RTD 24

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Auto-light Zone Plan announced
Today the government announced it would be making funding for cities for transport conditional as of today . The government announced it would make the funding condition on cities making at least 3% of the their cities total land area Auto-light zones or Auto-free with extra money for cities who go further than the 3%. The government also announced support for the entire area inside of the ring roads of Brummagem and Couentre and most of the inner circle of the ringroad of Hamborg into an auto-light zone with much of it to. Be Auto-free zones with Goudadam also announcing 40 sq km of Auto-light and Auto-free zones in its planning. Major cities are expected to have at least 20 sq km of Auto-light and Auto-free zones with Hamborg announcing over 59.85 sq km of such zones.

Auto-light zones allow for commercial traffic at certain times of day for major deliveries and small vehicles for deliveries as well as taxis and public transport an d commercial vehicles while restricting car access for all but the disabled and residents. The zones will feature more dead end streets to stop through traffic. The scheme is aimed to make city centres and high streets more livable and more walkable safely.Auto-free zones ban all cars and taxis on top of the previous restrictions .Park and ride schemes are to be set up to allow easy access to the zones for people outside of cities who may have to drive in.Parking spaces will be limited with parking limited in the centres though a core of disabled parking spaces will be maintained. The plan has been praised by urban planners and is supported by the PSD, Liberal Party, The Left and The Moderate Party with the government citing lack of capacity for cities to deal with cars as a reason for trying to limit them further. The UoD and Unus are opposing the plans describing it as a "war on the car".

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Fires spread in Duchies as temperature soars past 47 Celsius

Today fires that have dominated the south border by the Napa Valley despite the brave efforts of the fire service have spread with many homes evacuated in rural areas. Fires have over doubled in reach as the temperature soared to 48 Celsius with air quality dropping and all excercise outdoors being advised against due to temperature and pollution. All the most vulnerable groups including elderly have been reccomended to stay indoors in the city of Bielefeld with sports games moved or cancelled in many places due to safety.

The government said in a statement "Safety of our citizens is a priority and we are doing all we can to help. This is the fault of many European nations and the EU who have consistently failed to act on carbon emissions and greenhouse gas emissions. We can expect more of these issues unless there is a radical push to reduce to net zero by 2030 and more extreme weather in the future. This is a warning to the EU that failure to introduce car efficiency drives and taking polluting vehicles off the road, cutting back on flight usage modal share and industrial emissions is not working. We need action and need action now, the excuse of cost is no longer a valid excuse, there is no point in being rich on a planet where you cannot survive and long term costs will be far more than prevention costs now. We will continue to work to raise the alarm in the EU on environmental issues and fight the climate change deniers or people who frankly just don't care as pawns of polluting businesses against the interests of the European average citizens."

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ECON Terminals and Port Terminals established
ECON Airport Terminals and Port Terminals for intra-econ travel have been established. The new terminals and port terminals will be available to ships and aircraft that have not traveled via non-ECON territories. Similar facilities have been set up in the other countries of ECON including Reitzmag and Yosai. The terminals will have fewer border checks only checking that ECON ID or a passport and ECON- Visa is valid allowing for travel with ECON state IDs easing convenience of travel .The new initiative agreed on at last years Summer ECON Summit by leaders and nationstates will ease travel and reduce costs within the ECON zone. Shipping companies are already using the ECON port terminals for trade between Yosai , United Duchies and Reitzmag with plans for this to be implemented with Mishar.

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Government hits out at Juncker "tarriff imposition lie"
The United Duchies Prime Minister hit out at what he called a "lie and smear against the United Duchies by President Juncker" in a recent interview condemning the interview for stoking tensions. John Peter Key said in a statement "Both of my governments since Telum kicked out the United Duchies have tried again and again to secure a summit with all of Telum in order to secure good positive cooperation and continuation of the 0% tariff arrangements before the transition period in law runs out . Duxburian Union and Inquista both negotiated economic and security and education cooperation arrangements independently of Spain in the end . North Diessan, Inimicus and Spain have flat out refused to negotiate future arrangements after essentially breaking the Telum treaty , they cannot break the Telum Treaty yet expect the Duchies to continue the 0% tariffs breaking domestic law requiring a treaty for such arrangements that is voted on by parliament. They were warned about the deadline multiple times and talks were requested regarding visa, travel and trade arrangements. Its their fault they now lose all of those priveleges that come with treaties that must pass parliament. Now if they want to get off their pathetic victim complex and come to the negotiating table and in Inimicus's case and North Diessans case return the stolen assets we are willing to discuss a fair settlement of cash or return of assets on both sides and resumption of the previously free trade and reduction of barriers we previously had. However they need to come and speak to us preferably as one bloc to simplify matters for that to happen. "

