NS6 || Gadalland and Aspern
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30 November 2022
Polls to close in one hour as Cranst pulls ahead
Welcome to our coverage of the 2022 Head Braetha election.
As the two-week election comes to a close, Fornithias Cranst has a lead over Guthrun Wond.This news comes as the polls are set to close in one hour across Gadalland and Aspern. The figures below are from earlier today, with many more votes predicted to have been cast.
87% of votes reported aboveCranst, who is currently a member of the Braetha, has a lead of more than 2% over Guthrun Wond, the current Head Braetha. More votes will be reported before the new leader is announced, and we will keep you updated.
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1 December 2022
13:50 Caribbean Standard Time (CST)
We are still waiting on an update from the government as to the winner of the Head Braetha seat. Votes are currently being counted, with a total of 90% of all votes having been already counted. Cranst now has a lead of 49.1%.
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7 December 2022
Fornithias Cranst elected to lead Braetha
Fornithias Cranst has won the election for Head Braetha, the Braetha has announced. He held a 2% majority over Guthrun Wond by the time the polls closed, which grew as the votes were counted.
The votes have finished being counted just this afternoon, after which it was communicated to the Braetha, and to Mr. Cranst, the outcome.
Mr. Cranst has been favoured to win this election from the start after his short but powerful and resonant campaign centred around bringing wellbeing and happiness to the Sertian people.
Mr. Cranst did not begin in politics. For 25 years prior to his initial Braetha appointment, he was a teacher and an author of children's books. He has been popular in Gadalland and Aspern after his campaign to decrease criminal consequences for "crimes of necessity", such as shoplifting due to poverty.
Mr. Cranst is keen on bringing back policies eliminated by Guthrun Wond, such as increased effort to connect with the rest of the EU, accept more refugees, and increase general welfare and infrastructure.
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26 December 2022
Emotions run high as civilian maritime workers leave for continent
Across Gadalland and Aspern this afternoon, members of the Civilian Maritime Force have been departing from harbours across the country, in a widespread and coordinated effort to give humanitarian relief to the war effort in Svarna Surya. This comes only hours after the government joined Yosai, the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Reitzmag in declaring war against the Svarnan state.
The Civilian Maritime Force workers registered voluntarily and under full knowledge of the risks. This morning, the ports and marinas across the country had queues out the gates as seafarers bound for the war effort obtained their Humanitarian Licences.
Members of this humanitarian effort include all citizens of Gadalland and Aspern, over the age of 18 who either own a boat or have joined the owner of a boat. They must also have received CMF training. Many members of the force are those who are already fishermen, or spend much of their time at sea.
The first vessels left only hours after the announcement from the government today. Families have been seen saying goodbye to their loved ones, who have quite the journey ahead of them.
We spoke with a family from just outside Rowynnith. Daran Chlay is leaving his wife, Irinna, and their two children Meresy and Balbric. Daran said it was "a difficult decision to make," but he and his family ultimately feel it is "the right thing to do".
"We have a humble home here in Sertia, but at least we're safe. Irinna and I spoke and we believe that the best thing we can do is offer our safety to others. We could use the extra money as well".
Daran and Irinna, like many CMF members, will be compensated for his efforts, and family members back home will be offered living support while the CMF are away.
It is expected that the first CMF sailors will arrive to the continent in 10-20 days' time. What happens next will be determined by whether, and how much, the war escalates.
Today in pictures
Members of the CMF stood in queues this morning to obtain their licences.
Daran says goodbye to his wife, Irinna, before he leaves to the continent.
Three boats leave Rowynnith Harbour, bound for the continent -
30 December 2022
Government ends war declaration, retains humanitarian protections
Today the Order of the Braetha has voted to rescind the declaration of war against Svarna Surya. This follows reports that Svarnan leaders have agreed to participate in peace talks with the United Duchies.
This comes after the Order passed a declaration of war to enable certain international humanitarian powers, such as rescue vessels being allowed to foreign shores for a maximum of 45 days.
However, alongside their gutting of the war declaration, the Order also passed the same humanitarian provision which can now be enacted in peacetime, to recognise that, as HB Fornithias Cranst put it, 'not all conflicts deserve a declaration of war'.
The declaration of war passed by the government was 'largely ceremonial', HB Fornithias Cranst said today. 'We simply wanted to provide the humanitarian protection which we wouldn't have been able to during peacetime'.
