Morovia Debates STV Switch
BRIESK - A proposal calling for a change in how election ballots are counted has sparked a nationwide debate. Progressive Peter Krembs started the conversation, suggesting that the community would benefit by switching from its current First Passed the Post (FPTP) method to the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system. The proposal has generated significant controversy, with Krembs drawing support among fellow Progressives, one Conservative, and a few independents, while the Conservative Party and Democratic Centre leadership are united in their opposition.
Former Peoples Representative Iain Lindley is a proponent of the change, and he
argued,
"Despite the complexity STV is the best way to elect a 3-member assembly. Under multi-member FPTP you can romp home in first place despite being everyone's third preference. It shouldn't be too difficult to count either with a limited number of votes."
"Under no circumstances will I accept STV as an acceptable method to count votes," responded Conservative Leader David Oatney while campaigning in Valois, "and if it is determined that this is the method to be used, I will file a protest for the Conservative Party and may boycott the election-if other Conservatives insist on it, I shall resign my Leadership in the Conservative Party and I will not stand for election."
The Democratic Centre joined in opposition.
Jacobus B.S. Kahunamea told a crowd of hippies at Victoria University, "I have had opportunity to watch it [STV] in action, and results can easily be skewed beyond the intention of the electorate. This system would help our party, as the Centre would likely be the second choice of both right and left, but King and Country before Party."
According to Wikipedia, STV is a
preferential voting system designed to minimize
wasted votes and provide
proportional representation while ensuring that votes are explicitly for candidates rather than
party lists. It achieves this by using multi-seat constituencies (districts) and by transferring votes that would otherwise be wasted. STV initially allocates an individual's vote to their most preferred candidate, and then subsequently transfers unneeded or unused votes after candidates are either elected or eliminated, according to the voter's stated preferences.
As of 2007, it is in use in several micronations, most notably the Virtual Commonwealth of Cyberia.
The parties also rejected a compromise put forward by Steven Foong, and the Conservative Party is set to
adopt a resolution formalizing its opposition to STV before the week's end. Absent Royal Assembly legislative action, the King has indicated there will be no change without community consensus.
Royal Trust: Hospitals Failing Primary Mission
STRAUSBOURG - A Royal Hospital Trust review concludes that Morovia's hospitals are failing in their "primary mission" of caring for patients, according to an internal memo leaked to the press. This comes only days after the Trust made public data that reveals the number of inpatient hospital infections has tripled in recent weeks.
Campaigning at the St. Laurent Hotel, Conservative Leader David Oatney
ruled out the potential for additional public funding and said, "
The future Conservative Government will take immediate action to address the hospital infection crisis. We will move to establish the Royal Hospital Inspection Board, a body which must conduct a minimum number of inspections of all of Morovia's hospitals per year to insure sanitary conditions."Progressive Leader Steven Foong followed suit and
emphasized his party's commitment to restoring confidence in the public health system. He declared, "
A Progressive Government will not compromise an inch in the matter of public healthcare. We will immediately advise His Majesty to set up a Royal Commission of Inquiry to investigate into the problem of hospital infection and will take immediate and decisive action to correct the situation."A spokesman for the Trust declined to comment on the contents of the memo, but sources reveal that many in the medical community are beginning to question the competence of the current system, which is responsible for the maintenance of six regional hospitals in Briesk, Valois, Gotha, Strausbourg, Leben, and Malbun. The Trust is funded entirely by private contributions, and for the
first time last week admitted publicly that Morovia's hospital infrastructure is failing.
Interview: Austi Scot
BRIESK - Veteran micronationalist Austi Scot has immigrated to Morovia and joined the Conservative Party. Scot's decision has raised some eyebrows, considering his prominent role in the
2002 TYSOG incident, which exposed his involvement in espionage activities in Morovia and resulted in his removal as Prime Executive of Tymaria.
In an
exclusive interview with
The Evening Standard, Scot said he would like to add more color to an already colorful micronational career. He said,
"In Morovia, I would like to see how things develop given the set of people who are here. There are several of them who were involved in some of the very first micronations I joined and there is certain set of history between those people and myself. There are a couple of people with whom I was involved in a several different micronations later and still a few people are here with whom I have never played this hobby before."
On joining the ranks of the Conservatives and supporting David Oatney's leadership bid, Scot said, "I want Morovia to be a lively and active micronation ... David Oatney is a well qualified Legislator. His ability and skills are of the highest caliber. David Oatney has the knowledge and experience that most micronationalist only wish they had. I can say that others here in Morovia have at least as much experience as Mr. Oatney, however they lack his knowledge, ability, skills and most of all they lack his wisdom in matters of micronations."
