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Candidates, thank you all for your contributions to this debate. As all candidates have now delivered their closing statements, this concludes our event tonight. To everyone watching at home and on the various streaming platforms this debate was shown on, I say goodnight. To our candidates, I say good luck. And to all European voters and representatives who vote for Commissioner, I wish all the wisdom in the world to make their decision.

Candidates, thank you again. Europe, goodnight!

Silas once again decided to study Areai's note as he seated himself on a sofa. Areai's message was confusing, yet also alluring and exhilarating. Areai often wishing that Silas never existed brought him a sense of joy and happiness, knowing that he occupied that sort of space in her mind. Since Areai was currently tucked away in rather unreachable whereabouts, Silas figured it was probably necessary to make use of Rikkalek's presence, and have Rikkalek relay his message back to her.

The Bishop Secretary pulled a black fountain pen from his suit jacket and penned a response on the back side of Areai's letter. Before Silas began writing, Emperor Artabanos came walking past him. Silas quickly lowered his head and intensely fixated his gaze on the letter, which he drew close to his face. Once Artabanos was gone, Silas quickly decided to write.

Josephine,

I am beyond atonement. My life has been nothing but a culmination of sickness and torment, and my soul has been rendered worthless a long time ago by the many unforgivable acts that I have committed. There is no saving me.

Instead, I must be punished. I am a monster that must be broken, and you must be the one to do it. By punishing me, you will do a great good, and you will cleanse yourself. Liberate yourself from the chains that you have described, and come find me, and come hurt me. You must wreck me, body an soul, so that you can become good again, and so that you can become whole again. If I am not ruined, then I shall ruin others. Please, you must.

Yours faithfully and entirely,

Silas

Once he finished writing his response, Silas tucked the letter back into the envelope and made his way around the yacht to where Rikkalek was seated. Silas dropped the envelope on Rikkalek's lap and knelt down beside his chair. "Please return this to her. It's of utmost importance."

Silas slung himself back up and ruffled Rikkalek's hair with his left hand, before then giving him a slight pat, as if he was a pet. The Bishop Secretary returned to the couch and then began to count the guilders that he was bribed with by Artabanos. Realising that Artabanos had not returned from the bathroom, Silas decided to get up and find him.

The Bishop Secretary walked into the bathroom to find the Inimican Emperor studying himself in a mirror. Silas announced himself so as to not disturb the Emperor too harshly.

"Artie," Silas declared. "You are too generous."

Silas waved the guilders in his hand. "You have my discretion. Glad to know that we speak the same language. Just know that I am a big fan of your work. You have no idea how much money I've been investing in companies that hinged on the success of this canal. For that, I must thank you.

I am also a big fan of your other work, although, sometimes, you are too forgiving with those who cross you. Don't be afraid to be dirty, Artie. If you ever need more loyal men to do some housekeeping, let me know.

Anyways, I wanted to speak to you in regards to that uranium you mentioned. I know that this might not be the right time or place, but it is best that we discuss it in person. I am not the paranoid type, but it is best that we keep our communication as private and minimal as possible."

Siled smirked before continuing. "As you know, our friends in Czech Slavia will be developing nuclear weapons. What's more is that it should be in your best interest that Inimicus develops more nuclear weapons as well. I am sure I can find a way to have the Archbishop give a resounding 'yes' to any request that you make to the ENAA. The future is truly nuclear, isn't it?

Expanding and opening more uranium mines in those mountains would be quite lucrative. We should make sure this opportunity is seized, shouldn't we?"

Silas then returned the guilders from his hand to Artabanos. "Consider this an early investment. I am more than happy to fund any further uranium mining projects in Inimicus. I heard the market dividends for the mining industry can be quite good, so who knows, maybe you should look into going into business there? I'll pass the information of some good investment banks your way. If you also happen to award any contracts to my Inimican friends, then remember that I am a giving philanthropist, and that the Artabanos Foundation could receive some additional financial support."

The Bishop Secretary smiled and bowed slightly, turning, ready to walk out of the bathroom, before then turning around again. "Oh, and as an aside, I wanted to let you know that the Port of Saint Dominico is a good entry point to the markets of Central Europe and the Mediterranean. It'll be more than ready to accept and help distribute as part of any supply chain if you increase export capacity in uranium, gas, or any other commodity. The port is very secure, and Kligenberg Industries controls most of it... but sometimes things slip through. Some of the workers at the port don't have very good vision, as part of an affirmative action campaign to hire the less abled, of course, and so sometimes, things that shouldn't be legally trafficked, make their way through anyway. Just something to note, I suppose."

