs Commission is elected by the National Congress by Instant Run-off, the Premier Commissioner is elected by first-past-the-post in the order of placement, and the Internal Affairs Commissioner is elected in the order of placement as the Premier Commissioner.

Polls show that a majority of Leagioans approve of the Democracy and Stability Act and the passage of the Treaty of Tellum Ratification Resolution that was passed, but many criticize the hoops that had to be made by Mouri-Kudo in a political fight that should have to last for two whole months entirely since the presentation of the ratification bill back in the summer.

[Leagio]

Mouri-Kudo Announces Second Term Bid, Faces Primary Challenge within Social-Progressives; Lahaye will not Run for Prime Minister for 2024

President Ran Mouri-Kudo electrified the political landscape today by officially declaring her candidacy for a second term. In a televised address from the presidential palace, she highlighted her administration's achievements on foreign policy, social justice, and environmental protection, while acknowledging the challenges that remain.

(President Mouri-Kudo making her televised address to the Commonwealth on her plan to run for a second term)

"During my first term," President Mouri-Kudo stated, "we've secured historic trade deals, strengthened alliances, and championed human rights on the global stage. At home, we've expanded access to affordable healthcare, enacted landmark environmental legislation, and made significant strides towards gender equality."
President Mouri-Kudo's announcement comes amidst a flurry of primary elections across the Commonwealth of Leagio. Within her own Social-Progressive alliance, she faces a primary challenge from renowned environmental activist Racheal Brownson, who has garnered support for her call for more radical climate action. The Social-Progressive primary promises to be a lively contest, highlighting the internal debate within the alliance. President Mouri-Kudo represents a pragmatic approach, focusing on incremental progress within the existing political framework. At the same time that she announced her candidacy for the Social-Progressive Presidential Primary, Prime Minister Marie Lahaye announced that she will not seek another term for Prime Minister for 2024 and would run only as a Senator for the Progressive Alliance. In response, President Mouri-Kudo announced that she endorsed the idea of having Revy Robertsen as her candidate for Prime Minister. Revy Robertsen is currently a Councilor representing the List Sector of the State of Jullien who has a reputation of being hard on members of her own party that backtrack on agreements. In fact, it was through the shrewd and tough tactics of Revy Robertsen on pressing on members of her own Alliance to vote in favor of the Treaty of Tellum Ratification Resolution through the House. Although, she also managed to use a good amount of negotiation for the reform on electing members of the House of Councilors through a PR-District method.

(Revy Robertsen before entering the chamber for the House of Councilors)

While the Social-Progressive primary captures much of the current attention, other parties and candidates are vying for the spotlight. Meanwhile, in the other parties and alliances, there are still debates and questions on the top candidates at the moment. James Moriarty, the President of the United Peoples Front, has confirmed that he will not run as the Alliance’s candidate for President nor Governor-General at the moment, which leaves the question that he might run for a National Congress seat to be Prime Minister if his alliance wins. As the primaries unfold, voters across Leagio are grappling with critical issues. The economy, healthcare, education, and the environment remain key concerns, with each party offering distinct positions. The upcoming months will be filled with passionate debates, rallies, and strategic maneuvers, as candidates strive to earn the trust and support of the electorate.

Meanwhile, the Republican Future Alliance are currently unable to back a main candidate for their alliance as it is divided between candidates that either want to align with the Alternative for Leagio party (formed out of merger with the Christian Democratic-Republicans and the National Patriot Party or work with the Federation of Democratic Centrists).

Meanwhile, the Federation of Democratic Centrists are stuck between two main candidates for President: Carlito Silvestre (a Senator for the FCD representing Tullion) and Jackson Ellis (a Councilor representing the FCD for the List Sector of Kiev). Senator Silvestre is running a strong deregulation policy on business, while Councilor Ellis has been running his primary campaign on a balanced approach on deregulation and government spending to support local governments.
President Mouri-Kudo's decision to seek re-election throws open a series of questions. Can she overcome the primary challenge within her own party? How will she address the concerns of young voters and those frustrated with the pace of change? What strategies will her opponents employ to capture the public's imagination? One thing is certain: the upcoming elections in Leagio promise to be exciting and consequential, shaping the nation's trajectory for years to come. All eyes are on the primaries, where the seeds of tomorrow's leadership are being sown.

