Krembs Attacks "Oatneycare"
BRIESK - Progressive Peter Krembs
lambasted Peoples Representative Oatney's plan to solve the hospital crisis Saturday, calling the recently introduced Hospitals Act nothing more than "Oatneycare."
Of the proposed legislation, Krembs said, "All it does is seize more money from individuals and throws it down a bureaucratic black hole in the name of 'health.' From from ending the healthcare crisis, it is likely to worsen it, because individuals will now have to pay taxes that could've otherwise went into private insurance or health savings accounts."
The Peoples Representative was quick to respond. Accusing Krembs of being a "complete nincompoop," he said, "I would expect better from you Peter. The micronational world has been known to see a more civil side to you. But please keep it up. As long as you continue in this way, run for the Leadership of the PRP-then it will be assured that there will never be anything but Conservative Government in Morovia. Please, keep it up, be my guest."
The Hospitals Act of 2007 appropriates 1.5 billion morovs, or 5% of the national GDP, toward reopening the country's six regional hospitals. It also calls for the creation of a Royal Commission on Hospitals with oversight authority over Royal Hospital Trust operations.
Oatney Introduces Hospital Bill
BRIESK - Peoples Representative Oatney introduced a bill today that dedicates a significant level of public monies to the funding of Morovia's public health system. Officially the
Hospitals Act of 2007, the proposed legislation appropriates 1.5 billion morovs, or 5% of the national GDP, toward reopening the country's six regional hospitals. It also calls for the creation of a Royal Commission on Hospitals with oversight authority over Royal Hospital Trust operations.
Noting that Glenn McCarter, Minister of Health and Safety, had failed to offer testimony before the Royal Assembly, Oatney told his colleagues,
"I am compelled as Peoples Representative and Head of His Majesty's Government to take the initiative to deal with the crisis immediately as we promised Morovians that we would do."
Earlier this month, the Royal Hospital Trust announced the closure all six of its regional hospitals due to a lack of funding. The decision came after weeks of bad publicity, coupled with alarming reports that the rate of inpatient infections had increased and that the revelation that hospitals were failing their "primary mission."
Assembly, Foong Tackle Immigration
BRIESK - The Royal Assembly and the Minister of Immigration set to work last week to resolve the legal issues surrounding the nine Morovians who applied for citizenship during the recent election campaign. Minister Steven Foong, tapped by the King to sort out the issue, was clear that Morovia must approach the naturalization process as it was spelled out by Article 37 of the Constitution of the People.
"I think our current situation is very bizarre. Obviously, any way to naturalise immigrants that is not in accordance to Article 37 is illegal. It's unfortunate that we had to resort to extra-legal means during the previous month," he said in an interview with The Evening Standard. "I hope that from now on Morovia will stick to its tradition of rule of law."
Foong testified before the Royal Assembly, and Speaker Bill Bekkenhuis recognized the ministers objections to the way the de facto citizens were welcomed. He said, "The Hon. Mr. Foong would not go this route in a perfect world but recognizes that this is probably the best possible action we can take to bring Morovia back to the rule of law under HM People's Constitution."
Article 37 of the Constitution of the People expressly outlines the procedure for new citizen naturalization. Specifically, applications for citizenship must receive a majority vote in the Royal Assembly and the consent of the King. The Assembly is set to vote on the naturalization resolution early this week.
McCarter Tapped for Health Minister
BRIESK - After leading the Democratic Centre in last month's election campaign, newcomer Glenn McCarter has been appointed Minister of Health and Safety. In an
interview with The Evening Standard, McCarter explained that his immediate focus was on a quick resolution to the current hospital crisis.
"I realize that I am not an Assembly Member, however, I hope to advise the Assembly on the best solution to the crisis as soon as we can," said the new Minister. "I am a strong supporter of universal health care and will of course ask the Conservatives to consider such a plan, and I hope they do."
