RTD 24

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Government declares Golden Age following annual update

Today the government declared a Duchian Golden Age as for the 2nd year in a row exception GDP growth in per capita and total terms has occurred according to economic indicators and the the population surged to 104,713,812 and increase of 2,333,812 . The GDP per capita overtook Inquistas per capita rising to €111,725.51 with the GDP rising to €11,699,203,816,151.80 . A big part of the growth has been apportioned to the success of the Telum Treaty and its free trade zone expansions as well as the strength of the reexport industry in the nation with exports also surging ahead. The country has prospered since the Moderate led coalition entered power with the Moderate Party saying "We have proven in government to be the party of economic growth and that a balanced moderate economic policy of easy trade conditions , a regulated fair market and good labour conditions for all including those on minimum wage is the way forward. We can only hope to continue economic success in the future and prosper more in the future with an economy that benefits all." Some experts have however suggested the country may be in a bubble and that proposals to hike wages may harm the economy.

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Duchies Government calls for EU to endorse Green European Fund and its model of funding
Today the United Duchies government called for the European Union to endorse and officially embrace the Green European Fund and its funding model. In a document released by the government they called for Green European Fund to be the official agency of Green and sustainable Development allowing the EDA to focus its expertise on humanitarian and economic development in order to increase efficiency by focusing on the specialties. The document called for a new more treaty based system whereby nations would join the EDA and GEF funding with nations donating money getting a seat on a council running it and appointing members and any nation contributing over 0.1% of GDP getting an extra seat to encourage bigger donations from nations and developing nations under 20,000 Euros per capita or under 1 trillion Euros GDP economy potentially getting an extra seat to balance power in the Union. The EU under the proposal would get 2 seats , 1 appointed by the Premier Commissioner and 1 by the Internal Affairs Comissioner. The model is proposed for both potential agencies. The government said "The current model is failing Europe in its ambition and scope by allowing central contributions from the EU budget and encouraging national donations we can greatly turbocharge anti-poverty and green transition measures. We believe structuring agencies this way would work well and the model could be applied to all EU agencies to boost co-operation in Europe while boosting sovereignty and control of the nations governments over the institutions." Seats would be appointed on a yearly basis. Any projects over 1 billion euros would require a council majority vote under the GEF style governing regime to safeguard money.

However it has been rumoured Strathae would oppose such a project being under the EU believing that a project independent of the EU government would make most sense one of the reasons it joined the Green European Fund. They have said if the proposals was adopted they would withdraw funds to focus on bi-lateral deals with nations instead to promote green development. The United Duchies has said "We see a complimentary role for EDA and GEF to focus on their core specialities and strengths and transform Europe with bold visionary big picture thinking without worrying about having to limit ambition by budget. We believe a structure encouraging additional donations from nations is critical to achieve the big changes needed to face the challenges of the future that can be achieved only through co-operation."

Amaziah out of hospital

Amaziah Mizrachi-Abbott has been confirmed to be home and out of hospital recovering with his girlfriend and family by his side. Lord Nikolai of Albion sent his best wished publically writing about his new friendship on social media saying "I have over the last month grown close to an amazing brave and kind young man who has thought so hard , a young man who deserves acceptance like anyone else. You may find my interest in this story odd given my lack of campaigning on this issue beforehand but I have joined Postive About Autism to make a difference. I feel it is my duty now to campaign and be an advocate for my community the Autistic community and I thank Amaziah for inspiring me with his strength and determination to fight. He has made me realise how important it is people know me as who I am and Autistic young royal." He has been revealed to have visited Amaziah over many weeks developing a budding friendship.

Amaziah is said to be in good condition though he struggles to walk long distance requiring a walker, it has been revealed he can now walk short distances with him improving all the time with Occupational Therapy. The hate attack stunned the nation and is still high on the agenda . The family said in a statement "I'd like to thank all well wishers and supporters , our family and most important Amaziah could not have got through this time without you. Your support has strengthened our Amaziah immensely showing him there is love in the world for people like him. I urge you not to stop and support Positive About Autism and Autism campaigning charities endorsed by autistic people in the fight for equality and a better world for Autistic people among other neurodivergent people in the future. We must all fight to eradicate disability and neurotype hate crime." Charities in the sector have seen donations soar over the period since the attack and have pledged to start with all disability charities a campaign to focus specifically on hate crimes and bullying against Neurodivergent people and Disabled people.