[Leagio]

Lifejumper Is Going to Have a Hard Time for HOC Majority for FDC - OPINION by Henry Fuller

(Photo taken of Former President Lifejumper after giving his acceptance speech at the FCD Party Congress)

In a surprising turn of events, former President Kenith Lifejumper has announced his candidacy for Prime Minister under the banner of the Federation of Centrist Democrats (FCD) for the upcoming December election. Lifejumper's campaign is built on a platform of deregulation, localism, and fiscal federalism, positioning himself as a moderate alternative to the current political landscape.

Lifejumper's campaign emphasizes a return to centrist policies, focusing on streamlining government operations and empowering local communities. "Our nation needs a balanced approach that combines fiscal responsibility with social progress," Lifejumper stated at his campaign launch. "We aim to reduce bureaucratic red tape, give more power to local governments, and implement a fair system of fiscal federalism."

However, Lifejumper faces an uphill battle in attracting voters from the incumbent government containing Mouri-Kudo's Social-Progressives party. Many voters have grown accustomed to and supportive of Mouri-Kudo's extensive social welfare programs and government spending initiatives. This presents a significant challenge for Lifejumper's more fiscally conservative platform.

Political analyst Dr. Amelia Thornton of Abel Ortiz College notes, "Lifejumper's policies may resonate with centrist voters, but he'll struggle to win over those who have benefited from Mouri-Kudo's expansive social programs. His success may depend on convincing voters that his approach can maintain social benefits while improving economic efficiency."

Interestingly, Lifejumper's campaign appears to be making unexpected inroads with traditional Conservative Reform Party (CRP) voters. The CRP's recent shift towards far-right policies and its unofficial alliance with the far-right right party, Alternative for Leagio, has alienated many of its moderate supporters, creating an opportunity for Lifejumper's centrist message.

"We're seeing a significant number of disillusioned CRP voters looking for a new political home," explains pollster Marcus Chen from the Jullien State University. "Lifejumper's moderate stance on social issues combined with his fiscal conservatism is appealing to this demographic." Another topic that Marcus Chen focused on was Lifejumper’s stance on maintaining a balance between ECON and Telum on foreign policy, where Lifejumper’s foreign policy as President was known as a humanitarian neutralist in avoid serious conflict when needed. Although, his foreign policy in the FCD does not include deratifying the Treaty of Telum for the Commonwealth, it does include using the treaty to act as somehow a neutral and voice of reasoning between the members in the Telum alliance. This policy might resonate with some voters in Mouri-Kudo’s alliance if foreign policy was a serious focus on their minds, but the issue is that voters believe that economic prosperity is a more important issue that matters on their decision to vote. A situation that some high level members of the FCD Party Congress is aware of and is desperate to tackle with a solution very quickly. At the moment, the only huge development plan that the FCD developed that attracts non-conservative voters are the plans to help Eastern States prosper.

As the election approaches, all eyes will be on Lifejumper to see if he can build a coalition broad enough to challenge the incumbent government. His success may hinge on his ability to balance fiscal conservatism with promises of maintaining popular social programs, all while capitalizing on the CRP's rightward shift. However, another problem that the Former President will have is that he might not even get a majority in the House and will for sure not get one in the Senate. Suppose he wants to have a strong position number of seats in the House of Councilors. In that case, he will have to steal enough from the Social-Progressives to where said Alliance is forced to make a coalition with him as a majority of the members of Mouri-Kudo’s alliance prefer the current coalition with the socialist United People’s Front led by James Moriarty as it has proven to be more stable as well as workable when the Progressive Alliance Party and Mouri-Kudo had a coalition with Lifejumper’s former party, the Civil Populists.

The December election is shaping up to be a test of the electorate's appetite for centrist policies in an increasingly polarized political landscape. As campaigning intensifies, Lifejumper's ability to navigate these complex political waters will be crucial in determining the Federation of Centrist Democrats' chances of success.

