Egelion

[Louis]

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As a part of imperial strategy and for further integration between the monarchy and the people, Empress Isabella, who recently married Emperor Leon Alexander, departed Altea to engage in a multi-day, multi-state visit of Nadiya and New Endralon. The Empress, who came from Egelian nobility is preparing to "work for the people" and engage in several charitable opportunities throughout he empire.

The Empress' office has stated that House Montalivet has created a new "charitable fund" using the house's finances to help fund different projects and works. This fund, using the old Orleans-Vasser family fund in excess of 500 Billion CFR, is a major part of the fund. The empress will be traveling throughout the empire, looking for places where this fund might be put to use.

Beyond economic needs, the Empress is also looking for more economic integration, hoping to spread Egelian culture in Nadiya and within the Tripartite Kingdoms. The Empress is looking to create a new image for the crown while on this trip. She hopes that the crown can become one of assistance, one of positive authority, and trust from the people. The Empress' office stated that the trip will begin in Portesti and end with a visit to Nadiya where she will meet with Tsarina Maria Carolina Anastasiana.

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[Louis]

As the winter season is in full blast in Egelion, many in the nation are beginning to look for entertaining indoor activities to keep themselves occupied and in a positive mood. Luckily for many, the Royal Symphony Center released its 5690 program this morning, revealing several renown pieces and conductors are set to perform. 

Josef Haneck from Dundorf, Fabrizio Meloni from Istalia, and David Etherington from Luthori among a few names set to lead the Altea Symphony Orchestra from November to early April. The symphony is well-prepared and fully staffed to receive all of the world's best conductors and an increased boost in tourism. The Altea Symphony Orchestra was named by EL DIARIO as the "Best Symphony Orchestra" in Terra thanks to continued investments from the government and due to the quasi-indoctrination into classical performance for decades, and to the Real Academia's focus on "cultural competency".

November and Decembers main pieces begin with dramatic pieces, evoking mystery, death, hope, and resolution. Orchestra Director, Felipe Sandoval, stated that the orchestra's main goal was to relive and feel the emotions associated with the seasons. "The artic winter here in Egelion reminds of death, the dramatization of the changing seasons, and the way the bitter air sends chills down our spines. It is this same feeling we are trying to evoke when choosing our programs."

Thanks to additional funding from other sponsors, the orchestra is able to work with the Symphony choir, who is not often called upon for programming, but thanks to this years line up, their presence will be most felt. Their Imperial Majesties have also expressed their intent to continue funding the arts and attending a few shows at the orchestra. Emperor Leon Alexander has expressed his emotion of attending orchestra shows before and remains his "one true place to settle the mid and the soul". It is expected that the royals will attend several shows within this season. Tourists from all over Terra who travel to Altea always insists and make sure to attend one show before leaving. Tickets start at 60 Egelian Crowns and can go up to 500 depending on seating location.?

Please Enjoy this performance of "Ameteria" by Antonio Oronez, apiece to be played in the 5690/5691 Season.
[Video: https://youtu.be/7bnMDx6HKbE?si=OHSQke-EYA8mXb6G]

[Louis]

The general election season of 5691 is in full gear. Royalists, Conservatives, Ghadrashi, and Caillean parties are out campaigning, hoping to improve their seat numbers in the Royal Court. The Royal Court, while being an advisory body, still maintains much influence in the Egelian political system. Members of the Royal Court are allowed to pass “law recommendations” which are then sent up the chain to the Royal Council, then to His Majesty. Law recommendations are approved or denied by His Majesty and can only become actual laws if they are approved. The Royal Court is a direct representation of how the Egelian people feel. The Royal Court translates popular opinion into law recommendations for the king, bringing a balance to the absolutist nature of the nation and the will of the people.

Currently, the Royalist Party, which relies heavily on liberal absolutist policies, have held the majority for 20 years, owing to King Artemio’s popularity. All other parties have lagged behind. Yet, this year, it seems the Conservatives are eyeing a majority government. Recent polling has suggested that the Conservatives are quickly gaining popularity among Egelian citizens, with a poll closing in on almost 35% support. The Conservatives recently held a large conference in Altéa to rearrange their party ideology and to look for new leadership to lead the party ahead.

 The Conservatives elected Leonor Dolid, an upcoming court member from Villa Kinea. She actively pushed the party to adopt an absolutist agenda and to fall along centrist positions, abandoning its centuries-long hosian right ideology. Dolid has campaigned for the prolongation of the absolutist agenda and a shift from social liberal policies to classical liberal policies of the right. Dolid seeks to deregulate several parts of the government, but continue support for popular policies, such as the CROWN welfare system. It is yet to be seen if the Conservatives will achieve a majority government, but it seems Egelians are not necessarily too enthusiastic about the social liberal government. It is not to say that the Royalist Party is unpopular, rather the Conservatives have shifted their tune in a way that popular policies are not ignored and Egelians are given a different side of the same card.