Silas winked and exited the bathroom, prowling around the yacht to find another glass of something to drink.

"Of course Emperor, if there was anything you could do I would tell you about it. But right now, my father is old and wants to live life... I still remember the day we went to visit him and we were told he was not there. My mother inquired the guard and then came back with a disillusioned gesture to our car. I guess he got caught by her...", Felipe said, in a normal tone. The King had got used to his father adventures and romances, but he hoped that one day, both could reconcile and his father excused himself to the Spanish society for his behaviour.

"The Telum summit will definitely be one of the events of the year in Madrid, that is for sure. I have not been kidnapped, but it is not an adventure that I would like to experience. You made many of us worry about you, those Rimrothian could have been smarter and not blowing up whatever they wanted to get with such a silly move", Felipe said before being politely interrupted by Leticia, who wanted to know more about the Emperor's kidnap: "may I ask what was the funniest part of it, Emperor?", the Queen asked.

Felipe was happy to hear that Artabanos and the Spanish President had a good friendship, and he could not hide his smile when he got to know. "There was indeed a time when the Royal Family, mostly the King, had the power to appoint and dismiss some representatives, but that was before the French invaded us. Carlos IV and Fernando VII, father and son, were not very good at carrying along well, just like my father with me! They got easily busted by Napoleon, and jailed in France for some time until the Spanish raised in arms against the French and we managed to kick them out. While that happpened, some liberals in Cádiz made a constitution and tried to impose it on Fernando, but he did not accept it and in 1920 a Coronel raised against him and he had to sign the Constitution. However, three years later a huge army made of 500,000 French soldiers entered the country and ended with the liberal regime, so Fernando kept absolute power until 1833. When he died, the lack of a son and the repeal of a law that did not allow women to become queens, made Spain go into a civil war and Isabel, his daughter and the following sovereign, had to get the liberals support to win it. And that is the history of how we lost mostly all of our powers. But, I will be honest with you: I prefer it this way, Spanish politics are messy."

The PM responded "Of course as long as such regulations don't specifically target the other countries companies that would be fine as its simply meeting national legislation and requirements and is also required of the domestic companies to keep the playing field even , after all trade to be fair must make sure the playing field is level. This wouldn't for instance stop you from requiring public funds be spent with your own companies for instance or local companies to the public spending. I am sure we can agree on this.The only other major thing would be details of the visa free agreement I am suggesting it be 90 days for citizens of our nations between our nations and your citizens get to use our priority lines in airports, ports and stations in return for Duchians using your priority lines"

"Gosh, they're not that verbose, are they?", Emperor Artabanos thought as the summit formally began. "Trade! Yes, the most exciting of topics.... I must admit, Theresa, I'm all for it, but I'm also completely bored by it. Inimicus would gladly agree a complete elimination of tariffs on trade with the United Kingdom, if that is agreeable to you? Just so we can swiftly move onto other things..."

The Emperor took another swig of His drink and looked outside, watching the British delegation making confused notes. "Visa-free travel is something we can also agree to, to some extent. Inimicus prefers not to sign free movement or residency type agreements, just because no one likes foreigners, you know? Except Me, of course. I love foreigners, especially if they're handsome. But we could agree to a limited period of visa-free stay, perhaps 90 days or so? In a 365-day period?"

"I will say", Artabanos continued, lowering His voice somewhat and leaning in to the UK delegation, "I've heard some interesting reports about your meeting with those rascals, Simon Bridges and his Reitzmic government. I'd be so very interested to hear what he had to say for himself."

Imperial Decree

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Decree no. 28: His Imperial Majesty's International Relations; Arrangements for His Imperial Majesty's Loyal House of Commons

ARTABANOS: of the Centurians, Legatians, Quaestorians, Imperatorians, Rosarians, Praestorians, and Diutians Supreme Emperor; Our Lord, Ruler of all Inimicians, Supreme Autocrat; Defender of the Inimician Faith; Duke of the District of Telum; Commander of the Inimician Armed Forces; Grand Cross in the Imperial Order of Inimicus; Lord of the Supreme Ordene of Icholasen; PRAISE!