McCarter's move to ministry offices at Brighton House raised several eyebrows, and several observers envision a potential clash with the Conservatives over the issue of universal health care. Last month, the private Royal Hospital Trust announced it lacked the financial resources to maintain Morovia's patchwork hospital system. Less than three weeks ago, the Trust followed through on its warning and reluctantly closed all six of its regional hospitals.
The new minister has not resigned his leadership of the Democratic Centre, and in the interview, he flatly rejected the proposed coalition with the Progressive-Reform Party. He said, "The DC was founded to be an independent centrist alternative to the left or the right, and going into a coalition with either left or right would make us lose our legitimacy."
Oatney Elected Peoples Representative
BRIESK - Conservative Leader David Oatney has been
elected Peoples Representative after a unanimous vote of the Royal Assembly. The new Peoples Representative accepted the confidence of his colleagues, and in a speech before the chamber pledged his commitment to the immediate resolution of the current hospitals crisis.
The Peoples Representative thanked the Assembly Members and said, "
I have always found this trust to be extremely humbling. I really feel the need to get cracking on the important issues we face. I am asking Member McQueeney to help craft the hospitals bill, since he has told me that bill writing is a specialty of his. Since the Speaker has some hospital experience, his input will be critical as we begin hearings next week."
The Peoples Representative is Morovia's head of government, the equivalent of prime minister. Oatney served one term in 2002, and led the Conservative Party in last week's electoral sweep, winning three out of three seats in the Royal Assembly.
King Decrees Hickey Chief Justice
BRIESK - With the sweep of a penstroke, the King signed
Royal Decree 225 and formally appointed veteran Morovian Peter Hickey Chief Justice of the High Court. Hickey is the first citizen to be named Chief Justice since the resignation of the King's cousin the Duke of Bedminster in 2003.
The Chief Justice is understood to adhere to a strict constructionist approach to constitutional law, and said in an
exclusive interview,
"My judicial philosophy in micronations is that the law should be determined according to the intent of the legislature and/or the framers of the Constitution. This is to be found in the legislative record and, if available, the annals of the proceedings in which the Constitution was framed. The language in the law is to be construed in the sense of the plainest and most commonly used interpretations of the words in question."
In addition to a macronational career as an attorney, the Chief Justice is considered to be one of the formative figures of Cyberian jurisprudence. In the more litigiously sedate Morovia, he has focused his efforts on political change, and is known for being a fiery advocate of liberal causes. In deference to his new nonpartisan role, he has resigned his membership in the Progressive-Reform Party.
"I have some definite and strong political beliefs. However, it is one of the most important duties of the judiciary to make decisions based on the law and not the political beliefs of the judge," said the new Chief Justice. "I am, of course, only human and thus, imperfect but I will try to the very best of my ability to divorce my political beliefs from my interpretation and application of the law and Constitution."Chief Justice Hickey led a distinguished political career, serving in the Royal Assembly and as Prosecutor-General. With his appointment announced, the seats of two Associate Justices remain to be filled.
The King Opens the Royal Assembly
BRIESK - Signaling the first day of the legislative session, the King presided over the State Opening of the Royal Assembly this afternoon. Outlining the government's aims in a lengthy
King's Speech, he called upon lawmakers address a host of challenges and also announced several key appointments.
In an address from the Throne in the historic Great Chamber of the House of Law, the King urged action to resolve the hospital shutdown crisis, and named Glenn McCarter, Leader of the Democratic Centre, the new Minister of Health and Safety. He indicated his desire for the chamber to reconcile its differences with the Armed Services, and announced the appointments of newcomer Adam Hansen as Minister of Defense and General Peter Krembs as Chief of the General Staff. In a nod to the Conservative Party pledge to revitalize Victoria University, the King surprised many by summoning the talents of respected micronational historian Liam Sinclair with an appointment as University Chancellor. Rounding off the list was Peter Hickey, tapped for service as Chief Justice of the High Court.