[Louis]

In times of cold weather, there is often debate about what one should do to preserve warmth. some indulge in the delicacy of a hot chocolate beverage. Others turn to caffeinated beverages like espressos or cappuccinos--a simple cup of coffee. However, in the Duchy of Yadraz, a new craze for tea has overtaken the market. People demand access to high quality black, green, white, and herbal teas. This recent trend in tea culture has led to a greater conversation of the Egelian way of life. Many in Egelion have the unescapable urge for sophistication. One might even say look for a "pompous" way to live. This could in fact be a product of the sociopolitical structure of Egelion itself, but not many are convinced that the hype for tea is wrapped in politics. Many believe that the the drive to engage in tea culture is simply culture.

The City of Yadraz, full of traditional tea drinkers, is one of the most culturally diverse areas in the country. Access to exotic ingredients and food from Dovani is easily available for most, making tea from nations like Vascania and Seko ready to drink. This easy access to high quality tea has made the craze go beyond a region-level trend. Small business and mom-and-pop shops have opened up throughout the city, promoting the intoxicating and addicting culture surrounding tea. 

The intricate process, the warmth and the aromas are what make tea so appealing. While you can say the same for coffee products, tea gives us the perfect amount of caffeine to keep us aware, but not turn us into machines. Tea gives us a moment zen, an escape to peace. While the traditional camelia sinensis leaf gives us a quick boost, one cannot forget the divine calm and benefits enjoyed by herbal teas. Think of spearmint, chamomile, and ginger tea. Each has their own benefits. It helps the body, the mind, and ofc course the soul.

Shopkeepers in Yadraz, and wider Egelion, are intelligent to keep these types of tea in stock. At a reasonable price, a 6oz container of tea can cost a person an average of 16 Egelian Crowns. Making it a completely affordable and beneficial beverage. Affordability is not the attraction that tea currently possesses. Many look to tea for its sophistication, the poise, and the peace that comes with it. Cafe culture, such as those found in Canrillaise, Istalian, and Yeudi communities, is often very casual and informal. The purpose is speed, energy, and quick satisfaction. Tea promotes the opposite: calmness, precision, and ultimate satisfaction--including the body, mind, and soul. Egelians crave this detail of tea. sophistication, purpose, peace. What better culture to engage with if not tea?

While Egelians are split between espresso and tea culture, many believe that tea culture is much more suited for the country. There is no real winning side per se, but tea advocates have called for a full "cultural transition" to tea. Morning tea ceremonies, tea bars, tea shops, increased imports, and infusion of classical performances during tea preparation. There have even been reports of the royal family already engaging in tea culture. Not so much the Luthorian "add-milk-to-tea" preparation, but one similar to the matcha ceremonies practices in Seko. While many are barely introducing themselves to the tea craze, it has come to the attention of many that the infusion of tea within Egelian societal norms is not changing the culture of the nation--to the alarm of few. Tea is not limited to nations and their own cultures. Tea is a culture in itself. 

[Louis]

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Urbanization and mass population growth, while sometimes positive for a country, can leave massive environmental stains for people living in large cities. Pollution and environmental dangers are no exception in Egelion. In Altea, where the population exceeds over 8 million people, it is not uncommon to see trash on the street, sidewalks, or in the city's old-town, where alleyways and tight streets make it difficult for trash collection. While most streets are clean year-round, it is often towards the spring and summer months where garbage can be seen more often. 

To ameliorate the issue of pollution and city cleanliness, the Real Academia, who controls all school operations and curriculum in Egelion, called for a national day of clean--or more formally known as "A Day of Clean". The goal of the national initiative is to train children throughout the nation to enforce anti-pollution standards and to teach about the importance of garbage collection. The initiative also allocates 3 hours of a school day, twice a year for children to go out into their city and "clean" the sidewalks and streets as a class.

The initiative saw its first "pilot" this morning in Altea where students of the western school district went out into the streets of the city to collect litter and trash, weather permitting. Students were given an extended lunch, break, and recreation time that day making it an official "field trip day" according to district codes. Teachers were also paid an extra stipend for the day of clean as part of the initiative. 

Many in Egelion are calling the initiative "elementary" and good for the community as it helps tackle student accountability and pollution efforts in the nation. While the Real Academia only piloted the program in western Altea, it is said that they will enforce the day throughout all of Egelion next year.  Some educators however are not fully on board with the program with some stating "we're teachers, not garbage collectors". 

Others are concerned about students becoming lost and potentially being "stupid at intersections and busy streets". Board Director Filiberto Torres of the Real Academia stated that the academia is currently enhancing regulations, standards, and permissions for the day of clean to ensure student safety and educator preparedness at addressed. "ultimately, our goal is for students to be socially responsible and accountable. We want to show them it is a community effort to keep our cities clean. Teachers should know that fact. We will ensure they are also prepared for this new initiative."