Regarding the TYSOG incident, Scot made no qualms about his involvement and accepted full responsibility. "I was the person who authorized the operation. It was conceived in my cabinet as Prime Executive of Tymaria. I am the Executive who authorized the operation," he admitted. "I could comment on the TYSOG incident further, however I’m not so sure the micronationally community is even to this day yet ready to hear some of the still unknown aspects. I’m not so sure that the full details are in the best interest of anyone. There is every reason to not yet tell the full story."
Whether that answer satisfies Morovians is an open question, but Scot is not running for political office. He is interested in exploring the non-political aspects of Morovia, particularly the economy, the arts, and a revitalization of Victoria University. While he dismissed speculation that he might run in the present campaign, some observers expect him to play a role in government should the Conservatives win a majority in the Royal Assembly.
Jacobus Declares for Royal Assembly
BRIESK - Within days of his naturalization, micronational adventurer Jacobus B.S. Kahunamea has announced his intention to seek a seat in the November 9 - 11 Royal Assembly elections. Jacobus will run as a candidate of the Democratic Centre, the brain child of fellow newcomer Glenn McCarter. Although the party has yet to release a manifesto, its members believe in a centrist approach to public policy.
In a nod to conventional wisdom about the Democratic Centre's electoral viability, Jacobus said, "It is hard for me to walk past an underdog and leave it unassisted."
He went on, "I have spanned the political spectrum in my micronational career, and the Centre is where much good can be done. We need not be bound by ideological dogma, and we will as such be able to employ the policies that make the most sense."
ANALYSIS
Jacobus has had a colorful micronational career. In 2002, he unlawfully declared himself "Interim Regent" of Morovia and was unanimously opposed by the community's citizens. He is also engaged in a long running dispute with the Virtual Commonwealth of Cyberia (VCC), and is the driving force behind the Federal Republic of Cyberia (FRC), which many Morovians deem an illegitimate pretender to the VCC.
Through the years,
Peter Hickey and Jacobus have had a strained relationship. Hickey is a former citizen of the VCC and one of the chief actors in the long running drama between the two Cyberias. Some observers wonder whether Hickey might relish the chance to compete against his old rival, but he has thus far resisted pleas from fellow Progressives to leave retirement and accept their nomination for Royal Assembly.
In the meanwhile, McCarter's new Democratic Centre just received a very much needed shot in the arm. Jacobus put it best when he said, "Add me to your ticket. At least that should stir some attention."
The Democratic Centre is seeking a third candidate to complete their ticket for Royal Assembly.
Conservatives: Oatney for PR
BRIESK - Former Peoples Representative David Oatney has been elected Leader of the Conservatives at the party conference here in Briesk. In
well received remarks to delegates, he accepted his party's nomination and went on to outline the Conservative platform for the upcoming election.
Oatney thanked Conservatives for electing him and explained that, under his watch, Conservatives will oppose new bureaucracies, tax increases, and any funding for the Armed Services that might jeopardize Morovian neutrality. For the first time, he proposed that the new Royal Assembly formalize succession laws, and said,
"The Conservative Party believes that the survival of the Kingdom is paramount. To that end, the Government will form a committee of our most respected citizens to examine the question of the Royal Succession and the long-term viability of the Crown, and formulate a plan to insure the survival of the Crown."
In a nod to running mates Bill Bekkenhuis and Christopher McQueeny, he pledged the revitalization of Victoria University and Conservative support for the promotion of spirituality and faith in the Morovian community. He received a standing ovation when he said, "A Conservative Government shall be dedicated in principle and in law to the idea that the government which governs best governs least. We are committed to the idea of popular and personal sovereignty."Oatney served as Speaker of the Royal Assembly and Peoples Representative in 2002, and should the Conservatives gain a governing majority it is likely he will return to the latter office.
Foong New PRP Leader
STRAUSBOURG - Former Peoples Representative Steven Foong has been
elected Leader of the Progressive-Reform Party and will spearhead the party's efforts in the present campaign. A longtime Morovian, Foong served seven terms as Peoples Representative, and is widely expected to seek a return to that office should the Progressives gain a majority of seats in the Royal Assembly.
