The Government of the Republic of Istkalen

[Istkalen]

On the Proposals of the NSC

The National Salvation Council, in its role as Istkalen's interim legislature in this period of statebuilding, has informed the government of its intention to promulgate a new constitution, republican but also deeply authoritarian, if not totalitarian, in nature.

We cannot disclose the exact nature of the provisions contained within this constitution. Nevertheless, we feel bound to tell the public that the vast majority of them are, to us, and likely to them and to the international community as well, entirely unacceptable. So rigid and retrograde are they that they are essentially incompatible with a modern society. They demand a reversion to a social and economic order that has not been viable for centuries. They demand a reconstruction of the state and its relations with the outside world in a way that would almost certainly jeopardize the continued existence of Istkalen itself. They demand a complete reformation of the very idea of the Istkalenic nation, to be carried out in a way so barbaric that we doubt whether it has any parallel in the whole of human history. They seem taken out of some seventeenth century proclamation of some demented lord or king, so detatched from modern reality they are.

We have passively complied with the previous orders of the Council in hopes that they would, in return, deliver on their promises for a full transition to democratic and civilian government. We can do so no longer. The atrocity of a "constitution" they have written has proven to us that they never had any intention of delivering on their word. Further compliance is, to us, to merely hand over power to this deranged, genocidal clique of would-be feudal lords - and that we cannot, under any circumstances, allow.

The cooperation of the rightful civilian government of Istkalen with the NSC is therefore to end. There will be no further enforcement of their illegitimate decrees; they will be declared a terrorist organization, and their sympathizers both outside of and within our institutions will be hunted down without mercy.

Republican order must and will be maintained at all costs; we appeal to the workers, peasants, and soldiers of the country, organized in their own institutions, not to betray their country and sell it to these cockroaches but instead to remain firm in the defense of the Istkalenic state and nation

Kaisa Malk
Prime Minister of the Republic of Istkalen

[Istkalen]

Statement of the National Salvation Council on the Rebellion of the Jezebel-Swift Clique

The Arian Church of Reszelport Jezebel-Swift has declared its intention to march on Kirelesile in protest of attempts of the state to force it to moderate its activities and doctrine.

Though it is our responsibility to protect the integrity of the state, it is equally our responsibility to ensure peace and the safety of our citizens. To attack the forces of Jezebel-Swift would almost certainly lead to bloodshed and protracted civil war.

We have therefore chosen the path of peace. We will guarantee the Arian Church full independence in its operations, and near full-control over the German Territories, to which, as the Church has demanded, the city of Kirelesile will be attached. In order to prevent further confrontations, we have ordered the withdrawal of the Istkalenic military from all areas both west and south of Kirelesile.

This will be difficult for many Istkaleners to accept, we understand, but we see it as the only way forwards that preserves life and peace.

[Istkalen]

Statement of the Head of State

As a result of his opposition to the program of the National Revolution set out by the National Salvation Council - and thus his evident unwillingness to carry out the will of our country's highest decisionmaking body, his highest responsibility - Milrakas Ikoszer is to be removed, with immediate effect, as Prime Minister, and replaced with Elspeth Oskon, whose service in government and the opposition has proven to me her loyalty to the country, the state, and the implementation of our common political project.

Itani Virkonas
Head of State of the Republic of Istkalen

[Istkalen]

Statement of the President of the National Assembly

As per the Istkalenic constitution, I am the head of state until such time as the vacancies in Istkalen's co-presidency can be filled.

Acting in this role, I have determined that the government of Elspeth Oskon is untenable. It has no support in the National Assembly, and faces a rebellion from the ranks of the civil service that leaves it existing only in name. In order to ensure the integrity of the state, a rapid transition away from the excesses of the NSC period, and the resumption of regular governance in the aftermath of the 9 October mutiny, I am therefore announcing my intention to dismiss Elspeth Oskon as Prime Minister, and appoint Elizabeth Íkrat as formateur. Oskon will continue in her office until such time as a prospective government - which must be broad-based and reflect public opinion in its proposals - appears to have support in the National Assembly.

Ilmaras Kalessed
President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Istkalen

[Istkalen]

Statement of the Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior

In order to protect republican institutions, in order to safeguard democracy, it is sometimes necessary to suppress. Though the rights to free expression and free association are and ought to remain sacrosanct, a line must be drawn when those rights begin to threaten the ability of others to enjoy them - and action taken when that line is violated.

We are, unfortunately, faced with one of the most extraordinary violations of this line in Istkalen's modern history - and thus duty-bound to break from our commitment to democracy and suppress the violators for the sake of that same democracy.

In Istkalen, there are presently operating two parties - the National Resurrection Movement and the National Union - that have as their central aim the propagation of hatred and the end of the Republic. They constantly provoke tension and rebellion in an effort to destabilize our already unstable society - all to discredit our nascent democracy and to legitimize their autocratic, if not totalitarian, ideals among the Istkalenic people.

