Sildavia

CHILD PRINCESS DIES IN CAR CRASH
(SildaviaNews)
Alcazar, 1544.

Her Highness Luisa de Iberia y Catalunya, Infanta of Iberia, eldest daughter of the King and Queen of Iberia, died today at age 11 in a car crash in front of her family's residence, Palacio Iberia, in the Kingdom's capital city of Alcazar.
The car driven by a staff member of the Royal Household had just engaged the street when it was hitted by a truck. The driver could be rescued from the carwreck in fire, but nothing could be done for the Princess.

A State Funeral has taken place in the new Plus Ultra Cemetery, where H.H.'s remains were buried. The cemetery has been inaugurated for this tragic ocasion. The Imperial Family, the Royal families of the different Kingdoms as well as the members of the Imperial Government and the State Governors attended the ceremony. The loss has plunged Iberia's Royal Family in sorrow. Iberia's Royal couple have two surviving children, Prince Guillermo (heir to the throne) and Infanta Elena.

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PROMULGATION of SILDAVIA's CONSTITUTION
(SildaviaNews)
Kronstadt, 1547.

Sildavia's Old Constitution was adopted about 250 years ago, during the period known by historians as the "3rd Empire". The Constitution have been provisionally applied in the present Era, but there were some incoherences in several points, and no official recognition has been given yet to the validity of the old constitutional law.

The text has been adapted by a Committee formed by Government and Opposition parties, then debated and adopted by the two Chambers. Afterwards it has been put to referendum and today has been adopted by a huge majority of the popular vote. 75,5% voted for, 24,5% voted against.
"It is politically very important to note"-declared Chancellor Vermont- "that 4 of the 5 States, and 13 of their 22 counties, have voted overwhelmingly for the Constitution. Therefore, our Supreme Law re-starts its life with the support not just of a majority of the people's number, but also with the support of a clear majority of the ethnic and national components which form our Nation of Nations".

The Constitution establishes, among other main points, the Bill of Rights and non-discrimination clauses, the division of powers and a full-functioning democratic federal system. "As for the definition that the NationStates Community gives of us as a 'corrupt dictatorship'" -said the Chancellor- "I invite them to visit our country and check the real situation. Our system is clearly based on the principles of Freedom of Thought, Opinion, Expression, Association, Residence and Movement, Religion, Demonstration, Sexual Orientation and, in general, Freedom of Action, with the only limits imposed by laws adopted democratically, and the respect to others' rights."

Emperor Jorge III promulgated the Constitution in a solemn act which took place in Kronschloss (Kronstadt). The date has been declared a National Holiday ("Constitution Day") and marked by a large numbers of festivals, celebrations, parties and parades along the entire Empire.

"We are sure that tonight our neighbours over the borders will see and hear our fireworks", declared the Imperial Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "Let them proclame our wish of Peace, Progress and Cooperation with all peoples".

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SOCIALISTS WIN GENERAL ELECTION
(SildaviaNews)
Kronstadt, 1549.

The Socialist Party (member of the International Social-Democrat Union) have won Sildavia's General Elections, although with only a relative majority (38% of the votes). The Conservative Party, which was in power with the help of its coalition with the Liberal Party, has maintained its 36% of the vote. The Liberals have been the clear loosers, going down from 31 to 25%.

Anyway, the aleas of a parliamentary system forced Socialists to find a partner which whom form a majority, and the partner is of course the centrist key-player, the Liberal Party. The Congress of Deputies has voted its confidence to the socialist leader, Michael Boston, who therefore was appointed Chancellor by the Emperor. Liberals -politically sustained by an important presence in the Senate- have obtained three departments in the new Government, the same they had in the past Administration under Conservative rule: Foreign Affairs, Art and Culture, and the key-position of Vice-Chancellor.

The curious point about this government is that the Chancellor and socialist leader Mr. Boston, and the Vice-Chancellor and liberal leader Mrs. Österreich are... husband and wife, and parents of three teen-age children. Chancellor Boston answered questioning about the potential conflicts of such a situation: "we managed it finely during the last legislature, when I was Oposition Leader and Mrs. Österreich, who incidentally is also my wife, was Vice-chancellor and Leader of one of the two parties in power. I don't think that things are going to be worst now, when we are going to be on the same side. Conservatives have tried to cry 'foul play', but we have both been elected by the voters and each one maintains his or her respective convictions and platforms. I think our situation is a good example for many couples who share many aspects of their lifes, without loosing their individual ideals and identities".

No matter what the Chancellor says, the first task of the Government has been a sensitive one. On the project for upgrading fight against crime, socialists wanted a compulsory national ID card and a centralized database of information on every citizen. Liberals didn't want to hear about it, and a final compromise was adopted by the Parliament on the instalation of cameras in public areas. Conservative Oposition Leader said full of sarcasm: "I wonder who's going to sleep in Casa Blanca's doghouse tonight..." ('Casa Blanca' being the seat of the Executive and official residence of the Chancellor and his family...).

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SILDAVIA CHANGES ITS NATIONAL ANIMAL
(SildaviaNews)
Kronstadt, 1549.

Through a vote in Parliament, both Chambers have approved unanimously the changing of Sildavia's national animal from the seaturtle to the Blue Unicorn.

"We think" -declared Mr. Lib2, Imperial Secretary for Art and Culture- "that although the seaturtle will always stay among our most cherished symbols, the rare and mystic Blue Unicorn of our forests should better represent the mythical character of Sildavialand".

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AMBITIOUS PROJECT ON ARMED FORCES and POLICE
(SildaviaNews)
Kronstadt, 1549.

The Government of His Gracious Imperial Majesty has announced today the starting of a global project on the Armed Forces and Police of Sildavia.

The project has been adopted after a parliamentary debate and vote "in camera", due to the character of the measure, a major backbone of national security, which is covered by the Official Secrets Act. The Armed Forces and Police program will be developped along the next 10 years. It will mean a full organization of the Army, Navy and Air Force, as well as the Federal Police. The Kigdoms' National Militias and State polices will also enter into the execution of the program.

The project is not just a theoretical exercise, but it is directly linked with budgetary realities and previsions to allow the establishment and equipment of well-trained, modern Armed and Security Forces.

After the program was adopted, Chancellor Boston attended a press conference, in company of the Secretaries of Defence and of Interior Affairs, responsables for the Armed Forces and for the Police, respectively.

Chancellor Boston stressed that, although the details of the program constituted a secret matter, in view of the consequences it had on national security, he was well disposed to explain the main guidelines, "to ensure our neighbours and friends about the non-agressive character of our policies, and to inform our citizens about such a capital point in the life of our Country".

According to the program, Sildavia will have regular standing Armed Forces, with a special atention to the Navy, in view of our vast coastal areas. Military service will be general and compulsory for all citizens of both sexes. Right to conscientious objection will be recognized, but only as a reason for changing the unit of service (i.e., medical area, civil protection, fire brigades, etc...). Most important, each citizen will have, until the age of 50, a yearly 'recall' for a short period (max. 2 weeks) to be retrained in his or her area of defense and to adapt to new improvements. After age 50, a voluntary system will allow everybody to continue the engagement in Defence tasks adapted to their individual conditions. As Chancellor Boston pointed out: "modern warfare has prooved that even the most powerful and technologically advanced army will perhaps occupy a country, but will be defeated in time by the resistance and the global movilization of a people who decides to stand for its freedom".

Technical equipment will be developed, built and if necessary imported to arrive at the program goals. The Secretary of Defence remind that the average yearly cost ratio in modern technological "non agressive" armed forces may be put at $68.000 per individual 'at arms', this including all members (bureaucrats, auxiliary, etc...).

Finally the Chancellor declared: "we really wish to stress that Sildavia doesn't have a Secretary of WAR, but of DEFENSE. We have no intention of agression or expansion whatsoever. But we want to put two points crystal-clear: to our friends, that we are a valuable and trustful ally if they need our help; to our foes, that we shall be really dangerous and harmful if our freedom or our vital interests are attacked".

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Prince Jorge

Archduchess Elena

Archduke Alberto

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NEW MANDATE FOR SILDAVIA's SUPREME COURT
(SildaviaNews)
Kronstadt, 1550.

Palacio de Justicia, seat of the Imperial Supreme Court
 

Both Chambers of Parliament, meeting in a common session, proposed with a majority of at least 75% of the votes the four Magistrates of the Court. Mr. Socialist and Mr. Liberal have therefore been appointed by Emperor Jorge III as Magistrates, Mrs. Conservador and Mrs. Neutral-association2 have been confirmed in their previous posts. According to the same constitutional disposition, Emperor Jorge III appointed the new President of the Court, Mr. Neutral-association1.

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE PLACES GOVERNMENT IN WEAK POSITION AGAIN
(SildaviaNews)
Kronstadt, 1551.

The Imperial Government's stability has been put again under risk during the parliamentary debate on the importation of foreign cars.
Chancellor Boston's administration introduced a bill with the aim of raising the importation tariffs, while the Conservative opposition defended the abolition of such tariffs.

"Let work the market", declared Opposition Leader, "it has its laws and it will find its way like water finally does: you stay away of it, or you'll be drowned by it". To what Mr. Socialista1, Secretary of the Treasure, answered: "I have to remind our illustrious colleague that water may be canalized, actually it is much better for the public interest to have it canalized and not running wildly during a rainy season, or not running at all during a draught. Government is there to anticipate and manage events, not for doing a daily dance avoiding the confrontation of those events".

The bill was rejected in first reading at the Congress of Deputies. The Senate saved it "in extremis", because an equality of yes and no votes was solved by the casting vote of the Speaker -who according to the Constitution is the Vice-chancellor of the Executive. This forced the bill to pass a second and final reading at the Congress, where it was adopted.

"It's good what ends good" said Chancellor Boston. But this bold statement can't hide the lack of stability of the present ruling Socialist-Liberal coalition. Experts on Political Science from Las Torres University affirm that there will always be a problem of instability of our Governments, due to the electoral proportional system fixed by the Constitution. "No one will ever had a clear and decisive majority", they said. "Even the correction known as the 'De Hondt's system' that is incorporated to the constitutional law doesn't solve the problem ". A question which is open to debate.