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SimplyFly to merge with Easyjet

SimplyFly and Easyjet today announced their intention to merge operations to form the EasyFly Group which would owned 50% by the Easy group and 50% by Simplyfly shareholders and operate as sister brands in the budget airline industry. The move comes as SimplyFly needs resources to compete with the Wow Air group and Condor group among intense competition with SimplyFly being behind in the Reitzmag market and EasyJet being behind in the Duchies market. The move surprised analysts though analysts expected some consolidation within the industry at the budget sector. Early releases suggest SimplyFly would be the ultra-low cost carrier offering bargain basement fares in return for bare bones service offering just a seat for the most part capturing the more leisure orientated market while EasyJet would move upmarket of its current position offering more "premium budget" service to compete with middle ground airlines like Condor. The move would mean a general rise in Easyjet fares allowing it to make more money by providing a higher standard of service. The move would also allow the joint group to train staff through SimplyFly and promote the best to Easyjet positions where higher service would be demanded. Not much more details have been announced but we will report on the story as more details come in.

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5 Roscoes Stores and 10,200 apartments completed by Roscoes

Today Roscoes has announced it has opened 5 stores so far in Anastasia City with 10,200 apartments 50% of which will be for affordable rent. They have encouraged Anastasians on lower incomes to apply to rent the social units in the complexes. The government of United Duchies have praised the projects for providing affordable housing, transit orientated development and easy access to shops for the residents. The company has announced plans to reach 22,000 apartments in Anastasia by the end of 2022 with an additional 8 stores by the end of the year. All the new stores include all services including banking, opticians and pharmacy services as well as food courts.

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IUAC-Moderate-PSD Coalition announced for Anastasia Metropolitan Council
Today the IUAC stood hand in hand on stage with with The Moderate Party and PSD to announce a Centre to Centre Left coalition to govern the city -metropolitan district of Anastasia. The three parties announced they would run the city on a pro-liberal, moderate and pro-people policies with the region embracing the strong Duchian tradition of Social Market Economy with an open mind to business while providing high welfare and mixing it with an "Anastasian style" of politics involving workers unions in governing. The government announced it would plan for homes for over 1.2 million people by the end of next year with an extra 550,000 visas for Anastasia to be released this year. THe homes would be built in collaboration with social enterprises, pre-fab housing companies , retailers and governments in transit orientated developments. Housing would be focused on providing high density developments with a mix of retail and office space around services and apartments with some limited housing developments all linked up by a series of extensions to the Baltia Streetcar and Baltia Metro. The government would appoint people to a a joint board to run the systems combining forces with Baltia City Council to run a more efficient network.

The council would run the system under the two centres and two ports system focusing on developing a city centre to compliment that of Baltia in a win-win relationship for both economies hopefully boosting prosperity. Rented social and affordable housing would make up over 50% of the housing stock in Anastasia with the rest being at market price rent or for sale at market prices with many houses available on Rent to Buy affordable schemes to encourage home ownership. Socially the coalition would set liberal laws for the city with drugs likely to be legal alongside prostitution and full LGBT rights being available. The Moderate government said "We have today shown a long term commitment to the City of Anastasia which shall be come a beacon of hope and prosperity for immigrants and show the benefit of new cultures in our land by joining forces with the IUAC and PSD. The city can look forward to a stable, business friendly progressive government that protects workers and people on all levels of wages and income and we have made it a priority to set a high minimum wage for the city."

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Duchies government condemn secessionism while Roscoes introduces item limits
The Duchies Prime Minister John Peter Key condemned the secessionist parties saying in statement to the house "My friends , Duchians and Anastasian Duchians today I condemn this dangerous seccesionism and attempts to overturn democracy. You had the election to win over people with your visions and you failed , Autonomist parties won by a significant amount. I call on FPAC, Syndicalists and CPCI to respect the vote of the Anastasian people and work together for the development of Anastasia City and work in the interest of the people rather than sowing division. The people have spoken and they say they are Duchian its time you accepted that." The government have said they will not recognise the "sham vote" on independence saying it doesn't follow recognised democratic procedures and only parliament and city government together can conduct such official referendums.

Roscoes has announced item purchase limits to be instituted in Anastasia City to ensure fair supplies for all.The moves to buy all stock backfired as shelves are filling up once again and more deliveries are being ordered . The shops have since opening proved a hit among Anastasians with Roscoes saying "We are proud to be good corporate citizens of Anastasia City providing affordable homes, a wide range of services and good wages and good prices for Anastasian suppliers. We will continue to work with suppliers and workers in Anastasia City and throughout the Duchies to provide excellent quality and products for all our customers with fair pricing for suppliers and our customers." The purchase limits on items will continue for the time being until the situation on buying stabilises.