This is unacceptable and dangerous. We are in the midst of one of the most crucial periods in our history, a period in which we may choose either between democracy or chaos - and these provocateurs, these foreign agents, seek to derail and overturn the clear choice the Istkalenic people made to pursue the former.

The Government has therefore made the decision to ban these two parties. They are to be dissolved, with immediate effect, and their leaders to be taken into custody; their organizers are ordered to stop their work and dissassociate themselves with each other and their poisonous ideology, at risk of arrest.

This decision will be enforced with haste and with fervor; no exceptions will be made, and no mercy shown. The cause of the Republic comes before all.

Elspeth Oskon
Prime Minister

Liris Vesek
Minister of the Interior

[Istkalen]

Statement of the President of the National Assembly

On the advice of the Prime Minister, I am dismissing the following ministers from their offices:

• Altay Sancar, as Minister of Justice
• Indras Uskeled, as Minister of Finance
• Myriam Leclerc, as Minister of Development
• Katharina Beck, as Minsiter of Agriculture
• Lauri Laakonen, as Climate Minister
• Kondres Uklertal, as Environment Minister
• Kuldar Loime, as Housing Minister
• Grete Reiner, as Culture Minister

Ilmaras Kalessed
President of the National Assembly

[Istkalen]

Recommendation of the Censorate on Political Reform

The Censorate of Istkalen, in the interests of promoting good governance and stability, has formulated and released a proposal for political reform in Istkalen, focused on preventing rapid changes in government, establishing better checks on government power, and reducing political influence over the bureaucracy. The major points made in the proposal are summarized below:

IN REGARDS TO POLITICAL PARTIES

We view the existence of political parties as an unambiguous negative. They serve, in our eyes, only to divide the nation, distort legitimate political discussion, and promote corruption. While we favor a democratic form of state, we do not believe that it ought to be on the Western-parliamentary style.

We propose that those holding political office be prohibited from holding party-based affiliations, and that parties be banned from endorsing candidates in elections. In order to ensure the equitable representation of coherent interests in Istkalen, we call for a return to the old "corporatist" form of representation in the legislature, where, in place of direct elections as exist in most of Europe, deputies are appointed by state bodies representing the vocations, the regions, and the nationalities.

IN REGARDS TO THE CABINET

We are against a politically based cabinet; ministers should be non-partisan and appointed on a purely technocratic basis, based on merit and neutrality above ideology. The role of the government should be to administer, not to legislate - the latter is an usurpation and an abuse that contributes and has contributed to national disintegration.

IN REGARDS TO THE POWER OF THE HEAD OF STATE

We are in favor of a strong and decisive role for the head of state. We believe that the position must have at its command the power to veto and to freely issue decrees, within a scope defined by some form of constitutional document, in order to ensure a rapid response to crises. Nevertheless, we hold that there must be strict limitations on the ability of decrees in particular to affect political, economic, and social institutions in order to prevent the type of rapid change and vacillation that has been seen in the country up to this point.

IN REGARDS TO CHECKS AND BALANCES

We are for a stronger role for the Council of Examination in approving candidates for political office - we believe that it ought to be given an absolute veto over proposed candidacies to any position at a national level. We also believe in the strengthening of the advisorial role of the High Council of Justice, to the point that it is permitted to freely veto and annul legislation and decrees on the basis of it being unconstitutional.

We are also for the strengthening of our own position so that we become effectively an upper house of parliament, with the full ability to amend and veto legislation on any basis.

We are against any changes to the system of appointments - they should and must remain self-regulated and made.

Ursula Orlich
President of the Censorate

[Istkalen]

Statement of the Prime Minister

On the Proposed European Trademark

It has come to my attention that a "European Trademark System Act" has been proposed in and is likely to pass through the European Council.

Let it be clear, the Istkalenic government is and will remain resolutely opposed to this and any other attempts to impose walls and restrictions on creativity and productivity at a European level. It will never recognize - will actively fight the recognition of - any sort of enforced exclusivity on the use of any symbol, word, or phrase at any level above the national.

If this act passes, then, Istkalen will not recognize the so-called "European Trademark." Furthermore, it will be made legal to freely use anything registered as such on any product or for any economic endeavor in Istkalen; recognizing that all Europe deserves to enjoy this same liberty, a system will be created that will allow foreigners to market, produce, and sell products bearing or using a "European Trademark" under Istkalenic jurisdiction for a minimal fee.

We will stand stalwart for freedom and for sovereignty in perpetuity; we will stand against this act and all its ilk with all our power forever.

Ursula Orlich
Prime Minister of the Republic of Istkalen

[Istkalen]

Statement of the Head of State

The National Assembly has, by a vote 425 - 70, elected me to both the co-presidencies at once. I am therefore, with immediate effect, Istkalen's single Head of State.