In an address to delegates at the
party conference here in Strausbourg, Foong declared,
"This election will be the toughest yet and I call upon all Morovians to come forward to commit toward a progressive future of our micronation ... Thank you for placing your trust in me."
The Progressive-Reform Party has committed itself to a vague platform of fiscal responsibility, the protection of civil liberties, and investment in science and technology. Along with other leading Progressives, Foong supports the decriminalization of prostitution.
Foong led a distinguished career in the Armed Services, and currently holds the rank of General in the Army Reserve. In spite of that, he has expressed skepticism toward appropriating the full four billion morovs requested by the Armed Services.
In 2003, he was created a Knight-Commander of the Order of Saint George.
Hospital Infection Rate Triples
BRIESK - The rate of patients contracting infections while staying at Morovia's patchwork hospital system has tripled in just three weeks, according to recent reports reviewed by the Royal Hospital Trust. Morovia has a system of private non-profit hospitals, many of which were once subsidized through generous government support. However, in the absence of the Royal Assembly, it has not been appropriated funds since 2006.
Since that time, conditions have deteriorated significantly and a spokesperson for the Trust said there were fears that the recent spike in infection is only the beginning of a series of problems resulting from a lack of funding for Morovia's health care infrastructure.
The Royal Hospital Trust was established by leading opponents of the government's 2001 decision not to enact universal health care. The Trust is responsible for the maintenance of six regional hospitals in Briesk, Valois, Gotha, Strausbourg, Leben, and Malbun. Conspicuously, the King serves as Honorary President.
Democratic Centre: New Ideas, New Energy
BRIESK - In an
interview with
The Evening Standard, Glenn McCarter, leader of the recently formed Democratic Centre, offered insights to his party's vision for the future of Morovia and made the case for his election in the upcoming Royal Assembly elections.
McCarter emphasized that the DC would be a voice from the political center, and said Morovians can expect "
a new, young leadership with new ideas and new energy. They can expect something else than a conservative vs. liberal political system. They can expect moderation, and centrism."
The Democratic Centre's campaign platform focuses on environmental protection, national health care, improving public education, and an embrace of the values of secularism in light of the recent debate of the role of religion in Morovia. Unlike the Conservative and Progressive-Reform candidates, McCarter opposes the decriminalization of prostitution.
McCarter also argued that funds requested by the Armed Services would be better spent improving Morovia's social safety net. He said, "We must also focus on issues that need attention, health care, the environment, and education come to mind now."
Elections for the Royal Assembly will be held November 9 - 11. Interested candidates must declare their intention to stand for one of the three vacant seats before November 4.
Jacobus Arrives in Morovia
BRIESK - Micronational adventurer Jacobus B.S. Kahuneamea arrived by steamer in Morovia's capital Thursday. Sources indicate that he made several low key visits to notable citizens, ostensibly to deliver documents relevant to the community's history.
In a
brief statement to the press, Jacobus said, "
I buried the hatchet a while ago, but there are others hereabouts who might prefer my head to be on a (metaphorical) pike. I offer all an open hand of fellowship."
Jacobus is a controversial figure in Morovia and beyond. In 2002, despite never having been a citizen, he declared himself Interim Regent, a claim flatly rejected by Morovians as illegitimate. When the King intervened, Jacobus surrendered all claims to authority, however, there are lingering suspicions that his ambitions were far greater than his stated purpose of preserving the monarchy.
In addition to his provocative role in Morovia's history, Jacobus was also a pretender to the "throne" of Cyberia, declaring himself Emperor and later President of the Federal Republic of Cyberia (FRC). Although it appears he has largely reformed his reputation of using paper dolls and other unethical means to accomplish his aims, his opposition to the legitimate Virtual Commonwealth of Cyberia has made him something of a pariah in VCC and Morovian circles.
In a recent interview with The Coprieta Standard, the King expressed his appreciation of Jacobus' talents and praised his dedication to micronationalism. However, the King also indicated that he will continue to recognize the VCC as the sole, legitimate Cyberia.
McQueeny Completes Conservative Ticket
BRIESK - Christopher McQueeny, a longtime citizen of Morovia, will complete the Conservative Party ticket in the upcoming election for three seats in the Royal Assembly. In an
interview with The Evening Standard, he outlined his positions on the issues and declared his eagerness to jump into the present campaign.
As a former member of the Royal Assembly, McQueeny was noted during his former tenure for his conservative position on social issues. On the controversy regarding the decriminalization of prostitution, he said, "
Given my background as a Greek Orthodox seminarian, one can imagine that I am not exactly a supporter of prostitution."