The King also announced a coming State Visit from King Alexander of Hanover on December 1.
"The issues presented here are only the beginning in a longer effort among all Morovians, to build a stronger community," concluded the King. "Paraphrasing the words of the poet, our country has awakened."
McQueeny Completes Conservative Sweep
NATIONAL - Conservative Christopher McQueeny has prevailed in the second round run off with Progressive Steven Foong. McQueeny received 5 votes, or 55%, to Foong's 4, or 45%. The result seals a Conservative landslide in the last week's elections. The party now holds three out of three seats in the Royal Assembly.
"
That the Morovian people have given me such a vote of confidence is stunning, and humbling," said McQueeny in a statement to reporters outside of the House of Law. "Inasmuch as I can speak for my party, this seems to be further confirmation that what Morovia wants is not idealism, but solid plans, rooted in realistic Conservative values."
Defeated Progressive Peter Krembs was quick to lament the result. Calling Morovia a "de-facto single party state" he said, "Despite holding all of the seats in the Assembly, the Conservatives may be shocked to learn that a very large proportion of the Morovian population did not vote for them at all."
Recently elected David Oatney has announced his intention to stand for Peoples Representative, with many observers predicting Bill Bekkenhuis will return to the Speakership. Steven Foong was not available for comment.
Foong vs. McQueeny in Run Off
NATIONAL - Progressive Steven Foong faces Conservative Christopher McQueeny in a second round election run off triggered by their tie for the third seat in the Royal Assembly. They each received 45%; the support of five out of eleven electors. Resting on the outcome of today's election is the question of whether Morovia's liberals will be shut out completely from next session's Royal Assembly.
Conservative Leader David Oatney was pleased with his party's performance, but
cautioned those who worried of a "Tory dictatorship" and explained that citizens "
need not fear that in a free Morovia. We are going to work together as a team for the betterment of Morovia, not merely one political party. If Morovians disapprove of our team effort, there will be another election soon that will be a referendum on whether we delivered on our promises."
Minutes after conceding defeat, Progressive Peter Krembs urged electors to cast their ballot for Foong. In uncharacteristically strong language, he said, "I explicitly endorse Mr Foong over Mr McQueeny. If McQueeny is elected, the government will be controlled by unopposed mystical conservatives at a time when we need a consistently secular defense of free markets and free minds."
Foong led an accomplished career in the Armed Services before serving five terms as Peoples Representative. McQueeny first entered Morovia as a member of the clergy of the Apostolic Communion, and his political career has included service in the Royal Assembly.
Ballots must be returned no later than 11:59PM EST tonight. The results will be announced early tomorrow, with the State Opening of the Royal Assembly proceeding as planned.
Bekkenhuis, Oatney Win Election
BRIESK - The Conservative Party swept to victory Monday with the news that Bill Bekkenhuis and David Oatney had been elected to the Royal Assembly. With Progressive Steven Foong and Conservative Christopher McQueeny locked in a second round run off, many in the party hoped to make their majority absolute.
Speaking to supporters at a victory celebration at the Fort St. George Tavern, Conservative Leader David Oatney said, "
I can't thank you enough for this overwhelming vote of confidence in the Conservative Party and in me personally and in Bill Bekkenhuis, Chris McQueeney and in our entire slate of candidates. We owe a lot not only to all the citizens who voted for us, but for our volunteers and supporters right across the country."
Bekkenhuis told reporters he was pleased with the results and indicated that he was ready for the hard work to begin. He said, "We must diligently guard against the old Morovian vice of electing an Assembly and then the Assembly vanishes. If anyone catches me off-property while there is legislation to be done, please feel free to shoot me."
Both candidates were supported by 55% of electors, with Foong and McQueeny tying for third place with 45%. The outcome was a disappointment for the Progressives. They fielded a ticket that, including former Peoples Representative Foong, included Morovian veterans Peter Hickey and Peter Krembs. Some have quested whether the late emergence of the Democratic Centre had a spoilers effect on the election, with the Progressives losing votes to the Conservatives gain.