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Roscoes announce Yosai partnership

Today Roscoes group announced they would be launching a new partnership with DSY to enter the Yosai supermarket sector with DSY called DSY Roscoes. The company would launch with 4 companies DSY Roscoes , DSY Roscoes Bank and DSY Roscoes Telecoms, Roscoes Real Estate. Media operations are being considered in the future but they would need to lay fibre lines.

The company would launch 60 stores each with Pharmacies , a restaurant cafe and food court ,banking and telecoms stores with the supermarkets stocking all goods from food to clothing to electronics and look at developing the sites with flats building flats into all new build sites the company will aim for at least 35 extra sites in 2023. The deal has been in the works for a while with Roscoes taking a 50% stake in the business with DSY owning 50%. The company will have 40% of seats on the board reserved for the workers association DSY Roscoes Welfare fund which will also provide a profit dividend and help in times of need for employees. The Roscoes family will inject 100 million Euros into the fund to help it start and 20% of dividend profits will be mandated to go to the fund.

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Ogo opens Ogo Lounge to showcase technology to refugees and immigrants in Anastasia City

Ogo opened its new Ogo Lounge concept to promote their technology and provide a relaxing space to work and experience Ogo. The lounge showcases the best of Ogo products with a try out programme in store for the OS and other products. The lounges will also have spaces for socialising and gaming together where you can buy tea,coffee and cakes.

The stores will also have staff called Geeks on hand to help out with set up of devices and help resolve the issues. One can book an appointment if they need this for free.The company hopes this will initiate immigrants and newcomers into the brand as well as provide a helpspace for the elderly. If successful Ogo will roll out the programme Europe wide.Slots for help will cost a 5 Euro deposit which will be returned to your Ogo account upon attendance or your bank account if you have yet to set up an Ogo account.

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Armed patrols of streets being

Armed patrols have began in ernest in all cities in the Duchies including Anastasia city with army assisting in the patrols as an emergency measure following the Roscoes bombing and the high terror threat level. Soldiers have been placed under the command of the Duchies High Police and sent in to assist local police authorities with a big focus in Anastasia where attacks are more likely. Numbers have not been confirmed for "national security reasons" nor has where armed police and soldiers under the emergency powers have been sent though extra heavily armed police have been spotted in Goudadam, Baltia , Porterdam, Hamborg , Castcon , Cair Para and the Hague. There has been extra security with armed police at all government buildings and major transport infrastructure such as train stations and airports.

The governments declared emergency powers may be kept for 2 weeks and must then pass a vote of the parliaments within 1 week to continue after 3 weeks.Under the powers citizens are expected to comply with any requests for search and ID and police and army operating under police have the right to search or ask for ID based on "reasonable suspicion" and suspicous behaviour grounds.The government said in a statement "The security of our country is essential to allow for freedom of citizens and their safety. Safety of the public from extremism and terrorism is our top priority and while the threat remains high we regrettably have had to temporarily evoke emergency powers to boost security around the nation, we hope this situation can be resolved quickly and ask all citizens co-operate with authorities for their safety and wellbeing. The extra presence is solely there to protect citizens from terror."

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Main parties to vote against ADA
Today the main parties of the Duchies have all said they will vote against the ADA, This includes the Moderates, UoD and Liberals with The Left considering the law to see its stance.The Moderate leader in Anastasia said today "We believe the mayor has more than enough powers including extra immigration powers which no other Duchy has. It will not be productive to try to gain more and this issue was put to bed in an election. The independence extremists must realise Anastasia is not with them and voted against them .We must now unite to work with the powers we have to create a world class home of immigrants that can change with the cultures of those who arrive to create multicultural paradise for people coming into the Duchies."

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Government disappointed by Telum Departures
The government of United Duchies has said it is dissapointed by the Telum departures. The government said "We have worked well together under the Telum and are dissapointed by the departure. We do not fully understand the concerns over the Caspian Triumvirite which is purely economic and anti-terror intelligence sharing in nature. The sort of information we share with any Ally in danger believing it is in no ones interest to let terrorists thrive for lack of co-operation. No military intelligence of national security value has ever been shared. Never the less we will seek to retain free trade with no barriers,free roaming zone for mobile roaming, free movement and cultural co-operation as well co-operation on key security issues. We believe co-operation is in all nations interest."The government are considering proposing an ammended treaty without the military alliance aspect of the treaty.The government have confirmed they are in favour of keeping all economic rules the same in the transition.