[Louis]

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After an expensive election season full of policy reversals, internal drama, and manifestos, the Conservative Party of Egelion won it's first victory in almost 60 years. The win came after the Conservative Party did a complete reversal on many of its "core" policies. The Conservative Party previously championed for a constitutional monarchy, low taxes, and big business investments among many things. With this ne election cycle, the Conservatives adopted more moderate positions such as the support of absolutism, financial support for small businesses, and support for the nation's highly popular welfare system. This, coupled with support for soft Egelian nationalism, gave the Conservatives a highly sought after win.

Yet, despite the overwhelming victory in the Royal Court, Conservatives still have to find a coalition to get any law recommendation passed. Conservatives only received 43% of the vote, a few seats short of the 151 required for a majority. The Conservatives have been known to keep to themselves, leaving little room for compromise and coalition. Yet, the Ghadrashi People's Party is keen on achieving a majority with the Conservatives to help pass their typically right wing policies. The Conservatives have not stated whether they'll join the Ghadrashis, but it is their only option to pass on legislation recommendations to the Royal Council. 

Leonor Dolid, the leader of the Conservatives, took the moment at her election headquarters to praise party leadership and efforts instead of advocating for coalition talks. She mentioned how the new Conservative Party is a big-tent coalition of people, ranging from those on the right and to the center. The Royalist party suffered their first major defeat in decades. While many think of this as a massive loss for the party, it is agreed upon that the Royalists lost because of the status quo dilemma, not because of unpopular policies. People were simply fatigued of the Royalists in party, despite their extremely poular ideology.

Conservative leadership is expected to address the economy in the next few weeks with some officials stating the economy "is in shackles, focusing on the wrong sectors." With the guarantee that the welfare state would not be touched, Conservatives will have a difficult time balancing laissez-faire economics and the more socialist policies that are popular among citizens. 

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[Louis]

PRESS RELEASE: EGELIAN INSTITUTE OF DIPLOMACY

[Louis]

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Since the election of the conservatives into the majority at the Royal Court, there have been several debates within members of the court regarding the fiscal future of Egelion. After the royalist liberals left the power, the nation sat with a debt-to-gdp ratio of about 61%, raising some alarms. However, the royalists were able to expand Egelion’s economy, improve welfare, and provide common services to all Egelian citizens. Before the election of 5692, the Royalists ran a campaign to ease spending but still provide for necessary services such as the state welfare system and pensions. Conbservatives ran on a campaigned that focused on expanding the economy—which was well-received. But now, with the power to send law recommendations to the Emperor, conservatives are in a large debate over fiscal policy and how they intend to “expand the economy”.

Leonor Dolid, Speaker of the Court, facilitated debates all week against the Cailleans and the Royalists, who all believed more investments need to be made into proper industries and sectors. Conservatives have decided against such investments and are inclined to cut spending towards social programs and invest in businesses. Conservatives themselves were divided on the issue. Some say that recommedning cuts to the Emperor would be immediately “dead”, while others are inclined to believe that the Emperor is more of an economic liberal. The former proved to be correct.

In the midst of an intense debate this Wednesday, Royal Councilor Cascabel, who directs policies related to taxation and the Royal Treasury, made a surprise appearance at the Royal Court to gauge the ongoing debate within Conservatives themselves. The Royal Council spoke with Dolid herself, trying to identify the direction of the party. What the Royal Councilor found were scenes of chaos. Moderate conservatives arguing over policy with the more hardliner wing of the party. Each side arguing about which welfare cuts to make, what sectors to invest in, and what laws to recommend. 

The Royal Councilor debated with Dolid over her control of the party and the actual popularity of the law recommendations they were discusssing. Cascabel told Dolid that anything remotely unpopular or against the core values of the Emperor will not even have the chance of being acknowledged. This development set back Dolid’s agenda, which has not been successful thanks to the her only achieveing a one seat majority after strained negotiations with the Ghadrashi Party.  Cascabel warned Dolid: “His Majesty is prepared to call for general elections, should the [conservative] party not reach consensus or agreement at this most complicated and difficult impasse.”

[Louis]

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After a very successful and illustrious coronation, Emperor Leon Alexander and Empress Isabella stayed at the Royal Family's estate, Casa Varestela, in Eveari Kalistan. The temporary stay at the house comes after Emperor Leon states that he had planned a meeting with the then future empress months ago. The emperor wished to be the first head of state to formally meet the empress and declare his intentions to work closely with the empire as her reign begins.

