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CAMPAIGN LAUNCH

Republic Square
Trondheim, Fremet

Angela Merkel approached the podium before a large crowd in Republic Square at the base of the Fremetia Tower, with the Anthem of Europe playing in the background.

People of Europa:

This is an important inflection point in the history of our Union. Just as these past elections here in Fremet will surely have groundbreaking consequences for years to come, these Commission elections come at a great time of change for the European Union and its memberstates. We have observed the renewed rise of communism. We have observed coups, overt political instability, and a general ineffectiveness of our institutions to address the crises we face. In times of great change, many will call for reactionary policies, pushing us back into our sandboxed nationstates or towards some sort of federal union— neither of which is a solution to the immense challenges facing us all. We must maintain a steady course and not stray down the garden path. And with that, I formally announce my campaign for Premier Commissioner of the European Union.

As a long-standing politician, I know how to remain focused to achieve sensible goals. It is my firm belief that one of the EPA's strongest tenets is its ability to develop policies with broad appeal, palpable to even the most remote of memberstates. We must take this great asset and use it to further the cause of this Union and pursue policy agendas that serve not the personal interests of memberstates and their politicians— or those that fail to serve some memberstates at all. Our immense diversity must be transformed into a true resource, not some liability or obstacle to reform.

We stand here today before one of this country's greatest symbols. A beacon of liberty and freedom that calls the free people of Europe to these shores.

We have seen first hand the consequences of not extending the freedoms enjoyed by the citizens of Europe to all. As such, I will seek to expand the UDoHR to include non-EU citizens. Every human being deserves for their natural rights to be protected, and nationality should have no bearing on what protections are afforded to them.

I will seek to establish a standardised maritime law, including the codification and standardisation of transiting tariffs and tolls. By establishing a set framework for nations and other entities to follow, we can better enforce national laws and create a more clear permitting system allowing for low-friction trade between memberstates. A codified set of maritime law will increase the efficiency of the European bureaucracy and the organisational efficiency of individual memberstates as a standard set of practices would be much more steady waters to navigate than the current jumbled mess of overlapping (and often contradictory) national laws.

In lieu of a broad transportation and education plan, I will instead seek to establish a special development fund. By giving memberstates access to a stable source of low-interest loans, the European Central Bank will be able to shore up budgets in times of need without offering outright subsidies.

Though I may not have a degree in pedagogy, I can say with upmost certainty that it is not the place of the European Council to implement a standardised curriculum across the continent. Doing so would require the reformation of the education infrastructure of dozens of countries and likely lead to years of lost productivity and incalculable losses involved in the loss of a coherent and quality education. All Europeans have the right to an adequate education, but the Union is ill-equipped to handle such a massive— and unnecessary— undertaking. Concerns over education in individual memberstates should be addressed at that level. It is unreasonable to expect that a shared curriculum can be implemented in such a culturally and systematically diverse continent.

I will seek to streamline the operations of the European Union and avoid extraneous programmes that would detract from our central goal:

We, the sovereign nations of the European Union, in order to forge more cohesive bonds between our peoples, to safeguard peace and improve diplomatic relations, to advance achievements of humanity, to promote democracy and good governance, to flourish in economic prosperity, to guarantee liberty and equality, forever united in diversity

There is no mention of 5G, sweeping education reform, or an overly complicated transportation infrastructure that would only serve to divide us on the minutia. The European Union is a powerful tool that must be used not as a broad, blunt instrument, but as the vehicle by which nations come together in the name of cooperation. By establishing this climate of mutual understanding, general peace, and accountability for actions taken, we establish the means for like-minded nations to go beyond that cooperative framework established in the European Union. The viability of broad, pan-regional programmes is certainly a tough nut to crack, but agreements individually tailored for memberstates that compliment existing lines of cooperation in the broader Union serve to create prosperous ties between memberstates. Integration cannot be rushed, or we risk losing the immense progress that we have made thus far.

It was in this great square that the liberation of Fremet from communist occupation was declared. Our revolution was successful. The success of this great project is yet to be determined. Let us continue to carry the shining light of Europe into the future. Thank you.

Merkel steps down from the podium, the Anthem of Europe playing in reprise

Hello and welcome to the 42nd edition of EuroVoice! The EUBC and the Fremetianskallmennkringkastingskommisjonen are proud to welcome you to Trondheim, capital of Fremet and gateway to the Atlantic. As this Fremet's first hosting ever, we've decided to center it here, at Trondheim Hall. Don't let the ornate structure fool you, this venue stretches deep underground to accommodate patrons from all over Europe.

And now, allow me to introduce your hosts: BETTY WHITE and FRIEDRICH LIECHTENSTEIN!

BW: Hello my pretties and welcome to Trondheim! Sorry about the wait and all— it seems the Fremetianskallmennkringkastingskommisjoner (say that three times) had a minor (extreme) kerfuffle (mental breakdown). He's on vacation (in a mental hospital). Which is good because that means I can say FUCK on stage without getting fined.

Now, you may have noticed that remarkably undressed individual to my right. Freddy I swear to the gods introduce yourself and put some clothes on, or I'm sending you back to the hovel you came from.

FL: I went to a Roscoe's before coming here. I have to get the stench of late-stage capitalism off of me. Now, everyone: Betty and I are happy to be with you this evening. Now come, take a bath, have a glass of wine, put your comfy clothes on, and ride with us as we let the nations of Europe rock your world.

BW: Some of you may be wondering: Is there a theme? Honey, there's no theme. Do you really think that after a YEAR of dragging our heels there would be a theme? NO! Of course not! The theme is that this is happening at all. Now shut up and submit your entries so I can judge you in silence— and Europe can judge you on international television!

**Full Nation Name:**
**Artist:**
**Song:**
**Link to YouTube:**
**Vote deliverer with their image linked:**

The entry deadline is 14 May 2022 at 23.59 GMT.

My fellow Europeans,

What is happening in Eastern Haane this very moment is completely unprecedented in this Union's history. Never before have we seen such a total collapse of a society that the very fabric of a population's reality is threatened. I call upon the great powers of Europe to act. A council resolution would only be idealistic in nature. It is time that the nations of Europe rise to challenge this complete and total breakdown of society. Millions of lives are at stake.

To those in Eastern Haane: If you are listening, this hell you are living is but a lie. The absolute horrors that you have seen are the creations of man, not by some supernatural being. And it is man that can right this wrong. You must fight against your animalistic instincts and see the destruction that you are bringing to yourselves.

It is our suffering that brings us together. It is not love. Love does not obey the mind, and turns to hate when forced. The bond that binds us is beyond choice. We are brothers, sisters, and common people in common stride. We are common in what we share. In pain, which each of us must suffer alone, and, in this, in hunger, in poverty, in hope, we know our humanity. We know it, because we have had to learn and live it. We know that there is no help for us but from one another, that no hand will save us if we do not reach out our hand. And the hand that you reach out is empty, as mine is. You have nothing. You possess nothing. You own nothing. You are free. All you have is what you are, and what you give. So I ask you— I implore you: Reach out to one another. End this senseless violence. End this bloodshed. See that you have the power to destroy the hell that has been wrought across your land.

You have no law but the single principle of mutual aid between individuals. You have no government but the single principle of free association. You have no states, no nations, no presidents, no premiers, no chiefs, no generals, no bosses, no bankers, no landlords, no wages, no charity, no police, no soldiers, no wars. Nor do you have much else. You are sharers, not owners. You are not prosperous. None of you are rich. None of you are powerful. If it is Anarres you want, if it is the future you seek, then I tell you that you must come to it with empty hands. You must come to it alone, and naked, as the child comes into the world, into his future, without any past, without any property, wholly dependent on other people for their life. You cannot take what you have not given, and you must give yourself. You cannot buy the Revolution. You cannot make the Revolution. You can only be the Revolution. It is in your spirit, or it is nowhere. Carry the spirit of your great revolution, overthrow the hold of the death cults, the doubts, the corruption, the violence that has so captured your being. You alone have created hell, and you alone can eradicate it from this Earth.