To all whom this Decree may reach, greetings.

Be it known, that on the 16th day of the 2nd month, in the eighth year of Our Reign, We concluded a Treaty of Peace and Co-operation with Our trusted and reputable friend President Albína Reiserová of the Democratic Republic of Czech Slavia.

It has pleased Us to grant to this said Treaty such authority and power as necessary under the Constitution of the Empire of Inimicus for the complete ratification of the same. We have further seen fit to affix to this said Treaty Our Imperial Great Seal, said Seal being an integral requirement of any treaty or accord necessitating lawful amendments to the codes, statutes, or practices in Our Empire.

Be it further known, that We have seen fit to enact Our duties under the Constitution of the Empire of Inimicus to call a Parliament at Telum, said Parliament to commence on the 1st day of the 6th month, in the ninth year of our reign. And that the said Parliament shall deliberate, and decide upon, matters of State of their own selection, and shall elect from their Members the Offices named hence, who shall join Our National Executive:

A Council of five People’s Tribunes, to overview general public policy and represent Our Loyal Subjects in Our National Executive; Two Aediles, to ensure the correct and democratic administration of Our Judiciary and Police, as well as allocation of Our Finances to partitions of Our Armed Forces; Two Quaestors, to produce financial policies of Our Government and, in collaboration with Our Executive, ensure fair distribution of Our Finances;

We further order Our Loyal Subjects who wish to attend the said Parliament to prostrate themselves before Our Inimician Peoples in a General Ballot to be held on the fifteenth day of the fifth month, in the ninth year of Our reign.

DONE at Telum, the 11th Day of the 5th Month, in the Ninth Year of His Imperial Majesty's Reign*

"Just between you and me", Artabanos whispered to Reiserová out of hearing of all the aides gathered in His office, "I'm planning to have Nesto--- I mean, the next President of North Diessen... organise a small party for some selected international guests when this new Canal opens, so that might provide us with a fantastic opportunity to hang out a bit more and see some of the Diessenar countryside too. Not to mention the men." He had it all planned out, and had done since October last year. His personal luxury yacht (provided it would not get impounded by yet another rebellious Diessenar state), lots of whisky, some of His chums from abroad, and they'd simply sail up and down the Canal to inaugurate its use.

Artabanos took His gold-encrusted fountain pen from His chest pocket (making sure to grab the pen rather than the two hip flasks He carried around, although the temptation was certainly there), and was about to strike the word 'friendship' from the Treaty title before Reiserová beat Him to it. "Perfect", He said, "And I very much appreciate your offer of moulding Czech media coverage ever so slightly -- I know how pesky journalists can be when they're completely not reined in. You'll see much the same in the next edition of Nuntius Inimici... Anyway, I think we've accomplished a lot today, Albina. To celebrate, and because all this gossip and walking around has made me thirsty, I propose a final drink before we part ways -- for now, that is. I'm sure we'll see each other again very soon, or at least I hope so."

"Oh!", exlaimed Artabanos just has He poured the last round of drinks, "We have completely forgotten about our joint photo op. I know we've had a few, but a quick picture couldn't hurt, right?" Before Reiserová could really object, the Emperor mustered a troop of journalists and reporters waiting outside and ushered them in, before posing for the official photographs with Reiserová.

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"There we go, I think you can frame that one and put it up above your bed. Anyway, Albina, I think that concludes our business here today, doesn't it? I must say, it's been an absolutely amazing pleasure having you over, I've learned so much about Czech Slavia and yourself. You're welcome anytime, just give me a ring beforehand so I can, eh, well, clean up. And I hope to see you this summer for the Canal opening party, right?"

"Excellent!", exclaimed Sarah, elated both for the satisfactory results of this meeting and for the good news she would be able to bring the Emperor. She passed a pen to her Istkalenic counterpart, before taking out another and affixing her signature, and with it, the authority of the Imperial Prerogative, to the Diem Accords.

"Well, Írenet, as much as I would love to hang around, I suggest we meet sometime again soon in a more open, relaxed setting. Military bases are no place for quiet, proper discussion with peers -- or, should I say, with friends."

Gladwell gestured the Istkalenic delegation to the next room, where some brief time for refreshments was spent, before everyone was once again loaded into convoys, and driven back to the airport.