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Coalition partners call for more foreign partnerships
Today coalition partners have called for the government to develop more partners Europe wide on a bilateral basis in addition to any treaties that Duchies may sign with blocs. Experts have called on the government to become less reliant on one or two major partnerships as part of its foreign policy. The Union of Democrats leader Mr Terence Fitzcharles said in a statement to the house "The breach of trust by Telum partners in abolishing the Telum Treaty with no notice and establishing a new one just without United Duchies is a severe breach of trust. I can only say I'm happy to have good coalition partners to negotiate this difficult time and do not blame our partners at all. United Duchies must always pursue a balanced and fair foreign policy that is independent and is conducted on the basis of fairness and in ensuring stability throughout the region , I believe our government has done that. However this only goes to show we cannot rely fully on one group of partners with more bilateral treaties needed on top of multilateral partnerships and I believe the government should pursue this. I call on my coalition partners to develop a wide range of partnerships to benefit Europe and the region as a whole and stick to its principled, fair , reprocipal approach with consistent policy on issues not based on the whims of one or two partners." The speech was seen as wide endorsement of seeking greater foreign partnerships including defence following the wake of the Telum disaster. Polling indicates that the people of the Duchies have backed the government in its balanced foreign policy with a vast majority of 80% answering the government should continue to pursue an approach based on reprocity. The government also announced the Telum Discount has been removed until any such matters can be resolved.

The government is open to negotiations with Telum in order to restabilish old relations but it insists relations with Caspian nations including security diaologues and coooperation in anti-piracy, anti-terror and joint efforts against organised crime must be allowed. It said in a statement "We are hugely disappointed with the Telum kick out we have never shared any military intelligence as stated by some Telum members. Any intelligence sharing was solely in the realms of anti-organised crime and anti-terror to ensure regional stability and protection against crime and extremist terror in the region to protect the security of trade and public safety throughout the region. We believe sharing of intelligence of threats to other nations is essential and we'd hope other nations would warn Duchies of any threats to the Duchies they detect. We will continue to support international sharing of intelligence in these realms to protect the public security of Europe"

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Government warns restrict non-caspian country navies through Artabonos Canal or Baltic Canal opens up to Allied military traffic

Today the government warned on the opening ceremony of the Artabonos Canal that if non-caspian country navies are allowed through the Artabonos Canal then United Duchies would open up its canal to military traffic from allied nations. The prime minister John Peter Key said in a statement "We wish the people of North Diessan well and great prosperity but the canal should be for civilian ships and hospital and humanitarian ships only. We cannot allow an unbalanced scenario where our former Telum members can just send ships through to the Caspian while Caspian nations cannot do the reverse . Any conditions must be equivalent. We are willing to keep the Baltic Canal shut to non-domestic military ships but only if we can be assured that the same conditions exist on the Artabonos Canal with only North Diessan to use it militarily. We believe proportionality and fairness should be the guiding principle."The statement comes after concerns that there may be ulterior military motives in the Artabonos Canal project.

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Roscoes to enter Nofoaga, Czech and Gadalland, Kaitsja and Aspern markets
Today Roscoes announced they would be opening retail, banking and gym operations in Nofoaga, Czechslavia, Kaitsja and Gadalland and Aspern with telecoms and media operations a possibility later on with plans to set up partnerships to supply own brand goods efficiently. The company announced wages will be a minimum of € 10.50 an hour even in Nofoaga and Gadalland and Aspern with stores to open in central districts and urban area focus at first. The first format to be introduced will the hypermarket formats with banking services, groceries ,full clothing, home products, toys , media such as dvd's and blurays and electrictrical retail offerings , DIY sections as well as opticians and restaurant hubs. All stores will be designed to be accessible by public transport and cycles with buses to be provided to some stores on an hourly basis.

The company said "We will bring our full offerings to these markets to provide a good quality product at reasonable price while raising standards in these retail markets. We will offer high quality jobs with good benefits and security for our employees offering them access to our Employee welfare fund and global profit share scheme on top of a minimum € 10.50 an hour wage , with high prices for suppliers to ensure they can profitably provide high wages and will provide a full range of good quality , environmentally friendly own brand ranges. At least 60% of grocery goods will be domestic in the first few years with at least a 80% target after the first 5 years. " The company is known for its high quality jobs and high quality retail offerings being the biggest ethical retailer in Europe.The first stores are due to open in January.