ANGELA MERKEL
Premier Commissioner of the European Union

Michel had been filling out a crossword puzzle while the meshuggener had her way with the Council. He was familiar with this kind of crazed behaviour, having spent many hours negotiating with the Nicoleizians after the fall of the Dairy Curtain. As Bauer pulled a kitchen knife on the Council, his mind jumped back to a time when a certain Nicoleizian trade minister stabbed him with a fork, leaving a quite noticeable scar on Charles' hand. He never did tell the press why he had the embassy switch to plastic cutlery. He put down the Der Trondheimmer Crossword and spoke:

"Well, if that was any indication of the nature of Josephine Areai's regime, this Council must act decisively to preserve what little semblance of democracy is left in Eastern Haane. We may not be able to end countless instances of bloodshed, violence, and instability in one resolution, but we cannot be frozen in inaction as one of our memberstates quite literally tears itself apart.

I'd also like to take a moment to applaud the security services for their prompt action in protecting the members of this body, though I do have one suggestion: maybe not let obviously deranged persons into the chamber with metallic cutlery next time?"

Charles Michel
Councillor for the Kingdom of Fremet

Thank you Ms DeVey and all those tuning in to this important event this evening.

We find ourselves in a crucial moment for the European Union. Change and instability have rattled the region over the last year, and in response we have seen calls for both immense change and regression.

We must not fall victim to the grandiose claims of what a highly integrated union can do, and we must remain wary of those that would wish to reverse the progress that we have made thus far. The European Union is a great institution, but as with all things, it has flaws. I stand for a better union. Some may call it incremental progress, but I call it feasible progress. We must create a Europe that does not serve the personal interests of politicians or memberstates. We must create a Europe free from corruption. We must create a Europe that will stand the test of time and not fall victim to the tumultuous winds of the national politic.

We have at our disposal a powerful vehicle to serve all Europeans, and it is our duty to do just that.

Thank you.

Weekly Bulletin

Tuesday - 9 February 2021 - TRONDHEIM

VDL Endorsed Cocx Over the Weekend

As Commission Elections Near, LeBerre's Softening Lead Bends over For Hardened Cocx in Three-Way

TRONDHEIM— With Fremetians set to vote this weekend and lend their voice to the future of the European Commission, pollsters have been scouring the country to capture the sway of the populace. Over the course of the campaign period, Syndical candidate Francois Le Berre had been the frontrunner for Premier in Fremet following his rally in Rutte am Mainz. As the only Premier candidate to make the trip to Fremet this cycle, he captured an early lead and was able to achieve record name-recognition for an independent candidate.

However, thanks in part due to a recent endorsement from former Statsminister Ursula von der Leyen and rumors of at least partial endorsement of Cocx from current Premier Angela Merkel, Cocx has managed to surge ahead in the polls. With rumours of Erna Solberg gearing up for an endorsement of LeBerre, vote for premiership in Fremet is a dead heat as Cocx and LeBarre continue to butt heads on— and off— the debate stage.

The dichotomy between the candidates mirrors a small part of a larger political transformation here in Fremet. As the Kingdom continues its march left, how much longer can centrist candidates out of the EPA and Inimicus count on Fremet's vote? Euroscepticism has already captured the political sphere once again, with Duchies hyper-integration candidate Peter Leeson struggling to get out of the single digits, unable to secure even a passing endorsement from one of the seven.

Fremetians polls were almost unanimously more concerned with the Federal Referendum Saturday on the continued existence of the Monarchy. With the attention of Fremet set on domestic issues, LeBerre, with his "you decide" attitude has an excellent opportunity to garner large swathes of support from burgeoning leftists and Fremetians discontent with unilateralism and EU integration politics in Europolis.

In the other Commission races, Duxburian candidate Jon Mitchell has managed to hold onto a healthy lead over Ronald Reagan for Foreign Affairs Commissioner. Reitzmic candidate Edmund Winston, thanks in part to the toxicity of his past campaigns and his firm support for EU integration, remains far behind Münevver Birdane for Internal Affairs, though a sizeable amount of those polled cited "no preference" in this category.

All in all, the whispers of Euroscepticism seen throughout 2020 seem to have surfaced in Fremetian politics. When asked to comment, Erna Solberg answered, "It should surprise no one that Fremet is seeking to set its own path, especially in this moment of great uncertainty. This is a revival of tangible, common-sense policy and decision making in Fremetian politics— and I, and many Fremetians, are tired of trying to conform to norms that simply do not apply to us— and of cutting through mountains of bullshit to find a hollow core."

Fremesker Bell Building, Trondheim

With Implementation of FUCC 2020 Act, F-Corps Among Largest Companies in Fremet— and Europe

TRONDHEIM— As restructuring of public utilities continues on schedule for the January 2022 deadline, a number of F-Corps have already rocketed to lofty heights on the lists of Europe's largest companies.

FG&E, Fremet's new electric utility, has announced plans to channel an additional ₣ 850 million from a combination of excess equipment sales and provincial grants into speeding modernisation and renewable energy projects initiated by the Merkel Administration in 2017.

Fremesker Bell, Fremet's newly-formed telecommunications utility, surpassed industrial titans FKEM and VW in December of 2020 to become the largest F-Corp in Fremet and became the largest corporate entity in the Kingdom after Trondheim-based FremetiaBank. FB's consumer division, FremetiaTelkom, reached a key milestone in January of 2021: total multi-gigabit fibre penetration throughout the island of Fremetia.

The 5-year program, established by the Oleman government in 2015 (and costing a hefty ₣ 8.2 billion a year) set out to build a highly resilient, low-latency fibre-to-the-home network throughout the entire country. Constriction in 2020, as part of the final phase of deployment, focused on proactively building out infrastructure in new developments and establishing a trust for the continued maintenance and expansion of the system. The program, largely criticised for its immense cost and 'excessive' redundancies, was one of the largest public works projects undertaken by the Fremetian government in the 21st century.

With continued transformation of the Fremetian economy, the Solberg administration faces a number of challenges as the Socialist Party seeks to hammer out a new future for Fremetians. In the private sector that remains, little regulation exists beyond environmental and safety guidelines, drawing criticism from centrists and leftists alike. And, in the fast-growing public sector, many systems (new and old) have yet to be proven as effective engines in the long term.

A JetBlue A320 Undergoes Routing Deicing at Trondheim International Airport

JetBlue, Air Fremet Report 7% Uptick in Passenger Numbers in 2020

RHODENHEIM— The long-plateaued airline industry in Fremet reported its first significant passenger growth in 4 years as new travel allowances and visa wavers went into effect with popular tourist destinations. Longstanding travel restrictions with Gallorum and Vayinaod were suspended at the opening of Q2 2020, allowing for massive passenger increases to Fremet's largest trading partners.

Air Fremet, which prioritises more medium and long-haul routes, reported significant passenger growth on its routes to Inquista, Spain, and Mennrimiak as reductions in travel barriers began to pay off for the airline industry in Q3 of 2020.

Ferry use saw a sharp decline as ferry services to neighboring Icholasen were suspended. With Fremetians long preferring flying to the continent, many ferry operators turned to bulk or specialty shipping to and from the mainland. Tourists, instead of going to Icholasen, instead sought to take advantage of new travel allowances to Inquista, Gallorum, and Vayinaod.

With restrictions on the UNSR set to remain for the forseeable future, a noted uptick in domestic air travel (specifically between Trondheim and Rhodenheim), and increased economic activity with Southern Europe and states across the Atlantic, airlines are expecting to see another year of growth in 2021.

Above, Left: The Staatsrat passed the Articles of Federalisation last January
Above, Right: King Gustaf III at his winter residence in Èze earlier this week

Article IV Referendum Set to begin Saturday, 13 February; Polls Inconclusive

TRONDHEIM— With the passage of the Articles of Federalisation on the 15th of January (last month), the Fremetian Statsrat designated the referendum date on the continued existence of the Fremetian monarchy as the same period Fremetians will go to the polls to vote for commission candidates. As national election days in Fremet are a 2 day process, the referendum will run from the 13th of February to the 14th of February 2021 (Gregorian Calendar).

As per usual, we have included the standard explainer for our international readers (with some adjustments):

The term Plukkedag (litterally "Picking Day") is used to describe both voting days. Both are national holidays, with countless shops and businesses closed or on limited hours. Plukkedag, for federal elections is always the first Monday and Tuesday of August every four years from 1936. However, certain allowances are made for cases such as these.