Now that the Order has passed the Peacetime Amendment, as it is unofficially referred to, a vote by the Order can send the Civilian Maritime Force on humanitarian missions across the EU, during times of war and peace alike.
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Contention over navigation bill escalates
Updated 26 January, 2023
Hemberdale-- The War Rooms today saw contentious debate over whether to voice public disapproval of Spain regarding the proposed Freedom of Navigation Act.The Freedom of Navigation Act (FNA), if passed, would guarantee free passage of ships through most waters in EU territory. FNA was proposed last year by Elthize, where it was opposed by many governments, including Gadalland and Aspern, over concerns that it may allow ships to pass through waters which could potentially damage critical ecological features of inland waters.
However, Edutitalle Dina has proposed a clause that would allow states to disallow passage to vessels which could cause biological harm.
A frequent barrier to the passage of this bill, both now and last year, has been the resounding dissent issued from the Spanish government. This poses an issue for HB Fornithias Cranst and Ms. Dina, who both appeared in the War Rooms to speak to the Braetha today, about whether Gadalland and Aspern should renounce the stance of the Spanish.
The Spanish government have previously said that they will make use of the FNA as "toilet paper" and will ignore EU law should FNA become law.
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We do not want to escalate tensions anywhere in Europe, might I make that clear to the Braetha. However, we want the Spanish to hear what we have to say, and this act would do much good for many countries besides Spain. The EU are a collective, not a collection of rogues.
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-Edutitalle Dina
HB Cranst, however, stated his reservations in denouncing the Spanish actions, but seemed relatively onboard with Ms. Dina, saying "as long as we are nice about it".
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ASPERN AND THE WEST OLVES DECLARE INDEPENDENCE FROM SERTIA
Good evening. We have an urgent report for the people of Gadalland and Aspern.
About 20 minutes ago, it was communicated to the Order of the Braetha, in an official statement, that the Informal Kingdom of Aspern has declared independence from Sertia to start a new Republic.
The West Olves has joined the Aspernian separatism.
This announcement comes after the escalation of tensions as the former Head Braetha Guthrun Wond was banished from the Triumvirate of Holy Cities of Hemberdale, Osperfey, and Plariaras. Additionally, the holy city of Aspern, Osperfey, has resisted much of the drastic industrialisation which the rest of Sertia has experienced.
Osperfey has experienced a large number of protesting, some of which has turned violent, as well as civil disobedience.
The letter was addressed from the city of Osperfey, written by Mr. Guthrun Wond. The letter has not been released to the press, but we are aware from Mr. Wond's address that the Kingdom of Aspern has the following demands:
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that the people of Aspern are recognised as a legitimate, sovereign republic by the government of Sertia, the relevant bodies of the European Union, and the governments of each individual EU nation,
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that the Order of the Braetha is no longer the official government of the Republic of Aspern,
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that the Order of the Braetha permit the Kingdom of Aspern to form its own, sovereign republic under Mr. Guthrun Wond.
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that to maintain the peace between the Republic of Aspern and Sertia, provisional borders are drawn and the freedom of movement be protected.
The Order of the Braetha has not released any official statements, but have convened an emergency session in the War Rooms, which is open to the public.
Is it safe to go to the Aspernian territory?
It is unclear how border crossings will take place in the future, or whether there will be a border at all. However, due to increased civil and violent unrest in the areas around Osperfey we advise against any unnecessary travel.
Does Aspern have the right to independence?
The rules about this are encoded in the Sertian Domex 1224, which has been removed from its archives this evening and taken to the War Rooms for discussion by the Braetha. The last time this happened was 314 years ago during the Rebellion of the Sailors.
Officially, the Domex does not say anything directly about regions declaring independence. However, the sovereignty of each of the six islands, accordingly, "is to be recognised and respected through the land".
Will there be a war for independence?
This is incredibly uncertain, especially as the Braetha have not gone public with any official statements. Experts say that, if the Braetha decides that the claim to independence is not legitimate, or will cause undue harm to the people within the new territory, they will likely attempt to take it back. But whether that taking-back will be by force we have yet to foresee.
What about getting from Aspern to Sertia?
All trains and ferries between Sertia and the Aspernian territory have suspended operations for fears of escalating violence.
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13 February, 19:30
The city of Osperfey is a scene of chaos this evening. As Sertian police have attempted to quell what violence there is, it seems only to have inflamed tensions between civilians and the police force.
