A DEAFENING SPEECH

The otherwise blue sky was dark. In the distance, the ascending ash clouds turned red and the growl could be heard all over the island. Every now and then the earth trembled. Especially the East Bay, where almost the entire population lived, suffered severe shocks.

President Romain Guichard was nervous and fidgled his vest. The once calm man, who was not afraid to speak to large masses, now had difficulty. Within minutes, he would address the nation.

'Mr. president' said the spokeswoman 'everything is ready.'

Romain took a deep breath, manned himself and stepped towards the microphones from where he would explain to his fellow countrymen what was in store for them all. He was looking a little lost when he heard '3, 2, 1...' The spots were now all aimed at him.

'Dear Nofoagans... What was deemed impossible has become reality today. Around 4: 00... the Mauga'afi volcano has erupted. According to the National Institute of Seismology, the eruption is of that force that it can be compared to what an earlier eruption caused: the birth of our island. Right now, rescue workers are putting everything in place to get you to safety. In particular, I would also like to thank and encourage the Government of Gadalland & Aspern and the military stationed in the kingdom of Spain.'

'With an unseen force, Mauga'afi sends poisonous ash clouds into the air, accompanied by burning volcanic stones. That is why all air traffic, including for evacuation, is stopped immediately. I call you to whoever has the opportunity to go out to sea. With pain in our hearts, we must face together that a great part of you... does not have that possibility and that many of us will be affected by what is happening now.'

'As president of the Republic of nofoaga, I order that the Spanish army, based on our island, immediately evacuate the population. The other heads of state and government, as well as the members of the European Union, and I call on our people in with open arms... I also request... go... water.... Island...'

Candidate Name: Paul-Gabrielle Muzhare
Home Nation: Republic of Nofoaga
Office(s) sought: Internal Affairs Commissioner
Incumbent? (Y/N): N
Eurogroup Affiliation: European Progressive Alliance (EPA)
Biography: Paul-Gabrielle Muzhare started her political career in her early twenties in the 1970s, when she joined the independence movement in Nofoaga. At the same time, she studied economics at the University of Tuagavale. In 1978 she also obtained a bachelor's degree in sociology.

Due to the pressure from France to which Nofoaga then belonged, she broke with the striving for independence, which was not supported by the predominantly French population at the time.

In the early 1990s, she was one of the founding members of the party that peacefully led Nofoaga to independence, along with Jacques Salé, the first and current president of the Republic of Nofoaga.

She has been a member of the Parliament of Nofoaga since 1995 and until 2020 until her appointment as Councilor of the European Union.

She remained in post under the various cabinets, even though she leaned towards the pro-French Mouvement des Gentilles party. She was praised for her commitment to the European good across party lines.

She also introduced the bill in Nofoaga on the marriage of homosexual couples, which was passed by the parliament.

When the political party system in Nofoaga was abolished, she was the founder of various citizen forums and think tanks to give citizens more say in government. She was also one of the founders of the Caribbean Community Accords 2021.

PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE - PART 1

Ladies and gentlemen, we welcome you to the very first live debate between the various presidential candidates ever in Nofoaga. This Saturday, December 5, we will all go to the polls and you will decide who will lead our country in the coming years.

Three candidates are competing for your vote and want to take up residence in the Presidential Palace in Port-Beauharnais. In this debate, the candidates are given the floor on the five most important themes. These themes were determined by our news service after extensive research into, among other things, positions already taken. But the population is also given the floor in this debate and can ask questions directly to the candidates.

On Saturday, you will be given a choice of three names: Charles Natutiki of the PFN, Patricia Monserré of the MG and current president Lula Namatatiki of the DIN who is supported by the NF and nominated representative of the Nofoaga Tiki Tribe.

Journalist - Mrs. Namatatiki, welcome. You have been president of Nofoaga for several months now. A term that has already taken longer than planned. Why should the Nofoaganese vote for you on Saturday?

Lula Namatatiki - Nofoaga is now in better shape than it was a few months ago. Our openness to other countries, our commitment and contribution in Europe and our extremely good relations with Spain, for example, are witness to this. I would therefore like all Nofoaganese to reap the benefits of our open and transparent politics.

Journalist - Patricia Monserré, why should we vote for you?

Patricia Monserré - Lula Namatatiki has made several attempts to sideline the National Assembly. She has been called back for that by the Supreme Court. She has also tried to impose a 'fake' identity. I stand for the authenticity of this country and I want to convey that to the rest of Europe.

Journalist - Mr. Natutiki, I also ask you the same question. Why do we choose you Saturday?