"This is most intriguing", said Artabanos, preferring to dismiss Whoopi's apparent jab at his relatively long tenure in power -- and near-absolute power at that. "I very much agree that a council of 100+ politicians cannot rule a nation. I find it hard enough to get a council of 20 people to agree on the simplest of things. Fortunately, I've got some very skillful whips who do that job for me. Have you ever met Wilfred Cocx? No, I thought not. I'm sure you'd get along well."

The two leaders brushed past the mural Artabanos had installed, showing Himself leading the Barringtons into the capital in an Ancient-style triumph -- He suspected the Czech president had not understood the humour behind it, and could already imagine Whoopi's facial expression the moment He would start explaining. "Ah, well, thank you for your kind words, Whoopi", He said, not knowing whether her kind comments were in fact another jab at His reign, "It most certainly took some time to get peace established in this realm of Mine. I'm sure you will be aware of the trials and tribulations of 2012, 2013, and indeed, 2014. Possibly 2015. 2016 at a stretch. And let's not forget the 2020 assassination attempt. In any case, Inimicus is prosperous like it has never been before, our economy is booming -- and we would be more than keen on expanding our economic relationships with nations such as Fremet."

Flanked by aides and household officials, the duo emerged on the other side of the Imperial Palace, where a parade ground had been laid out and a contingent of the Imperial Guard were awaiting inspection. "Now, Whoopi, restrain yourself", Artabanos joked, "These are members of the Imperial Guard Investigation Unit, and they'll find out literally everything about you if you so much as speak a word to them... Goodness knows, I speak from experience here."

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Artabanos and Whoopi took position on a small dais overlooking the contingent of troops. A military band started playing the Fremetian Anthem, followed by the Imperial Anthem of Inimicus, after which the duo walked along the front row of troops and saluted both nations' flags. "It's f*cking freezing out here, Whoopi", Artabanos could contain himself from saying, "As much as I'd love to look at these fine men and women some more, I'd also love to have a drink in the warmth inside."

So He said, and so it was done. "We can always take a longer tour of the Palace later on, if you'd like", the Emperor said as He led Whoopi to His private quarters. The aides left them outside another heavy mahogany door, behind which a small yet richly decorated sitting room had been laid out with small sandwiches, different types of drinks, and two neoclassical chairs. Gesturing Whoopi to a seat, Artabanos took a plate of sandwiches and, stuffing His face with one, positioned the tray on a small end table in between the two leaders. "Drink?', He said, pouring Himself one.

"Now, Whoopi", He said, having sat down, "Thank you again for coming, this truly is a historic occasion. Is there a specific topic you'd like to start off with?" Swallowing a piece of sandwich before continuing, He said, "Truly, I'm happy with anything."

Thank you candidates for participating in this debate, and thank you providing your honest answers. The debate period has officially come to an end.

Donald Tusk
Deputy Speaker, Candidate for Speaker and Councillor for Spain

Judge Judy Sheindlin:By a margin of 4-0 the court finds in favour of the complainant. The court believes that in this case there is significant overreach in banning a whole group based on nationality and religion and that such an act is against the EU constitution protections on equal treatment and rights and in removing an entire group based on this it breaches the laws on forced removal against Population transfer, defined as the forcible movement, imposed by an authority, of a large group of people from one region to another, for reasons relating to innate characteristics of a group including: a group's culture, religion, sexual orientation, political beliefs or other protected statuses as outlined in the UDoHR. The court hearby orders that the government of Mennrimiak revoke the discriminatory law and only pursue deportations based on actions not a persons religion or nationality and in cases where this law has led to costs and losses to the individuals the state fully pays the costs caused to those affected by the discriminatory law in either lost earnings, lost deposits or exit fees for housing accommodation contract costs or costs of transport that resulted from the illegal deportations. On top of that the court requires all visas cancelled under the discriminatory law be reissued and the people be allowed to return to Mennrimiak.

Very well. The Court therefore declares the case of the Gertrude Echteran Children's Choir v Inimicus CLOSED.