The Statsrat, as provisioned in Article IV of the Fremetian Constitution, the referendum for monarch must occur on a Saturday and Sunday within 30 days of passage of the Articles of Federalisation.

As always, while businesses may be open both days, it is illegal for anyone to work both days, unless they are in the armed services (they vote by mail). Starting at 09h00 FST, the Samlere (the "collectors") will begin making their rounds accross the country, up and down each and every residential street in Fremet, collecting ballots from every home where Fremetian citizens may live. At noon Fremetian Standard Time, the Samlere will have finished their routes, and the voter lists will be turned over to polling stations, the Valgurnene, to allow them to open at 12h30 FST.

Those persons who were either unable or unwilling to vote in the initial collection will then be able to vote at their local polling location, which is mandated to be no more than 1,5 km from their place of residence (exceptions are granted on a case by case basis, and the MoT must then provide adequate transportation on demand to the assigned polling location). The Valgurnene will remain open until 12h30 FST the following day. From 09h00 FST to 12h00 FST on Sunday , no non-essential business or service is permitted to be open. At the conclusion of the voting process, votes are counted and certified at each precinct. Votes have until Friday to be certified or the election risks being declared disrupted, necessitating a recount and possible redo of votes.

Early polling indicates strong support across the Kingdom for the abolition of the monarchy, which would trigger a new National Conclave and the appointment of an interim Chancellor. The High Council (the body that represents the ten provinces of Fremet) would be responsible for appointing the new interim head of state.

This referendum, held just four years into the reign of Gustaf III— and four years after the referendum that saw him accede the throne in 2016— is the third such referendum held in Fremetian history. With support across the spectrum in the Staatsrat— the Articles passed 290 - 97 —the dawn of a new republic may be imminent.

Upon the passage of the Articles of Federalisation, Erna Solberg issued a statement to the Staatsrat:
"The National Conclave of 1935 set out with the distinct idea of using the monarchy to unify a broken and battered nation with little institutions. Over the last century, we have rebuilt our island with concrete, ennumerated powers and institutions that have survived one crises after the next. The time of monarchy is over. We are not calling for revolution, but a peaceful end to an institution that has contributed so much to our island. Let us end this on a high note, with broad support, and the consent of His Majesty, so that we may truly live up to the egalitarian ideals upon which this nation was established and to which we ascribe."

Election Night Special: Part Three

Bundesnachrichtensender
Trondheim, Trøndelag
23h48 FST 4 August 2020

KS: Good evening and welcome back to Decision 2020 here on SR1.

SR ELECTION THEME PLAYS

KS: The last precinct has finished reporting its count, and we have received official permission from the Federal Election Commission to release the official results of the count:

KS: ERNA SOLBERG of the Sosialistpartiet will be Fremet’s next Statsminister in a landslide election victory. This is the first time since the 1940 Federal Elections that a party has secured a sole majority in the Staatsrat. As such, Ms Solberg will be unfettered by a coalition government, and Fremet will not be lead by a coalition for the first time in 70 years. This is truly a massive victory in this historic election.

Madeleine Hoffstad, here with us tonight, has followed the Socialist Party campaign closely. Ms Hoffstad, what’s behind this historic moment?

MH: Karl, this was a truly perfect coalescence of events that propelled Ms Solberg and the Socialist Party to victory.

Just look at the turnout— 92.36% of listed voters —Fremetian election turnout is always high, generally hovering in the mid 80s (85.6% in 2016), but a 92.36% turnout is record-breaking. We last saw a voter turnout break the 90% mark in the 1994 General Election, the first full cycle following the fall of the UNSR.

It wasn’t just turnout— the Socialists picked up an additional 17 constituency seats, taking them to a total of 34 constituency seats. In 14 of these constituencies, the Socialists secured the seat within the first preference of voting. The rest were all secured within the second and third preference. Compare that to the Liberal Democrats, wherein only 7 of their 32 constituency seats were secured within the first preference. This share remains a key indicator in the likely outcome of an election.

A number of external factors also contributed to the Socialist win. The ongoing crisis in Icholasen likely fueled turnout, as the nation literally almost went to nuclear war last week. Combine that with general instability on the continent and nations from elsewhere in the region deeply vesting themselves in the continually unfolding Icholasen Crisis, and Fremetians sought out a strong leader that would not only fight tirelessly for reform here at home, but one that would stand up for Fremet abroad. Many still feel that the Von der Leyen administration’s response to the crisis in Icholasen was delayed and a bit stunted. As Nicoleizian diplomats travelled the world garnering support for their illegitimate government, our diplomatic corps sat at home and did very little.

Perhaps Ms Von der Leyen’s biggest mistake was a push for the continuation of the “status quo”, which introduces quite an interesting phenomenon: Fremetians have become so accustomed to continued, steady reform that any suggestion of halting the seemingly-unstoppable train of progress seems ludicrous to many.

Both Ms Von der Leyen and Ms Oleman had strong foreign policy positions with broad appeal across Fremet, but Ms Solberg was the only candidate that managed to merge a tough foreign policy stance with a similarly strong domestic policy position. Ms Solberg was able to shape the Socialist Party platform to not only rally the left to her side, but also to capture the valuable (and numerous) centrist bloc in Fremet, contributing to major losses from the Liberal Democrats and the Venstre.

KS: Thank you for your insight Ms Hoffstad. We now go to Johannes Riis for a look into Høyre’s performance this cycle.

JR: Thank you Karl. Høyre remains in a very difficult position, and it comes as no surprise that they took some significant losses in this election cycle. We are seeing the real effects of Fremet’s shift to the left in Høyre’s continued shrinkage over the last four years. Voters continue to move from Høyre to the Liberal Democrats and from the Liberal Democrats to the Socialist Party at an ever-increasing rate.

While the Liberal Democrats did see a noticeable loss in seats, this pales in comparison to the continued fall of Høyre and the Venstre, both of which still paying the price for their 2012-2016 coalition. Despite all of this, Nikki Oleman ran a campaign that impressed many and mitigated a lot of the damage done to her party. Ms Oleman’s strong stance against Icholasen at the debate also served to bring in the scraps of the almost-dead Fortschrittspartei and many Fremetians who felt that those in power had not acted decisively to the coup there. It is extremely likely that, should Ms Oleman not have been at the helm of Høyre this cycle, Høyre’s losses could have been much more devastating.

Speaking of the Fortschrittspartei, they barely managed to hold on to their seat in Gårdsmark, winning in the third preference with a margin of only 324 votes over the 50% mark. The party’s base, mostly octogenarians, nonagenarians, and centenarian that never quite forgave Icholasen (and Europe) for the first occupation, continues to shrink as it struggles to find new members with policies that 78% of Fremetians labelled as ‘outdated’ in a 2019 poll taken by Der Trondheimer.

Both the and the Rødt failed to reach the 0.3% proportional vote margin to gain additional seats in the Staatsrat.

KS: Thank you Mr Riis. We go now to Trondheim, where Ms Solberg is about to deliver her victory address to the nation…

Camera Cuts to Erna Standing at a Podium

The Nordstrand
Trondheim, Trøndelag
23h58 FST 4 August 2020

Erna stepped inside from giving her victory speech outside. She looked around the room: her friends, family, and colleagues had all gathered in her home to watch tonight’s results.

“Thank you all— I couldn’t have done this without the help of each and every one of you. There is still work to be done, but first: who’s thirsty?

Erna pulled out an absolutely ridiculously massive 8 litre bottle of Gallois champagne, and after some minor difficulty, opened it and overfilled everyone’s glasses.

The Nordstrand
Trondheim, Trøndelag
07h35 FST 10 August 2020

Erna was absolutely floored. She had spent the rest of the weekend pouring over the countless binders that filled the shelves of her home. Today was the first day of the rest of her life. She was to be the Statsminister of the Kingdom of Fremet. Even saying it out loud filled her with an unsettling mix of fear and excitement. Today’s agenda was long, but Erna was ready for it. She gave her beloved feline, Sir Cuddles, a snuggle before walking out the door.