[Leagio]

Wilson's Minister-Governor Napoléon Michaux’s Cabinet Collapsed after CRP Admits AfL into Republican Future Alliance

During a session of the Wilson Legislative Assembly, the Civil Populist Party informed the Speaker of the Assembly that they had withdrawn their support for Minister-Governor Napoléon Michaux Cabinet after an argument as well as disagreement on restricting abortion to no more than 10 weeks. In addition, another reason that the Civil Populists withdrew their support was due to the rightward shift of the Conservative Reformist Party where it admitted the far-right Alternative for Leagio party into the Republican Future Alliance. For Michaux and his cabinet, the withdrawal of Civil Populist support is a very concerning issue as the Wilson Legislative Assembly has a total of 35 seats. His cabinet barely had a majority with the support of the Civil Populists. Out of the 35 seats, his cabinet had 18, just one short of a majority, and the Civil Populists had two seats in the Assembly. His Cabinet had a coalition of Micheaux’s party (CRP) with 14 seats, the Christian Democratic-Republicans with 2 seats, and the Civil Populists with their 2 seats. The problem gets worse as the Christian Democratic-Republicans were losing elected members to the newly formed Christian Farmers Union or CFU (a new centrist agrarian party that is looking to gain traction by taking advantage of the collapse of the Commonwealth conservative voters support to the Conservative Reform Party) and rumors in the Wilson Legislative Assembly have been saying that its two members in the state capital of Freetown are considering switching to the CFU.

Due to the lack of a majority, the Civil Populist Party with the support of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly announced a Motion of No Confidence on Minister-Governor Michaux that passed and was submitted to Governor of Wilson - Victor Reese where it was approved. Afterwards the opposition parties agreed to a 4 way party coalition of the Progressive’s, Social Democrats, Civil Populist’s, and the Socialist Union with Brant Dean of the Progressive’s acting as the new Minister-Governor with a cabinet composing of the four parties.

[Leagio]

Civil Populist Party Gains Increased Support For National Election

---

The Civil Populist Party has been on a rollercoaster journey in the world of politics, facing ups and downs in recent years. After a somewhat disappointing performance in the 2022 National Legislative elections followed by a loss in the 2023 local elections, the party seemed to be at a crossroads. However, under the leadership of Senator Maria Kerstin, a new dawn seems to be on the horizon as the party gains increased support and momentum.

Senator Maria Kerstin, who also ran as the EU Internal Affairs Commissioner (ICA) candidate in 2020, took the reins of the party as its President following the setbacks of the previous elections. Recognizing the need for a rejuvenation of the party's image as the 'Party of the People', Senator Kerstin embarked on a journey to reshape the Civil Populist Party by removing right-wing elements and re-establishing its connection with the common people in the Commonwealth of Leagio. One of the key strategies employed by Senator Kerstin was the implementation of a platform creation system that involved not only party members but also independent voters who desired a voice in the government. By opening up the platform creation process to a wider range of voices, the Civil Populist Party aimed to reflect the needs and aspirations of the broader population, thereby solidifying its position as a party that truly represents the interests of the people.

The efforts of Senator Kerstin and the party members seem to be paying off, as recent polling data indicates a significant surge in support for the Civil Populist Party. Compared to the bleak scenario of 2022 and 2023, where the party struggled to make its mark, the Civil Populists are now positioned at near fourth place with approximately 10% of voter support. This increase in popularity showcases the effectiveness of the new strategies and approaches adopted by the party leadership in engaging with the electorate and addressing their concerns.The rise of the Civil Populist Party can be attributed to a combination of factors. The emphasis on inclusivity and grassroots participation in the platform creation process has garnered widespread appreciation from both party members and independent voters. By fostering a sense of ownership and involvement among the people, the party has successfully tapped into the pulse of the nation and resonated with the aspirations of the populace.

Additionally, the progressive stance taken by the Civil Populist Party under Senator Maria Kerstin's leadership has also struck a chord with a significant section of the electorate. By championing progressive values, social justice, and equality, the party has distinguished itself as a beacon of hope for those seeking positive change and reform in the political landscape. As the Civil Populist Party continues to gain ground and expand its support base, it stands poised to emerge as a formidable force in the upcoming political landscape of the Commonwealth of Leagio. With Senator Maria Kerstin at the helm, steering the party towards a future defined by inclusivity, progress, and people-centric policies, the Civil Populists are well-positioned to reclaim their title as the true 'Party of the People' and make a lasting impact on the political arena.