Benjamin Steyn
Chief Justice

Situation Room, Confederal Presidential Palace of North Diessen

Het Goor, North Diessen
24th October 2021, 0415hrs

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Inge Pekcan clasped her arm and was roughly sat down on one of the intentionally uncomfortable seats in the situation room. She had chosen those seats herself -- she did not want anyone to experience even a remote degree of comfort when matters in this room would always require the utmost attention of everyone. In a way, she realised she knew it was all over. Ever since her accession to the office of Confederal President, her main concern had been the managing of relations between her nation and Inimicus, the Confederacy's strong, erratic southern neighbour. When the Treaty of Telum was signed, she was confident she had once and for all eliminated the risk of meddling Inimician interference in Diessenian matters.

Evidently not. Here she sat, surrounded by Imperial Guardsmen, who she had even requested to come to her aid. She fully admitted she had mismanaged the Reuland situation, but was she to be repaid by being manhandled and shot by those who had pledged her help? She had been compliant with the Inimicians, had given them what they wanted, had worked constructively with them, and had flattered Emperor Artabanos. She could not imagine why they would want to rid North Diessen of her - she was the ideal President from the Inimician perspective. Who, then, would want to supplant her?

The answer came in through the thick glass doors. Ekrem Mueller, Pekcan's most trusted Minister for National Defence, was escorted by four heavily armed soldiers dressed in black, the Inimician red, purple, and black flag on their arms. He was escorted, not dragged. Not shot. Pekcan knew all she had to know. "Ekrem, you?", she managed to stammer.

"Your time in office is complete, Inge. You must realise this now. The question before you is, will you make way for the new order, and spare the Diessenian people hardship and strife, or will you block our new transition, and create misery for thousands more?"

"You swore an oath, Ekrem. You swore to our rule of law, to our constitution. You can't -- " A jolt of pain struck Inge as Ekrem's hand pressed hard on her wounded arm. "Fine, fine. You win. Just - just let it end. Please let it all end."

"You'll make a live radio statement announcing your incapacitation and your triggering of the Constitutional line of succession, transferring your powers to me. You will sign the documents we have prepared. Then, you will receive medical attention and board a transport. We will not see each other again."

She did not need to guess what country she would be taken. "I hope this moment is burned into your memory", she said with a feeling of anger she had not previously experienced, "As one day, when you feel secure and blissful, you will topple from your pristine position into nothingness and void." She sighed, and added in her native German: "Wer hoch steigt, der wird tief fallen."

"I'm sure", Ekrem replied, and gestured to radio technicians standing outside.

@Inimicus said in Invitations to the 10-year Empire Anniversary Celebrations:

Attendee(s): Alvaro Delgado
Nation representing: Gania
**Attendee Role(s) (e.g. President, Monarch):**secretary of the presidency
**Attending what components (banquet, tour, historical tour)?**banquet, tour, historical tour
Special requests (incl. dietary):The secretar of state arrive by official plane, we request a security car and additional backguards

TRAVEL ADVISORY UPDATE 24TH FEBRUARY 2022

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Her Excellency Sarah Gladwell IC, Imperial Foreign Officer, as authorised under the Great Imperial Seal and the Constitution of the Empire of Inimicus, issues the following revised travel advisories, valid as of 24th February 2022.

Vatican City: moved from GREEN (no special risks) to RED (Very high safety risks, ban on travel). Following widespread and ongoing terror incidents in the Vatican, the Imperial Foreign Office has banned all travel to and from Vatican City. All Vatican employees or adherents may be subject to interrogation and detention by the Imperial Border Force. Keep away from Vatican City at all costs -- there are no established consular lines of communication, the Imperial Foreign Office is unable to offer any assistance to Imperial Citizens who travel to the Vatican at this time.

Czech Slavia: moved from AMBER (high safety risk, travel discouraged) to YELLOW (higher-than-average risks). Normalisations of Inimico-Czech relations are ongoing. There is no significant risk of arbitrary discrimination by Czech authorities or nationals. Remain alert when travelling to Czech Slavia. If in need, contact the Imperial Foreign Office on +47 999 888 777 66.

24th September 2021
11:05am

The Court has deliberated for hours longer than anticipated. Judgement was expected yesterday afternoon, but finally now seems imminent.

Door Steward: "His Imperial Majesty and the Imperial Crown Court, all rise."

Justices, led by Emperor Artabanos, enter the room and are seated at their benches.