As Erna got into her car, she realised that this may be the last time she actually drives herself somewhere for the next 4 years. As she weaved her way through Trondheim’s morning bustle, she jammed to some of her favourite tunes, including the Inimican EuroVoice hit “It’s Raining Men.” As Erna neared the Staatsrat building, she noticed the crowds of people already packing into Republic Square to watch the inauguration.

She passed through the barricades that had been set up by the Statspoliti and went to park in one of the Staatsrat’s subterranean parking garages. As she pulled in, she noticed Jermias Corbychov in stepping out of his camper van. He was supposed to be getting a co-op flat in the south of the city, but maybe he enjoyed the camper life? He had always had a screw or two loose anyways, Erna thought to herself. She pulled into her assigned parking space and was greeted by 4 members of the Statspoliti, who promptly guided her to upstairs to the great hall of the Staatsrat, where countless aides, party officials, and civil servants rushed about, preparing for the upcoming session of the Staatsrat.

As she was making the final touches to her speech, Erik approached her. “Erna, we are all so very proud of you. You have managed to do what too many thought was impossible. You have proven that Fremet has a future, and you’ve given renewed hope to millions.”

“Thank you Erik. You and I both know it wasn’t just me. You, Michel, mother, Hans, Skei— even the interns —we did this together.”

“You are right. Is your speech ready?”

“As ready as it is going to be.” Erna said as she closed her coloured binder.

An aide approached them “Ms Solberg, it is time.”

Erik turned to her as Erna walked towards the door to the podium, “Seize the time, Erna. Live now. Make now always the most precious time. Now will never come again.”

CLOSURE OF JOINT BASE INQUISTA

In light of recent changes to Fremetian military operations and interests on the continent, the Forsvarsdepartement (at the direction of the High Council) has elected to close the Fremetian tri-service base in Inquista.

As Fremet's largest single overseas installation supporting thousands of servicemembers and their families in Fremet's air, army, and naval forces, the closure will be phased in over the course of the year.

The Fremetian Mediterranean Fleet, currently based out of JBI, will be merged with the 4th Fleet, based out of Rhodenheim. Fremetian naval activity in the Black Sea will be dialed back progressively as the base closure moves forward. The transfer of task force and fleet operations to the 4th Fleet will be effective 31 March 2022.

Air Force squadrons stationed at JBI will be transferred to operations facilities in Vayinaod. Transfer of operations will be completed on 30 April 2022.

Army operations at JBI will be phased out progressively, with Army Southern Command being transferred to Fort Eze by 15 April 2022. Army personnel will remain to assist the Fremetiansk Statssikkerhet in the evacuation of all Fremetian property and materiel out of the facility.

Operations at the base will cease entirely on 30 May 2022, at which time the FSS and FD will conduct land clearance and obstacle removal at the site to prepare it for real estate development.

At noon local time on 25 December 2022, JBI will be transferred back to the control of the government of Inquista.

We thank the Inquistan people for supporting and hosting us in our endeavors in our time at JBI and hope to continue our productive working relationship moving forward. JBI has been an invaluable asset to the Republic, and the generosity of the Inquistan people in allowing us to construct a facility in their homeland will not be forgotten.

The time has come for Fremet to end the chapter of entangling itself in the workings of the Black Sea.

Whoopi Gaarder
Staatsoberhaupt of the Republic of Fremet
Jurgen Stark
Fremesker Forsvarsdepartement

FROM THE EUROPEAN COURT OF JUSTICE
EUROPOLIS
2020-09-16

JULIAN MELGAR ex rel KINGDOM OF SPAIN v. GEORGE MONTREAL ex rel KINGDOM OF REITZMAG

On the Case of Original Jurisdiction filed by the CLAIMANT, the Kingdom of Spain.

CONCURRING:
Andreas EKKA
Anne GRUWEZ

DISSENTING:
NONE

RECUSED:
Luis López GUERRA

Chief Justice Ekka delivering the opinion of the court.

The Kingdom of Reitzmag, represented by the individual George Montreal, entered an agreement with the UNSR for recognition of said government in exchange for provisions to replace a naval asset lost in conflict pursuant to the Nyetthem Accords, an international treaty. The CLAIMANT presented that the actions of the individual George Montreal taken on behalf of the Kingdom of Reitzmag

The Court has concluded that, though the signing of the Nyetthem Accords preceded the Condemnation of the Coup in Icholasen Act, the Reitzmic Government and its associated entities knowingly and willingly disobeyed European Law for political, economic, and personal gain.

The Court draws attention to Section 2, Paragraph 1 of the Condemnation of the Coup in Icholasen act, stating,

“Effectively immediately, any and all military trade agreements between EU member states and Icholasen are hereby suspended and banned until such time as the legitimate government as Icholasen is restored.”

This act SUSPENDS and BANS any and all military trade agreements with the UNSR, and thus the bilateral military trade agreement between the Kingdom of Reitzmag and the UNSR as provisioned in the Nyetthem Accords was thus suspended. Therefore, any effort to fulfill the named provisions taken by the Kingdom of Reitzmag or individuals acting on behalf of entities named would be in violation of European Law.

Thus, the actions taken by the Reitzmic government in accepting funds for the loss of naval hardware in lieu of replacements for said hardware pursuant to the Nyetthem Accords following the passage of the Condemnation of the Coup in Icholasen Act were in direct violation of European Law.

However, this court will not rule that the actions taken by the Reitzmic government in returning said funds were in violation of European Law. The return of funds was demanded by the UNSR after the Reitzmic government failed to uphold provisions in the treaty requiring them to recognise the UNSR. Thus, the return of funds was an action taken as restitution for the violation of a bilateral diplomatic agreement with a sufficient degree of separation from the initial agreement and thus not effecting or operating in lieu of the exchange of military hardware.

Regarding the kidnapping of Mr Bernie Sanders, the Reitzmic Prime Minister and Reitzmic Foreign Minister at the time were both operating in their positions within the Reitzmic government and were thus representing and acting on behalf of the entity the government of the Kingdom of Reitzmag. Both parties share liability in their actions. The open negotiations for military hardware from the UNSR, while not a violation of the law, establishes a pattern of behaviour in the Kingdom of Reitzmag that ignores the spirit of European Legislation in favour of opportunistic exchanges.

AS SUCH, this court rules in favour of the CLAIMANT. The actions taken by the Reitzmic government following the passage of the Condemnation of the Coup in Icholasen act ignoring the suspension of military trade agreements was a violation of European Law. This Court recognises that the Reitzmic Government was required to return the monies transferred that that the members of government have since been removed.

This Court thus ORDERS that the Kingdom of Reitzmag pay a fine of 500 000 000 € to the European Union and an additional 150 000 000 € to the Global Alliance Against Human Trafficking. This court also ORDERS that any remaining ‘suspended’ military or trade agreements, as defined in the Condemnation of the Coup in Icholasen Act, between the UNSR and Reitzmag be cancelled.

IN ADDITION, this court finds that the individual GEORGE MONTREAL was an accomplice in his actions taken pursuant to the Reitzmic provisions in the Nyetthem Accords to facilitate the exchange of military assets or a large sum in lieu thereof. As such, GEORGE MONTREAL is thus fined 5 000 000 € for contempt of European Law pursuant to the facilitation of violation of European Law by an entity directly devolved and named above.

REFERENCES:

CONDEMNATION OF THE COUP OF THE LEGITIMATE GOVERNMENT OF ICHOLASEN

PREAMBLE
The European Union has committed to the Principles of Democracy, Rule of Law, and Human Rights. The recent actions taken by a cabal of communist sympathizing officers in the Nicoleizian Armed Forces are an affront to those principles. The European Union will attempt to support peaceful and diplomatic solutions to this crisis to the best of its ability

SECTION 1: DECLARATIONS

The European Union shall only recognize the democratically elected government of the United Dominions of Icholasen under Queen Anastasia II and Prime Minister Eilidh Whiteford as the legitimate government of Icholasen.
The European Union officially condemns the actions by the cabal of military officers, and will not support their illegitimate government known as the United Nicoleizian Socialist Republics in any capacity.
Only the United Dominions of Icholasen shall be recognized in the European Council for the purposes of representation.
SECTION 2: SANCTIONS IMPOSED ON THE ILLEGITIMATE GOVERNMENT

Effectively immediately, any and all military trade agreements between EU member states and Icholasen are hereby suspended and banned until such time as the legitimate government as Icholasen is restored.
The ENAA license for limited nuclear warheads is hereby revoked until such time as the legitimate government of Icholasen holds proper authority and stability over its nation. There will be a one month period to turn over the nuclear weapons and shut down of all nuclear weapons production.
All luxury goods traded between the Icholasen and European Union member states are hereby embargoed until further notice.