Empress Carolina II traveled to Varestela with a large crew, hoping to catch the Egelian royals on a good day. Luckily, the Emperor and Empress were at the house, awaiting the empress herself. There we're positive greetings upon arrival. Only one photographer was present at the visit, calling the event: "the embrace of absolutism". The modest Empress Carolina II arrived in good graces and turned heads as her outfit reflected get true personality: traditional, respectful, modern. Emperor Leon and Empress Isabella both wore Egelian colors and official state clothing. At the meeting was also Hutorian Minor King William XVII, who was in Kalistan to learn of reigning and politics as he grows into his new role.

The meeting itself, despite being a formal state visit, was most informal. The three totals day together around a mahogany table and had tea. It is said that Empress Isabella recommended a formal tea ritual instead of a usual "coffee and cream" service that's typically provided at Varestela using Gaduri coffee. During the tea service, the royals spoke about Carolina's youth, her experiences, and everything that has led up to this moment as official head of the empire. Emperor Leon offered several pieces of advice to the Empress, most about self-discovery, wisdom, moments of fragility, tensions, and how to find peace within power--with the Hutorian Minor King also receiving the information. Empress Isabella offered wisdom on womanhood, motherhood, the rights of women, and women with power. It was reiterated by the Emperor that their advice was not to shun the great work done by the regent in helping lead the young empress, rather to help the young empress when times became difficult and distressed.  

Several talks were also held about security, cultural cooperation, and overall relations between both empires. It was noted by Emperor Leon that nationalists in Kalistan have successfully--and oftendramatically--worsened relations between both nations when no legitimate reason existed. Emperor Leon stated to Carolina that Egelion's policy with Kalistan will remain just as both of their parents maintained it. The Emperor noted that the new reign should be an opportunity for a change in direction, not to give in to nationalist rhetoric and damage what is fine. Emperor Leon stated that The Kerisian Empire would do its part in maintaining a solid relationship for the foreseeable future, making the point that absolutism, while unpopular in most of Terra, represents a small but extremely stable form of rule that must be protected amongst each other.

The Emperor, as he sipped on his Sekowan green tea, affirmed that Egelion specifically remains open to Kalistan on security, economic, diplomatic, and cultural avenues. It would depend on the Empress and her style of reign that should ultimately decide the relations between Egelion and Kalistan for the next generation. Carolina II and Leon Alexander are both young royals within their dynasties. They potentially have the next 50 to 60 years on the thrones of their countries. Having a strong and stable relationship reflects similarly on the Anantonese region. The meeting at Varestela is now hopefully the first and most important meeting between Kalistan, the Kerisian Empire, and by extension, Hutori.

[Louis]

With the Kerisian Empire continuing to engage in integration efforts, Empress Isabella, hoping to make the monarchy more visible, travelled to several cities within the empire to promote progressive education and the modern curriculum provided by the Real Academia. The Empress previously made a trip throughout the empire after her marriage to Emperor Leon Alexander, which was extremely successful for Kerisian relations. This new trip, joined by Royal Councilor Ibarra, is meant to highlight the future of the Egelian monarchy and the policies it hopes to promote throughout the empire.

With education being the most important part of Egelian life, the royals are eager to spread the wealth of information, resources, and curriculum to the rest of the empire. Empress Isabella first traveled to the Zyldavian countryside, touring several rural schools and colleges. The rural areas of a country are usually forgotten due to the influx of resources to urban areas, however, in New Endralon rural schools are on par if not potentially better than their counterparts in urban areas. Reconstruction efforts after the war and the recent investments from the EIF have led to significant improvements in New Endralon and Kizenia. Empress Isabella's tours in rural Kizenia showed the vast investments by Egelion and the positive effects of education. Students have learned a very progressive and culturally-responsive curriculum provided by the Real Academia. This curriculum also focuses on anti-extremist and anti-fascist policies that was similarly seen during Meriath's rebuilding process. While in Portesti, the Empress gave a lesson to an early secondary class about the importance of education and provided a personality test to help students discover their strengths and interests. 

Empress Isabella traveled to Nadiya after New Endralon to meet with Tsarina Maria Carolina and discuss the current situation with Nadiya's curriculum and learning standards. Empress Isabella discussed "Universal Learning" with the Tsarina and how the empire should attempt to follow the same curriculum and skill focus for greater integration. Currently, Egelion's education system, designated and controlled by the Real Academia, is one of the most structured and strict in all of Terra, but yields several positive results for Egelian society. A society based on research, discovery, inquiry, and intellectualism should be "the focus of the empire", stated Royal Councilor Ibarra. The Royal Councilor's words were endorsed by the Empress herself who is reportedly advocating stronger education law recommendations in Altea. The Empress and the Tsarina stated that while Nadiya was on the more hyper-progressive spectrum of policy, a more moderate and "balanced approach" with some aspects of education could be a viable way for the empire to move forward together. Yet, it seems that the empire agrees on curriculum that is progressive, research-driven, institutionalized, and rigorous.