The Braetha have not ordered the military or public forces to come to the scene for fear it may only make things worse.Head Braetha Fornithias Cranst is due to give a statement tonight at 11pm.
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19:44
The War Rooms, Hemberdale
In a public emergency convention, members of the Braetha are poring over the following passage of the Sertian Domex 1224:"Droquea ras qerda mal-iiak pollodwy-s ynnx"
These words, written in Old Sertian, are crucial to determining whether the Order is entitled to claim a territory as their own after they have declared independence.
The Braetha are reading from the original Sertian Domex document, penned by Verna II of Osperfey herself. Braethas are wearing gloves, and the room is lit only by candlelight to protect the pages. We have been asked not to use flash photography in the War Room at the moment, so unfortunately we cannot give you a picture.
The words, written in poetry, are the essence of our Union.
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19:55
The Braetha for Education has announced that schools will close for a period of four weeks, or until the matter has been settled.
This comes as Railway for Sertia and CoachConnect Sertia have announced a suspension of all operations until 13 March 2023. -
20:05
The Braetha have made their decision, and have communicated it to Mr. Fornithias Cranst silently via their digital system. Please expect an official address from the Order of the Braetha in the coming moments.
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Braetha to meet with Wond amongst further riots
16 February 2023
The nation is at one of its lowest points in recent history. Transit into the holy cities is prohibited, there is an 8pm curfew nationwide, and Aspernian separatist riots continue. The government has issued food rationing guidelines to vendors in Hemberdale, Osperfey and Plariaras in the event of a siege.
After the Spanish military was given permission by the Braetha to deploy, mass arrests of violent protesters took place, which has helped somewhat to quell the unrest. This includes the homes of city residents, many of which are owned by the government.
The Aspernian separatists, under the leadership of Guthrun Wond, are continuing to target the homes of government officials and civil servants. Fornithias Cranst has been evacuated to his home in Esterey, where protests have not yet taken place.
Separatists have begun to stand along the Great Nations footpath, which runs along the old border of Gadalland and Aspern. There have been reports of makeshift "Border Police" stopping residents and asking them for papers.
Much of the rioting has been concentrated within city centres, with those in the countryside less affected. However, all citizens have been urged not to use public transport unless absolutely necessary for fears of terror attacks. None such attacks have been reported so far.
The Order of the Braetha have decided to take the demands of the unofficial Aspernian Republic seriously, in an effort to reunite the nation amidst continuing riots in major cities across Gadalland and Aspern.
In a statement, Head Braetha Fornithias Cranst said:
"We are seeking a peaceful end to this. We have deployed the Spanish military to keep the peace in city centres, and enacted a curfew, but this can't go on much longer."I therefore appeal to Mr. Wond and his followers to meet peacefully and diplomatically to discuss the demands of the Sertian people. If you want your bid for independence to be successful, you should know better than to succumb to violent urges.
"Ultimately, the Sertian Domex gives the original kingdoms permission to separate if they wish. But this decision remains with the Braetha, and we will not grant your request if we aren't entirely confident that the citizens of this new Aspernian Republic will have their wellbeing protected by whatsoever new government forms. I therefore ask that you report to this government immediately or face dreadful consequences".
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Separatists tear down statues of Verna II around Aspern
19 February 2023
In powerful actions directed toward the Sertian government, Aspernian separatists across the south of the island and in the West Olves have been systematically removing statues of Sertian historical figures, namely Verna II of Osperfey.
Verna II was the founder of Gadalland and Aspern, famous for writing the first governing document for the six distinct kingdoms on the isle of Sertia called the Sertian Domex.
The most recent statue to fall was that of Verna II which lies in the very centre of Osperfey, hometown of Verna II herself. The statue has been dragged away from its resting place, presumably to be melted down and repurposed for use as scrap metal.
The statue has been torn down by the Aspernian separatists, who are now formally recognised by the Sertian government as the Aspernian Republicans, and labelled as a terror group.
In the span of this week, the actions we have seen today convey what is arguably the message of most consequence: that the Aspernian Republicans do not approve of the industrialisation of the nation, which they perceive to be overdone and underdiscussed.
We'll continue to provide updates as the situation progresses.
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Government begins siege on Osperfey
21 February 2023
In an attempt to reclaim Osperfey from the Aspernian Republicans, the Sertian army, supplemented by the Spanish military, have enacted a siege around the city of Osperfey.