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SUPREME COURT CONFIRMS COMPULSORY VOTE
(SildaviaNews)
Kronstadt, 1552.

The Imperial Supreme Court in Kronstadt

The Court has pointed that, in this case, the Emperor, His consort, His Heir and the Heir's consort are nonetheless excluded of the right and duty to vote. This is so by interpreting art. 11,1. of the Constitution, which states that these persons have to exercise their functions in a spirit of arbitrage and impartiality. Voting for any choice would go directly against these values, which are basic for the Crown.

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PARLIAMENT ADOPTS BILL ON COMPULSORY ORGAN DONATION
(SildaviaNews)
Kronstadt, 1552.

The Parliament of Sildavia has adopted, virtually without opposition, a Government's proposal to make organ donation compulsory, once the death of the donor had been certificated.

All parties represented in the Chambers supported the measure with the goal of cutting the number of deaths due to lack of donated organs.

"A dead person has absolutely no need of any of his or her organs. To bury or incinerate them, when they could be used to better or even save the life of another human being, would be an intolerable waste. Family and friends of the deceased mourn the lost of a beloved one, not of some of his or her organs. A modern society can't accept a 'right over a corpse' which would prevail over the rights of living people to health and life".

Chancellor Boston addresses the Congress of Deputies from the Speaker's tribune.

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SUPREME COURT: SAME-SEX MARRIAGE IS A BASIC CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT
(SildaviaNews)
Kronstadt, 1553.

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PARLIAMENT PUTS PRIORITY ON SOCIAL POLICIES AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(SildaviaNews)
Kronstadt, 1553.

The debate on priorities for next years' budget has taken place in Sildavia's Parliament with the lack of cohesion among government partners which has been the norm during the present legislature.

The Government's common position, presented by Chancellor Boston himself -and not by the Imperial Secretary of Treasure, as it should have been expected- put priorities in Social policies, welfare and health. The Conservative Opposition wanted Education as main point. Other alternatives (Defense and Public Order, or alternatively a major cut in taxes) didn't receive any serious support from representatives. The absence of the ultraminoritary Nationalists among them explain that Defense and Public Order -one of their major obsessions- wasn't taken into account. Concerning cutting taxes down, they are already so low, that nobody wants to assume even hypothetically the possibility of forming a Government with lower taxes cutting the public revenue to a level of "ruling the Nation: mission impossible".

The Government reached a majority, but as usual on the brink of rupture. Congress of Deputies voted in favour only thanks to the Chancellor's casting vote. The Senate endorsed the Congress position, but only through the abstention of its non-elected member, the Lieutenant of Setia. Vice-chancellor Österreich, Speaker of the Senate, voted against her own Government's proposal, because her party -Liberals- were more sympathetic with the Conservative Opposition than with their coalition partners the Socialists.

As usual, Conservative Opposition Leader appeared rejoicing in view of the majority's division. "Voters are really tired about this bad soap that the ruling Boston-Österreich family are offering them. They will reflect it at next elections", he said.
 

Sildavia's Imperial Parliament building in Kronstadt. The left wing is the Congress of Deputies, the right wing the Senate.

The Chairman of the Reform Committee, Professor Warren from Las Torres University, explained the sense of the constitutional modifications: "we hope that further possibilities for larger majorities will be created with the enlarged number of representatives. In any case, we have to live along with the proportional system, even if it means the multiplication of parliamentary groups and a difficulty to form a ruling majority. The system "winners takes all" is absolutely contrary to all our political and social traditions. It will leave significant minorities with no representation and no voice in the leading of public affairs. We have to choose between two problems, and we opted out the worst one".

Chancellor Michael Boston

HEIR TO THE THRONE FAILS AT UNIVERSITY GRADUATION
(SildaviaNews)
Las Torres, 1555.

The Prince of Kronstadt, Heir to the Throne of Sildavia, has failed his exams at the Faculty of Economics in Las Torres University, the oldest and most prestigious academic center in the country.

A new generation arrives at its academic years and several thousands of Sildavian youth enter the faculties of Las Torres University, a centuries-old institution. Among them is Prince Jorge of Kronstadt, the eldest son of our Emperor and His Heir. Prince Jorge had been following a three-year-long period of military studies in the Imperial Academies of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force. He passed his examinations with full credits and begun then a period of civil studies, choosing Economics as his major degree.

But His Imperial Highness couldn't cope with the exams at Las Torres Economics' and didn't reach the level to pass his first semester. He failed again in probation and according to the rules he had to leave university.

The event has caused a storm in the political world, as well as a major upheaval in the public interest. The prestige and image of the Monarchy are of course at stake. Rumors about the supposed Emperor's fury against His son run wild and the opposition accuses the government of improvisation and lack of council in the preparation of the Prince's studies.

Mr. Eduard Catalunya, Archdean of Las Torres University, has declared that, in fact, the Prince has apparently been victim of a very bad tutoring and guiding into his civil academic career. "His Highness is not short of intellect and he has proved it sufficiently. But I am afraid that his experience in the Military Academies didn't prepare him for a completely different world. In any case, I think that he has reached the best degree he could achieve for His future responsibilities: to learn that equality of opportunities and reward of merit are the supreme laws in our Nation. With all my respects, I think this experience is much better for Him than any degree in Faculty matters".

Polemic is served and the Nation's medias are widespreading it with gusto. The Imperial House guards complete silence about the question and the Prince hasn't been seen during the last days out of Jorgenschloss, the Imperial family's residence in Kronstadt.

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Prince Jorge and Infanta Elena of Iberia during the ceremony. In the background, Emperor and Empress and Supreme Priestess of Set.

Sildavia's Crown Prince Jorge has married Infanta Elena, eldest daughter of King Enrique of Iberia.

The ceremony took place in the Great Temple of Set in Sildavian capital city Kronstadt. It was presided by Emperor Jorge III and Empress Beatriz, and officed by Sophia 1, Supreme Priestess of Set. The entire Sildavian "who is who" attended, and masses of citizens cheered the Prince and Princess of Kronstadt when they paraded through the city in an open State carriage after the ceremony. Festivals and parties have been organized everywhere along the Nation.

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Richard Berlin, new Head of the Executive

Sildavia's General Elections brought a major change in Government. Socialist Party in power obtained a short victory, loosing many seats to the Conservatives. The extreme-right Nationalist Party has won some 30 seats in the Congress and the Governorship of a big State, Latinia.

Chancellor Michael Boston needed a coalition with another political force to stay in power, but no party wanted to support him for a third legislature after being two in post. Liberals offered a coalition to the 'young wing' of the Socialist Party, which got the majority in the Party Council, forcing Chancellor Boston to resign.

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Prince Jorge in his mother's arms

The Princess of Kronstadt, spouse of the Heir to the Throne, has given birth to a son in Jorgenschloss, the Imperial family residence in Kronstadt. The Father, Prince Jorge, was present during the birth.

The newborn Prince, styled as "Prince of Sildavia", will be called Jorge, like his father the Prince of Kronstadt, and his grandfather Emperor Jorge III. He is second in the line of succesion.

Both Princess and child are in perfect state. Popular rejoicing has marked this event which symbolizes both the Dynasty's and the Nation's future.

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DIVIDED GOVERNMENT DEFEATED ON AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
(SildaviaNews)
Kronstadt, 1565.

Chancellor Berlin's government has suffered a parliamentary defeat when his proposal on affirmative action in education was rejected in Parliament.

The socialist-liberal coalition under Berlin's leadership was divided on the matter of ensuring special measures to minorities in the field of education, and specially at university level. While socialists like Chancellor Berlin supported the measure, liberals like Vicechancellor and Spèaker of the Senate Nicolaso Bergamo, or like the Imperial Secretary of Arts and Culture -responsible of Education- were decidedly against.

As a result, Government's bill passed a first lecture in the Congress of Deputies, was rejected by the Senate, and finally defeated in the second and final lecture in the Congress.

Conservative and Nationalist parties, in the opposition, voted also against the proposal. Conservatives even menaced of denouncing the bill, if adopted, as unconstitutional before the Supreme Court.

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PRIVATE FIREARMS BANNED IN SILDAVIA
(SildaviaNews)
Kronstadt, 1566.

Parliament adopted today a Government's bill banning firearms for all except the official military, police and security services. The measure directs the upheaval of public opinion after a gunman killed three people in a suburban shooting rampage.

The leading Socialist Party pushed forward the measure with the lukewarm support of their liberal coalition allies. Conservatives and Nationalists opposed, but the bill was adopted in its first lecture by both Chambers.

Chancellor Berlin was present at the press conference in Parliament Building, accompanied by the Secretary of Interior, to proof that this question is of first importance for his Administration.

"We hear all the time that this measure will allow criminals to use guns, while common people will be disarmed", said Chancellor Berlin. "It is statistically proven that a multiplication of firearms among the population means an exponential growth in the number of such kind of weapons ending in the hands of the most anti-social, unbalanced and dangerous individuals. Our society is not a Far-West or North-Western Frontier one, but a culturally developed and civilized community. We think that violence is part of human nature, but this doesn't mean that we want it running wild. Violence can and must be controlled and canalized through educative and social means and be transformed into a constructive and creative force through sports, through arts, through free competition balanced with solidarity and protection of the weakest elements of society".

To the aggrieved hunters' associations and brotherhoods, Berlin added: "Hunting as a mean of control the environmental balance is not hampered by this law, because the States' and Imperial Services of Rangers are included among the security forces with firearms at their disposition. If you wish to practice private hunting, you may do so with the traditional legal licenses and limitations , but using the noble and ancient methods of bows, arrows and spears. If you want to practice a sport, you may do it, but don't try to call a butchery a sport. Conservatives usually say that they defend valuable traditions. For once, I agree with them: be traditional and forget about using firearms during your hunting week-ends".