Candidate Name: Angela Merkel
Home Nation: Kingdom of Fremet
Office(s) sought: Premier Commissioner
Incumbent? (Y/N): N
Eurogroup Affiliation: EPA

Biography:
Born in 1955 in a fishing village in the suburbs of Nordhavn, Angela's father, the Commandant for Helmsdorf in the Staatspoliti, would be assassinated by Nicoleizian agents in 1963. Angela and her mother would then move to Fjellmark, where she lived with her mother until leaving for the Universitet i Trondheim in 1973. Angela would stay at the university until, in 1981, having earned a PhD in Theoretical Mathematics, she would go to work at the National Particle Physics Laboratory in Rhodenheim. Angela would go into politics at the dissolution of the Third Republic with her appointment as Deputy Minister of Science and Research in 1988. She would serve as Minister of Science and Research from 1992 to 1996, when she ran on the party list for the Liberal Democrats. Angela quickly became a rising star in the Fremetian Staatsrat, helping to push through legislation that would open Fremet's borders to the newly formed Nine Dominions of Icholasen. Angela would win the leadership of the Liberal Democrats in 2000, where she would lead the party to one of its most significant gains in its history. She would serve as Statsminister from 2000 to 2008 in Coalition with the Socialist Party (led by Erik Johansen) and formed a coalition government with Charles Michel, then head of the Venstre Party, from 2008 until 2012. Upon Charles' retirement from the Venstre in 2012, Merkel would lose the LD-Venstre coalition to Nikki Oleman, who served as Statsminister from 2012 to 2016 in coalition with the Venstre. Merkel would make a return to the Statsministership in 2016 with the Golden Coalition, a rekindled landmark agreement between the Liberal Democrat and Socialist Parties. Angela would retire from the Staatsrat in 2017 in order to address certain 'personal concerns', naming Ursula von der Leyen as her successor.

Since her retirement from the Statsministership, Angela has traveled promoting Fremet and participating in humanitarian efforts across the globe.

During her 13 year tenure as Statsminister of Fremet, Angela passed through a series of sweeping reforms that would strengthen Fremet's domestic and international position. She spearheaded the passage of legislation that would require businesses to pay a carbon tax on excess emissions in 2003, and greatly increased funding to the sciences and education in Fremet. Angela would go on to invest billions of Francs into numerous fields of scientific research, a policy still in place today. Angela is also credited with the reformation of the Fremetian education system, allowing for a more streamlined process of admission and aid to all students of merit.

13 February 2021
Trondheim, TG, Fremet

Above, a woman ice skating on Trondheimfjord as the skies cleared briefly Saturday, a classic Trondheimmer Winter Pasttime

Fremetians Go to the Polls as Winter Storm Bears Down on Northern Fremet

The Fremesker Værservice has issued weather advisories for the entire island of Fremet as Winter Storm Jævla Kald bears down on Fremet into this weekend. Adding to an already windy winter, there has been registered snowfall in every municipality in Fremet for the first time in 35 years. Due to high winds in excess of 120 kph, the FVS has issued winter weather and blizzard advisories for much of the Fremetian North. Over Friday night, the Fremetian capital Trondheim saw 58 cm of snowfall, and is projected to receive another 80 cm of snowfall through Tuesday as nighttime lows continue to drop to the -40s C. While temperatures and snowfall averages are expected to remain within February averages in the Northern Provinces, the primary concerns are high winds and associated wind chill and snow blindness. The MoT began full ice mitigation and snow transfer operations Wednesday and expects to keep major roadways and rail lines open.

The light rail in Helmsdorf was closed for six hours today as workers repaired track heating systems. Similar issues with track heating systems occurred on the East Coast Mainline. Trains were able to divert onto freight track through Fjellmark.

Winds gusting over 160 kph in Ostgrenze and Nordland prompted Blizzard Warnings from the FVS as the high winds knocked down trees and power lines across the two provinces. FG&E reports that 8,500 households are without electricity in Ostgrenze and 4,000 households without power in Nordland. Gas supplies and municipal steam systems have not been affected.

The Port of Trondheim closed its outer terminal as the Trondheimfjord froze over as far out as Vestlander Point. The inner terminal in Trøndelag has been closed since November, as usual, due to the inner parts of the fjord freezing over. The Port of Helmsdorf, Port of Nordhavn, NordPort, the Port of Flachesfeld, and the Port of Halvøya have closed due to high winds (all forecasted in excess of 140 kph). Traffic has been diverted to the Port of Rhodenheim, the Port of Èze, and Sydgård-Eastport, all of which are forecasted more mild temperatures and wind conditions and have added facilities to safely handle cargo in the high winds endemic to the South. The Port of Trondheim is set to reopen Sunday after Coast Guard Icebreakers clear the ice from the entrance to the fjord.

Over the weekend, the highest forecasted temperature, in Rhodenheim, is -8 C, and the lowest, in Nordhavn, is -60 C. Election officials in the ten provinces are prepared to continue ballot collection and the effects of the storm on turnout and reporting time are expected to be negligible; this is the 6th Commission election held under such conditions. Some have spoken out over seeking compensation from the EU for being forced to hold elections in the dead of winter, but when asked, the Federal Election Commission Spokesperson simply replied, "Winter is part of who we are. Would you compensate a Duxburian for voting in the dead of summer?"

FVS Warning Map:
(Note, while all areas of Fremet are projected to receive snowfall, the warnings issued are to indicate areas where individual conditions pose an irregular risk to life and property. Winter Weather Warnings indicate dense snowfall and winds lowering chill factor significantly, Blizzard Warnings indicate dense snowfall and deadly winds and wind chill, Winter Storm Advisories indicate dense snowfall, and Wind Advisories imply high (albeit not life threatening) winds.)

VALGURNENE CLOSE; EXIT POLLS RELEASED

Bundesnachrichtensender
Trondheim, Trøndelag
12h31 FST 4 August 2020

Camera pans across newsroom to news anchor, sitting at a desk with Trondheim's skyline behind him

KS: Good afternoon and welcome to SR1's Decision 2020 live from Federal Broadcasting House here in Trondheim.

SR ELECTION THEME PLAYS

KS: Thank you for joining us, my name is Karl Schmidt, lead anchor for SR's election reporting. The Valgurnene have just closed moments ago and Plukkedag is officially over, which means that we can finally release our exit polls to you.

Camera Cuts to SR's Exit Poll on Screen

KS: As you can see, our exit poll points very much to another hung Staatsrat. Fremet has not had a party with a majority in parliament since the Venstre's landslide 1940 election win. Other national polls point to much of the same. It seems that Ms Solberg will have to seek out a coalition after all.

Camera Cuts to Detailed Polling Data

KS: I imagine Ms Solberg is hoping for results more akin to the Der Trondheimer poll. I have no doubt that a coalition with the Venstre would be much more palatable than one with Ms Von der Leyen or Ms Oleman. She won't have that much time to work things out, however, with a mere 7 days to reach a coalition agreement before the duty then falls to the Liberal Democrats, with the second-most seats in the Staatsrat. Current Statsminister Ursula von der Leyen has already indicated that, should this occur, she would seek to form a new coalition government with Høyre. Lots of information still to come throughout the day as precincts begin reporting in their results. We'll come back to you again after the weather and your local news.

Broadcast cuts to weather centre

Special Edition: Veritas, Justitia, Libertas

PART TWO

Trondheim, Fremet
20 April 2021

Above: Staatsoberhaupt Gaarder speaking to Fremetians on the steps of the Bundestag after being sworn in as the new Staatsoberhaupt of the Republic

A New Head of State

The High Council, made up of the provincial constituency delegations from the Staatsrat and the appointed representatives of respective Provincial Councils, met immediately after the Speaker closed the session and moved to appoint the new Head of State to serve as interim President of the Republic.

