Oatney Moves to Limit Taxes
BRIESK - Peoples Representative Oatney introduced an
amendment in the Royal Assembly today that, if adopted, would eliminate potential income and inheritance taxes as a means to raise revenue. The proposed change comes at a time when Minister Austi Scot and the Conservative Party face criticism over the legislation.
On Thursday, Progressive Peter Krembs called the Governmental Revenue Act an "expropriations bill" and told reporters, "If the Conservative government is seriously entertaining this bizarre new multitude of taxes, they have no right to call themselves conservatives, capitalists, or liberals, because even modern liberals aren't that insane."
Minister Scot has argued that the bill is a necessary foundation for the government's efforts to implement an economic simulation
. Defending the legislation and rejecting its characterization, he said, "Mr. Krembs is somewhat mistaken, I have not presented an appropriations bill. The bill I presented would give the government the right to pass appropriations bills using any of the methods listed."
If passed into law, the Currency Creation and Governmental Revenue Acts authorize the printing of close to twelve trillion morovs and establishes the legal basis for a wide spectrum of taxes.
Fors Named Lord Chamberlain
BRIESK - Former Peoples Representative Michael Fors has accepted the
King's appointment to serve as Lord Chamberlain of the Royal Household. In addition to numerous ceremonial duties, the new Lord Chamberlain will be responsible for the day to day operation of the Monarchy and serve as the official channel between the King and the Royal Assembly.
In the official decree, the King cited Fors' long years of service to Morovia and his experience in government. He is now the most senior official of the Royal Household and many expect him to prepare documents relating to the proper use of Morovian titles, styles, honors, and other matters of protocol.
Fors is a former member of the Royal Assembly, Cabinet Minister, and Peoples Representative. He is the author of several amendments to the Constitution of the People and is recognized as an expert on Morovian constitutional law. In addition to his citizenship in Morovia, Fors recently concluded a term as President of the
Virtual Commonwealth of Cyberia.
The Lord Chamberlain directs the operations of the Royal Household and serves as the public spokesperson of the Monarchy. The Royal Household assists the King in carrying out his constitutional and ceremonial duties. The last individual to hold the office was Lord Marc Lanson, Baron of Malbun, RCM, OSG.
Assembly Considers New Currency, Tax Laws
BRIESK - The Minister of the Treasury proposed the Royal Assembly adopt
sweeping new currency and tax laws this week. Testifying before the chamber, Minister Austi Scot called the two bills a necessary foundation for the government's efforts to implement an economic simulation
. The Currency Creation and Governmental Revenue Acts authorize the printing of close to twelve trillion morovs and establishes the legal basis for a wide spectrum of taxes.
"We are living at the beginning of what all citizens hope shall be the strongest, the longest era of sustained growth and prosperity in the history of Morovia," said Scot in a lengthy presentation to the Royal Assembly. "Growth and prosperity will not happen accidently but will of necessity involve careful planning and deliberate action. It will involve investment in the development of the infrastructure from the ground up. It will involve a commitment to educate the people of Morovia and to share the knowledge stored in Victoria University with the entire micronational world."
The Minister emphasized two principle goals: the "building of an economic foundation" and the creation of "equality and opportunity for all citizens and visitors in our society." After he concluded his remarks, Peoples Representative Oatney rose to thank him for his efforts.
Speaking of Scot's proposals, Lord Oatney said, "His bills will form the basis of the Government's fiscal strategy in the coming weeks and months. The service he is providing this House and the Government is invaluable."
With the hospitals crisis all but resolved, the Conservative dominated Royal Assembly appears set to move forward with the development of a simulated budget and overall economic simulation. Waiting on the docket for consideration is the four billion morov Armed Services request for funding.
Armed Services Conclude Review
THE OCTAGON - The Chief of the General Staff has
announced he intends to act on the recommendations of last week's Armed Services review. While the community busied itself with a debate on hospitals and the matters of a state visit, General Peter Krembs was working with the top brass to craft a series of communiques and proposed regulations that thus far include a codification of the unified command structure and a statement on non-discrimination.
In a statement, General Krembs promised more changes.
He said, "In the coming week, the General Staff, in coordination with His Majesty's Ministry of Defense, will propose, in conjunction with a responsible budget, a detailed plan of all branches of the Armed Services. It will, in short, lay out a reorganization of personnel and material assets that are needed for the security of our nation."Some saw Krembs' appointment in the aftermath of last month's
jet fighter crash as an attempt by the Ministry of Defense to put its own house in order. The overhaul comes as the Royal Assembly prepares to turn its attention to the Armed Services' four billion morov budget request.
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.
King of Hanover Completes State Visit
BRIESK - King Alexander of
Hanover traveled to Morovia last weekend for the first
State Visit since the community's revival. Alexander was an official guest of The King, and during his stay participated in a host of official functions that culminated with his address to the Royal Assembly.
Alexander
called upon members of the Assembly, and the larger Morovian community, to continue the long friendship between the two micronations. He said,
"Together Morovia and Hanover are stronger than they are apart. Together Morovia and Hanover can go places that, alone, they might not be able to go. Together Morovia and Hanover are better equipped to deal with the future."
Later that day, Alexander attended a royal banquet in his honor at the Winter Palace. The two monarchs also attended a Te Deum Mass presided over by Monsignor Christopher McQueeny, a dual citizen of Hanover and Morovia.
Continuing Alexander's theme of unity, on Sunday the King bid his guest farewell and said, "Together, we renewed the bonds of friendship that hold Hanover and Morovia. We recommitted ourselves to protecting our shared heritage and preserving our common history. Together, Hanover and Morovia stand prepared to fulfill the provisions of the 2005 Treaty of Hanover."
The history of the two micronations is entertwined. Hanover was founded by three Morovians in 2002. From 2006 - 2007 King Alexander served at the request of King Adam I as Morovia's Regent.
Citizens Rally On Eve of Hospital Vote
BRIESK - Citizens gathered outside of the House of Law this afternoon as the Royal Assembly looked set to pass the Hospitals Act of 2007. The legislation comes nearly two months since Morovia's system of patchwork hospitals closed their doors to lack of funding. The Hospitals Act seeks to correct that, and assuming its ratification, appropriates at least 1.5 billion morovs toward investment in the failing public health care system.
The
debate has not been without controversy. The bill is authored by Peoples Representative Oatney, and while observers were confident it would meet with the approval of the Conservative majority, no one anticipated the colorful exchange between Lord Oatney and Minister Glenn McCarter. After being chided by the Peoples Representative for not appearing before the Royal Assembly, Mr. McCarter stormed onto the floor and made a statement.
"Holy hell, give me a break over here," said Minister McCarter. "I really don't appreciate this outburst of yours and your authoritarian manner."
"Recall that you are an officer in His Majesty's Government that I happen to lead," replied Lord Oatney.
McCarter then offered his resignation, which was later withdrawn, and the Peoples Representative apologized for losing his temper. There was no objection to the bill's substance from members of the Royal Assembly, but it did not stop Progressive Peter Krembs from criticizing the attempt as a stab at "Oatneycare."
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.
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.
BRIESK - Peoples Representative Oatney introduced an amendment in the Royal Assembly today that, if adopted, would eliminate potential income and inheritance taxes as a means to raise revenue. The proposed change comes at a time when Minister Austi Scot and the Conservative Party face criticism over the legislation.
