Rildanor

[Elena1012]

Continued housing reform in Meriath; Building up a community.
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March 3rd, 5671
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Housing reforms remains a continuous topic in Meriath. Ever since the Vaganay Presidency took strong steps at reforming the housing market, the Clair Government has looked to follow suit and continue building up an affordable, just, housing market for Meriath. But reforms can always continue. Instead of focusing on individual households, the Clair Government is looking to focus on full neighborhoods instead. That is where this series of reforms comes into play.

For starters, any and all new housing constructed must not be isolated. New housing will be constructed close to clinics, schools, community centres, etc etc. These efforts will be vital to building up a United community and prevent extremism from clawing it's way into Meriath. Alongside this, mixed income housing. An ethical island requires the elimination of gated community or wealth based communities. Alongside this, expanding community land trusts to ensure the rights of every community in Meriath. This ensures housing remains affordable and ensures communities can thrive. Furthermore, expanding the power of neighbourhood councils to ensure locals know what's going on and have a say in their communities.

Alongside this, prioritizing interconnectivity such as bus lines, public transportation and the like. Meriath may not be a big island compared to the mainland, but it will be vital to ensure the island is connected and prosperous for all citizens. Plus public transportation helps local economies even if in a minor way. 

These efforts aren't extreme, but the Clair Government is looking to not just tweak the trims of the system, but ensure long term reform. We can expect major welfare reforms in the future to be more of a spectacle than the current small but hard hitting reforms applied. The argument is, the neighborhood is the central identity to every community and must be prioritized.
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In Other News;

PPS enjoys high approval; Ethical Socialism remains quite popular it seems.

Centrist Party of Free Rildanor faces internal crisis as the party debates foreign policy; Hawkishness or Dovishness?

Economic growth is slow but steady; Slow and steady is good.

[Elena1012]

Economic reforms in Rildanor; Beginning the Modern Economy Plan.
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March 7th, 5672
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One aspect of reforms promised by Solé was economic reform. Today, those reforms have been announced, with the Ministry of Finance and Economy confirming a plethora of new reforms to go into effect. These reforms are vital to the health of not just Rildanor, but the National Revolution. As such, the reforms are as follows.

For starters, redefining the commitment to corporatism. While capitalism and socialism must be opposed, corporatism is with major flaws. Flaws that threaten the national revolution. As such, this is where the system of Comptabilité Analytique (Cost Accounting). The goal of Cost Accounting is to ensure that the economy thrives, corporatism is phased out and a continued resistance to enemy ideologies.  As such, all enterprises will require professional management, transparent accounting and the like. Alongside this, flexible hiring will be introduced to ensure greater economic flexibility. Public procurements will be opened and vetted for national loyalty. These procurements will be fast tracked to non essential industries and work with state enterprises.

Furthermore, for non essential industries, the private market will be granted more freedom to continue serving the state and the National Revolution. Essential industries will remain strictly under government control. Enemies to the National Revolution will claim that this is giving into capitalism and liberalism, but resist their lies! They'd rather Rildanor and the National Revolution die a slow death than heal. These economic reforms will be vital. They may be small right now, but they are a step in the right direction to ensure Cost Accounting works perfectly for the National Revolution.

[Elena1012]

Education reform in Meriath; Expanding affordability and access.
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September 9th, 5672
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Education is a big topic for everyone. Everyone wants their child to get the best education they possibly can. But, how is that possible if no one can afford to put their kids in a school? How can they achieve that if the nearest school is on the other side of the island? The Claire Presidency is looking to answer this question with the recently passed "Equal Opportunity Education Act". 

For starters, universal preschool. Every child aged 3-5 will be guaranteed a place in public preschools. This ensures that children are taken care of (to ease parents), and this also ensures that children get a good education in the beginning phases of life. For children below 3, caps will be placed on fees, with state subsidies for middle and low income families (passed through a compromise with the Centrist Party of Free Rildanor), and of course, expanding free meals to cover all of education, from preschools to universities.