Charles Natutiki - I have heard and seen a lot in recent months. Now I hear again transparency, openness, EU policy ... And those are things that are indeed important. But the real problem this country is struggling with is never mentioned, even though we see the consequences of this every day: polarization between ethnic Nofoaganese and ethnic French. Namatatiki represents the first group. Monserré the second. I connect the two groups. As an old saying goes, two Indians will serve as one.

Journalist - Thank you. A debate can sometimes be confused and confusing. That is why we choose to debate around specific themes. We will talk about Nofoaga and its state institutions, polarization and also migration. The presidential candidates let each other speak. We will monitor this closely.

We look forward to seeing you again after the interruption.

DARK CLOUDS

It was a sunny day. With the normal temperature for the time of year, a gentle breeze that brought some coolness to the inhabitants of the coastline and the rustling of the many palm trees that typified the East Bay of the island.

Adrien Lumeau just had his second coffee of the day. He loved the view his desk gave him. Adrien works as a researcher for the National Institute of Seismology. The NIS maps all climate and nature movements. Less than a week ago, neighboring Gadalland & Aspern warned of the upcoming tropical storms. All in all, the storm was not so bad and the expected damage remained.

Adrien hesitated... 'Shall I have another cup of coffee or shall I continue to enjoy the view?' 'Back in conflict with yourself Adrien?' called Lucie Dumarq from behind her desk. Lucie got up, took a glass and stepped up to Adrien. 'Here... Have some turtle juice. That's much better and healthier than coffee.' Turtle juice was one of Nofoaga's specialties. 'Thank you' said Adrien with a feigned grin.

'And Adrien...' started Lucie. 'What's on the agenda today?' 'I don't know, Lucie, It's calm and it looks like it's going to stay like that for a while' said Adrien, placing his hands behind his head and spinning around in his chair.

After talking about everyday life and Lucie's comments that turtle juice is really better than coffee, Lucie started to hesitate. 'Well, Lucie, I can't hear you anymore. Getting convinced about grabbing a coffee?' Adrien joked.

'Adrien, come and have a look' said Lucie with a serious voice. Adrien sighed deeply. He didn't feel like watching the photo shoot with her family again. 'If it is to look again at 101 pictures of you in a straw skirt then you don't have to do it' said Adrien bored.

Lucie looked angrily at Adrien and said sharply: 'come and look. The Maufa'agi is showing activity. But how can that be?' 'Show me' said Adrien. He looked at Lucie's screen and immediately walked back to his desk where he opened the same screen. 'This is Strange' said Adrien confused. 'Should we tell the boss?' Lucie asked with a dubious glance.

'Wait, Wait, not so fast Lucie' Adrien snapped at her. 'First, take a look at the camera footage from the Maufa'agi.' Lucie looked up the live stream and opened the screen. In the meantime, Adrien was standing next to her again. 'That image is so weird, like someone's holding the camera.' said Lucie. 'Zoom in a bit' Adrien ordered. 'Okay, but be polite. I got you from... my... turtles...' Lucie suddenly stopped. 'I think we should bring in the boss Adrien...' said Lucie doubting Adrien. 'Uhu' reacted Adrien dry. He took the phone and called Bertrand, who was in charge of the NIS.

Not much later, Bertrand entered. Agitated as he was, he asked exasperated 'what now?'
'Boss, look at this' said Lucie. Adrien immediately added a few words, but Bertrand shut him up. 'Is that camera not normally on a tripod' asked Bertrand. 'It's like someone's holding the camera with their hand, shaking like that.' The three continued to look bewildered at the live footage. After a few minutes, Bertrand turned around and said, 'it must be nothing... probably another bird that likes the camera as a toy.'

Bertrand was about to leave space when Lucie called him back. 'Boss, boss!' Bertrand turned back and stood again with Lucie and Adrien. 'Look, you're both people's treasures, but please get to work. For a camera that shakes once in a while, Don't call me. Get to work!' he shouted.

'Boss... it's not a bird.' said Lucie in a silent voice. Bertrand, Lucie and Adrien looked surprised at the images. 'I go straight to the president, Adrien, check the activity of Mauga'afi and keep me informed' and Bertrand rushed out of the office.

The footage was clear. The Mauga'afi, the largest volcano on the island, was awake and dark plumes of smoke rose on the crater...

The day has come and the officers get out of the cars. Only now does it become clear how heavily armed the men are. Place of intervention: the private residence of Jacques Salé, the man who led Nofoaga to independence and is now president of the small republic again. The commander goes over the course of the mission with his men for one last time.

Meanwhile, Jacques Salé was also awakened by the noise outside. The officers didn't make much of an effort to hide their presence. Before he knew it, the officers broke into the house, the front door being smashed in with a battering ram.