After two hours of debate, one candidate eventually achieved a unanimous vote from the 101 members of the High Council, leading Whoopi Gaarder of Norrland to be declared the First Staatsoberhaupt of the Fourth Republic of Fremet.

Staatsoberhaupt Gaarder was sworn in on the steps of the Bundestag at Noon FST, 20 April 2021.

As stipulated in Article III of the Constitution of Fremet, the Staatsoberhaupt was sworn in by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Fremet. Gaarder used the official copy of the 1935 Constitution that was given to Norrland upon their ratification of the document. She placed her right hand upon the Constitution and raised her left to deliver the oath:

"By my honour and by my concience,

I, Whoopi Gaarder, do solemly swear:

That, in order to be selected Staatsoberhaupt of Fremet, I have not promised or given, directly or indirectly, any promises, gifts, or favour to any person under whatsoever name or pretext,

That, in order to do or refrain from doing anything whatsoever as Staatsoberhaupt, I have not accepted and will not accept, directly or indirectly, any promises, gifts, or favour from anyone whomsoever,

That I will preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of Fremet against all enemies, foreign and domestic,

That I will bear true, concientious faith, allegiance, and adherence to the same,

That I take this obligation freely, without any reservation or purpose of evasion,

and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the Office of Staatsoberhaupt of Fremet.

This I swear by my honour and by my concience in service of the people of Fremet."

The inauguration was observed by thousands of citizens in Trondheim's Central Square along with millions of Fremetians by radio, television, and otherwise. Whoopi's inaugural address was broadcast across Fremet and the European Union:

"My fellow Fremetians,

We have achieved something few in history have ever done: the peaceful dissolution of a monarchy and transition to a republic. This not only speaks to the strength of our institutions, but also our allegiance to them. Fremet is not merely an island, a race, or single culture. Our nation has survived decades of occupation, a century of fear, and horrific tragedy time and again. In all of that, we have been forged. In that great forge of history, we have been made into a country that protects the weak and seeks the betterment of all of its citizens. We have been lucky. In what should have destroyed our society, our culture, our spirit, our institutions, these things that give us our very grasp on reality only grew stronger.

Our institutions today remain strong. The state of the Union of Provinces formed in some shack in Fjellmark two centuries ago remains strong. We have cast off the chains of monarchy. We have proven that the idea of Fremetian democracy does not need some thoughtless figurehead to remain real. We have realised a chief goal of an egalitarian society that has alluded us for so long: that everyone, no matter their birthright, race, politics, creed, religion or lack thereof, sexual orientation— everyone— is equal under the law.

And so, we must look forward. We are all equal under the law, but what of society? If we are responsible for our actions who is responsible for our circumstance? If inequity is inevitable, must we fight against it? My fellow Fremetians, we must. For it is in the fight that we prove our ideals. It is in the fight that we grow into a better country. It is in the fight that we grow into a better society. It is in the fight that we grow into a better people.

We have always lived in tumultuous times, and the fires on our doorstep today are not merely just the crisis of the week, but the heat of the forge. This past year has proven that our metal will be tested every single day. We have been, are, and will continue to be ready.

Once again I ask, if crisis is inevitable, must we fight against it? Of course we must. What kind of people would we be if we traded our ideals— our identity— and withdrew into relative obscurity. We must fight tooth and nail in defence of every inch of ground. There is no security— there is only opportunity.

But 'Whoopi,' you may ask, 'at what point do we stop fighting?' — My dear, we stop fighting for the same reasons why we fight. When our principles— our ideals— are lost in the fight, what in truth is the point in fighting? Money is temporary and power moves with the tides. Throughout our history, only our ideals have survived the tumults of time. Only our institutions built upon those ideals have survived. When we keep fighting for the sake of it, we lose sight of the fight, we lose sight of ourselves, and we lose sight of why we fight. We must not let that happen.

As such, in my first official act as Staatsoberhaupt, I will be extending a hand across the Emerald Sea to our long-time enemy in Icholasen. Regardless of what has happened in the past, we must not let sins of the father to be laid upon the children.

Mr Sanders, both of our peoples have suffered too much for too long under the squabbles of two states nearing ever closer to disaster. If you, Mr Sanders, so claim that this UNSR is different from the empire of old, I want you to prove as much to the world. Prove it to the people of Fremet. Prove it to me. Come here and see for yourself the camps, the poisoned fields still unable to bear crops, the survivors and descendants of the tragedy that was brought upon us. Do what you must to reconcile with my people for the horrors wrought by the empire of the old, and we will do what we must to move past them.

I'm not asking for a trade agreement or an alliance of any sorts. I'm asking for communication. Dialogue. I'm asking to start the process of healing wounds a century old.

My fellow Fremetians, hear this: we mustn't lose sight, we musn't lose perspective. The government supplanted by the UNSR made no efforts to reconcile with us, instead choosing to distance themselves from the past and bury it. If this new regime is willing to hear us, why shouldn't we speak out?

Whatever happens, the forge continues its work, and we continue to grow in strength and number. We have a bright future ahead of all of us, and it is such an honour to be entrusted with this great duty by the representatives of my people.

Keep fighting, but do not lose sight of what we are fighting for.

Thank you. Long live the Republic."

It had been nearly 3 years since Gustaf's last visit to Inimicus. He looked out of the window as the government jet began its descent into the Inimican capital, and everything was just as he'd remembered it, the dark and dreary outer fringes of the city gave way to Telum's shining city centre.

He turned to his wife, Queen Silvia, and spoke, "I still have a crush on him you know. Ever since that glorious day oh so many years ago...." His voice trailed off as he thought back to one of his boyhood trips to Europolis, a rather steamy YMCA locker room, and Arty's strong figure when his wife interrupted his nostalgia trip.

"He's already broken your heart once Gustie. But if you think it is worth the risk, I won't have a problem as long as you let me watch." Her hand trailed down to {CENSORED} and {CENSORED}. An aide that had been preparing them a quick serving of coffee before arrival approached but Queen Silvia continued. She enjoyed the sight of the aide trying to avert their eyes as he carefully lowered the tray onto the royal couple's table.

After being married for more than 30 years, Fremet's royals liked to keep things spicy.

... Some time later ...

The Royal Couple arrived at the banquet hall, greeting Artabanos at the door. As Silvia made her way off to speak with the Inquistan Archbishop (she wanted all the latest tea on Bridge's affair with the Spainish PM), Gustaf turned to Artabanos, "It is good to see you again Arty, we were all so very worried for you. I'm glad you seem to be doing well. If you want to mingle a bit later, you'll find me next to wherever they keep the vodka in this damned place." Gustaf winked at him and went on his way.

Nikki was pleased government policy required that she fly separate from the royal family. She only barely tolerated them. In her time as Statsminister, she had developed a close relationship with Gustaf, and found him to be a good man. However, the institution of monarchy itself was outdated in her mind. Regardless, at least Fremet's priorities were straight: she would be arriving in the bigger plane.

As she walked down from the aircraft and was whisked away through Telum to the banquet, Nikki received her first taste of Inimicus. Likenesses of the Emperor were spread throughout the city, though they appeared to be displayed by private citizens. As with all things in Inimicus, however, there is little truth in that which is presented to you. You have to dig— and Nikki knew from personal experience that Artabanos does not appreciate prying. She had met the man in 2016, the sunset years of the height of her political career. She had seen the intelligence reports from the attack on Artabanos. Nikki wouldn't put it past the shadowy Emperor for him to have orchestrated this whole ordeal. The Iron Table agreed with Nikki's assessment, which is part of the reason they sent her here in lieu of Erna. Questionable motives aside, this event is a nevertheless important one as not often do such large and powerful groups of people coalesce in such an open manner.

Her car, a standard Fremetian Volkswagen Passat (black) modified for VIP transit, arrived at the banquet hall. She alighted from the vehicle and walked inside, greeting Artabanos at the door. "Your Imperial Majesty, it is a pleasure to see you again in such good health. I'm looking forward to what is sure to be an event to write home about."

Inimicus is uniquely positioned to be a valuable partner for Fremet in the coming years, but is such an endeavour worth the risk? Nikki was here to find out, and find out she will.