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Vice President Van Tienhoven: "Please, be seated. The Imperial Crown Court shall now rule on the case of Imperial Prosecutor Extraordinaire Paul Robinax EC and Commissioners vs. Lando Ambrogio, Augustus Barrington, Maximillian de Barrington, Marco Brookfield, Dominic Dalfarra, Glennis Mayfair, and Peter Zan. This Court has judged in pre-trial hearings that defendants AMBROGIO, DALFARRA, and ZAN, are to be tried collectively, and defendants BARRINGTON, DE BARRINGTON, and MAYFAIR, are similarly to be collectively judged.

"In the case of defendants AMBROGIO, DALFARRA, and ZAN, the Court considered the defendants' evidenced roles in the Neo-Venetian revolutionary administration, their reported backgrounds, and the admission from the second group of defendants that the first group was indeed guilty. The Court therefore issues the following judgements:

The Imperial Crown Court finds, in the case of defendant Lando AMBROGIO, that the charge of intentionally directing military attacks against civilian populations has been proven, and therefore finds the defendant guilty; that the charge of committing outrages upon personal dignity has been proven, and therefore finds the defendant guilty; that the charge of adhering to His Imperial Majesty's enemies has been proven, and therefore finds the defendant guilty; that the charge of intending to encompass the death of His Imperial Majesty has been proven, and therefore finds the defendant guilty."

Marco Brookfield, Peter Zan, and Dominic Dalfarra are similarly found guilty on all charges.

Van Tienhoven: "The Court further suggests that the defendants' offences may range beyond those they were charged with in this case. The Court will not prevent foreign or domestic jurisdictions from charging the defendants with further cases. The Imperial Government shall reserve the right to extradite any of these defendants to the Apostolic Crown of Angleter, following proper administrative procedures. The Court rules the defendants shall not be extradited to any other foreign nation."

"In the case of defendants BARRINGTON, DE BARRINGTON, and MAYFAIR, the Court considered the trust placed by His Imperial Majesty in the defendants and the charges brought subsequently. The Court further considered the unprecedented access to sensitive information held by all three defendants. Finally, the Court weighed the probability of defendant MAYFAIR's involvement with the alleged treasonous plot. The Court therefore issues the following judgements:

"The Imperial Crown Court, in the case of defendant Augustus BARRINGTON, the charge of High Treason, guilty" ... "the charge of conspiracy, guilty" ... "the charge of adhering to His Imperial Majesty's enemies, guilty" ... "the charge of intending to encompass the death of His Imperial Majesty, guilty"; "In the case of defendant Maximillian DE BARRINGTON, the charge of unauthorised disclosure of official secrets, guilty" ... "the charge of conspiracy, guilty" ... "the charge of High Treason, guilty" ... "the charge of adhering to His Imperial Majesty's enemies, guilty" ... "the charge of intending to encompass the death of His Imperial Majesty, guilty"; "In the case of defendant Glennis MAYFAIR, the charge of unauthorised disclosure of official secrets, guilty" ... "the charge of conspiracy, guilty" ... "the charge of High Treason, not guilty".

Murmuring in the courtroom. Mayfair's acquital of High Treason will likely see her escape the harshest punishment of all.

"All defendants are remanded to custody pending sentencing at a later date. Court dismissed."

The Case closes with a bang of the gavel.

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His Imperial Majesty Emperor Artabanos of Inimicus

June 20th, 2021 -- 9.00am

Deputy Speaker Burch Opens Parliament

MB: "Order, order. I formally declare this twentieth sitting of the Ninth Parliament of the Empire of Inimicus opened. Honourable members, I have received a request from His Imperial Majesty to address this House. Your Imperial Majesty, welcome. We will move to a vote on whether to grant Your request immediately, provided no member wishes to intervene."

People's Movement Leader Adolf Danube rises
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AD: "Mr Speaker, we all know why Artabanos has decided to show his face here today. We know, as democrats, that he has come to quash the vote we made, as democrats, to determine this country's choice for Premier and Internal Affairs Commissioner of the European Union. We know, as democrats, that our democratic rights are but a faint, thin line surrounding the Emperor's set of powers. What, I ask Artabanos, what exactly is our point, if he will not grant us the basic right to represent the Inimician people? I ask him, no, I implore him, to think carefully about his options -- grant the people's choice, Artabanos, or face the consequences."

Several members rise, shouting ensues. Speaker MB calls for order.
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H.I.M. ARTABANOS stands. All members sit.