The officers shouted loudly "Everyone on the ground! Everyone on the ground! Now! Don't move! Hands off, hands off!" They shouted so loud it was almost unintelligible what they were trying to say. There was shouting from the other rooms. Jacques Salé got a bag over the head. He was also handcuffed.

Sitting on the floor with his head bent over, he heard footsteps approaching. A deep voice said in a paradoxical calm but convincing tone: "Jaques Salé, Citizen and President of the Republic of Nofoaga, you are being transferred to a safe location".

The president was helped to his right and, together with his wife, he was led out by some heavily armed officers.

Once in the car, Jacques Salé dared to let his voice be heard and asked "what's going on?" There was no answer. His wife also made herself heard. "Answer the President's Question!"

The couple only got a chuckle in response. "Answer!" cried the woman again. Gripping by the collar, one of the officers said, "Shut up!" Shhhh… said the deep voice that briefly told the president earlier in the residence that he would be transferred to a safe location. "As I said before, you will be led away to a safe location."

Lula Namatatiki, the undisputed leader of the small Caribbean island of Nofoaga, a fierce opponent of extremes except extremist centrism, and the most beautiful of all European female leaders, finished the small details with her luxurious make-up. Lipstick, eyeshadow and a lovely perfume. She looked in the mirror one last time, walked down the stairs to the forecourt of the presidential residence and took a seat in the car.

After a relatively long time, Lula undertook another trip to meet other government leaders. This time a meeting with, how could it be otherwise, the Prime Minister of Spain and fellow government leader of neighboring Gadalland and Aspern. Destination is Spanish Nueva Antequera.

The plane's propellers were spinning at full throttle. Lula Namatatiki got out of the car, said goodbye to some employees, went up the stairs and got on the plane… on to Spain for the summit.

156 PEOPLE ARRESTED FOR VIOLATING THE CURFEW OR PROHIBITED GATHERING

PORT BEAUHARNAIS - In 72 hours, some 156 people were arrested who broke the curfew, or who gathered more than 3 people. This had been announced by a presidential decree by Lula Namatatiki to ensure a peaceful transition from Jacques Salé's cabinet to her own.

The temporary measures turned out to be absurd. It turned out that several families consisting of more than 4 family members were arrested. Some owners of dogs who walked their four-legged friends after the curfew had gone into effect were also arrested.

However, the NGO Freedom for Nofoaga, which oversees human rights, is disgraceful at the way most people have been detained. Detainees were temporarily locked in cages due to a lack of cells in the few police stations in the country. It sounds unheard of and inhumane to the chairman of the NGO:

"It's a real shame that people are dissolved in cages for animals, even if only for a short time. Lula has just returned to power and immediately shows her true face: repression, inhumane politics and violence." - chairman NGO Freedom for Nofoaga

The measures lasted until this morning and will not be extended, the president's spokesman said. All the detainees have since been released.

PRESIDENT APOLOGIZES FOR THE CRIMES COMMITTED TO NATIVE POPULATION DURING COLONIAL PAST

PORT BEAUHARNAIS - In a speech, President Lula Namatatiki surprised friend and foe by apologizing on behalf of the government to indigenous peoples for the colonial past. Nofoaga was part of France from 1791 to 1995. In that year the island became independent. But during that period, with the support of Nofoaganese of French and European descent, many atrocities were committed against the native population. For example, certain tribes were systematically discriminated against, harassed and, in one case, exterminated.

Lula Namatatiki herself descends from such an indigenous tribe and has always made it a point in the past to offer an official apology. That did not happen under the pro-French presidents. So now she takes matters into her own hands.

"Respect is a basic principle. Not only in Nofoaga but also throughout the world. Minorities must be protected at all times and at all costs from that evil that is always lurking around the corner." - President Lula Namatatiki

The president wants to give more space to the indigenous culture on the island but also in the European Union. She is opposed to so-called reservations: "Reservations arise from an animalistic view of fellow human beings and are therefore inhumane from the outset."

Dear Commissioner, I salute your ambition to step up the fight against the commercial exploitation of the environment. As you, and perhaps everyone knows, Nofoaga is at the forefront of nature conservation and the protection of fauna, flora and citizens from the aggressive pollution that results from this exploitation.

But, ladies and gentlemen, these proposals by the Commissioner, however ambitious they may be, are unheard of. What you are doing here, Commissioner, is imposing a national ideology on independent states through legislation. As Mr Mizrachi-Roscoe has already said, and I fully support him in this: it is not up to you to decide in which currency payment is to be made.