The countries laws require tariffs to be 10% as standard with any reductions or increases from that to be voted on by parliament after the decision is made to confirm it with any transitional tarriff and customs regulations to end after the defined period of 1 year in law. Extensions were voted on in parliament but that period ran out.

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Roscoes faces store growth constraint in Duchies

Roscoes has been banned from opening new stores except for replacing older stores in the council areas of Brummagem, Goudadam , Couentre Derventio and Hamborg as the retailer reached over 35% marketshare in each of the markets. The Competition and Consumer Protection Authority initiated the bans as it judged Roscoes to have a monopoly under the law in these regions. The competition commission said in a statement "We have intervened to make sure there is no growth in store count to enable true and real competition for consumers in the supermarket and convenience sectors in these regions." The retailers marketshere is expected to grow this year with other regions expected to be subject to a store expansion ban for Roscoes next year. The Competition and Consumer Protection Authority is putting Roscoes under special monitoring in all areas due to its current marketshare.

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Hapag Lloyd and MSC to set up DU subsidiaries
Hapag Lloyd and MSC cargo shipping announced today they would be setting up shipping companies in Duxburian Union within the month for shipping to the mediteranean region. The businesses will be split into two operation Hapag Lloyd and MSC and Hapag Lloyd and MSC Shipping Mediterranean. The move comes to create a legally distinct company headquearted in Telum territories. The move will help avoid any tax issues that could be present and beaurocracy. The new company will have ships transferred within 2 weeks.

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Duchies Parliament votes in all three houses to put Spain on Schedule 5 Tarriffs over Gibraltar tax changes
The United Duchies parliament voted in all three houses to raise tariffs on Spain to Schedule 5 tariffs , the 35% band the same as Inimicus and North Diessen up from the current default schedule 2 tariffs of 10%. The change was voted in favour 453 to 199 in the Commons , 159 to 111 in the House of Duchies and 268 to 195 in the Imperial Senate. The motion was rushed in response to the crisis by the government. The government are expected to keep the tariff until a full resolution to the crisis has occurred.

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Firms compete on warranties as battle heats up
EAG and MG Kligenberg both introduced variations of a 10 year warranty today. Both companies currently offer 7 year warranties on core parts. MG will offer a 10 year warranty on all cars in their all brands Smart Car,Kligenberg, MG,Rover and X-On and their sports car brands. The European Automotive group have introduced 10 +10 warranty system. Each car will have a 10 year warranty on all core parts and any repairs including under warranty get a warranty of 10 years. This warranty scheme will cover the brands of Ora,VW, Cupra, Seat,TAC , Chamonix NG , Audi and Porsche who are under the umbrella or European Automotive Group Both warranties will require cars to be serviced at authorised dealers and repair shops .

VJLR are expected to introduce a 10 year warranty for Vauxhall, Jaguar, Land Rover, Bentley and Bowler in order to compete though its not known how part repairs will be covered.An increasing amount of firms are announcing 10 year warranties to get the Duchies Assured and Handcrafted in Duchies marks onto their products and product pages. The government said in a statement "This shows the confidence of Duchian companies and others in their products made here. We expect this scheme to work well in establishing a trusting relationship between consumers and companies for products made in Duchies and elsewhere." Miele are famous for their 20 years warranties if you arrange service through their technicians with many firms in Duchies opting to do this at higher price points.

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Unions demand 15% minimum wage hike for January
The United Alliance of Trade Unions has announced it is demanding a 15% minimum wage hike for all workers in January. The national minimum wage is due to be reviewed. The organisation says that growth in the economy per capita has already reached 10% from January to August with Corporate pofit margins projected to rise 20%. The unions argue those who do most of the work to make those profits should get their fair share. The Unions have threatened a general strike if the government do no comply. Elements of the PSD and The Left have backed this call.