However, in a possible nod to Bill Bekkenhuis and the more liberal elements of his party, he went on, "I don't think that government regulation is a very effective means of reducing it; all a ban seems to do is hurt the women themselves, who more often than not are already victims of exploitation -- which in my view is fundamental to prostitution in the first place."
On the Armed Services request for an additional four billion morovs, he was unequivocal in his opposition, and said, "The People's Constitution prominently rejects warfare as a means of settling disputes, a view entirely consonant with the apostolic Christian faith. Certainly it is necessary for Morovia to maintain a defensive army, but unless there is a credible and imminent threat, I see no reason for increased funding at this time."
McQueeny also called for a codification of Morovian laws, and for that matter, for the government to obey or change them. He said, "In short, once the Royal Assembly sits, the People's Constitution and other laws should be firmly enforced ... if the system described by the constitution is too complex or large for our current size, it should be changed."
In addition to his candidacy, McQueeny is Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Hanover, a micronation founded by Morovians in 2002. When asked by a reporter if his responsibilities there would conflict with his potential duties as a member of the Royal Assembly, he replied, "I do not anticipate any problems, and I would certainly refuse any office or responsibility which would clearly create a conflict of interest."
On the subject of Hanover, McQueeny called for closer relations between the two sister communities. "I firmly believe that, given the strong historical ties between our nations, we should likewise have a strong relationship today," he said, "Our governments should work together to decide the future of the relationship."
McQueeny joins Sir Bill Bekkenhuis and David Oatney on the Conservative Party ticket.
Election Campaign Officially Begins
BRIESK - Although the parties have been at it a week already, Monday marked the official first day of the election campaign for Morovia's Royal Assembly. It begins with the final week of conferences, and then campaigning straight up to the poll beginning 12:01AM GMT November 9 and completing at 11:59PM November 12.
In an
announcement released to the public, the King congratulated the political parties on their progress, reiterated the election timeline, and indicated that now was the time for individuals to declare their candidacies for the three vacant seats. Several candidates have already stated they will run, and they include Conservatives Bill Bekkenhuis and David Oatney, Progressives Steven Foong and Peter Krembs, and Glen McCarter of the recently formed Democratic Centre.
In addition to the five already in the race, observers question whether Conservative Chris McQueeny or Progressive Peter Hickey might jump in to complete the respective tickets. Some are also anticipating the emergence of a dark horse candidate, such as the Duke of Croningen, former Peoples Representative Iain Lindley, or new citizen Austi Scott.
While the campaign begins today, the official deadline for candidates to declare is November 4.
McCarter Bolts PRP, Creates Third Party
Strausbourg - Morovian newcomer Glenn McCarter
announced his resignation from the Progressive-Reform Party and has indicated he will establish a third political party, the Democratic Centre.
Following his declaration, McCarter spoke to an informal gathering of reporters outside the conference hall. Reciting a laundry list of issue positions, he distinguished himself from Progressives such as Peter Krembs, a libertarian. On that count, McCarter emphasized his commitment to responsible stewardship of the environment. He said,
"I don't agree with the libertarian way of thinking 'let people do what they want about it.' That won't work. The government must pass legislation to reduce emissions, and establish a polluter tax to encourage reduction of pollution. Tax incentives for cleaner technologies."
"I am not a liberal, I am not a libertarian, I am not a social democrat, I am not a conservative. I am a moderate centrist," he continued, "I found the Democratic Centre."
McCarter will contest the upcoming election for a seat in the Royal Assembly.
Bekkenhuis Moves Conservatives Left
BRIESK - Likening himself the Rudy Guliani of the Morovian Right, Sir Bill Bekkenhuis
announced this week he has switched his party membership to the Conservative Party and intends to run for one of three open seats in the Royal Assembly. The news was greeted with surprise in some quarters, considering that Bekkenhuis, one of Morovia's most respected citizens, once served in the Royal Assembly as a member of the Progressive-Reform Party.
"
I intend to embrace the conservative notion of limited government which - in a virtual, micronational context - means less is more," said Bekkenhuis in a speech to the Conservative conference. Referring to the 2005 lapse into inactivity, he said, " I think, at the end, the nation of Morovia (the group of individuals) got swallowed up by the state of Morovia (the laws and decrees, etc.)."