"I am disappointed with my and my party's showing," said defeated Progressive Peter Krembs. "It seems like Morovia stayed loyal to its Old Guard this time."
Glenn McCarter, Leader of the Democratic Centre, also expressed his disappointment with his party's showing, but pledged that he would fight on. He said, "Whoever is elected will have to take into consideration the views of the centrists and respect us as a major political force in the country. I promise to our electors that the Democratic Centre will continue as a political force and we will continue to be a centrist influence in any government."
With Conservatives guaranteed two out of the three seats in the coming Royal Assembly, Oatney has announced his intention to stand as Peoples Representative and speculation has already begun that Bekkenhuis will take up the Speaker's gavel for the umpteenth time in his career.
The full results may be accessed here.
What is the State Opening of the Royal Assembly?
NATIONAL - The State Opening of the Royal Assembly is the most colorful event of the parliamentary calendar, and also the most important.
Each new legislative session has to be opened by the monarch, who reads a prepared speech, setting out an agenda he hopes the chamber will enact.
Before the ceremony, the King arrives at the House of Law in the Babkhan Stage Coach (a gift many years ago of a very benevolent Shah). But observing a custom dating back to days when the monarch and the Assembly were on less cordial terms a government whip is held 'hostage' at the Winter Palace to guarantee the safe return of the monarch.
Once the King arrives at the House of Law the red and yellow Morovian flag is lowered and replaced by the royal standard. After donning the royal robes in the robing room the King and his procession make their way to the Great Chamber of the Royal Assembly. When he enters the lighting inside is turned up to enhance the drama of the royal entrance.
Once the King is seated and the guests have taken their place members of the house are summoned from the nearby lobby to come and hear the royal address. Tardily, the Royal Assembly, led by its most senior member, take up their places to hear the speech.
King Sets Date for R.A. Opening
BEDMINSTER - The King has set the State Opening of the Royal Assembly for Wednesday, November 14. The ceremony, first observed in 1999, marks the official start of the legislative session.
The King made the
announcement while paying his respects at the National Peace Memorial in Bedminster. He said,
"I have given the order for preparations to be made for the event, a day of celebration for Morovia's democracy and people. All citizens, new and old alike, are encouraged to attend."
Workers have been readying the historic House of Law for a little over a month. The great building has been unoccupied since the Royal Assembly last met in May 2005, and it has undergone a significant amount of cleaning and maintenance in anticipation of the new session. In addition to serving as meeting place for the legislature, the House of Law houses several suites of offices for members and officers of the Royal Assembly, including a grace and favor residence apartment for the Speaker.
Country Marks Remembrance Day
NATIONAL - Bugles sounded off to the tune of "The Last Post" Sunday as Morovians observed Remembrance Day, a day to commemorate those who fought, and are still fighting, in military conflicts around the world. Dressed in black, members of the Royal Family and leading politicians led the country in somber, emotional events throughout Morovia.
At the chapel of Victoria University in Valois, former Lord Regent Sir Bill Bekkenhuis offered a non-denominational prayer for peace and reflection. He said, "We ask you to allow those who have died either at home or on a battlefield to be at peace ... Most of all we ask you to keep combatants humane in the inhumane situations in which they find themselves until that day when swords are beaten into plowshares and the men and women of war become the peacemakers Jesus called 'blessed.'"
Additionally, longtime Morovian Christopher McQueeny is expected to preside over a Church of Hanover memorial service at the Apostolic Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Briesk later in the day.
Remembrance Day is also known as "Poppy Day," because it is traditional to wear an artificial poppy. They are sold by the Royal Morovian Legion, a charity dedicated to helping war veterans, although they do not have a fixed price - they rely on donations.