Critics oppose the unions saying a wage would damage the economy.The UoD said in a statement "The labour cartel and union champagne socialist bosses are once again holding the economy and citizens to ransom. We must resist this and call on the government to break the power of this unelected cartel over the economy. "

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Government agree 15% national minimum wage increase
Today the government of the United Duchies agreed with The United Alliance of Trade Unions a 15% national minimum wage increase for January 2024 with a minimum increase of 10% or inflation whichever is higher in 2025 in the round of negotiation. The Unions had been threatening a general strike which would have resulted in up to 87% of workers walking out stalling the economy. The Union have been accused by the UoD of "acting as a cartel and holding hostage the economy against businessmen for workers interests." TUATU defended their actions saying "We acted to prevent the rise of wealth inequality and ensure a fair share of economic growth goes to the members of our member unions."

The deal will bring the minimum wage up from 18 Dux Libra(27.90 Euros ) per hour to 20.70 Dux Libra( 32.09 Euros) per Hour with an increase to a minimum of 22.77(35.30 Euros) Dux Libra per hour in 2025. The wage increase will be one of the largest average increases and will have to go into effect across all Duchies or Duchy Equivlent Areas including Irmgardis City.

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Pre-Clearance facilities for Duchies to open by December
The United Duchies government announced that pre-clearance facilities would open up in all the main international airports in Reitzmag, Yosai, Kingdom of Sertia ,Mishar, Duxburian Union and Inquista with those nations opening up pre-clearance for their countries in Duchian Airports. The Pre-clearance facilities will be before the gates and after security. The passenger will then have their passport or ID checked and visa checked if it is needed before the flight at the pre-clearance facility. Customs checks will also take place. When you get off the plane at the other end in the Duchies or the other nation you will then just be able to collect your bag and leave the airport. The facilities are expected to speed up travel by negating the need to have to join general customs and immigration queues at the Duchian airports with pre-cleared flights from these countries landing in a seperate zone of the airport to allow separation of traffic between pre-cleared and non-pre-cleared.The government aims to grow the list of pre-clearance countries to all of ECON and possibly to countries such as the United Kingdom and California as soon as possible with aims being to start negotiations with those countries.The facilities will also be available at Ports in Reitzmag, Duxburian Union and Yosai for those boarding ferries and in Duchian Ports for journeys to Reitzmag, DU and Yosai with those ferries departing from different locations to other routes.

Country	Duchies Pre-Clearance Facilities	Pre-clearance facilities in Duchies
Reitzmag	Y	Y
Yosai	Y	Y
Mishar	Y	Y
Kingdom of Sertia	Y	Y
Duxburian Union	Y	Y
Inquista	Y	Y

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Competition and Consumer Protection Authority warn about ordering from certain countries
The Competition and Consumer Protection Authority today put a warning out to the public about ordering directly from certain countries with Spain being on that list among others. The full list is available at their website. The agency has had reports of frustrated consumers facing bad service , more faulty products and coming up against a process with fewer protections as well as a harder time repairing products.

The agency put out the following guidance "We recommend ordering only from highly trusted brands and from brands or companies in countries where there is a high degree of consumer protection against predatory companies such as Yosai, Reitzmag, the United Kingdom and domestically. If a company is not willing to set up a subsidiary in the higher protection ECON or mentioned countries then they are probably not up to scratch on customer service or quality. If you have to order from countries like Spain where the regulations are more pro-company than pro-consumer then we reccomend using more secure methods such as credit cards or payment services where you have a chance of getting your money back if it goes wrong. "The agency has expressed concern that in too many cases orders from certain countries abroad have gone wrong or the products are not up to the same standard as domestic, UK or ECON made products causing issues. The agency said in further clarification "If a product is cheap compared to the competition one of three areas will have been cut in quality, standards of safety or protection or employee benefits. Its not possible to be significantly cheaper without a different model such as direct selling or own brand product strategy. If the price seems too good to be true it probably is."