Finally, when the arm industry representatives expressed their concern about the loss they will suffer, Chancellor Berlin answered: "No way. We are precisely ending our several years-long project -begun under past governments- to implement modern and effective Imperial Armed Forces and States' Militias. The industry is overwhelmed with the orders they are receiving from the public sector to arm these forces, which go from officers' small pistols to missiles. Sildavia's arm industry is healthy, the government will ensure it will stay healthy, because it is an important tool of our national sovereignty and independence".

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SUPREME COURT DECLARES TORTURE ILEGAL IN ALL CASES
(SildaviaNews)
Kronstadt, 1566.

The Imperial Supreme Court has produced a decision in interpretation of the Constitution concerning torture. The question was, is torture illegal also in case of a parliamentary declaration of state of emergency or war?

Defenders of national security alleged that, in such exceptional cases, security forces should be authorized to use extreme means in the interrogation of suspects who could represent a danger to the Nation. The contrary position was held by human rights activists demanding who was the one to decide who could be "a danger to the Nation". "Every person, you and me, could be declared 'dangerous' by the security forces in such cases", said Mr. Nicolaso Bergamo, Liberal Party, Vicechancellor of the Government. He added: "during such an exceptional time as a state of emergency or state of war is precisely when some controls should be reinforced to avoid any abuse of power. Allowing torture would be immoral and very dangerous indeed for our constitutional system".

The Court declared torture illegal in all cases, in interpretation "of the spirit of art. 2 of the Constitution" (the Bill of Rights) in a 3 to 2 votes decision.

Extreme-right Nationalist Party leader has declared the result "a national disaster". But Liberals, Conservatives and a majority of the Socialist Party received the decision with relief.

Imperial Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Sec ExteLib, declared that any different interpretation would have been a major upheaval in Sildavia's foreign policy. "We would have to leave the World Assembly", said the Head of Sildavian Diplomacy. "World Assembly Resolution # 9 clearly declares torture a crime against Humanity and bans it in all cases".

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QUARREL ON EXTREME-RIGHT RALLY IN KRONSTADT
(SildaviaNews)
Kronstadt, 1567.

A political rally organized by extreme-right Nationalist Party will take place tomorrow in Kronplatz, the heart of Sildavia's capital city.

Several human right activists and representatives of different minorities have express strong critics on the possibility of allowing Nationalist to vent out their racist, xenophobic and extreme viewpoints. They ask for a ban of the rally in the name of "civilized values".

"It's exactly because we're civilized that we must let the demonstration proceed," says the Imperial Secretary of Interior, Mr. Sec InteSoc. "We may not like what they have to say, but in this society, people have the right to argue whatever political view they want, no matter how hateful, selfish, or stupid it is."

Jurists of Las Torres university have also been positively clear about the lawfulness of Nationalists' meeting. They have stressed that the Bill of Rights proclaims the freedom of expression, demonstration and action. "Only if they deprive other people of their own rights could they be stopped. But to declare their intention of changing the legal rights system through democratic ways, as they do, is perfectly constitutional", says Prof. Stilton, dean of Las Torres' Law College.

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SILDAVIA TO PROMOTE POWERFUL ARM INDUSTRY.
"NOT JUST FOR OURSELVES, BUT FOR EXPORT"
(SildaviaNews)
Kronstadt, 1567.

Sildavia's Parliament has adopted today by a clear majority the creation and promotion of a powerful arm industry, which will deal not just in the conventional weaponry area, but also in the nuclear and biological sectors.

Chancellor Berlin introduced the bill with some explanations on its signification. "It is not that Sildavia has become a warmonger, it is that the World is full of such warmongers. We must be prepared to defend ourselves from threats coming from less peaceful nations. As the old Latin proverb goes, 'Si vis Pax, para Bellum…', 'If you wish Peace, be prepared for War'. Even the World Assembly has stated in its resolution # 10 the right of each Nation to be armed with nuclear weapons for self-defense. In any case, we want to let it clear to all our neighbours: Sildavia will never start using these arms, but only apply them for self-defense."

No party was against this aspect of the item, but it was in entering the international arms market where some dissent aroused. The Government stressed the importance of cutting the external trade deficit and arms industry exports may be a help in that direction. Nationalist party and some liberals were against, for completely different reasons. Nationalists said that they wanted these powerful arms to be held only by Sildavia. "Our customers of today may be our enemies of tomorrow", they said. On their side, liberals were divided among those supporting the Government's position, and others opposing it. Former Vicechancellor and actual MP Ludwiga Österreich declared: "it is a shame that we become arm mongers and it is immoral that we are going to sell nuclear and biological weapons. Even if we have decided not to use them but for self-defense, it may not be the case of our customers. I think this is a very sad day in our Nation's History. Today, Sildavia has really loose its primal innocence. I hope that our children and grandchildren will not have to pay a tragic price for the measure that this Parliament has taken today".

Well informed sources in high spheres assured us that Emperor Jorge III is deeply against the bill, but He has always made the Crown's respect of the people's representatives will a key point of His reign. Although the Constitution gives the Crown the possibility of vetoing a bill and send it back to Parliament to be discussed again after one year, the Emperor has never used this faculty. "His Majesty has ratified the bill with tears in His eyes", told us an anonymous high-placed source. "But He thinks that His duty goes over His personal feelings". Naturally, the Imperial House has refused any reaction on these information. "No comment", was the answer of the Secretary General of the Imperial House.

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CONFLICT OVER TREASURE FOUND BY DIVERS IN PUBLIC WATERS
- PARLIAMENTS DECIDES IT'S PUBLIC PROPERTY
(SildaviaNews)
Schönbrunn (Österreich, Germania), 1568.

A major legal conflict has been promoted when private divers found a treasure, described as "magnificent and unbelievable rich" in Schönsee, the biggest natural lake of Sildavia, in the lake area appartaining to the county of Österreich (Federated Kingdom of Germania). The treasure is formed mainly by gold coins and jewels from the reign of Jorge I, and it was thrown in the lake during the troubled final years of the First Old Empire, 1000 years ago.

Private investors behind the divers who found the treasure claimed the property, but the Chancellor brought a bill to Parliament to declare it "public property" on the base that the lake waters are public property. The Government split against between prominent Liberal figures, who supported the private side's rights, and the Socialists, who claimed the public ones. Chancellor Berlin found himself confronted, as usual, with Conservatives, but obtained an unexpected ally in the Nationalists, who supported him on the basis of the Totalitarian and powerful State they believe in. Anyway, Senate rejected the bill at the first lecture, but the Congress of Deputies approved it in the second lecture, therefore sending it to the Imperial ratification.

Imperial Secretary of the Treasury, Archduke Alberto de Kronstadt (Socialist and Emperor's second son), had warned that if the Parliament rejected the proposed bill, the Government would bring the case before the Supreme Court. "The owner of the land -or, as it is now the case, the water- is the legal owner of its content. This principle is part of the most ancient laws of all Kingdoms and territories in Sildavia and it comes from prehistoric, tribal times", he said.

The Government has nonetheless included in the bill a compensation to the divers and their funders, an amount of 1% of the material value of the treasure.

"The coins and objects with an historical value will be sent to the Imperial Museum in Kronstadt and the Royal Museum of Germania", declared Mr. Sec ArteLib, Secretary of Art and Culture, "and the rest will be dealt in halves by the Imperial Treasury Department and by the Finance Department of the Kingdom of Germania".

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The explosion was caught by our cameras

The first impression was that a technical failure provoked the explosion of the Eternal Flame, but Sildavia's police special services found very soon proofs of a murderous terror attack. Secretary of Interior affirms that the bomb had probably exploded before the murders' intentional timing, because the Imperial Family was attended at Plus-Ultra Cemetery short after the explosion and they would be the most probable target of the criminal act.

 

The dead Supreme Priestess Christin of Britania had been in her Chair only for a year: She was appointed by the Emperor after the death of Priestess Sophie 1. Her Holiness Christin 1 was known for her Republican ideas, which she mustered openly only after her appointment to the Holy Chair. She was not a comfortable partner for the Imperial House.

Her Holiness Christin 1

EMPEROR APPOINTS NEW SUPREME PRIESTESS
(SildaviaNews)
Setia, 1568.

Her Holiness Elena 1

POLICE ARRESTS SUSPECT: ANARCHIST GROUP ORGANIZED TERROR ATTACK
(SildaviaNews)
Kronstadt, 1568.

Chancellor Berlin has officially announced the arrest of Ms. Isabel Bermelho, accused of being the leader of a small anarchist group and agent of the terror attack which killed the Supreme Priestess of Set.
"The Police Forces have found material proofs that leave absolutely no doubt about the responsibility of the bombing", said Berlin. "Miss Bermelho has been transferred to the Penal Court and her trial is now on the hands of the Judicial Power. The security forces are in search of a few accomplices. We can assure that it has been a criminal and horrendous act, but the act of a mad minority. There is no reason for panic. We have got at the root of this evil-doing".
Extreme-right Nationalist Party accused the Government of laxity and "hyper-tolerance" towards criminals and anti-social elements. "If we would be in power", declared Nationalist leader, "this wouldn't have arrived. We would have cut the snake's head from the beginning".

TRIAL AT PENAL COURT: BERMELHO CONFESS
- TERRORIST CONDEMNED TO DEATH
(SildaviaNews)
Kronstadt, 1568.

Bermelho defiantly declares:
"I would do it again!"

GOVERNMENT REFUSES MERCY
(SildaviaNews)
Kronstadt, 1568.

A special Cabinet meeting was held at Casa-Blanca to deal with Bermelho's advocates' request of Crown's Mercy for her client. The Mercy is an Emperor's proclamation, but it is subject in practice to His Government's advice. The Executive's Press Officer announced briefly: "the Cabinet advices His Majesty the refusal of the requested commutation of sentence". Inner circle sources affirm that the Cabinet was divided, with Liberals like Vicechancellor Bergamo in favour of a commutation. Liberal Party is known for its opposition to death penalty. But they clearly lost the battle inside the Council of Ministers. These days, Sildavia's mood is not a peaceful and merciful one. The entire society is shocked by an act of violence like nobody could remember since many generations before.