Ilmaras Kalessed
Head of State of the Republic of Istkalen

[Istkalen]

Statement of the Head of State

Ms. Elizabeth ÍKRAT has communicated to me that her Communist Party has come to an agreement with the Agrarian Union, National Republican Party, Republican Syndicalist Party, and Radical Democratic Party regarding the formation and direction of Istkalen's next government. It will be comprised as follows:

Prime Minister: Elizabeth ÍKRAT

Minister of Finance: Indras IRAKEMAR
Minister of the Interior: Liris VESEK
Minister of Foreign Affairs: Írenet ISTERESSKEMAR
Minister of Religious Affairs: Kuseli VIREJANE
Minister of Social Affairs: Kalju ILVES
Minister of Justice: Gertrude (Kirtrut) ISTIKAS

Minister of Defense: Eliise SEPP
Minister of State Security: Lauri LAAKONEN

Minister of Public Distribution: Yasemin DEMIRKOL
Minister of Agriculture: Katharina BECK
Minister of Industry: Riina KRUUS
Minister of Crafts, Trades, and the Professions: Milrakas IKOSZER
Minister of Labor: Marianne SEGUY

Minister of Public Works: Ursula KORHONEN
Minister of Housing: Valeras EKTERAN
Minister of Energy: Antras ARKALIS
Minister of Integration: Lawrence (Luserem) KETIST
Minister of Conservation and the Climate: Kondres UKLERTAL
Minister of Natural Resources: Esketal INDRETEK

Minister of Health: Erdanas RIKASEL
Minister of Education: Iras LITESTEK
Minister of Culture: Ikelin KALMET

The program of the government will be released shortly, following a parliamentary vote on Ms. ÍKRAT's proposed government.

Ilmaras KALESSED
Head of State of the Republic of Istkalen

[Istkalen]

Statement of the Censorate

We have voted to suspend the government of Elizabeth Íkrat due to concerns over stability both domestic and in foreign affairs. We point particularly to Íkrat's calls for unacceptably radical change to the economic and political consensus that has formed in Istkalen, to her illogical and fervent opposition to this country's closest ally, and her deep unpopularity among the public, which has already, in a matter of days, put into question the continued existence of the Republic.

Ursula Orlich has again been appointed Prime Minister, and will have full responsibility and power to constitute a government of her own to return Istkalen to full stability.

We have also made the decision to permanently dissolve the Social Democratic Party, which, though existing in opposition, has played a key role in influencing the extremism of the Íkrat cabinet and pushing against the moderate forces of our Republic. Opposed to popular rule, opposed to the rule of law, opposed to peace and stability, the Social Democratic Party has bedeviled Istkalen since the end of the war and the beginning of the opposition. In hopes of maintaining something of a political consensus, in averting civil war, we have tolerated its existence - we have even worked with it in misguided attempts to bring it, at last, into the fold of the acceptable.

But its actions have proven to us that tolerance is untenable. Ms. Meier's agitation against all the freedoms and traditions Istkaleners hold dear has already done severe damage to our Republic; if she is allowed to go on with her provocations, we will see its end. To ensure the continued integrity of our country, it is necessary that a full and final end be put to her political force, her organization, her power - and that is what we have done and intend, with all possible force, be carried out.

Ursula Orlich
President of the Censorate and Prime Minister of the Republic of Istkalen

[Istkalen]

Declaration of State of Defense

In light of the deteriorating situation domestic and international, the government of the Republic of Istkalen, with the support of the National Assembly, has made the decision to declare a state of defense in the territory of the Republic of Istkalen.

With reactionary and generally anti-republican groups engaged in a coordinated campaign of agitation, violence, and lawfare against the duly elected government of Istkalen as the Nyetthem-Hampton City axis again mobilizes for nuclearization and war, we found no other course of action available to us. It is our sworn duty to protect, at all costs, the sovereignty and independence of the nation from enemies internal and external; both sovereignty and independence being so directly threatened on all possible fronts, it was necessary to resort to the most extreme possible measures to rally all Istkalen around the cause of its survival.

In accordance with the Basic Law established by the Head of State, the ability of the Censorate and Courts of Justice to limit or proscribe government action will be severely curtailed until such time as the state of defense ends. Certain officials important to the functioning of the state will also be taken into protective detention. Martial law, including the temporary replacement of people's committees with military-civilian councils appointed jointly by the Ministry of the Interior and the command of the Republican Defense Forces, will come into effect in certain areas, to be defined at later dates as is necessary.

The activity of political and independent trade organizations will be temporarily subject to certain restrictions; the workers' associations will be given the responsibility of regimenting civil and political society, in addition to economic organizations or endeavors, so as to serve the aims of national defense. Economic and cultural coordination committees will be established to help organize this process.