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Competition and Consumer Protection Authority suspend Roscoes store expansion plans
The Competition and Consumer Protection Authority in the United Duchies today suspended Roscoes right to open any new stores in United Duchies for 1 year while an investigation is done into whether the company can now be considered a monopoly or a company creating a uncompetitive market. The move comes after the marketshare of the company is estimated to be rising above 16.01% nationwide. The move has been done to protect consumers according to the agency with the agency saying "We are concerned that one firm having such a lead in the market might be too detrimental to consumers. We have therefore suspended any store expansion plans beyond those currently in planning permission stage. We want to investigate fully the impact of future store growth. The ban will also apply to the Roscoes Local convenience store chain."

Roscoes in a statement said "While we respect the law we are dissapointed and believe the action taken by Competition and Consumer Protection Authority is unwarranted. We do not engage in monopolistic or uncompetitive behaviour. We believe this decision will only harm consumers by reducing their opportunity to shop at what they clearly view as the preferred option for shopping for food, clothes , homewares and electronics in the United Duchies." The move is a freeze in store development and not a total ban though the Competition and Consumer Protection Authority is considering a ban on any new stores for 10 years to allow rivals to catch up.

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Roscoes commit to all Duchian products on assured labels

Roscoes became the first supermarket to commit to all Duchian goods on its shelves meeting Duchies Assured , Duchies Handcrafted Assured or Purple Tractor Assured standards within 2 years with 50% minimum to meet the standard by the next year. This mean all is own range electronics and clothes will come with a 10 year fair ware and tear warranty as well as meet the increased quality standards . The supermarket is confident most of its goods already meet the standards.

Its unknown how all the other supermarkets will react though Spadi have confirmed plans to have much of their range meet the standards with Co-op, Waitrose and M&S converting over to the standards . Aldi , Spar and Heron have refused to comment on whether they plan to meet the standards.

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Roscoes Children at Cair Para Palace after stalking according to rumour
Amaziah Roscoe,Danya Mizrachi-Roscoe,Jakob Mizrachi-Roscoe and Hosea Reubenstein-Roscoe have been took in by High Duke Nikolai III at the palace according toa rumour leaked to the press after an incident of stalking during their routine. Reported the younger Amaziah was stalked and sent a letter with photos showing him with targets on his head signed "This will be for the Svarnans". The report was leaked in the Express Post and rapidly spread throughout social media. It is not known who leaked the report but James Mizrachi-Roscoe is rumoured to be furious with him considering sueing the Express Post for threatening his families safety in their reporting.

The police have said "We have multiple cases of protection orders and investigations into harassment following Tareq's threats and incitement of terrorism. We cannot comment on individual cases however" . High Duke Nikolai III also refused to comment on the matter when asked saying "I cannot say for obvious reasons if the rumour is true or not. However I do ask one thing the press respect the Roscoes privacy and right to security and safety. Reporting on issues like this and this story is a threat to the safety of families. The press must be responsible in their reporting and ensure their reporting does not threaten Duchians safety."

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Roscoes announce change to brand ranges
Roscoes announced they are to eliminate outside brands from their store shelves and go all own brand within 2 years. The companies stretegy is designed to reduce costs and allow for more competitive pricing for goods while maintaining quality. The company set out its plan to offer 3-5 options for each product and 3-5 packaging sizes for each product. The company will offer a value, standard and premium organic offering for each product and where appropiate a kosher and halal option using their brands with each product coming in single , couple and family size options to simplify the experience. They aim to stock more product categories overall while reducing stock-keeping units at their supermarket. They also plan to purchase more brand names in specific categories to offer as own brands.

One of the first product areas to be streamlined is chocolate with only Simply, Cadbury's , Indulge and Noam chocolate products to be offered from next month with Milka being dropped from the chain. Biscuits will also be streamlined to Simply, Roscoes, Indulge, Organicum and Noam biscuit ranges being offered. The plan is expected to cut operational costs and increase efficiencies. The company is planning to increase manufacturing of its products ranges to about 60% of its products within 3 years. The company plans to partner with a few quality suppliers for own brand items that are not economical for it to make itself. All technology brands other than consoles and the own brand Teksmart and Bush technology products outside of the mobile and tablet technology products and home products other Domum are to be dropped also with all clothing other than A&A to be dropped within the year. It is hoped profits will rise as a result with much higher profit margins.The company will be developing new own brand branding for ranges of products in order to differentiate own brands better.The company has brought Morphy Richards the kitchen electronics brand to strengthen the offering of the company.