For Primary and Secondary Education, schools will be fully modernized. New textbooks, desks, computers, new buildings. Also included is modernizing the paychecks of teachers, grants for training, and loan forgiveness for teachers who work in rural or understaffed areas. Alongside this, modifying the curriculum to include civics and culture. An apathetic population embraces radicalism and fascism. That cannot happen here like it did on the mainland. Arts, critical thinking and civics will be vital to schools in Meriath. 

For higher education, the original proposal of the EOEA would've seen full tuition free education, but was shot down in negotiations in the Free Congress with a compromise being offered, with low income students receiving free tuition, and subsidized tuition based on family income for middle income families. Furthermore, limited debt forgiveness for students, with a focus on low income and middle income students, and especially for students in public service jobs. Alongside this, the creation of community learning centres to ensure adults can go back into education, and working with the private sector to ensure workers can go into education via employer co-funding and such. 

Finally, targeted investments will begin for rural Meriath to ensure rural communities are given the tools they need to thrive. Furthermore, inclusion of special needs. Not every student is the same. No student can be left behind. Not in Meriath.

[Elena1012]

Second wave of economic modernizations; Continuing the Modern Economy Plan.
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March 14th, 5673
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The first step of the Modern Economy Plan was phasing out corporatism. While viable, Cost Accounting has looked to present a solution to keep the National Revolution thriving and ensure the victory of the National Revolution. Transitioning away from corporatism has been slow and steady, thus allowing the second wave of economic reforms. 

The Ministry of Finance and Economy has confirmed the passage of various new reforms to keep the spirit of the National Revolution alive. Such reforms include granting state operated enterprises in non essential industries more autonomy and independence. They will be allowed to retain profits for reinvestment, appoint independent managers, and compete for contracts. The goal of this reform is to ensure Cost Accounting works, and have an economy that works, not just an economy that is loyal. Furthermore, the establishment of semi independent commercial banks. They will be trusted to guide the National Revolution on their own. They will be able to extend credit to private firms in non essential industries, as the State retains control of the central Bank. The National Revolution must empower al Rildanoriens.

Furthermore, trade unions. They still will remain loyal to the MRN, but workers can negotiate wages in specific sectors. It is only just to reward those who work the hardest in support of the National Revolution. Alongside this, tax breaks for small family firms in agriculture, retail and services. This will ensure Rildanoriens feel the actual effects of Cost Accounting. Finally, as we conduct reforms, we must clamp down on corruption from crypto liberals. Wasteful corporatists will be brought down for stopping the National Revolution.

[Elena1012]

Continuing the fight against the Five Wants in Meriath; Tackling hunger.
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September 27th, 5673
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With elections next year, the PPS has continued the fight against the Five Wants and with 3 out of 5 down, the focus is on number 4. Hunger. No one in Meriath should ever starve. This is something that the Claire Presidency is determined to guarantee. But how do you resolve hunger? You start with practical benefits and means. The EOEA was onto something with guaranteeing free meals in schools, and as such, this will be expanded to include community centres, senior centres and job training programs. Those in need will always have a warm nutritional meal ready for them. 

Next is supporting our farms and fisheries. While we don't have much farmland compared to the mainland, what little we have is going to be supported. Alongside with the fisheries, subsidies and loans will be granted for low income fishers and farmers to help keep prices stabilized and stabilize domestic food production. Furthermore, the state will take a strong interest in expanding community land trusts to include food cooperatives, where locals can manage the production of affordable food. Community kitchens will also be encouraged, and tax breaks and other tax incentives will be offered for businesses that donate surplus food. Alongside this, unemployment benefits will include a new focus on food stipends. No family should ever go hungry. 

These efforts will be invaluable to ensuring that the spectre of hungry is curbed in Meriath and every family on the island is adequately fed and thrives.