Weekly Bulletin

Tuesday 1 March 2022
TRONDHEIM

Above: Erna speaking at a session of the Staatsrat on Monday.

Labour Reform in the Spotlight

TRONDHEIM— The Solberg Administration and CUBI agreed on a compromise today that settles the labour reform debate (for now). Both have agreed to allow the independent National Labour Commission to conduct a series of major studies over the coming months into the merits of various programs. The NLC, one of the Fremetian government's anonymous think-tanks, developed major portions of the existing program in the 1990s and early 2000s to great success.

Nikki Oleman reiterated in the Staatsrat on Friday: "We must collect more data. We must consider the broader consequences of these programmes and implement them to the best of our ability, unadulterated. Evidence-based policy making has always been the Fremetian way and we must ensure that it always remains as such. Charging forward with untested, unproven social programmes is reckless and puts the existing social safety net at risk."

The NLC will present its findings to a joint session of the Staatsrat and High Council on 1 August 2022.

Though concerns from more minor politicians in Fremet abounded over what is effectively kicking a can down the road, Erna Solberg silenced criticism of inaction in a statement to the press today: "By allowing the NLC time to problem solve, free from the scrutiny of the press and political ambition, we can find a proactive, effective, and holistic long-term solution that isn't gutted by partisan politics, implemented with the goal of failure, or a target for future opposition politicians to attack. The decision to call upon the NLC was unanimous in the Staatsrat, and we will all consider the findings of the Commission. Through, as my colleague calls it, 'evidence-based policymaking' we can develop programs that will deliver for Fremet and Fremetians well into the future. We all want what is best for Fremet— we all want our people to thrive. No person should suffer homelessness or hunger due to loss of employment, and it is our duty as a society to do all we can to prevent the mental illness and socioeconomic conditions that lead to these forms of suffering.

Our community— our country— prospers together or it does not prosper at all."

Above, a TD Inquista Trust branch in Saint Dominico

Financial Sector Makes Selective Retreat from Continental Markets

RHODENHEIM— Citing significant exposure to unstable markets, Fremetian megabanks Nordbank and Trondheim-Dominion are pulling operations in Spain, the United Duchies, and Reitzmag. FremetiaBank (and its Bank of Copala City subsidiary) exited institutional banking operations in Spain and Inimicus.

Trondheim-Dominion's Inquistan operations, TD Inquista Trust, increased its provisions for loan losses to ₣5 bn, citing a massive ₣35 bn exposure to trade through the so-called Spanish straights, a potential flash point for economic and physical combat.

TD-D (TD Duxburia) wrote off a ₣362 million loss in trading on Duxburian exchanges as markets tumbled amidst protests over EU legislation. Nordbank and RBF's investment divisions increased their exposure to Duxburian markets, buying the dip.

Compensating for decreasing domestic deposits and losses from failed BCC expansions, FremetiaBank doubled down on recent investments into operations in Angleter and is rumoured to be gearing up for a major push into the Australian financial sector. FremetiaBank has increased its cash reserves considerably since Q4-2021 and has yet to announce what it intends to do with them.

RBF sold 600 branches including deposits in Fremet to Handelsbank for ₣70 billion. RBF used its cash injection to increase exposure to Duxburian markets and to expand its wealth management and private banking divisions.

RBF purchased 7 Duchies Bank from FremetiaBank, in a stock swap valued at ₣200 bn, plus an additional ₣90 bn in cash. RBF will return its large ownership stake in FremetiaBank in exchange for full control over 7 Duchies Bank.

Of the 5 major Fremetian banks, 4 will cease to have branch, investment, and institutional banking operations in Spain, the UD, Reitzmag, Inimicus, and Strathae by Q3 of 2022. RBF has maintained its operations in all named countries.

Nordbank announced a ₣19 bn investment in expanding its operations in Vayinaod, extending its branch footprint and institutional banking services to a significant portion of the population.

Fremetian banks have struggled to expand beyond core markets such as the DU, Fremet, Angleter, Vayinaod, and Inquista. Though this can be attributed to the risk aversion of these institutions, it also embodies the instability of European economics and politics. Fremetian banks have relied on domestic deposits at times to bolster their operations overseas— however, the 2013 and 1998 recessions taught these institutions and Fremetian regulators that international operations are critical for a country suffering from the after effects of decades of economic isolation and capital starvation.

Above: Port of Flachesfeld, Fremet's gateway to Icholasen

Return of Limited Travel Between Icholasen and Fremet

TRONDHEIM-- In conjunction with the ongoing summit between Whoopi Gaarder and Bernie Sanders, the AA and FSS have both announced a resumption of travel between the Republic and the UNSR. Limited visas will be issued for press, special events, education, and the transit industry issued on a case-by-case basis.

While met with generally widespread support in both the Staatsrat and the general public, Ursula von der Leyen, long a champion of travel restrictions with the UNSR, warned of national security risks inherent in easing travel. "We are reversing policy that took over a year to build and spread throughout Europe, and this reversal only serves to normalize the UNSR in the eyes of Europe."

Erna Solberg, when questioned in the Staatsrat, responded, "Madam Von der Leyen, if the intelligence services of the UNSR or any other foreign power wish to violate our borders, they will do so. That is why it is so very critical for our intelligence services in Fremet to be ever vigilent. Invalidating the passports and travel privileges of a single country and its people will do nothing to prevent Nicoleizian security services from gaining entry to Fremet. Preventing travel only serves to hurt those law-abiding citizens that could actually benefit from travelling between our two countries.

The UNSR has long been normalized. The Nine Dominions are not coming back. We must accept that. We must respect that the UNSR has made more overtures towards peace and reconciliation with this Republic in two years than the Nine Dominions did in nearly thirty.

We are moving into a new era of detente, and to do so we must balance vigilance with respect."

Above & Right: Anita Poehler, AA Commissioner, announcing the move on National Public Radio yesterday.

Trade & Travel Restrictions With Istkalen Lifted

TRONDHEIM— The High Council of the Republic rescinded travel and trade restrictions with Istkalen on Monday. Travel to the country has been moved into Risk Category C (Advised Against) with the likes of the United Duchies, Spain, Europolis, etc. Travel visas will still be required, but visa requirements will return to the base restrictions applied to Category C countries.

Trade restrictions have ended and policies have returned to standard protocols set out in Fremetian law and by the Bureau of Trade.

AA Commissioner Anita Poehler framed the move as a part of Fremet's cautious acknowledgement of recent improvements to stability in Istkalen and the continent as a whole.
She commented:

"We seek to work from a place of trust— but such trust must be earned. For now, the High Council has directed the AA to move ahead with a cautious optimism. Fremet may have closed many doors this past year, but we can open them as well— and this is an excellent opportunity to open the door to a country that we see immense potential in. These measures were put in place to protect Fremet and Fremetians from harm and to prevent rogue states from benefiting from our contact.

The Istkalener respect for collective ownership, the individual responsibility to society, and a broad rejection of western religious doctrine are commonalities we share— commonalities that are exceedingly rare in continental Europe. Any suggestion that the people of Istkalen or any people should be denied entry to Fremet on grounds of nationality is unacceptable.

The AA still advises against travel to Istkalen for the preservation of personal safety— but we have extended such advice to half of the European Union. Fremetians have proven themselves to be vigilant and adaptable at home, and this must be extended abroad— both at the individual and policy levels."

((OOC: For all intents and purposes, the events in this thread happen AFTER Lekornmeiluz (The Ruthenish Candle Festival), which ends 22 April 2021.))

Forsetahús
Trondheim, TG
23 April 2021

Whoopi had just gotten back into her office from a delightful trip to Ruthund. She put on her regular Spotify playlist and sat down to get some work done. It felt odd thinking that this desk belonged to Fremet's ousted monarch mere days before. On the plane back, she had signed the papers officially renaming Trondheimslott to Forsetahús— the monarchy slowly but surely being rooted out of Fremetian politics and society.

Her music was interrupted by a message from her Chief of Staff: Bernie Sanders had accepted her invitation for a summit.