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Hapag-Lloyd and MSC use freedom of navigation
Hapag Lloyd and MSC have used their freedom of navigation rights arguing that freedom of navigation means freedom to transit without taxes and checks. The companies have stopped service to Spain to reduce risk of exposure of ships being hit by Spanish hostility. The companies with ships registered outside of the Duchies in the Duxburian Union have refused to pay the 3% tariff on goods and are understood to not be reporting cargo. Experts have said that the reporting of cargo value and exact value of which goods are from which nation is not viable as there is so much data. The firms have reported no stops in the mediteranean so far but have plans to stop serving the mediteranean and transfer goods to other means such as cargo rail in Hellas if enforcement action was to impact operations and to challenge any stops of ships in the European Court of Justice.

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Wizz Air takover WOW Air

In news today Wizz air have took over Wow Air and Wow holidays as the Wow business restructures to focus on other business operations. The deal sees the airline transfer and rebrand over a year to Play with it focusing on holiday and tourist destinations while Wizz Air takes over routes focused on the more business sectors. The move has come as no surprise to analysts due to the high debtload of the group. Wow Holidays will be rebranded to Play. The move is a consolidation in the industry with the combined group expected to transport over 76 million and have 250 aircraft. The airline hopes efficiency gains will boost profit margins with the airlines to share office space.

The deal was announced in a press conference with the new livery kept secret until now showed on a plane that rolled into the gate.The deal falls well under the threshold for restrictions on mergers so will not have to face competition restrictions .There are rumours the Wow Group is facing difficulties that could result in the collapse of the group within the year with the Rail subsidiary also potentially being sold to a new operator within the year.

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Wow Train to be replaced by new Lumo Franchise

The Wow Train franchise is to wind down by January and be replaced by a new Lumo franchise with an increase in service it has been announced. Presently Wow Train is operating 6 services per hour each direction between Arrynfort and Baltia via Porterdam. These services will remain under the new Lumo franchise but an additional 6 services each direction will be added to Castcon from Arrynfort via Cair Para, Snottingaham, Derventio , Brummagem , The Hague and Westfestung. The new Train company will be owned by UTC who run bus services and tram concessions.

The company said in a statement "We are proud to be taking over this vital franchise and increase service and quality on this route and give more options for the consumer. We will be focusing on affordability, good service and punctuality providing what people need for a comfortable and affordable journey. We will continue the legacy that Wow Train left. " The company is expected to focus on budget fares and basic at seat service with orders from an app. The Transport Ministry said "We have secured the franchises sustainability and protected competition on our train network. Wow Train was struggling and needed a replacement and we have found a suitable replacement."

Lumo Launch Event

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Roscoes to expand to 85 factories

Rocscoes announced today they are to have over 85 factories by 2025 to supply their supermarket business and make their own brand foods. The chain has announced it will manufacture and process all its own meat product range by 2025 and make its own cereals by 2025. The company is seeking to lower prices and increase margins by growing the production of its own brand products in house. The company has also announced own brand products are on target to make up over 90% of products in store. The company is attempting to become fully vertically integrated. Its dairy operations including cheese production are now operational with 70% of cheese being made in house. The move is expected to generate bumper profits for the company. The company is also investing in factories in places like Spain, Yosai and Hellas among others so it can make regional specialities in house.

Minimum wage to rise to 20.70 Dux Libra
The minimum wage is to increase to 20.70 Dux Libra or approximately €32.09 per hour in January according to the passed law on minimum wage increase. Them motion to increase the wage was voted for by 560 to 251 in the House of Commons , 160 to 110 in the House of Duchies and 265 to 198 in the Imperial Senate. The wage is an increase from an national minimum wage of 18.00 Dux Libra or €27 per hour. The increase is hoped to bring an increase in living standards and will also mean a rise in MP's wages which is linked to them minimum wage from this year rather than median income following changes in law by the Moderate-PSD coalition that was proposed by Unions. It is expected all Duchies will follow the 20.70 Dux Libra Minimum wage effectively making it a national default minimum.

The increase has been criticised by the UoD and businesses who call the wage increase a "job killer" and call for scaling back in future increases. The PSD , The Left and unions have called the wage increase "A vital step to more equality and vital protection for the lowest paid workers in our country." They also criticised the UoD for being on the side of "corporate profits over the worker".