BERMELHO HAS BEEN EXECUTED
(SildaviaNews)
Baringhebaile (Scotia, Britania), 1568.

SILDAVIA'S ECONOMY BOOSTING UP
(SildaviaNews)
Kronstadt, 1568.

The Imperial Secretary of Treasure, Archduke Alberto de Kronstadt (Socialist Party), presented today Sildavia's economic last figures.

As foreseen by the partisans of the polemic measure promoting a nuclear and biological weapon industry open to foreign trade, the Nation's economy has experienced a big leap, going from "Very Good" to "Thriving" in the World Assembly classification. In addition to it, the Gross Domestic Product per capita has multiplied from 16.976 USD (10.767 euro) to 22.636 USD (14.356 euro), surpassing for the first time the region's average by 4.833 USD (3.065 euro). Unemployment rate has fallen from 5,19% to 3,53%.

The corona exchange rate is up, from 1,26 coronas per US dollar to 1,06 coronas per dollar (0,51 euro and 0,60 euro, respectively). Trade deficit still holds on 0,87% of GDP, which is an admittedly "decent" rate. But the big increase of the corona value worries the export sector as they fear a loss of competition for Sildavian products in the international market. "There are no reasons for worrying", affirms Archduke Alberto, "because the clear superior quality of our products compared to those of our competitors will balance things in our favour".

News have made a field day for Chancellor Richard Berlin, who is confronting the next General Election in short time. After the quick resolution of the Terrorist crisis, the optimistic economic results will surely boast the ruling Socialist Party in the pools. There is just a point that may disquiet the Chancellor's dreams: he is leading a coalition Government together with the Liberal Party. Will they also take advantage from the public good mood, and in this case, will they held its alliance with Berlin's Party? People's Sovereignty will tell…

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Pol Smukby, new leader of Sildavia's Executive

It looks like after four legislatures under two Socialists Chancellors, Sildavian voters wanted a change.

MORE POLICE AGAINST CRIME
-Government overturns Opposition's demands for increase in social and educative policies
(SildaviaNews)
Kronstadt, 1569.

As it was expected, the new Conservative Government of Mr. Smukby has begin to apply new policies in Sildavia. The problem of crime had been lately a main attention point for public opinion. Debate in Parliament ended up with three main positions: an increase of the police forces; an increase on education and social policies, as a mid-term solution against crime; and an increase of the police together with hardening penal laws, so that even public floggings should take place again in the towns squares and streets.

The Government, Conservatives in alliance with a Monarchic minority, defended the first solution, that is, increasing the police forces. Liberal and Socialist opposition were in favour of educative and social policies, while Nationalists wanted the more extreme third solution.

The Imperial Parliament adopted the bill supported by the Government in a first lecture of both Chambers. Imperial Secretary of Interior Mr. Sec InteCon, Head of the Security forces, was exultant. "We are going to finish with this social scum, without having to pay them in form of education purses or social benefits. These are good instruments, when they are applied to honest people. We don't need them wasted on criminals and other anti-social elements".

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The Imperial couple, Beatriz and Jorge

All over the country parades, street balls, fireworks and carnivals mark the date at which the people salutes His Emperor. A solemn ceremony has taken place in The Grand Temple of Set, followed by a reception offered in Kronschloss to the political institutions, society and NGOs leaders, the corps diplomatic accredited in Sildavia and citizens elected in their neighbourhoods to represent them at these historical event.

 

MARKET ECONOMY SPREE IN SILDAVIA
(SildaviaNews)
Teutoburg (Deutschland, Germania), 1570.

Since the recent arrival of Conservative Party into power, a huge change has been settled down in Sildavia's economic world. Free market was already in place, but the Socialists administrations which have been ruling during the last four legislatures had given an important role to the public investment and public role in economy.

Chancellor Smukby has put things upside down. He has obtained from Parliament the authorization for selling all public shares in private companies, a move that has been followed by several States' governments concerning their own public shares. "Government's task is not to run firms and private enterprises", declared Chancellor Smukby, "but to create the general conditions to allow individual and corporate initiative to create and develop successful firms".

In adition to it, he has promoted the creation of Sildavia's First Stock Exchange at Teutoburg, Germania's capital in Deutschland county. The move has transformed the city of Teutoburg in Sildavia's main financial center, with the successive establishment of the first private bank, the Bank of Teutoburg, and the incorporation of at least 9 different major corporations active in the fields of mining (iron and coal), agriculture, cattle stock, book publishing, gambling (Casino of Schönbrunn), navigation, nuclear research and turism. Together with the already existing SildavEnergy corporation, active in the production of hydroelectricity, these initiatives are now absorbing a good part of the savings of Sildavian population. The incorporation of several other firms in many different areas has been announced.

The immediate result of the economic change has not been always positive. GDP per capita has fallen under the regional average and the corona is down in the international exchange market. Socialists have been strongly critic towards the events, but the Imperial Secretary of Treasure, Josephine Boston Österreich, has dismissed the critics adamantly: "we are only experiencing a short period of adaptation and reconversion. We'll see the advantages of the new situation very soon", she affirmed after a Cabinet meeting in Casa-Blanca, Kronstadt.

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ABORTION IS LEGAL AGAINST GOVERNMENT's WISHES
(SildaviaNews)
Kronstadt, 1570.

Sildavian Parliament has rebuked Mr. Smukby's Conservative government by rejecting his bill on a limited and controlled abortion law -only in case of rape or danger to the mother's health- and adopting instead a bill declaring abortion legal and free in Sildavia.

Chancellor Smukby is said to feel bitter about the lack of support received from deputies and senators from his own party. In a first moment immediately after the vote, rumors about Mr. Smukby's demission spread all over the Nation's political scene. But the Office of the Chancellor has denied that he is going to quit.

Asked about the item, Her Holiness Elena 1, Supreme Priestess of Set, answered; "as Sildavians know very well, the Cult of Set doesn't have any dogmatic opinions on moral questions. It is up to each individual to choose his or her values and ways. I personally, as Senator, voted in favour of the Government's bill and against the complete liberalization of abortion. But this was in my condition and responsibility as Member of the High Chamber, according to my own ideas, and not as a religious personality who is giving doctrine or guidance. Such an attitude would be against the principles of the Cult of Set".

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ARMS EXPORTS TO BE CONTROLLED BY SPECIAL COMMITTEE
(SildaviaNews)
Kronstadt, 1571.

Sildavia's Parliament has passed a Government's bill creating a Committee on Arms Exports to control and supervise all trade in this area.

Some time ago, Parliament completely freed the arms trade, including nuclear and biological warfare, a measure which created a social polemic due to the moral implications of such trade. The Nation was internationally accused to support terrorism. Economic effects have been positive, but internal opposition against arms industry has been growing and becoming more radical. NGOs demanding the complete ban of arm industry were trying to present an independent bill to force a parliamentary debate on the item. The Government advanced them by introducing the now adopted bill, in which there is a middle position between the interests defended by anti-arms lobby and the arm industry. The latter wished a completely free trade and the end of the guns ban in Sildavia.

The situation now will be like it was before, that is, guns ban on one hand and open trade on the other. But the arms trade will be supervised by a Committee formed by representatives of the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs, the Secretariat of Treasure, the Secretariat of Defense, the Secretariat of Infrastructures, the arm industry corporations and the trade unions. Committee's aim will be to avoid that weapon may finish in 'non-adequate' hands. Whatever this may mean…

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GENERAL ELECTION: CONSERVATIVES OUSTED OUT OF POWER
- SOCIALISTS GET RELATIVE MAJORITY
(SildaviaNews)
Kronstadt, 1571.

Mrs. Louise Boston Österreich, new Chancellor

The ruling Conservative Party has paid for the consequences of the long economic crisis which started soon after its arrival into power. The Socialist Party has become the most voted one in the General Election, although it lacks a clear majority in the Congress of Deputies.

Socialist leader, Mrs. Louise Boston Österreich, daughter of Michael Boston -who was himself Chancellor from 1549 to 1559- has persuaded the Monarchic Party to form a coalition. She obtained the confidence of the Chamber and therefore she has been appointed Chancellor by the Emperor.

Mrs. Boston has called two former socialist Chancellors to take part in her Administration. Her own father, Michael Boston, has been appointed Imperial Secretary of Defense, and Richard Berlin (Chancellor from 1559 to 1569) has been appointed Imperial Secretary of Social Affairs.

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Nationalists wanted the general loudspeakers system, as it would be expected from such an extremist totalitarian platform, while Conservatives defended the possibility of increasing the private commercials. The ruling Socialists were against.

During the debate, Chancellor Louise Boston declared; "we believe in free market, but this doens't mean that citizens have to be transformed into 'consumers'. The actual level of free publicity is the valid one in a democracy, both for official as for private purposes.  Brain-washing is not an acceptable practice in a mature, cultivated society like ours."

Government's bill passed in first lecture, anyway, thanks to the Congress of Deputies. The vote in the Senate gave out a draw result, with the Speaker abstaining and therefore producing an official 'abstain' result for the Senate as a Chamber.

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Debate in Parliament over different systems of financiation in the pharmaceutical industry has resulted in the approval of a Government's proposal creating a general public subsidies system for the entire sector.

Conservatives were oposed, as this would mean the raise of the tax rate. Conservative leader affirmed: "it is not up to the State to mingle in private economic ventures and pharmaceutical industry should stay in the private field and follow the market law".

On the other hand, Socialists were adamantly against such a "laissez-faire" policiy in a sensitive field like medicaments. Chancellor Mrs. Louise Boston answered: "we are speaking of a market sector from which depends directly the health and the lives of our citizens. I refuse to accept that access to medicine and drugs could depend on the bank account of the person in need of them. Our society is a modern, civilized, compassive one, we are not wild animals under the law of the jungle".