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Right form new Unus party

Today the right wing Alliance of Royalists and National Rally have changed politics and the political make up of the United Duchies by merging together in an attempt to pool votes and get ready to fight better at the next election. The currenty leader of the Alliance or Royalists Dominic Marshall shall retain leadership in the deal with Mrs Lovelace leader of the National Rally getting deputy leadership. A new platform shall be voted on for next election while the politician from National Rally side of the party are expected to back coalition promises. The move should pool the votes reducing seats lost due to the split in the vote on the right and means Unus is now the largest party in the House of Duchies and third largest party in the House of Commons.

The party in a joint statement said "We have come together to progess peoples and nationalist politics in the Duchies. We will fight for the people together and fight for a society that is fair for Duchians. We will fight to continue reducing excessive immigration and erosion of traditional values by combining our resources to increase our seats in the next election. This is a good day for the Northern Duchies."

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Roscoes to rebuild bombed store in Anastasia
Roscoes have said today they will be rebuilding the store that was bombed in Anastasia city. The site will be prepared for a new store with expanded features. The site will also be built with expansion for an apartment complex in mind. The apartments would be rented 50% at social housing rates and 50% at market rates.

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Seat Projectionfor HoC(If Election held today):
CPCI:0(-1)
The Left:28(-127)
IUAC:1(+0)
PSD:146(+77)
Liberal Party:104(+37)
Moderate Party:154(+34)
Union of Democrats:108(-11)
Unus:114(+25)
New Dawn:0(-34)

Vote Percent projection in poll:
CPCI:0.05%
The Left:4.32%
IUAC:0.2%
PSD:21.3%
Liberal Party:15.79%
Moderate Party:22.5%
Union of Democrats:16.41%
Unus:19.35%
New Dawn:0.13%

The polls are indicating a rise for Unus in seats which would get above the combined total of the parties that formed it got in the last elections. The Left meanwhile is collapsing with their votes returning to the PSD , Union of Democrats is bleeding support though its not clear who to the Moderates who are riding high or Unus or it is possibly a mix of the two. New Dawn meanwhile has collapsed in support with alot of those votes likely have gone back to non-protest vote parties or possibly Unus.CPCI on current support figures projected is highly likely to lose its only seat in the HoC unless it can get an overhang seat by winning a local seat.

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Eva van der Bijl and Wolfgang Katzian denied entry to Duchies
It has been confirmed that Eva van der Bijl and Wolfgang Katzian have both been denied entry to the Duchies. The government are understood to have had them on the list of people who are a threat to the peoples security and safety for their extremism due to their previous violence and threats of violence. The government of Duchies said "We welcome genuine refugees to the Anastasia city and they can grant Anastasia visas however we have on this occaision denied the visa as they are a threat to the Duchies people and Anastasian people. We will not let known terrorists and extremists into the city and our country."

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TUI and Abbott Resorts merger announced
Today TUI and Abbott Resorts have announced the intention to merge into a single group to provide efficiencies of scale and to have a portfolio of hotels to integrate into their package holidays. The new business will merge with TUI shareholders getting 26.7% of shares in the new group and Abbott Resorts and Hotels getting 73.3% of the shares in the new group.The new group is estimated to be worth at least €42 Billion.

The new group will merge on January 4th 2022 if there are no challenges with an estimated combined revenue of €79,366,948,076.71 with potential first year profits of at least €6 billion with potential for this to rise with savings through efficiency. The group is also looking at buying the Harry Shaw Coach tour company to operate as part of a new combined group under the brand. The company if successful in this would cement its lead at the top of the holiday market being the major player in the industry. The news has shocked analysts who expect further consolidations from other players in the industry to challenge TUI with several potential mergers possible.

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High Duke Albert I dies 1 day before High Duke Dinner

The Cair Para palace has today announced the sad news that 1 day before Christmas High Duke Albert I has died triggering the election process for the High Duke position. The duke died of a heart attack in his sleep aged 83. The Duke has reigned for over 52 years with him being praised for his wisdom and being a great advisor and comforter to PM's . The United Duchies has asked all United Duchies flags be flown half mast until the election and coronation of a new High Duke as per tradition. The process is expected to take place in the new year with those interested in the High Duke position out of the Dukes having to register interest by January the 2nd. The palace has confirmed his funeral planned for 2 weeks. Vigils are being held at the palace and parliament with millions expected to attend over the Twixmas week.All major royals are invited to the funeral with most world leaders.