Take your unadulterated communist ideas out of your proposal and then we will talk further. Thank you.

Mrs. Paul-Gabrielle Muzhare
EU-Councillor for the Republic of Nofoaga

"Jésus and Guthrun, I think I can call you both gentlemen by their first names... Homogenizing military policy in the Caribbean region is a priority for me personally. But military policy goes beyond pure defense of territory and airspace. It is also a means of providing the necessary assistance to citizens quickly and efficiently. I therefore advocate that, at least for Nofoaga... and I hope that I will have the support of Gadalland in this, that we can set up a civil protection training course under a common flag."

Lula Namatiki looked at her colleague Wond for a few seconds before speaking again.

"Friends. We face challenges. Let that be clear. I would like to see more balance in the relationship between the army and society. And such a common civil protection contributes to that."

BAN ON ENVIRONMENTALLY HARMFUL VESSELS FROM 2025

PORT BEAUHARNAIS- The government in Port Beauharnais is stepping up the fight against the degradation of the natural habitat of local marine life. For a year and a half, cruise ships are no longer welcome in the national waters of the island state. A while ago, the traditional way of fishing was also restricted to protect the brittle coral around the island. This traditional way of fishing uses long iron harpoons with which fishermen ford the coral and prick it in the coral.

The government is now going a step further and from 2025 prohibit the use of boats and ships that run on diesel, oil and gas that cannot be collected within the ship itself in case of a leak. In practice, this means that only ships powered by electricity or hydrogen can pass through the national waters of Nofoaga.

The measure applies to ships registered in Nofoaga as well as to all other ships from outside Nofoaga.

On behalf of the Republic of Nofoaga, I vote AGAINST this act.

Mrs. Paul-Gabrielle Muzhare
EU-Councillor for the Republic of Nofoaga

Full Nation Name: Republic of Nofoaga
Artist: Patrick Starrr
Song: Don't
Link to YouTube: LINK
Vote deliverer with their image linked: Stefflon Don

On behalf of the Republic of Nofoaga, I vote AGAINST this act.

Mrs. Paul-Gabrielle Muzhare
EU-Councillor for the Republic of Nofoaga

ARCHBISHOP OF INQUISTA ADOPTS CHILD FROM NOFOAGA... AND THAT'S A PAINFUL AFFAIR

SAINT DOMINICO, INQUISTA - Yesterday it became known that the Archbishop of Inquista, Mikaela Kligenberg, has adopted a child from Nofoaga. The child, who now bears the name Tyceon, lost his family in the volcanic eruption in 2021.

In itself, the adoption of a child from Nofoaga is not a problem. But it does expose a major pain point in the management of well-being, particularly that of children and young people in the Caribbean island nation.

Official documents that Info.gi was able to view at the competent authorities shows that 1 in 4 children is orphaned by young people under the age of 13. Most of the orphans are of black-nofoaganesis origin and face discrimination and racism at a very young age. For example, former employees say that the adoption files of black-nofoaganese children were sabotaged in a systematic way or remained untreated.

GOVERNMENT DENIES
When confronted with this, the minister strongly denies it. In a brief response, which was also supported and reiterated later today by President Lula Namatatiki, the minister said that adoption is always a sad thing and that governments and leaders of other countries would work better together on projects that combat all forms of child suffering.

I vote FOR all amendments.

Mrs. Paul-Gabrielle Muzhare
EU-Councillor for the Republic of Nofoaga

On behalf of the Republic of Nofoaga, I vote AGAINST all amendments.

Mrs. Paul-Gabrielle Muzhare
EU-Councillor for the Republic of Nofoaga

NOFOAGA AND GADALLAND & ASPERN ADOPT THE SAME NATIONAL ANTHEM

NOFOAGA/GADALLAND & ASPERN - The two Caribbean island states of Nofoaga and Gadalland & Aspern adopt the same official national anthem to strengthen their unity. The anthem also bears witness to this and will be played on official occasions such as state visits and sports matches.

The new national anthem was written on Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, Ode to Joy, which is also the European national anthem. The national anthem is titled 'Rise, O voices of the ocean'.

Official lyrics
Rise, O voices of the ocean
Both, our peoples side by side.
Conquering mighty waters and, yes,
Standing victory, bearing’s flag.
Together Sertia and the Gentilles,
Ever of their grace aware,
Oh, let our hearts beat always bravely
For our lands that we do share.

Rise, O voices of the ocean
Both, our peoples side by side.
Conquering mighty waters and, yes,
Standing victory, bearing’s flag.
Roaring through the vivid waters,
Joining in one grand refrain.
Ascending to the sunlit heavens,
Telling both their honoured names.