First lecture in Congress of Deputies gave out the surprise of the Government's proposal being clearly rejected. The Chancellor warned that if this would be the final result, she would resign from her post and provoke the disolution of Parliament and calling of an anticipated election. The Senate accepted the Government's bill, therefore sending it back to the Congress for a second lecture. This time the bill was adopted by absolute majority.

Economists are concerned about the effect that the tax raise will have on Sildavian economy. But as Chancellor Boston put it, "there are things whit which I don't fiddle, no matter the consequences, and one of them is equality concerning health and sickness".

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Last official portrait of HMc Christin of Britania

Queen Dowager Christin, widow of late King Edward 5 and mother of present King Edward 6 of Britania, died today in the Royal Family residence of Palacio-Britania, in the capital city of Faeriedale.

Queen Christin was 72 years old and she survived her husband for 14 years. She was injured during the terrorist attack at her husband's funeral in Plus-Ultra Cemetery in year 1568, when her daughter The Supreme Priestess Christin of Setia was killed. Queen Christin was active in the medical field, deploying constant activities all her life long in Britania's hospitals.

A Royal Funeral has taken place in Plus-Ultra Cemetery in the presence of the imperial Family, the Royals of the Federate Kingdoms, Imperial and States Governments representatives and dignataries from the entire Nation.

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In all cases, it has been clear that the application concerns only the respective party, because Sildavia, as a Nation, doesn't have any concrete political adscription.

Mr. Michael Boston-Österreich, conservative party

Mr. Nicolaso Bergamo, liberal party

HIE Richard Berlin, ancient Chancellor and present Imperial Secretary of Social Affairs, socialist party

Emperor Jorge's III extreme sympathy for the present Bavarian King, Ludwig IV, as well as his admiration for his predecessor Ludwig II, have joined His Government's agreement and interest in creating a closer bond between Bavaria and Sildavia.

Mr. Enrico Italia, Secretary of the Imperial Household

A Remembrance service will be held at the Ludwig II memorial to commemorate the King's date of birth in year 1845 (era vulg.). After the service, the agenda is open so that the Imperial Household may enjoy a peaceful holiday and establish personal bonds of friendship with their Bavarian hosts. His Majesty King Ludwig IV and His Royal Highness have announced that they will throw a small celebration for the Prince of Sildavia's 18th birthday, a perspective that delights the Sildavian Prince.

The Secretary of Foreign Affairs, His Imperial Highness Alberto de Kronstadt y Kronstadt, Archduke of Sildavia

Their Majesties and His Imperial Highness will be escorted by the Imperial Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Archduke Alberto de Kronstadt y Kronstadt, who will held concrete political discussions with his counterpart in the Bavarian Government. He is said to have received special instructions on creating the best possible atmosphere between both Nations. Chancellor Louise Boston-Österreich is openly very keen on increasing relations, trade and alliances with Bavaria at top level.
 

The question that is mostly heard among Sildavian social chronicles is: perhaps will Prince Jorge find a Bavarian Princess to unite the House of Kronstadt with the House of Wittelsbach ? The Imperial Household maintains an official and protocolary silence on the question… but everybody with "inner-circle" knowledge assures that nothing could make Emperor Jorge III and Empress Beatriz happier.

Prince Jorge, 17 yrs.old, a sport-loving teenager

AGREEMENT on ESTABLISHMENT of REGULAR FLIGHTS BETWEEN SILDAVIA and ASONON
(SildaviaNews)
Kronstadt, 1577.

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POLITICAL NEWS
- Sildavia supports Bavaria's request on Regional Elections.
- Government disposed to help Asonon in anti-terror measures, but demands more information
- Sildavian beaches remain of public property. Plan of Public Financing for its maintenance adopted.
- Republican and Monarchic parties announce their retirement from political struggle.
(SildaviaNews)
Kronstadt, 1577.

The Kingdom of Unified Bavaria has launched an initiative within the European Council so that a vote of no confidence towards the present EU direction would be take place, followed by immediate call for elections. Bavaria's delegate, the Right Honourable Baron Gerhardt von Ebbermann introduced the motion, to which Sildavian representative and Imperial Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Archduke Alberto de Kronstadt, gave his support.

(picture: King Ludwig IV of Bavaria)

This event leaves Sildavia with three main parties and a minoritarian fourth political organization: Conservative Party (member of the European People's Party-European Democrats), Liberal Party (member of the European Liberal Party), Socialist Party (member of the Party of the European Socialists), and the minoritarian Nationalist Party, an extreme-right organization.

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Entering the year 1578 (Sildavian calendar), a new generation's first-borns have reached college age. Access to Las Torres University depends on the average marks obtained during basic and high school, and it must be said that this generation has reached a very good result.

The Prince of Sildavia, Jorge de Kronstadt e Iberia, only child of the Prince of Kronstadt (Heir of the Imperial Crown), 18 years old, has entered Las Torres University to follow the curriculum of a major in Political Science. He has joined, together with his cousin the Archduke Jorge de Kronstadt y Latinia (who will be following a major in History), the Colegio Mayor Enrique I. His studying period will be briefly altered by the State visit that he will do, together with his grandparents Emperor Jorge and Empress Beatriz, to the Kingdom of Bavaria. In any case, his academic tutor has assured that he will receive private lectures even during his stay in Bavaria.

HGIH The Prince of Sildavia, Jorge de Kronstadt e Iberia

Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress consort, as well as Their grandson the Prince of Sildavia, have leaved the country on a special flight which took off from Kronstadt-Empress Beatriz International airport only some minutes ago.

The Imperial couple is accompanied by several dignataries, officials and staff. Among them, the Imperial Secretary of Foreign Affairs, His Imperial Highness Archduke Alberto de Kronstadt, and Enrico Italia, Secretary of the Imperial Household.

The flight is taking place in the Imperial Air Force Airbus380 'Flying Unicorn'. 

During His Imperial Majesty's absence of the national territory, the ordinary internal functions of the Crown will be held by His Gracious Imperial Highness the Prince of Kronstadt, Heir of the Throne.

STATE VISIT TO BAVARIA ENDS AMID HOPES OF FUTURE COOPERATION
(SildaviaNews)
Munich (Bavaria), 1578.

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EMPEROR CREATES HIS FIRST CHANCELLOR MARQUIS OF VERMONT
(SildaviaNews)
Kronstadt, 1578.

His Imperial Majesty Jorge III has created Marquis of Vermont, with category of Imperial Nobility, his first Chancellor Julius Vermont.

The Mark of Vermont brings with it the inalienable and tax-free property of Villa-Vermont, in the district of North-America (Federate Kingdom of Colonias), where the new Marquis comes from.

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IMPERIAL HOUSE ANNOUNCES ENGAGEMENT of PRINCE JORGE to PRINCESS ELIZABETH of BAVARIA
(SildaviaNews)
Kronstadt, 1578.

"Their Imperial Majesties Jorge III and Empress Beatriz, as well as Their Imperial Hignesses the Prince of Kronstadt and Princess Elena, communicate with joy and  satisfaction the engagement of the Prince of Sildavia, Jorge de Kronstadt e Iberia, only son of the Princes of Krondtadt and second in the line of succession, to Princess Elizabeth Victoria von Wittelsbach, daughter of the King Ludwig IV of Unified Bavaria and His Royal Highness Prince consort Jakob of Hesse".

So reads the note released today by the Imperial Household in Kronschloss, the official Seat of Sildavia's Crown, confirming the rumors which were already running all over the Nation. The Emperor has publicly declared that the House of Kronstadt is proud of the bound it will develop withy such a prestigious Dinasty as the Wittelsbach.

Prince Jorge and Princess Elizabeth met during the recent State visit to Bavaria and their relationship is based on personal love and mutual estimation, although for once the 'raisons du coeur' have joined the 'raison d'Etat'. The Sildavian Imperial Family and the Sildavian Government have backed up this alliance between the two dynasties and countries.

According to the Constitution, all persons in the line of succession may not engage or marry against the decision of the Parliament and of the Monarch. In cases such as the direct line of succession -in which Prince Jorge is- a vote takes place in the Chambers. The result gave out an unprecedented unanimity in the Congress of Deputies, and 12 votes in favor for 3 against and one abstention in the Senate. The minority against is composed of strong nationalists, who would have preferred a Sildavian fiancée for the Prince. But nobody is really against the Bavarian Princess.

Prince Jorge is following his studies of Political Science in Las Torres University. He will end his studies and reach Sildavian majority at 22, in year 1582 (Sildavian calendar; 21 Sept. Era vulg.). He will be able to marry at this moment.

King Ludwig IV of Bavaria has planned that Princess Elizabeth could move to Las Torres University to end her studies there, so that she will have a better preparation and knowledge of her future country.

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AGREEMENTS BETWEEN BAVARIA AND SILDAVIA. CONCRETION OF STATE VISIT RESULTS.
(SildaviaNews)
Kronstadt, 1578. 

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Following the agreements reached between the Unified Kingdom of Bavaria and the Empire of Sildavialand, the new Bavarian Embassy has been built and offered to the Kingdom by Sildavia.

"Villa Bavaria" occupies a centric spot in Kronstadt, near the Government's seat (the Casa-Blanca), the Imperial Palace (Kronschloss) and the residence of the Imperial Family (Jorgenschloss).

"Villa Bavaria" has been built at the corner of Emperor avenue and Enrique I avenue. Its grounds have been declared extraterritorial. Therefore, legally it forms part of the Kingdom of Bavaria.

With arrival of year 1579 in the Sildavian calendar, new General Elections have put an end to the 7th Legislature, which was elected in year 1574.

The Socialist Party, member of the Party of the European Socialists, has won a clear victory with 51,9% of the vote. Other parties which have obtained seats have been the Liberal with 23,9% of the vote, the Conservative with 17,8%, and the Nationalist with 6,4% of the vote.

Chancellor Louise Boston-Österreich has therefore renewed her mandate, once the majority of the Congress of Deputies have officially invested her as the preferred candidate to lead the Executive. The Emperor has confirmed this choice -as the Constitution forces Him to do.