This follows a directive by Mr. Cranst himself, which had been pre-approved by the Braetha in case there was a need to do such things.
How does this siege work?
A siege is used to target a collective of people who are known to associate with terror groups or engage in violent and antisocial behaviour.
This siege will involve the government of Sertia surrounding the outside of the city of Osperfey to attempt to capture any insurrectionists who attempt to leave. This does not apply to civilians or official transport vehicles who will be inspected but allowed passage in and out of the city.
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16 March 2023
Outrage as former citizens left stranded in Aspern
Major cities in Sertia have experienced forceful protests after the premature end of free movement by the Braetha.
The free movement treaty, which was due to expire in August, ended due to 'budgetary and humanitarian' concerns cited by Citizens' Braetha Hector Guaman, who in a statement, said "we cannot risk the wellbeing of what remains of Sertia by allowing free movement of extremists and rebels".
People in Aspern who possessed Sertian nationality before 1 March 2023, have had their nationalities suspended. However, upon arrival to the Sertian border they are allowed to reclaim it. But many Aspernians have been unable to reach the Sertian border after the complete shutdown of Sertian-owned public transport, including the railway, Sertia Horserail and state caravan groups.
There has been massive controversy over this move within the government of Sertia. Many opponents, including European Councillor Edutitalle Dina, have said that this early termination of free movement 'so very clearly violates' international humanitarian law. "We can now see the flippant disregard for rules not only had by the Aspernians, but also by this Braetha".
As part of the separation treaty, all persons residing in Aspern must be given Aspernian nationality. However, these new Aspernian citizens have lost many of their automatic privileges which they had when they were Sertians, for example the right to public healthcare and benefits. Many also face trial by military court if they commit a crime and are subject to hefty fines or harsh prison sentences.
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4 April 2023
Duchian and Yosainese journalists arrested by Aspern
Three journalists from the United Duchies and the Republic of Yosai have been taken by the Aspernian Military Police from a Sertian border checkpoint.
In what seems to be an arbitrary enforcement of Aspernian martial law, three journalists have been arrested and taken to an Aspernian military jail to await trial for "sedition".
Sertian authorities confirmed that they were taken from a border checkpoint belonging to the Kingdom of Sertia, and have classified the arrests as kidnapping and contrary to Sertian law.
In a press conference today, Police Chief Arman de Lucianos requested any information as to the disappearance of these individuals. The Aspernian government confirmed that they are being held in Aryyas Detention Centre, near the southern coast.
De Lucianos said "We are taking the situation very seriously. Where possible we will attempt to rescue these journalists from detention without causing any further unrest". De Lucianos is part of the Spanish military, but still runs the Sertian Police Service, which pulled out of Aspern after the Purrage Accords.
The journalists, whose names are not available to the public at this time, two of whom are Duchian and one Yosainese national, were known to have published news articles criticising the Aspernian Schism and the behaviour of Mr. Guthrun Wond.
The NS6 has been instructed to make an appeal to the general public for any further information.
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18 April 2023
Aspern falls back into Sertian control
Sertian victory is celebrated, but Guthrun Wond remains unaccounted for.
At around 2am (Central Caribbean time) this morning, Sertian and Spanish forces executed a mission to capture Guthrun Wond and bring him back to Sertia. Many higher level leaders in the Aspernian regime have been successfully arrested and taken to Hemberdale in detention.
This morning, as the Sertian nation awoke, the victory over the Aspernians was announced. As per tradition and custom on the island, many people have gathered and are celebrating the victory with food, drink and fireworks.
Mr. Fornithias Cranst and the rest of the Order of the Braetha have not commented on the victory but for a press release earlier this morning. Many of the armed Aspernian militia, who had been securing the border between Sertia and Aspern, have defected upon hearing the news of the fall of Aspern.
However, Mr. Guthrun Wond, the leader of the Aspernian rebellion movement and former Head Braetha, has so far evaded capture. He is thought to be on the run with a few of his allies. Attempts will be made in the coming days to secure his capture.
All leaders of the Aspernian regime have been arrested, even those who had no part in the violence. But the question in the coming days will concern the status of Aspern as a part of the Sertian nation and people. It is equally likely that the Braetha will recognise Aspern as a province, as it is that they move to integrate it back into the Kingdom of Sertia.
The West Olves, whose new independent government have not been arrested, may fight to retain its independence, having been a nation of its own in the not too distant past.