According to sources within the United People’s Front (UPF) alliance headquarters in Moraben, Jullien, this increase has been concerning for the Left-wing alliance as they fear that it cause them to lose the support that they enjoyed from the 2022 election voters that shifted from the Civil Populist Part and steal 56 seats from them. Currently, the UPF is trying to find a way to spin this around where they can make the Civil Populists seem as an unfunctional party and reliable on its platform by referencing its failures in previous years. On the other hand, the Social-Progressives (run by President Mouri-Kudo) have remained silent. Although, some members within the party’s representation in the National Congress have voiced concerns that the shift might force them to coliation with the Civil Populists again. A feeling that they are uneasy about as memories of the CPP’s betrayal is still strong from 2021/2022 and some sources close to the President say that she is willing to work with Maria Kerstin (who is also running as the party’s candidate for Prime Minister) but with a laundry list of conditions to ensure the Civil Populists don’t screw with her again.

When referencing back to the new platform that was created by the creation system that Senator Kerstin developed for the Civil Populist Party called UR-Platform, this is what was established:
• Create an Agency of Rent Management that would manage rent prices for apartment housing throughout the Commonwealth
• A new election formation of the EU-Councilor where the National Congress and President appoint a representative but follow a council system similar to what Ritzmag uses with at least 20 representatives elected every local election cycle through a STV system.
• An amendment to the Constitution where the President is free to appoint a Prime Minister without Congressional Approval to ensure a true presidential system
• Increased investment plans on energy and infrastructure, with a special interest in constructing nuclear plants in the Commonwealth and the expansion of the National Highway system
• Reduced military spending down to 3.5% from 5% where the extra funds can be diverted to Energy and Infrastructure to expand mentioned projects
• Maintain membership with Telum and support military endeavors that threaten the security/interests of the Commonwealth
• Expand educational opportunities abroad opportunities for all children regardless of race, socio-economic status, etc.
• Maintain a neutral balance in foreign policy with all nations, including Telum

[Leagio]

Leagio Implements Reciprocal Measures in Response to Elthize's Border Controls

Outgoing Prime Minister emphasizes diplomacy and unity while signaling readiness for further actions if needed

---

In a significant response to Elthize's unilateral decision to impose stricter border controls, the Commonwealth of Leagio has introduced reciprocal measures, marking a decisive shift in the decades-long policy of open borders between the two nations. The government announced these steps at a press conference in Tullion, with outgoing Prime Minister Marie-Laura Lahaye and key coalition ministers emphasizing both a commitment to dialogue and a readiness to defend Leagio’s economic interests.

Reciprocal Border Measures
Effective immediately, enhanced border checks and security measures will be implemented at the Leagio-Elthize border. These controls, the strictest in over four decades, mirror those recently introduced by Elthize. While the government remains hopeful for a diplomatic resolution, officials warned that continued unilateral actions by Elthize may lead to further consequences.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini of the Progressive Alliance Party stated:

"Leagio is a nation built on principles of cooperation and mutual respect. These reciprocal measures ensure that our sovereignty is upheld while reinforcing our desire for a constructive resolution to this matter."

Prime Minister Lahaye, who will leave office after the December elections, extended a formal invitation to Elthize for bilateral talks to address security concerns and preserve the spirit of the 1982 free border agreement. At the same time, the government signaled its readiness to escalate countermeasures if diplomacy fails.

"While diplomacy is our preferred path, let me make this clear: Leagio will not hesitate to protect its interests if unilateral actions continue as there was no diplomatic dialogue or notification to this government outside of what we have recieved through news media outlets and consider the situation to be highly irregular," Lahaye warned.

Potential further measures include:

Tariffs and Trade Restrictions: Economic tools to protect Leagioan industries and exert pressure on Elthize’s export sector.
Suspension of Cooperation Agreements: Review of bilateral agreements in areas such as security, education, and infrastructure.
Increased Diplomatic Pressure: Bringing the matter to regional or international forums to seek broader support.

Joint Task Force Proposal
As part of the government’s approach, a Leagio-Elthize Cross-Border Task Force has been proposed to combat cross-border crime collaboratively. This initiative aims to address Elthize's concerns while maintaining the principles of the free border agreement.

Minister of the Interior William Develder of the Green Party emphasized:

"A joint task force is the ideal solution to enhance security without resorting to permanent border restrictions. This approach ensures safety while preserving the freedoms our citizens value."

Unified Response Across Coalition
The coalition government, composed of the Progressive Alliance Party, Social Democratic Party, and various Socialist parties, presented a united front. Each party emphasized a different aspect of the strategy to appeal to its voter base:

Progressive Alliance Party: Highlighted the importance of diplomacy and international solidarity.
Social Democratic Party: Stressed the balance between protecting national interests and maintaining economic stability.
United People's Front alliance: Focused on the long-term benefits of cooperative crime prevention and the dangers of restrictive borders.