It was time. Even if Whoopi lost the election in August, she would not allow this "interim" period be one of stagnation. There was far too much to do to waste any time. She sent a message to the AA Secretariat to activate Operation Sofa, the plans for a hypothetical meeting between the Head of State and the leader of the UNSR.

Tronderlag-Merkel Air Force Base
Ski, TG
23 April 2021

Whoopi waited at Tronderlag-Merkel Air Force Base for the arrival of the Korojaunu. An honour guard lined the tarmac, and a large crowd had gathered to see the man behind the Red Beast across the sea.

So much rode upon this meeting, and the tension and silence in the air was so immense that the sounds of birds singing in nearby trees pierced through those that had gathered.

All was ready. Whoopi stood near the car awaiting the arrival of her counterpart.

Helmsdorf — 3 March 2022 — LATE EDITION

Above: Police Stand Outside the Royal's Home in Helmsdorf After the Nighttime Raid

Former King Gustaf, Queen Sylvia Renounce Fremetian Citizenship, Arrested for Fraud

After nearly a year out of the public eye, former King Gustaf and Queen Sylvia officially renounced their Fremetian citizenship. According to the Vestlandet Provincial Bulletin, the two renounced their Fremetian citizenship on Monday. No reason was cited in the record.

Tonight, the Fremesker Statspoliti arrested the ex-royals at a raid of their home in Helmsdorf.

A kunngjører was present to announce the charges:

"OYEZ OYEZ OYEZ! In the name of the people of the Commonwealth of Vestlandet and of the Republic of Fremet, the two individuals, Gustaf III der Helms and Sylvia von Syd are hereby under arrest. The warrant, issued by the Federal Court for the Central District of Vestlandet, charges the accused with the following: felonious tax evasion, attempted evasion of prosecution, unethical enrichment, exploitation of community, money laundering, criminal conspiracy to defraud the Commonwealth of Vestlandet, criminal conspiracy to defraud the government of the Republic of Fremet, and criminal conspiracy to defraud the people of the Republic of Fremet.

The accused have been informed of their charges and of their rights. The accused are to be transported to and held at Helmsdorf Central Prison. Arraignment is set for 4 March 2022 at 09h00 FST.

DISPERSE!"

The Statspoliti have a press conference scheduled tomorrow to cover the details of the arrest and of the evidence prosecutors intend to present against the former royals.

The king has not made a public appearance since he incurred a significant head injury last winter. Rumors abounded over his resentment at the changes that had been made to Fremetian governance. With approval ratings of the royals barely making it out of the single digits even during the heyday of their reign, these events do not come as a surprise to the many who have been mistrustful of the royals since accession.

Preliminary reports from the public bulletin show that as much as 23 million francs in various currencies and precious metals were seized in the home of the former royals.

As this is an ongoing story, some of the details may be subject to change. We will note any corrections made to our reporting here.

To my colleagues in the EPA:

It has been some time since I addressed you all in this manner, and it is my hope that this message will be well-received and viewed without contempt.

As many of you know, I have served in my capacity as Councilor for the Republic of Fremet for over 5 years. In that time, so much progress has been made in this Union: I have observed over a dozen premierships, voted countless times, and co-sponsored landmark legislation.

In 2016, I partnered with some of the most amazing people to ever serve on the European Council to found the European Progressive Alliance, among the most long-lasting and successful political organisations in the history of the European Union. Over our 5-year history, we evolved from mere underdogs to carving Europe’s path forward into the future.

In my years of service, Europe has changed, I have changed, and Fremet has changed— that much is obvious, but so too has the European Progressive Alliance. The skillful leadership of Councilor Poppy Romanov and Speaker Edward Firoux propelled our caucus to the height of the European Stage, passing landmark legislation that secured the natural rights of hundreds of millions of European citizens and establishing a higher bar for the European Council. That fervour, that drive that I once so valued in this caucus has diminished from its 2020 height.

We have become so bogged down in the national politick, so enthralled in concerns that really have no bearing on what I believed the EPA stood for. We have allowed nationalistic and personal squabbles to encroach on regional politics, poisoning the waters of diplomacy and international cooperation. We have once again gone into the trenches of party politics to find nothing but anger, division, and deceit.

The departure of Speaker Firoux and the apparent disappearance of Councilor Romanov have led me to a place of deep self-reflection. I find myself at odds with the leaders of the EPA in their recent policy objectives and with the voting patterns of my fellow caucus members.

Considering the absolute gutting of the Elected and Accountable Act by the Councilor from Spain, backed by members of the very political alliance that introduced it, the senseless opposition to the Ruthenish Neutrality Motion, opposition to better-defined sanctions against the UNSR, a clear lack of professionalism in considering the intricacies of European Law, inconsistencies in policy, talk of weakening the UDoHR, and a clear willingness to ignore the core tenets of the manifesto of the EPA by caucus members and the leadership, I feel alienated by my colleagues. I find myself increasingly relating more with the independent members of the Council than with those from my own Caucus.

As such, it is my duty to inform you, that I hereby RESIGN my membership in the European Progressive Alliance, effective immediately.

I wish the remaining members of the caucus all the best as they continue to take the EPA in a new direction. I look forward to working with you as Speaker, a fellow Councilor, and, hopefully, a like-minded friend.

It has taken me some time to reach this decision, and goodbyes make you think. They make you realize what you’ve had, what you’ve lost, and what you’ve taken for granted. I have had an amazing 5 years working with people that I have come to call some of my closest friends. I have taken for granted that air of support that this party does provide. However, I have lost focus on my original goals when I sat down and signed that original manifesto back in February 2016.

I am going forward alone, with renewed focus on my goals for the Council and the Union as a whole. I want to be a voice that feels unencumbered by party or personal loyalty. With my values, my ideals, and the support of my government, I hope to continue to be a voice of moderation, freedom, and sovereignty of peoples and of nations going forward.

Change is the only constant in this world. And we have all changed through the years. There comes a time when all of us must recognise that change and move forward on our new path. The time that we walked together was fruitful, and while I am sorry to go, I feel that this is the course of action that would allow me to serve in my capacity as Councilor for the Republic of Fremet to the best of my ability— for both the people of the Republic and the people of Europe.

Thank you,

Charles Michel
Council Speaker and Councilor for the Republic of Fremet, Independent

Whoopi smiled at the Korojaunu's speech and was warmed by the positive reception of his remarks by those that had gathered to witness this historic event.

She took the podium and began to speak:

"Thank you Korojaunu Sanders. I thank you for coming here. Your visit to Fremet in peace is, in itself, proof that that Empire of Old is not that which has risen across the Emerald Sea.

Regardless of what has happened in the past, we must not let sins of the father to be laid upon the children. We have an excellent opportunity here to seek real, fundamental progress towards a more peaceful and stable Europe.

The Korojaunu has come not only to see the camps, the poisoned fields still unable to bear crops, the survivors and descendants of the tragedy that was brought upon us, but to speak to us, as a people.

The Kingdom replaced by the UNSR made no efforts to reconcile with us, instead choosing to distance themselves from the past and bury it. Comrade Sanders has proven that he is willing to listen, that he is willing to take steps that must be taken to reconcile with the Fremetian people for the horrors wrought by the empire of old— we should be just as willing to move past them.

This is not some game of differing economics or social policies— this is real life that affects real people each and every day. Both of our islands have suffered enough, and at some point this cycle of mistrust, deceit, and senseless posturing must end.

Together, we can start the process of healing wounds a century old."

She took the Korojaunu's hand in hers and raised it into the air.

She turned to the cameras and mouthed one word: "Hope."

With that, they both got in the Staatsoberhaupt's vehicle and left for Upper Midtenmark, the site of one of the largest battles during the invasion. In the car, Whoopi turned to Sanders, and, in a very Fremetian way, opened with a blunt question:

"I must admit, I'm somewhat surprised that you are here. The AA has been trying to get a Korojaunu to visit Fremet since the late 1980s. It's tragic in a way— that it took such a sea change to finally make this meeting happen. I'm going to ask you something seriously— there are no recording devices in the vehicle and the driver can't hear us unless I open the divider. Your answer will change nothing about this trip, but I need to know: Why are you actually here? Is this some effort to legitimize your regime and stick it to the man? Or is this talk of reconciliation and détente genuine?"