Elizabeth Íkrat
Prime Minister of the Republic of Istkalen

countersigned
Ilmaras Kalessed
Head of State of the Republic of Istkalen

[Istkalen]

Statement of the Prime Minister

A Short Note for Melissa Chai, President-Elect of the State of Elthize

As a Prime Minister, as a woman long committed to the cause of the international left, I would like to give my warmest congratulations to you for your recent victory in the Elthic presidential elections. I wish you all the best of luck as you prepare to ascend to office.

Elizabeth Íkrat
Prime Minister of the Republic of Istkalen

[Istkalen]

Statement of the Prime Minister

An Official Apology and Personal, Handwritten Letter, with Package Included, to President Albína Reiserová, Mother of the Czechoslavonic Nation

Most Honorable President,

I thought I was wise. I thought I was learned. I thought that my fifty-two years had given me some mystical knowledge of the world hidden to all others, that I and I alone knew, always, best.

I have found that I was wrong - wronger, perhaps, than anyone else ever has been. The three months of reality I have had have shown me that the whole of my life before them was spent in an ivory castle, above and well away from the struggles of the people.

What I believed was my wisdom I discovered was my folly; what I believed was my learnedness I discovered was my gross ignorance; what I believed was my knowledge I discovered was simply mental excrement. Everything, from the moment I emerged from my castle up on high to gaze upon the truths of the world, was turned on my head, and I was left to see myself for what I truly was - a silly, idiotic child, who screamed and yelled, throwing her tantrums, tearing at the skirts and pants of the real adults, who she believed were silly when it is she who was silly and the adults who were, in fact, entirely sober and clear-minded.

A dear and truly wise friend of mine, Madam - or Doctor, although she insists, with her characteristic humility, that we do not use the title - Évretas Iketemar, who directs our national institute for music, told me, in the rightfully scolding tones of someone who knew and still knows better, that you and your government have noted down all of my infantile outbursts, that you all remember them quite well, that, because of them, you have come to see me as a madwoman.

I tell you that you all were - are - entirely right to judge me such. I was mad - all my ramblings and denunciations were the products of a mind entirely disordered, addled by overexposure to the world of theory and underexposure to the world of reality - material and spiritual. Even now I struggle to cast off all of my old predilections - my mind is still too caught up in the patterns of sanctimony - so deep inside the insanity was.

But mad as I may be, there are some things I have nevertheless learned. Strict adherence to book-knowledge, life in a world of forms - these things I have discovered have no place in reality. My short term in office has shown me the necessity of tending and adjusting according to the national condition, national consciousness, national spirit - of recognizing the real truths of the people and the wisdom that may lie among them, deep in the land on which they live, or within, beneath the distortions of the centuries, the tradition they may still hold deep in their hearts, and acting accordingly, with justice, with love, with respect.

I apologize, thus, for my denunciations of your party and my efforts to force my own into collective opposition to its efforts to bring good governance to Czech Slavia. I apologize for the horrific set of poems I sent to your contest, horrible, distorted, insulting caricatures not merely of you and all the good men and women who surround you but also of your kindest of allies. I apologize for having tried to create parody films insulting you, trying to sully your name, because of my infantile hatred for decisions that I refused, in my stubbornness and simplicity, to understand. I apologize for having, in my blindness and theory-obsession, had the audacity to call your efforts to reconnect with the real spirit and consciousness of your country "cultism."

Every act I have made against you I apologize for; I prostrate before you and beg for your forgiveness. I am a worm, and you the sun; my dirty actions have made me unfit even to bow before you, so brilliant, loving, kind, have condemned me to burn before someone so good as you, but still, in foolish hopes to receive some respite from the terrible condition I, through my foolishness, have foisted on myself, I have come before you to ask, humbly, for mercy.

By great effort - as you may know, it is difficult for anyone with power in Istkalen to obtain anything of value or use, and even now, I risk prosecution for my having done so - I have included in this package a set of all the common wonders of my country: a set of pressed flowers, all unique to my Istkalen dear, a traditional tea set, with instructions for use, a specially prepared and treated box of native bark which you may use - there are instructions for that, as well - to make tea, a music box which plays one of our folk songs, and a traditional harp, with a comprehensive set of lesson, song, and étude books - written by Évretas, who, as an aside, tells me that the Festival of Veles was a real marvel, in an edition she made especially for you, one which includes her personal annotations.

You will also find a form with some questions. If you reply and fill it out - which, of course, I do not expect you to, given the abuses I have hurled so unfairly on you - I will have it sent to a stampmaker to have an Istkalenic stamp, which we use in place of signatures here, made for you, which I hope to be able to present at a meeting between us, if you agree to one.

As the worm to your sun, as the whining child before you, the mature mother, and with my deepest and sincerest of apologies,
Elizabeth Íkrat
Prime Minister of the Republic of Istkalen