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Pension age to rise to 55 across most sectors
28 April 2023
The age at which Sertians may start claiming their national pension will rise from 50 to 55 years old in July. People who work in most job sectors across Sertia will not be able to begin the retirement process until they turn 55.
The Braetha has said that the rise in pension age is due to "demanding costs" incurred by the Aspernian revolt and the extra funding and compensation provided to the families of volunteers currently providing aid to Svarna Surya.
Those who have been working longer, or who are in lower-paying occupations, will be able to start receiving their pensions earlier than 55. Teachers, social service staff, and transport operators can begin to retire at age 53. Those who have been working for over 35 years can retire at age 52.
Sertia's pension system
Sertia operates the Partial Pension scheme, wherein those who reach age 50 and above can reduce their hours by 10-15% each year if they have been working full-time for 30 years. Those who are still working when they reach 61 years of age can retire completely at age 62.
People can begin to reduce their hours at age 55 beginning this July.
Public comment
Posted 28-4-23 by earl2283
"Just another ripoff by our government, though I've grown too complacent to care".
Posted 28-4-23 by ggof
"I've already had enough of teaching kids after 2 years, how will I last 31 more years!!"
Posted 27-4-23 by thomas
"The Braetha love to fault innocent people for the actions of insurrectionists".
Are you affected by this change? We would like to hear from you.
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Sertian embassies to allow temporary refuge to noncitizens for certain emergency situations
15 May 2023
The Foreign Braetha has announced a plan to provide temporary shelter to certain noncitizens who are facing critical situations, either in their home country or abroad.
This new guidance comes after many people who lost their Sertian nationality in the recent Aspernian schism find themselves abroad with no consular assistance available, often being turned away from Sertian embassies.
The official guidance tells embassies that a noncitizen may take refuge in a Sertian embassy for a period of no more than 12 hours if they are in a situation in which there is an immediate threat to their life. Their situation must also warrant safe passage back to Sertia via government transport.
The guidance is most likely to allow embassies to shelter those with expired Sertian passports or those who formerly had Aspernian nationality and renounced their Sertian nationality.
During the 12 hours, the embassy will automatically lodge an application for the sheltered person to be given an authorised safe passage (ASP) to Sertia.
The scheme may also allow shelter for high profile non-Sertian or Aspernian refugees who may be eligible for asylum in Sertia.
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What should I do if I've failed my exams?
23 May 2023
If you're a student in Sertia, it's more than likely that you've gotten your exam results today. While many students triumphantly advance to their next stage of education, there are those who haven't passed their exams for a multitude of reasons.
Ella Hebride, 17, is one of those students. Having received an offer of a place for an English degree from Dredthe University, she failed to pass her exams and receive the prestigious Eswara classification required for admission due to ongoing family issues.
When she spoke to us, Ella was dreadfully disappointed. "I had been studying a very long time for this, and when I opened the results, I was, quite frankly, distraught".
"There's no way, I thought to myself, there's no way that I've failed. This can't be possible. I've been studying and studying and I've made it through a hellish year, only to fail my exams".
Ella received this letter in the post (address altered):
Being on the brink of passing, and feeling confident in her abilities going into the exam, were two factors which contributed to her sadness and frustration.
So, if you're in Ella's situation, what options have you got?
1. Don't panic
Stress and anxiety are forms of panic, which is a natural response to fear stimuli in the environment. This includes bad exam results, which can cause panic. Before you open your results, take three deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth.
2. This is not the end
Just because you've failed to pass your exams does not mean you've failed your entire education. There are other qualifications available to you to reach the same place. Education expert Dirias Planser explains that "everyone learns differently, and there are qualifications out there fore all types of learners".
3. Results aren't everything
Just because you've failed your exams also doesn't mean that you'll never get a job. Some employers consider your results in school quite heavily. Other employers will hardly look at them. This should be an encouragement to present yourself well: everyone remembers a nice smiling face.
Jack Bernard, an recruiter for SNS, confirms this. "You can have the best qualifications in the book, but be a terrible person and so nobody hires you. Employers are looking for someone who can demonstrate their ability to work in teams, communicate effectively and be open to improvement".
Demonstrating interest can also be a deciding factor for some employers. "If a prospective employee shows that they will love their job and do it well, that's hardly grounds for rejection", Bernard says.
It's just a matter of looking in the right places that will help you to find your perfect match. Other options for careers include self-employment or vocational qualifications.
In short, don't despair. Anyway you go, you'll get there.