The previous Government was formed by a coalition of Socialists and Monarchists, but Republican and Monarchic Party had already announced that they retire from electoral contests. The Government is now "one-coloured".

Although the victory has been clear at the urns, the result in seats let the Government with the minimal possible majority, 101 seats of the Congress of 200. It is in minority in the Senate, although the Socialists form the largest group. The reason for this differences is Sildavian electoral system, which is based on a corrected proportionality and representation through constituencies. Socialist victory has been overwhelming in most counties of Iberia and Latinia Federate Kingdoms, but Liberals have won in Germania, Colonias and Kronstadt.

When the Chancellor leaved the Imperial residence of Jorgenschloss after receiving the Crown's confirmation of her new mandate, she gave her motto for the new legislature: "Continuity", she stated laconically. "In the last five years, we have had good results in all aspects of the social and economic fields, and the people have renewed their confidence in our project".

The Socialist Party Banner. It will be waving at the Casa-Blanca for a new period of five years.

Inspite of the strong conservative opposition, the Socialist Government of Mrs. Louise Boston-Österreich has won the parliamentary debate on its bill over six fully paid months of maternity leave. The bill passed only in second lecture by the Congress of Deputies, at is had been rejected by the Senate.

Conservatives were opposed because, they say, "this will put Sildavia back, competitively speaking, in respect of other Nations with lesser social rights legislation". But the Secretary of Social Affairs retorted: "Sildavia's economy is not a Golden Baal to whom we must sacrifice our children, our families and the happiness of the common man and woman. Babies cared by their mothers during their first six months of life become later more balanced adults. It is scientifically proven. This will give us a higher productivity in the long run, and what is more important, a happier society where to live in. We believe that this is the main goal of a government: the people's happiness based on a balanced, humanitary and free society."

Sildavia's Head Delegate at the World Assembly, the Imperial Secretary of Foreign Affairs, has voted against the bill presently under ballot, "Prohibit Child pornography".

Immediately after, His Imperial Highness Archduke Alberto de Kronstadt, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, has given a press conference to explain the reason of the vote.

"of course we are against such a crime as child pornography" he declared sternly. "Sildavia's penal laws prosecute such conducts with the most extreme rigor. But the bill presented to us is a complete disaster. Actually I would dare to say that behind the project there is a mentality as dirt as those of the child molesters". 

"The bill starts with a dogmatic declaration: 'A CHILD, for purposes of this Resolution, is DEFINED as a person under the age of 18…' Now, why 18 years old? Is this the age of majority? It isn't, because this is fixed by each Nation laws. According to Sildavian Civil Code, individuals reach his full age at 22 years old. Is 18 years the age of consent for sexual acts? It isn't, because Sildavian laws fix it at 15 years of age. So, the author or authors of this bad example of dogmatic culturalism have taken their own conceptions as universal rules".

"Article 4 is even worst: ' Child pornography is defined as any pictures (regardless of whether they are paintings, photographs, computer generated images, or videos) of children whom are naked or involved in sexual acts or in sexual positions. This includes computer generated images or cartoons'. So, for the author or author of this masterpiece of sexual obsession, 'nakedness' is similar to pornography or to sexual activity. That means that all of us who have pictures or home-made videos of our children naked -most of the families, at least in most parts of the world, do- are child pornographers. That means that naturists who spend their vacations in nudist camps, where they take pictures and make videos together with their children, are child pornographers. And that means that a good part of the classical and immortal art, where little naked angels appear with or without Virgin Mary or other gods, goddesses or deities, are 'child pornography'. Most bad for the Christians, because many Baby Jesus in famous paintings or frescoes will be forbidden. One of them, Leonardo da Vinci's 'Madonna with child', where Mary is feeding a naked Baby Jesus from her naked breast. O, scandal. Babies may be naked, and not just that, but have contact with some naked parts of their mothers' bodies… Crazy, dirty bigots…".

Leonardo da Vinci's "Madonna with Child" will be prohibited and considered "child pornography" according to the World Assembly.

This is an example of how censors end up being as perverted and obsessed as the problem they want to cut off. If pedophiles are sick, the mentality that takes 'nakedness' for 'dirtyness' or 'sexual activity' is as sick as the pedophiles".

"We expect", ended the Sildavian Chief Diplomat, "that this nonsense will be stopped. If not, the WA is opening a Pandora box which nobody knows where will end".

STRIKE IN PUBLISHING SECTOR TRIGGERS MAJOR POLITICAL CRISIS,
BUT THE GOVERNMENT STANDS OUT.
(SildaviaNews)
Kronstadt, 1579. 

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SILDAVIA DECLARES OFFICIALLY SARCANEN's "THE PROPHET SERVANTS" AS PUBLIC ENEMIES AND TERRORISTS
(SildaviaNews)
Kronstadt, 1579 

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The entire Nation is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Jorge III accession to the Throne, as well as His 60th birthday. An official State Ceremony has taken place in Kronschloss, the official seat of the Crown, followed by a ritual private ceremony in the Great Temple of Set. 

Parades, streets festivals and dancing, pageants, fireworks… The entire Empire, from the big cities to the most quite rural areas, has been taken by a festive mood through which the different peoples of Sildavia show the Emperor and His Family their love, respect and appreciation. It is not just an external proof of royalism. Everybody agrees that Jorge III has won "the hearts and the brains" of  an overwhelming majority of Sildavians, through His continuous work, His sense of duty above all, His respect of the Constitution in its true spirit and not just in the written aspects. He and His Consort, Empress Beatriz, have worked always with their children and grandchildren close to them, so that, in the Emperor's own  private words, "they begin to learn their job from the cradle".

Their Imperial Majesties Empress Consort Beatriz (78 years old) and Jorge III (80 years old)

King Ludwig IV of Bavaria has given a further proof of His friendship towards Sildavia, awarding to Emperor Jorge III the Royal House Order of Ludwig IV (Grand Cross). Both monarchs are well-known personal friends since the State Visit that Jorge III, Empress consort Beatriz and Their grandson the Prince of Sildavia made to Bavaria two years ago. Both Dynasties have established a close bond through the engagement of Prince Jorge and Princess Elizabeth Victoria of Bavaria.

The Grand Cross of the Royal House Order of Ludwig IV

According to the protocol, the Bavarian Ambassador should present the Emperor with the Decoration, the Star of the Royal Order, at a ceremony in Kronschloss Throne Hall. But the Emperor has put State protocol upside down, as He insisted in receiving the Star at a ceremony in Villa-Bavaria, the Bavarian Embassy in Kronstadt. He has personally declared: "I wish to be granted with this honor in Bavarian territory and under the sovereignty of my dear and respected friend King Ludwig. The Imperial Family attended to the event, as well as the entire Sildavian political, social and economic 'Who-is-who'.

During the reception offered by the Bavarian Ambassador, His Imperial Majesty added: "it is with the backing of My Government that I can affirm that, no matter what the destiny will bring on to the Kingdom of Bavaria, and the ways that this great Nation will choose for its future, we shall always be their firm ally and friend. We shall always be in contact with them and maintain our trade and good relations to them and to their associates".

The Emperor with the Grand Cross of the Bavarian Royal Order

A major earthquake (magnitude 7.5) has shaked larger parts of Sildavia. According to scientists, it is the entire plate over which lays the Empire and the surrounding oceans which has provoked this tragic experience.

The earthquake has lasted for 56 seconds, provoking panic among millions. After 30 seconds of incessant trembling, the Temple of Belial in New-Faerie, capital of the district of North-America, came down and was completely destroyed. Luckily, the Temple was closed at the moment and there were no casualties. But an important historic and artistic  building, owned by his founder Michael Boston -former Chancellor, Member of the Congress of Deputies and Priest of Belial- has been whipped out of the surface of Sildavia.

In Kronstadt, the Empire's capital, the only building which suffered grave damages was the Imperial Museum. The heroic conduct of his director, Mr. Ferdinand McMillan, allowed the rescue of the major historical pieces (the collection of portraits), but Mr. McMillan himself and the Museums' serva, Museia Museo, died from their wounds. A State Funeral has been held in Plus Ultra Cemetery for Mr. McMillan. The rests of the serva has been also deposed in a corner of the same cemetery.

The Imperial Museum in Kronstadt, as it was before the earthquake

The Civil Defense forces and the Armed Forces have taken all necessary measures to ensure the people's safety and avoid any looting. The Government has declared that everything is now under control.

His Majesty Emperor Jorge III has directed a special speech broadcasted to the Nation by SildaviaNews Radio and TV networks. In His speech, His Imperial Majesty has praised the courage of so many people that have helped to avoid even major damages to their co-citizens and to Sildavia's public and private heritage. He remembered fondly the acts of Mr. McMillan and the Museum's serva and encouraged everybody to do his duty like they did. "Our Government" He added, "will take the necessary measures to rebuilt the Imperial Museum as soon as possible. The Government will also study the help that may be given to the reconstruction of the Temple of Belial, which although of private property and covered by insurance, was a cherished heritage of the Kingdom of Colonias and of the entire Empire".

43 years ago, infrastructure problems in Kronschloss, the traditional seat of the Imperial Crown, made it necessary the building of nearby Jorgenschloss, which became the Imperial Family Residence. Kronschloss was transformed into a museum and a ceremonial place, the official seat of the Crown although nobody lived there.

Now the Emperor has decided to move back to Kronschloss, which is again the center of the Imperial Crown private and ceremonial life. Jorgenschloss will be the residence of the Princes of Kronstadt, Heirs to the Throne. Some small reforms has been undertaken in the old Kronschloss, to allow parts of it to remain open to the public as a Museum of the Imperial Heritage.

The move is inscribed into the public and private works and buildings which are being followed in Kronstadt after the earthquake which destroyed the Imperial Museum and damaged several other buildings.

NEW CORPORATION ENTERS STOCK EXCHANGE INDEX       
- "DEUTSCHES KAUFHAUS", AN EMPIRE IN RETAIL SECTOR
(SildaviaNews)
Teutoburg (Deutschland, Germania), 1581

A new corporation, a major one, has entered in the Teutoburg Stock Exchange index. It is "Deutsches Kaufhaus" (DK), a firm which specializes in retail sells and department stores.