[Elena1012]

Hardliners purged in the MRN; The extent of reforms.
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June 17th, 5674
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It would seem that, despite the so called unity on the mainland, reports have emerged of a soft purge. It's been no surprise that the mainland and the MRN have chosen the route of reform some time ago, and it's no surprise that it would face challenges. Despite their claims of "protecting the National Revolution", the reforms have only shown that the MRN is spineless. Despite high hopes for potential peaceful reapproachment with the mainland, those hopes have been dashed. Even if the Claire Administration has shown no interest in foreign policy, this soft purge in the MRN doesn't inspire confidence. Even if it's against hardliners.

Sources report that this purge has only focused on the most conservative and hardline elements within the MRN. It's likely that these positions will be replaced by moderate reformists or Vasseurites. This can make reforms easier, but it can also very much be a consolidation of power. And a fascist government is still fascist, irregardless of whether it is reformist or not. So far, these reforms have only proven to be serving the MRN and not actually genuine reforms to fix things. Whether that changes or not is yet to be seen. But it is unlikely. Whatever the case, this purge does not signal good optics abroad. Obviously all of Meriath is hostile to the mainland, so good optics is impossible, but it does beg the question. The purging of hardliners and conservatives in the government of the mainland sets a precedent and leaves the question of, what truly are the plans by the Solé regime? Speaking of which, the Solé regime has been eerily silent on this, not even acknowledging the purge. This makes sense as no fascist state will ever proclaim that it's conducting a purge on itself. But, this does not bode well for reformist hopes.

Whatever the case, it is difficult to ultimately tell without proper confirmation from the mainland itself. And given the state of press on the mainland, it is unlikely for anything to be confirmed.

[Elena1012]

New Conservatives prevail in Meriath; A blue tide.
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December 7th, 5674
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The 5674 elections have concluded. With the Socialist People's Party pushing for continuing to wrap up the Five Wants, many expected a 3rd PPS term. Those expectations were dashed when the New Conservative Party prevailed, forming a coalition with the Centrist Party of Free Rildanor to form a government. With voter fatigue kicking in, it seems the PPS is set to go into the opposition as Christelle Noir is set to become President. 

Having campaigned on a moderate balanced budget, family tax credits, expanding home ownership and defense reform, the NPC has found a position between voters concerned with welfare and voters concerned with foreign policy. The Noir Presidency will focus on expanding home ownership, maintaining welfare, balancing the budget where possible, tax credits for families, and moderate defense reforms (both as to counter the PCRL and because pragmatic reforms are needed there). While the mainland is embracing reformism, it is never a wise idea to trust a vegan wolf. The defense of the island is necessary, even if it is small reforms. As such, foreign policy will likely become a major aspect, as well as defense. While the Freedom and Independence Army likely remain as it is, compared to the PCRL's calls of formalizing and professional-izing the military and moving away from a militia system, the NPC will likely modernize and improve the Freedom and Independence Army where possible.

With conservatives in charge, democracy in Meriath continues to mature, but questions are likely to escalate around the future of Meriath. The island can't remain the way it is forever. Eventually the mainland will need to be addressed. For better or worse.

[Elena1012]

Meriath fishers detained by Rildanorien authorities; Tensions emerge as both sides demand explanations.
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August 2nd, 5675
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For about a decade, there have been no major tensions between the Free Republic of Rildanor (Meriath) and the Rildanorien National State. Besides the obvious tensions of international recognition, both sides have been content to ignore the other, especially since any practical change is impossible due to the Meriath military being small (and only technically a militia), and the Egelian navy protecting Meriath from Rildanor itself. However, that's changed today. Even with the Egelian navy protecting the island nation of Meriath, cracks always can emerge with individuals, as earlier this week, it was confirmed that a group of fishermen belonging to Meriath ventured too far beyond the safety patrol zone and were quickly detained by the Rildanorien government, being branded as treasonous traitors.