The first record of Morovia celebrating Remembrance Day was on November 18, 2000. Since that time, the date of the occasion was moved to synchronize the country's observance with the rest of micronationl world. November 11 is the day that World War One ended in 1918, when the armistice between the Central and Allied powers was signed in Compiègne, Northern France, at 5am.
Morovians Decide Community's Future
NATIONAL - Morovians took to the polls this weekend to select members of the Royal Assembly, the first time the country's unicameral legislature will convene since it was dissolved in May 2005. After a spirited campaign, eight candidates from the Conservative Party, Progressive-Reform Party, and the recently formed Democratic Centre are competing for three open seats.
"This has been a stunning turnaround," noted one election analyst. "One month ago, Morovia was a quiet backwater under the regency of the King of Hanover. Today, the streets are crowded with canvassers from not two, but three, political parties, a development that has caught the attention of the micronational world."
Unconfirmed reports indicate a high voter turnout, and there is no doubt that in the aftermath of the election legislators will have a full plate of issues to choose from as they seek to put Morovia back on track. The docket includes decisions on funding priorities in response to recent hospital closures, a review of the role of the Armed Services, a revitalization of Victoria University, the proposed decriminalization of prostitution, and several constitutional and election reforms.
Ongoing balloting concludes Sunday at 11:59PM EST. The results will be announced in the Salon the following day.
VOTE: Your Country Needs You!
Conservatives: "Vote for the Future"
VALOIS - On the eve of the election for Royal Assembly, Conservative Party Leader David Oatney
spoke before a gathering of young people in the empty halls of Victoria University and urged them to vote Conservative. Former Peoples Representative Oatney pledged that a Conservative majority would fix Morovia's hospitals, fund the Armed Services, and address issues of long term succession to the Crown.
On the issue of investment in hospitals, he said, "T
he lack of any sitting government in this Kingdom for so long has impaired the ability of our hospitals to do their job, and now our hospitals face closure. A Conservative Royal Assembly will take immediate action to reverse these dangerous trends to both the public health and public safety."In remarks that drew a standing ovation from the hall of would be students, Oatney also pledged to reopen the doors of Victoria University, which has been closed since 2005.
"Morovia's people may well decide whether the Kingdom lives or dies in a single election over the next couple of days," he said. "Today I would like to share with you, the Morovian People, why I believe you should support the Conservative Party and Conservative candidates Bill Bekkenhuis, Chris McQueeney, and myself in this weekend's vote."
Election ballots will be mailed on November 9, and are due by 11:59PM EST on November 11. The results will be announced the following day.
Krembs Rallies PRP on Election Eve
BRIESK - Progressive Peter Krembs
concluded his campaign for Royal Assembly this afternoon in a speech to high tech workers in an office complex on the outskirts of Briesk. Krembs declared his commitment to the protection of civil liberties, military funding, and the creation of a private hospital system.
On the issue of privatization, he said,
"Morovia has a history as a nation of scientific progress and technological development. This is due, in my opinion, to the fact that Morovia's laissez-faire economy drives rational self-interest amongst individuals. I do not think we need to look beyond this model to find a solution to the problems confronting Morovia's healthcare system and hospitals."
"I'm excited about Morovia's future," said Krembs. "New citizens have brought along enthusiasm and ideas that will continue to revive and enrich Morovia's political life, and I look forward to working with them to re-establish a flourishing online community centered around ideas."
Krembs, a civil libertarian, is a longtime citizen of Morovia. Chair of last month's Progressive-Reform Party Conference, he joins Steven Foong and Peter Hickey on the party's ticket for Royal Assembly.
Scot Blames Top Brass, Demands Inquiry
BRIESK - In a
speech before a crowd of evening commuters, Conservative Austi Scot criticized the Armed Services' top brass for today's fighter jet crash. Scot accused the military of losing sight of its chief mission - the protection of Morovia's digital assets - and questioned why an aircraft went up without proper maintenance in the first place.