DK has built in Teutoburg, Germania capital and Deutschland county seat, the Germania-Turm, a multi-floor building which is the tallest in Sildavia. The establishment sells clothes and fashion, furniture, electronics and ornaments. It has also two self-service restaurants, one in the ground floor and another in the last floors, offering a superb view of Germania's capital city. DK has also a floor dedicated to fitness and social games, as well as a floor for its department of massage and well-being.

DK directives are optimistic concerning the future of their company. They have announced projects to open similar venues in different cities of Sildavia, starting with the capital Kronstadt.

Germania-Turm in Teutoburg

Mr. Boston was Chancellor of Sildavia from 1549 to 1559. After two mandates as Sildavia's Head of the Executive he was elected Senator and he was presently Imperial Secretary of Defense.

Mr. Boston was a leading figure in Sildavian Socialist party. A State funeral has been celebrated in Plus-Ultra cemetery, although his remains will be transfered in the future to a permanent resting place in his home reign, Colonias.

Michael Boston in a recent picture

Great Temple of Set in Kronstadt

Everything is ready for the "Wedding of the Century", as people call the union of Sildavia and Bavaria Royal Houses through the persons of Jorge de Kronstadt, Prince of Sildavia and second in the line of succesion, and Elisabeth-Victoria von Wittelsbach, Royal Princess of Bavaria.

According to Sildavian law, the marriage will take place first at a civil ceremony officed in Kronschloss Palace by the President of the Supreme Court. The official marriage will be followed by a ritual exchange of vows in the Great Temple of Set. Immediately after the ceremony the new couple will descend to the subterranean Nuptial Chamber, which is situated directly under the Temple's Althar. Following a centuries old tradition, the newly wedded will consume their union inside this chamber, which is never opened but for the ritual union of Princes and Princesses in the direct line of succesion.

The Bavarian Royal bride and her family are expected in Kronstadt at any moment. The entire Nation is looking forward to this historical marriage.

A view of the Temples' Hall

A side view with the Parliament in the background

This is a unique picture: for the first time we have been allowed to get a glimpse of the Imperial Nuptial Chamber in the Temples catacombs. The Great Double Door, which symbolizes happiness and fecundity, will be open only for the Royal Newly Weds. Their first union in this Chamber will mean, according to the Imperial House tradition, that all their future children will be "conceived under Set"

State marriage...? Yes, but also a Love Marriage. There is no doubt about it looking at Jorge and Elisabeth...

With the arrival of the Royal Bride Princess Elisabeth-Victoria von Wittelsbach to Kronstadt begun the so long expected day of the union of two old Royal Houses, the House of Unified Bavaria and the House of Sildavia.

Princess Elisabeth was accompanied by her parents, King Ludwig IV and Prince Consort Jakob von Hesse. They were received at Kronstadt-Empress Beatriz International Airport by the entire Imperial Family, the Government and thousands of jubilant Sildavian citizens. The way from the airport to Kronstadt city center was packed by huge cheering crowds.

At their arrival at Kronschloss Imperial Palace, the Imperial and Royal couples passed review to three companies of the Imperial Guard in gala uniforms. Emperor Jorge III awarded His Bavarian guests with the Imperial Order of Las Torres de Oro (the Golden Towers), in the grade of High Commander (King Ludwig) and Commander (Prince Jakob).

The marriage civil ceremony was conducted by the President of the Supreme Court, the Voivoda Dianae tis Latinia. It took place in Kronschloss Throne Hall in the presence of the entire Sildavian who's who. Chancellor Louise of Boston and Österreich occupied a place of honour in the first rank.

Throne Hall in Kronschloss. On the Throne Gallery, from left to right: Princess Elena (Bridegroom's mother), the Presidente of the Supreme Court, Empress Beatriz and Emperor Jorge III, Prince Jorge of Kronstadt (bridegroom's father) and Prince Jorge of Sildavia, the bridegroom.

The President of the Supreme Court asks the bride: "... do you accept..."?

After the ceremony, Jorge III directed the traditional cheers and toast to the Bride and Bridegroom, followed by a State dinner in the Crown Dinning Room.

Emperor Jorge stands up and starts the Cheers and Toasts. In the first rank, at right, dressed in red, Chancellor Louise of Boston.

"Long Live Prince Jorge!", they cheered, before repeating the toast for Princess Elisabeth.

Immediately after the banquet, the couple, families and dignitaries went in a cortege of carriages to the Great Temple of Set, where a ritual ceremony was performed by Supreme Priestess Elena de Kronstadt, who is also the bridegroom's aunt.

Great Temple of Set: the Supreme Priestess conducts the ceremony. Up on the grades, on the left, the Prince and Princess of Kronstadt, the bridegroom's parents. On the center, the Imperial couple. Down on the left Princess Elisabeth Victoria, and Prince Jorge on the right.

Following the centuries-old tradition, the couple was then accompanied by the Emperor, Empress and Supreme Priestess to the underground Nuptial Chamber, where they entered. The double doors were closed, and when the Priestess announced it to the multitude, joy and jubilation exploded all over Sildavia. Festivals, street dancing, parades, fireworks and pageantry took over the Empire, from the big cities like Kronstadt or Teutoburg to the tinniest villages in the islands of Colonias.

The Princes of Sildavia, as Jorge and Elisabeth are now styled, departed for a honeymoon trip which remains in the deepest secret. But people in the well-informed circles affirm that they will stay mainly in Österreich county, whose mountains, valleys and lakes will remind Princess Elisabeth of her beautiful native Bavarian landscapes. Afterwards, the new couple will probably stay in some isolated spot of the tropical areas of Colonias, where its famous sandy beaches will offer a paradise-like scene for their first days as a married couple.

The Socialist Party of Sildavia, leaded by the incumbent Chancellor Louise of Boston and Österreich, has won the General Election. After 10 years ruling the country, Chancellor Boston starts a third mandate as Head of the Executive. It is the first time in the New Empire that a third mandate is given to the same Chancellor.

Socialists received 44% of the vote, followed by the Liberals with 28% and Conservatives with 26%. Extreme-right Nationalists have got an insignificant 2% of the vote.

In spite of the victory, Socialists have lost some feathers in the recent economic crisis, when Sildavia's GDP experienced a drop of 22% in only one year. Analysts agree about the fact that if the economic situation would have been better, their majority would have been overwhelming. As in the past, Socialist victory has been based in Iberia and Latinia, while the other Federated Kingdoms voted liberal or conservative. Therefore, the Government is in minority in the Senate.

Chancellor Boston-Österreich has formed a Cabinet of continuity, but she has introduced a major change: her rival Richard Berlin, leader of the Party's left-wing, has been appointed Vice-chancellor. Of course, the appointment is done by the Emperor, but at the proposal of the Chancellor, and everybody knows that Jorge III never discussed a proposal made by any of His Chancellors. Mr. Berlin's appointment is a message to disappointed left-wing voters. This message has been followed by a further measure, the bill on civil lists and allowances for public posts. The amounts of civil lists for the Imperial House or for the Royal Houses of the Federated Kingdoms have experienced major cuts, while the allowances for elected positions have been dramatically increased. Conservatives opposed the measure in Parliament, but the Government won the day with the open support of the members of the Liberal Party.

Court gossip is running wild on the open break-up which is tearing the Imperial Family.

Emperor Jorge III and Empress consort Beatriz have been at odds with the Heir of the Throne, the Prince of Kronstadt Jorge, since the latter became a young man keen on pleasures and fun and less inclined to perform his public duties. He failed in his studies at Las Torres University, which at the time provoked a major -although discreet and 'subterranean'- anger to the Imperial couple.

As everybody knows, the Prince of Sildavia, only child of the Prince and Princess of Kronstadt, is much like his grandfather and has been practically raised up by his grandparents. At the end of his studies and the beginning of his adult life, when he married Princess Elisabeth Victoria of Bavaria, he decided to accept his grandfather's invitation and establish his residence in Kronschloss, instead of living in the Jorgenschloss, the official residence of the Heirs to the Throne and their descendants.

The Prince and Princess of Kronstadt have been known for their growing and uncovered antipathy to the Imperial couple, extended now to the young Prince and Princess of Sildavia.

As an ageing Jorge III (84 years old) is clearly loosing faculties and strength, He has suffered a major disappointment with the decision of the Prince of Kronstadt about moving to a private property in Setia, the luxurious and magnificent Domus-Aurea, in whose buy the Prince of Kronstadt and his wife have put almost their entire private fortunes. There they live in isolation from public duties and agendas, but in an atmosphere of continuos parties and entertainments, not always recommendable for the faint-hearted. Gossip tell about orgies and all kind of debaucherie.

Some even affirm that the Prince's and Princess' wild parties and life have been in the background of the recent cut on the civil list adopted by the Parliament. Well-informed persons assure that Emperor Jorge III has given His Chancellor full support to go ahead with the cut, aware of the fact that His Heir and his ambitious wife will probably dilapidate the fortune they will receive when they will occupy Sildavia's Throne. Not even the Emperor can alter the rules on Sucession, but He is decided to avoid His Heir to get his hands on every cent he may put aside.

Her Imperial Highness the Princess of Sildavia, Elisabeth Victoria von Wittelsbach, has given birth to her first child, Prince Jorge de Kronstadt y Wittelsbach, third in the line of succession to the Imperial Throne.

The birth took place in Kronschloss, the Emperor's residence, where the Prince and Princess of Sildavia have lived since their return from their honeymoon trip. 

The August mother and child are both in good health. His Gracious Imperial Majesty Jorge III, who has become great-grandfather through the birth, has proclaimed an Imperial Decree styling his great-grandson with the title "Prince of Las Torres" and the treatment of "His Gracious Imperial Highness".