Prime Minister Lahaye summarized the coalition’s approach:

"This is not about retaliation; it is about fairness and safeguarding the values that have defined our relationship with Elthize for over 40 years."

Opposition Parties React:
The government's announcement prompted a range of reactions from opposition parties, reflecting the diverse political landscape ahead of the December 22nd elections.

Federation of Centrist Democrats (FCD)
The FCD, led by former President Kenith Lifejumper, criticized the government's reciprocal measures as hasty and potentially damaging to economic interests. Lifejumper, currently the governor of Muale and the FCD's candidate for Prime Minister, emphasized the need for diplomacy and economic stability.

Kenith Lifejumper stated:
"While we understand the need to address Elthize's actions, escalating the situation with reciprocal controls is not the answer. Instead, we should prioritize diplomatic channels and restore the free trade and movement that are essential to our economy and personal freedoms. As Prime Minister, I would focus on pragmatic, long-term solutions that benefit all Leagioans."

Christian Farmers Union (CFU)
Representing centrist agrarianism, the CFU expressed concern over the impact on rural communities and agricultural trade.

CFU spokesperson, Emily Hart, commented:
"Our farmers rely heavily on the ease of cross-border trade with Elthize. These measures threaten their livelihoods. We urge the government to find a solution that protects our agricultural sector and rural communities without resorting to counterproductive restrictions."

Federal Constitutional Conservative Party (FCCP)
The FCCP, with a paternalistic conservative stance, supported the government's actions but called for even stronger measures.

FCCP leader, Chairman William Prescott, declared:
"It's about time we took a firm stand. The government's reciprocal measures are a step in the right direction, but they don't go far enough. We need to prioritize Leagio's security and sovereignty by implementing stricter controls and reviewing all agreements with Elthize."

Alternative for Leagio (AFL)
As a nationalist party, the AFL endorsed the government's response while pushing for immediate action on tariffs and trade restrictions.

AFL leader, Maria Sanchez, stated:
"Leagio must show strength in the face of Elthize's unilateral decisions. We support the government's reciprocal measures and urge them to swiftly enact economic sanctions to protect our national interests."

Conservative Reformist Party (CRP)
The CRP, advocating for conservative reforms, expressed disappointment in what they perceived as the government's delayed reaction.

CRP chairman, Jonathan Reed, said:
"The government's response lacks urgency and decisiveness. By hesitating, they risk undermining Leagio's position. We need clear, immediate actions to ensure our nation's security and economic stability."

Civil Populist Party (CPP)
The CPP, with centrist populism and leftward tendencies, focused on the potential impact on ordinary citizens and small businesses.

CPP leader, Senator Maria Kerstin, commented:
"Our concern is for the everyday Leagioans who will feel the brunt of these measures. We call on the government to provide support for those affected and to prioritize negotiations that will restore normalcy as soon as possible."

Official Government Statement
Prime Minister Lahaye issued the following statement during the press conference:

"While the Commonwealth of Leagio remains dedicated to resolving our differences with Elthize through dialogue and cooperation, we must also protect our national interests and the well-being of our citizens. Therefore, we are implementing reciprocal measures to address the challenges posed by Elthize's recent actions."

"Our government has also proposed a collaborative cross-border task force to address security concerns in a way that upholds the principles of mutual respect and free movement that have benefited both nations for over 40 years. However, if these diplomatic efforts are not met with constructive engagement, Leagio will consider additional measures, including economic tariffs and the suspension of bilateral agreements. We hope such actions will not be necessary, but we will not hesitate to act in defense of our people."

"We stand ready to lift these measures as soon as constructive engagement resumes. Our goal is a stronger, cooperative future with Elthize, built on trust and mutual respect."

Looking Ahead

As Prime Minister Lahaye's administration concludes, the border dispute has become a defining issue in the lead-up to the December 22nd elections. Voters will closely watch how political leaders navigate this complex challenge, with national security, economic stability, and international relations at stake. So far, President Mouri-Kudo has been silent on the matter but is expected to make a statement depending on how the situation develops.

Related Articles:

What Stricter Border Measures Mean for Leagio’s Economy
Timeline of the 1982 Free Border Agreement
Election 2024: How the Border Dispute is Reshaping Campaign Agendas