In addition to his tenure in the Royal Assembly, Bekkenhuis also served twice as Lord Regent in the absence of King Vincent. During the community's dark days, he was one of a few citizens who sought to preserve tradition and history by posting to an oftentimes empty Salon. Some believe his views may be outside the Conservative mainstream, but it is his years of service, and his impeccable reputation, that led individuals like David Oatney to welcome him into the party fold.
In a separate interview with The Evening Standard, when questioned about the military's recent request for 4 billion morovs, Bekkenhuis sought the middle ground. He said, "My vision for Morovia's military is the same as my vision for all militaries. They should parade gloriously on national holidays and, in a perfect world, do very little else ... Four billion for a nation that has never been at war sounds excessive."
Waxing philosophical, he also remarked, "The greatest challenge facing Morovia is to create something sufficiently enjoyable and meaningful that it draws and keeps people."
Bekkenhuis and Oatney are in the process of recruiting a third candidate to complete the Conservative ticket.
Oatney Sounds Conservative Call
BRIESK - This week, David Oatney formally declared his candidacy for Royal Assembly in a
rousing address to delegates of the Conservative Party conference. Oatney, a former Peoples Representative and Speaker of the Royal Assembly, is widely expected to lead his party in the campaign. In his speech, he outlined an agenda that included limited government, personal and social responsibility, personal freedom, open government, and the maintenance and promotion of the Crown.
Emphasizing personal and social responsibility, he said, "Government cannot and should not take care of those who refuse to care for themselves. There are those who cannot take care of themselves, and then those who can and will not. Before expending the resources of the State upon the individual, all other options and means of self-help must be exhausted-and Morovia's churches and charities have a vital role to play in the lives and well-being of Morovians. Those groups can tend to the needs of local people in ways that a bureaucrat cannot."
In a separate interview with The Evening Standard, Oatney commented on the current debate over the decriminalization of prostitution, among other issues. Contradicting previous Conservative manifestos, he indicated that he was open to decriminalization. He said, "If we are concerned about the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, it would seem to me that outlawing prostitution does little to stop that spread."
Oatney also noted that Conservatives are actively engaged in recruiting a third candidate to complete the party ticket.
Analysis: Waiting on Hickey
Strausbourg - Will he or won't he run? That seems to be the question among delegates attending the Progressive-Reform Party conference in Strausbourg this week. They are, of course, referring to Peter Hickey, the veteran micronationalist with a long history of championing liberal causes. A Morovian since 2001, Hickey spent most of his career in the Virtual Commonwealth of Cyberia. However, he quickly returned to Briesk following the announcement of Morovia's return for the one-month election campaign but has since been mum on whether he will complete his party's ticket and run as the third candidate for Royal Assembly.
In a conference speech before a standing room only crowd, Hickey mused about his future in Morovia, "I may decide to run but then again, I may just decide to set up a public interest law practice and work for social justice in the courts. Or perhaps I'll draw on my experience as a micronational journalist and establish a progressive newspaper in Briesk. But Morovia's left may rest assured that my modest talents, such as they may be, are at its disposal, at least for the duration of this month."
In Morovia, Hickey has served as Prosecutor-General as well as several terms in the Royal Assembly. In 2002, he was a vocal critic of Conservative social legislation, something remembered in light of the current debate on consensual prostitution. After years spent in the political trenches, sources indicate that "Old Man Liberal" is happy in retirement, and much to the chagrin of the Progressive rank and file, may be content to stay there.
PRP: Decriminalize Prostitution
BRIESK - News of last weekend's prostitution bust did not take long to reach Steven Foong and Peter Krembs, Progressive-Reform Party candidates for Royal Assembly. In the midst of separate campaign events with local miners and their families in Gotha, they
said they would support legislation to legalize consensual prostitution.
Former Peoples Representative Steven Foong first wondered whether it was straining the resources of the police forces, and then said,
"I propose that we create a legal framework to protect sex workers of both genders from all kinds of abuses, especially trafficking and exposure to STDs."
"I will seek to decriminalize prostitution if elected to the Assembly," said Krembs, when asked at a separate event across town. "Sexual activity between two consenting adults affects no one else's rights."
Krembs opposes government intervention into any areas of the issue, including health. In that respect, his fellow Progressive differed. He said, "
What they need is our help, not making life even more difficult for them."
Looming over the discussion is the question of whether Peter Hickey will accept an offer to run on the
Progressive ticket. It was Hickey who fiercely opposed the successful 2002 effort that outlawed the practice in the first place.