The official Civil Ceremony of Name-giving and registering of the newborn took place in the Throne Hall of Kronschloss. According to Sildavian laws, each newborn is inscribed in the County State Register of his birth. The members of the Imperial Family are inscribed in the Imperial Household Register. The ceremony was acted by the President of the Supreme Court, Diana tis Latinia kai Romania. The great-grandfather, Emperor Jorge III, presented the child.

Our reporters have taken some pictures of the event which clearly reflect the happiness and joy of the entire Imperial Family. Prince Jorge de Las Torres has got his mother's blue-eyes.

The only sad point of the event has been the scandalous absence of the newborn grandparents, the Prince and Princess of Kronstadt. The Heir to Sildavia's Throne is known for his bad relations with his parents and elder son.

As loyal subjects of His Imperial Majesty, aged 85, we think that His son could have spared Him this coup in such a significant moment for the Dynasty's future.

Jorge III and his great-grandson. Behind, Princess Elisabeth and the President of the Supreme Court of Justice

Empress Beatriz holds her great-grandson. She is wearing the famous "Heart of the Sea" jewel-set, a gift from the Emperor in their young days.

The official ceremony of Name-giving and Registering: Prince Jorge de Sildavia (the father), Emperor Jorge III with Prince Jorge de Las Torres, Lady Diana (President of the Supreme Court), Princess Elisabeth de Sildavia (the mother) and Empress Beatriz. Behind the Emperor, the Throne that the newborn will inherit in the future. Four generations of our First Family, with the notorious absence of the second one.

Her Imperial Highness Princess Elisabeth Victoria von Wittelsbach, wife of Jorge Prince of Sildavia, has given birth in Kronschloss to the second of their children. The newborn is a girl who has been named Juana. Juana de Kronstadt y Wittelsbach is fourth in the line of succession to the Throne, after her eldest brother Jorge Prince of Las Torres.

The baby girl has been styled Archduchess of Sildavia  by her great-grandfather Emperor Jorge III, with treatment of Her Imperial Highness.

Mother and child are in good health and high spirits reign in the Imperial Family, as they are also celebrating the royal births in Bavaria, where Crown Prince Albert and his husband Prince Jesse have given birth to Princes Maximilian and Joseph and Princess Sophia-Elizabeth. respectively. In this occasion, His Imperial Majesty has awarded the grade of Commander of the Order Las Torres de Oro to both Bavarian Princes.

As usual in the last years, the absence of the Prince and Princess of Kronstadt, grandparents of the newborn, has been remarked.

Empress Beatriz, Princess Elisabeth and Emperor Jorge, who is holding Archduchess Juana in his arms.

The Imperial Supreme Court has entered a new mandate. According to the Constitution, every twelve years both Chambers of Parliament, reunited in a common assembly, have to propose to the Emperor, with at majority of at least 75% of the votes, the four candidates to be appointed Magistrates of the Court. The Emperor appoints freely the President of the Court.

The Emperor has appointed the four proposed candidates, two of them being incumbents -both socialist. Another is liberal Mr. Nicolaso Bergamo, and the fourth is a new conservative member of the Court, Mr. Mag Con.

His Imperial Majesty has renewed the mandate of the present President, Lady Dianae tis Latinia kai Romania, who has been in the post for the last 24 years (two whole mandates). Lady Dianae is non-partisan, member of the Neutral Association, and it is well known that His Majesty values her role as referee and moderator at the Head of Sildavia's Supreme Court.

His Imperial Majesty has signed a Decree awarding to His Chancellor, Louise of Boston and Österreich, the title of Countess of Boston, with treatment of Her Grace, consideration of Member of the Imperial Nobility -and therefore with right to a permanent seat in the Senate- and the free property of Boston-Manor, in North-America (Colonias) attached to the title.

Jorge III explains in His Decree that He wishes to express His gratitude for the many services of Chancellor Boston to the Nation. This usually had been done in the past when the person in question leaves his or her post. But as the rumor goes, the Emperor is aware of his old age and of the possibility that it would be His son the Prince of Kronstadt who, one day, will see Mrs. Boston leaving the Chancellery. It is no secret that the Prince of Kronstadt, among other defects, lack of the politically neutral spirit of his Father and is strongly influenced by a conservative clique from which his secretary Victor Meux is a main representative. Therefore, the Emperor has decided to award now the title to His Chancellor, in view of the risk that His son would never do it when his time comes.

Louise of Boston and Österreich was already Marquise consort of Vermont. Her only daughter, Elizabeth, will inherit two titles and the two properties attached to them.

The Government has obtained the parliamentary approval for a vast project of  public investments, whose main chapters are the nationalization of Imperial Railways corporation and the creation of a 100% public property agency, the Agencia Espacial Sildava - AES (Sildavian Space Agency). In addition to it, the bill has confirmed the participation of the State in minority shares of different economic sectors considered of strategic importance, as well as the 60% public property of SildaviaNews -the Press, Radio and TV Broadcasting corporation.

EMPEROR's HEALTH IS DECLINING
(SildaviaNews)
Kronstadt, 1587 ES (27Oct EV)

Emperor Jorge III's health is clearly declining, as any observer may deduce from His slowing down after so many years of continuous activity. His agenda, usually so full, is becoming thinner, as He prefers to send His grandson the Prince of Sildavia to preside over many events and ceremonies, protocollary 'jumping over' the Prince of Kronstadt, Heir to the Throne, who lives apart from the rest of the Imperial Family in his domain of Domus-Aurea in Setia.

But we have now had a confirmation from inside the Imperial Household circle. Our informant wishes to stay anonymous, but we can assure our audience that the person in question is of absolute confidence. In his (her?) opinion, the public should know the seriousness of the Emperor's health state, so that everybody may be ready for the sad day which will mean, anyway, a shock in a Nation which had known no other Sovereign than Jorge III for the last 57 years.

According to this information, the Emperor is suffering from a serious heart condition, aggravated by the stress caused by the conduct of the Heir to the Throne, who has broken out all relations with his parents or his eldest son, the Prince of Sildavia. The Sovereign's health is monitored constantly. But as our informant remind us, He is 87 years old.

Loyal subjects have at least the knowledge that our Sovereign is enjoying His old days with a certain joy and happiness: those given by His grandchildren the Prince and Princess of Sildavia, and His great-grandchildren Jorge, Juana and Julio, who live in Kronschloss with the Emperor and Empress consort.

The Emperor plays with His eldest great-grandson, Jorge de Kronstadt y Wittelsbach, Prince of Las Torres (2 yrs. old), who has got the red hair of his great-grandmother Empress consort Beatriz.

INAUGURATION OF PRINCESS-ELISABETH HOSPITAL
(SildaviaNews)
Faeriedale (Anglia, Britania), 1587 ES, 29Oct EV

One of the most cherished projects of Emperor Jorge III has become reality with the inauguration of the brand-new General Hospital "Princess Elisabeth", which has been built in Faeriedale (Anglia), the capital of the Federated Kingdom of Britania. 

Her Imperial Highness Elisabeth von Wittelsbach, Princess of Sildavia, has presided over the official act of inauguration. This state-of-the-art medical facility, the greatest and most advanced in Sildavia, has received the name of the Princess, as it was the Emperor's express will, who wanted a public recognition of the deep compromise that the Bavarian-born Princess has taken, since her marriage to Prince Jorge, with the welfare and interests of her future Sildavian subjects. 

Princess Elisabeth was received at the Hospital's entrance by Dr. Prof. Ferdinand Schwarzenbaum, director of the Princess-Elisabeth's, and Mr. Alexander Brown, chief-nurse of the center.

The Emperor and Empress have followed the event on TV from Kronschloss Imperial Palace, as well as Prince Jorge of Sildavia, who was not with his wife to allow her full protagonism in the Hospital inauguration.

After visiting the hospital installations, a cocktail was offered in honor of Her Imperial Highness. Princess Elisabeth is returning immediately back to Kronstadt on a special flight, as her parents and nephews are awaited in Sildavia's capital for a private visit.

Princess-Elisabeth General Hospital, which has a roof-built heliport

Princess Elisabeth was received by Dr.Prof. Ferdinand Schwarzenbaum and Chief-Nurse Alexander Brown.

URGENT: EMPEROR's HEALTH WORSENS, DOCTORS DIAGNOSTIC PNEUMONIA
(SildaviaNews)
Kronstadt, 1587 ES, 31·Oct EV

Our Emperor has been diagnosed with pneumonia, a serious condition in any case, but specially in an 87 years old with heart condition.

The Imperial Household has released the following note:

"His Gracious Imperial Majesty has been taken ill at His residence of Kronschloss, in the city of Kronstadt. A medical team leaded by Dr.Prof. Ferdinand Schwarzenbaum has taken care of the Emperor. They have diagnosed pneumonia, and they have defined the state of their Illustrious patient as 'very serious', taking into account his heart condition.

At first, the medical team advised on a transfer to Princess-Elisabeth-Hospital, in Faeriedale. A medical plane of the Imperial Air Force was ready at Kronstadt Air Base, but His Majesty refused the transfer. He said that He wanted to be as close as possible to His tasks, and although He is now in bed, He could receive more easily the official dispatches and the visits of member of the institutions in Kronstadt Imperial Palace than in a hospital in Britania.

His Gracious Imperial Majesty is in full conscience, therefore there is no reason to activate the constitutional mechanism of the Regence. His doctors have advised Him a full rest, but He has insisted on doing His tasks as usual, in the measure of the possible".

And this, our chronicler says, is typical "Jorge III's style". All His life long He has insisted on puting duty over comfort or personal affinities. As He once declared, "there is no retirement for a Monarch. His retirement is death. Only then may he rest in peace". In spite of the seriousness of His state, we hope that His retirement may be still far in the future.

Following a centuries-old tradition, Lady Dianae tis Latinia, President of the Supreme Court, who was present in Kronschloss near the ailing Emperor Jorge III, went out of the Imperial Chamber and proclamed:

"THE EMPEROR IS DEAD. LONG LIVE THE EMPEROR!"

With these words begins the Reign of His Gracious Imperial Majesty Jorge IV, our new Sovereign.