To little surprise, this has sparked considerable tensions between the two states as the government in Meriath, currently led by the conservative minded Noir Presidency has demanded the complete return of all fishermen. The mainland government on the other hand, being led by the Solé regime, reformists within the Movement for National Reconcilation, have so far been silent on negotiations, not denying the possibility but not accepting it either. Sources inside the state confirm that the government is rather split on whether to open negotiations or refuse to engage at all. If negotiations do occur, we can expect a dead end as it's unlikely any state will make any genuine efforts to negotiate good faith or compromise. While armed conflict isn't likely thanks to the Egelian navy, high tensions are still universally agreed to be bad. 

Whatever the case, reactions in Meriath have ranged from offering the olive branch to wanting to retaliate quickly and harshly. Due to state controlled press within the mainland, it's hard to estimate how exactly the public is reacting on the mainland over this. Whatever the case, unless negotiations occur, we can only expect tensions to continue rising.

[Elena1012]

Rildanor accepts offer to negotiate; Foreign Minister Pascal to go to Altea to negotiate.
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December 7th, 5675
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In a rather surprising turn of events, it seems that Rildanor has chosen not to enflame tensions, and instead accept the offer of negotiations. Foreign Minister Fabrice Pascal has announced that he will attend the negotiations in Altea to resolve the crisis, and has shown a genuine willingness to engage in good faith, but drew firm lines in the sand, saying that any negotiations that demand constitutional rewrites or recognition of Meriath are firmly off the table. Despite that, Pascal has shown optimism and believes a suitable compromise can be reached, one where the fishermen are returned, and one where Rildanor gets what it wants to survive, and formally ending the war with Egelion.

Despite this, there is pressure starting to emerge. While state media has refused to cover it, there have been a growing trend of dissatisfaction with the Movement for National Reconcilation, and combined with the economic decline of Rildanor (even with reforms), the possibility of protests and demonstrations are increasing. Whether the reformists will resolve that or not, is anyone's guess but what's certain is that the Altea negotiations can very much make or break Rildanor.

In Meriath, the acceptance of negotiations has been seen as a surprise, but a welcomed one as the Noir Presidency has shown interest in accepting negotiations. Even with the implications of what it may cause there, this will likely be the first time in a decade that representatives from Meriath and the mainland meet face to face. But of course, this all depends on whether the conference succeeds.

[Elena1012]

Formal end to the Rildanorien-Egelian War as the fishermen are returned; Meriath to be dubbed a special political entity.
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June 1st, 5677
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Shocking news has come from both Meriath and mainland Rildanor. A formal conclusion has come to the Rildanorien-Egelian War as a peace treaty has formally been signed, alongside the return of the Meriath fishermen. While Rildanorien state media has been silent on what entailed exactly in the Altea negotiations, especially in regards to how Egelion handled the talks, what has been confirmed is the detained fishermen will return to Meriath, the opening up of diplomatic channels in all 3 states, and interestingly enough, trade to keep the Rildanorien economy afloat.

The most shocking event of the ordeal however, has been the indirect or the unofficial recognition of Meriath by Rildanor. While it's formally still seen as a breakaway province, legally, it has now been dubbed as a "special political entity", which is essentially recognition in all but name. With Foreign Minister Pascal returning home, international pundits, especially in Meriath have been quick to notice a suspicious silence from the Solé government over this development. Whatever the case, if this direction continues on, then it's likely that the reformists in Rildanor can push for a peaceful reunification of Rildanor without bloodshed and ideally, while moving away from fascism.

For now, small steps are good steps. As Meriath celebrates the return of the fishermen and indirect recognition (alongside having the means to communicate with the mainland), and the mainland celebrating a victory, as well as trade, it seems everyone is returning home happily. While the Noir Presidency in Meriath has praised the outcome of the negotiations and even praised the government in Rildanor for being open to negotiations and doing so successfully, the Solé government has been suspiciously quiet.