Top Brass: We Need Funding Now
THE OCTAGON - The General Staff of the Morovian Armed Services has gone public with their frustrated demands for increased funding for the military. In a rare press conference, Army General Harold Huzah, Chief of the General Staff, expressed his growing frustration with the Government, revealing that the military's numerous budget requests have been ignored by the House of Law.
"We have reached the tipping point," said General Huzah. "Without a commitment to increase funding, the Armed Services will be unable to sustain its current operational capacity."
Just what is that capacity? The ratification of the People's Constitution in 1999 expressly forbid the Kingdom of Morovia from engaging in micronational war. In the years since, the Armed Services have been charged with the protection of Morovia's digital assets, but with the exception of the infamous
TYSOG plot, have fulfilled a largely ceremonial role within the community.
In total, the Armed Services have requested the allocation of 4 billion morovs. No action has been taken on the request, and with the Royal Assembly set to reconvene at the conclusion of the November election, observers expect military funding, and the larger role of the Armed Services, to fill a large portion of the chamber's agenda.
Police Make Prostitution Bust
The Briesk Constabulary made a prostitution bust over the weekend.
Arrested were two local women and a man from Valois. Twenty-five-year-old Tammy Brown and 28-year-old Nicole Owen face prostitution charges.
Charged with hiring sexual activity was 40-year-old Sean Turtle. The trio were arrested shortly after midnight on Saturday.
BACKGROUND
In 2005, only underground prostitution — a frequest target of police stings — existed. During the long months of Morovia's inactivity, the numbers of persons offering sexual services rose rapidly. According to His Majesty's Prosecutor-General, apart from the spread of street prostitution, there has been an enormous increase in providing in-house sexual services. According to Gloria Herran, head of nonprofit organization that provides education to prostitutes, the government has not addressed the issues. Herren's organization focuses on preventing trafficking in women, support of its victims, lobbying for legislation and providing information concerning the issue.
“The government does not care. The last request for changing [the situation] was swept away in 2005,” Herren told
The Evening Standard, adding that prostitution is a phenomenon that is not isolated and brings many serious socioeconomic problems with it. “It is not just sexually transmitted diseases, but also drugs, organized crime and more. However, in this legislative vacuum it is just not possible to fight these effectively.”
A spokesman for His Majesty's Ministry of the Treasury estimated that last year around 1 billion morovs from 20,000 people working in the Morovian sex industry went untaxed.
Morovia Returns for "Limited Engagement"
BRIESK - The Kingdom of Morovia is back - at least temporarily. Following two weeks of quiet planning, King Vincent III (that's right, he's back) issued a public statement outlining the community's plans to hold elections for the now idle Royal Assembly, at the conclusion of which citizens will determine whether to continue with the revival.
"Each of us miss the back and forth of politics - the speeches, the platforms, the talking points, and the inevitable criticism in the newspaper - and the debate of real issues," said the King in a prepared statement. "For a limited time only, we are bringing that back."
Immediately following the King's announcement,
InfoMorovia was restored to its former servers and
new discussion forums were opened to the public. Notable faces such as Bill Bekkenhuis, Steven Foong, Peter Hickey, Bob Kee, Peter Krembs, Iain Lindley, and David Oatney have also committed to the project, and sources indicate that more prominent figures may also return in the coming days.
There has been no public comment from King Adam I, who earlier this year transferred his powers as head of state to a regent, King Alexander I of Hanover. King Vincent III indicated that he had been in communication with both Adam and Alexander, however the former is away this week on macronational business. Vincent III has expressed privately his desire for Adam to return to Morovian life, and publicly demonstrated his gratitude by creating him Prince Adam, Duke of Croningen - the first time a dukedom has been bestowed upon a Morovian outside of the Royal Family.
When informed of the peculiar circumstances surrounding the Crown, Bill Bekkenhuis was quick with a joke. He said,
" Well, we've gone from no King to one King to two Kings to three Kings (well, two Kings and a Regent). This is the genius of Morovia - that a nation with no active citizens could require three Heads of State to not function. Who knows, if we get this project off the ground with an active citizenry we may require even more."
It is hoped that Prince Adam will return by the week's end.
The Briesk Evening Standard Resumes Publication
BRIESK - Royal House Publications has resumed release of
The Briesk Evening Standard. In its heyday,
The Evening Standard was an important source of Morovian news and analysis. With the community poised on the eve of a long overdue election campaign for seats in the Royal Assembly, the newspaper's editors have committed to publication until November 12, when the larger question of Morovia's future is resolved.