"I sincerely hope no one was hurt in the lost of that jet," Scot said, "but I can understand why we aren’t paying for maintenance, we don’t really use them. If we do pay for anything it sounds like we should find a private sector maintenace company."
Demanding a Royal Assembly inquiry, he went on, "What General let that one go up? Who is this spokes person for the military giving reports to the newspapers anyways? ... Who knows what State secrets might be given away?"
In October, the Armed Services requested the allocation of 4 billion morovs in order to maintain its "operational capacity." All three political parties have said they would not honor the Armed Services' request in full, but pledged to meet with the top brass and approve a compromise budget.
A spokesperson at the Octagon refused journalists request for comment.
Hospitals Shut Down
NATIONAL - The Royal Hospital Trust has announced that all six of the regional hospitals it operates throughout Morovia have been closed due to a lack of funding. The decision came after weeks of bad publicity, coupled with alarming reports that the rate of inpatient infections had increased and that the revelation that hospitals were failing their "primary mission."
"Quite simply, the Trust could not keep the doors open and guarantee that patients will be healthier leaving the hospitals than when they entered," said a physician familiar with the rationale of the decision. "It is a sad day for Morovia's public health system. I hope it is only temporary."
There was no word on how long the closings will last, but no doubt that the shut down will have an impact in the remaining days of the election campaign.
Last month, 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."The recently formed Democratic Centre is the only political party that has
expressly committed to a significant public investment in the hospital system, calling for a switch to socialized medicine to "
ensure all citizens may be treated without having to pay fees that they may sometimes be unable to pay themselves."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.
Fighter Jet Crashes
LEBEN - A Royal Air Force fighter jet crashed earlier this morning while conducting a routine patrol mission over Leben, on Morovia's eastern coast. Although there was no immediate word on casualties, anonymous sources revealed that the Iron Class Tomcat crashed was accidental, and most likely the result of inadequate equipment maintenance.
"Information will be forthcoming," said a spokesperson for the Armed Services. "Normally, I would refer all inquiries to the Ministry of Defense - but as there is no Minister of Defense - once we have more knowledge of the situation we will release it to the press."
In October, General Harold Huzah requested the allocation of 4 billion morovs. Commenting on the military's state of readiness, he said, "We have reached the tipping point. Without a commitment to increase funding, the Armed Services will be unable to sustain its current operational capacity."
The issue of military funding has cropped up in the election campaign. All three political parties have said they would not honor the Armed Services' request in full, but pledged to meet with the top brass and approve a compromise budget. Inside observers agree that, having not yet been elected to the Royal Assembly, the candidates could not have prevented the crash. However, the accident places in the issue of military funding squarely in the center of debate as the campaign enters its final days.
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.
Election Campaign Down to the Wire
NATIONAL - The final week of Morovia's campaign for Royal Assembly entered its final week as the party conferences adjourned and candidates entered what one observer described as "the final push."
Peter Krembs adjourned the Progressive-Reform Party conference in Strausbourg to a standing ovation. Former Peoples Representative Steven Foong, Leader of the Progressives, has vowed to contest a spirited campaign that addresses the issues put forward in the party's general programme. Foong will be joined on the campaign trail by Peter Krembs, but little has been heard of Peter Hickey since he gave an address to the conference last month.
Democratic Centre Leader Glenn McCarter kicked off the campaign by announcing his party's extensive platform. According to the DC release, the party is committed "to building an open, democratic political system. As centrists, we stand against the notion of having two clans, conservative and liberal or libertarian and authoritarian."
The Conservative Party received a boost with the welcome of a new Conservative citizen on the day of the registration deadline.
Ballots will be mailed to eligible citizens on Friday, November 9, and voting will conclude on Sunday, November 11, with the results announced the following day.
BRIESK - Progressive Peter Krembs lambasted Peoples Representative Oatney's plan to solve the hospital crisis Saturday, calling the recently introduced Hospitals Act nothing more than "Oatneycare."