"Mr Deputy Speaker, I require no advice from Mr Danube, whose record of crimes against this democratic legislature is longer even than Augustus Barrington's criminal scroll. Instead, I would offer some advice to him, and to all the other shouty, rowdy troublemakers in this House: behave yourself. The Inimician people expect dignity, control, and proper procedure. You represent no one with your incessant noise.

"Having said that, Mr Deputy Speaker, I requested to speak in this Chamber on exactly the topic Mr Danube suggested. The Empire finds itself at a fork on the path of history. As with any new state -- the Empire celebrating its tenth anniversary only next year -- experience and crisis lays bare issues in the structure of state. A number of years ago, Inimicus recovered from rebellious politicians whose positions had resulted in excessive power being handed to single individuals. More recently, we saw what danger corruption and intrigue, combined with aggressive foreign rogue powers, could pose to proper rule of law and order. We discovered treachery at the heart of government, for which I, and those responsible, face the consequences.

"This week's crisis is one from which we will emerge stronger. As an administration, as an Empire, as a people. Nevertheless, the issue of whether Parliament, the Imperial Council, or both, decides the Empire's votes for Commission is not one to be taken lightly, and not one for which a simple answer exists. I must disappoint you, therefore, that I have not come to a decision about the future of this process just yet. Instead, I intend to review legal arguments with my advisors, consult with politicians from across the spectrum, and perhaps more importantly, listen to the Inimician people, for what course to take with regards to future European elections.

"However, the time for casting the Empire's Commission vote is here, and we must therefore decide what to do in this round of votes. This is not a matter I take lightly. No crucial decision I have made in my capacity as Emperor has been a simple one. Nevertheless, the Inimician People mandated me to represent them at the highest level of government, and the decision of who is granted the Imperial Prerogative is mine, and mine alone. I have, ultimately, decided the following, and My Decree is as follows:

ARTABANOS, of the Centurians, Legatians, Quaestorians, Imperatorians, Rosarians, Praestorians, and Diutians Supreme Emperor; Ruler of all Inimicians, Supreme Autocrat; Defender of the Inimician Faith; Duke of the District of Telum; Commander of the Inimician Armed Forces; Grand Cross in the Imperial Order of Inimicus; Lord of the Supreme Ordene of Icholasen,
-- Having witnessed the conflicting judgements made by Our Loyal Subjects in the Lower House of Our Parliament, and Our National Imperial Council, concerning the election of the Premier Commissioner and Internal Affairs Commissioner of the European Union,
-- Judging that the use of the Imperial Prerogative, and the responsibility for any decision originating therefrom, are Ours and Ours alone,
-- Further intending to resolve the current conflict in a consensual, practical manner, as befits the stature of Our Office and the Inimician People,
-- Determine that the Empire of Inimicus's votes for Premier Commissioner of the European Union shall be as follows:

Sofie Čikarová Jean-Claude Juncker

-- Further determine that the Empire of Inimicus's vote for Internal Affairs Commissioner of the European Union shall be as follows:

Emma Granger Josephine Areai

-- This Decree being Our full and Righteous Judgement, made on the twentieth day of the sixth month, in the eighth year of Our Reign.

Mmm indeed. Thank you for catching this error. The individuals responsible have been sacked, those responsible for sacking the people who have just been sacked, have been sacked, and all have been expelled to Dromund Kaas.

I have updated the record.

With 6 votes FOR, 5 votes AGAINST, and no Abstentions, the Sanction Motion Against the Federation of Istkalen has FAILED to meet the constitutional requirements of a simple majority vote (55% of those present).

Charles Michel
Council Speaker and Councilor for Fremet

I would like to thank Councillors Yahontov, Ikoszer, Tusk, and Kohout for taking a stand for our nation's respective sovereign rights. This Sanctions Request would have meant that countries would have been prevented on managing their own relations with the UNSR. I was proven wrong when I convinced myself that Ruthund stood alone in its fight against those who would take away freedom in Europe to further their political agenda. Whatever our opinions of the UNSR and whatever reasons you may had for voting against these Sanctions, this Council has done the right thing today and I look forward to work with my colleagues in the future to ensure a non-coercive and free. Europe

Tony Odhinazen
EU Councilor, Ruthund

With 4 votes FOR, 2 votes AGAINST, and 1 ABSTENTION, the Amendment to the European Commission (Sanctioning Powers) Act has PASSED.

Charles Michel
Council Speaker and Councilor for the Kingdom of Fremet