Jacobean Cildania (5321 - 5369)

[Wu Han]

18 September 5337
PK’s Falzon and Gilzon Governor Matrenza propose party pledge to lower tension in wake of riots
"Kesep Agreement" binds parties to supporting democracy and non-violent approach to politics

➥ Gilzon Governor Kalċidon Matrenza (left); Kastell ta' Falzon (centre); PK Leader Sigismondo Falzon (right)

Kesep, Gilzon Principality: The confirmation of Prime Minister Ġilju Vassallo has been met with violent riots in Cildania's ancient capital city, instigated by far-right bloggers and politicians such as former Order of Saint Sebastian (OtSB) Dep. Valentinu Pizzuto. Meanwhile, members of the illegal neo-fascist paramilitary group "the Righteous Men" have been identified among those looting shops, burning cars, and beating police officers.

In response to the violence in Qart Qildar, Constitutionalist Party (PK) leader Dep. Sigismondo Falzon and Gilzon Governor Kalċidon Matrenza have proposed a set of principles to be adopted by Cildania's major political parties, intended to lower tensions across the political spectrum. Speaking to reporters from the summer residence of Dep. Falzon—a sprawling castle-vineyard complex with an adjacent hamlet named after the elder statesman—the two men shared their four-point code, which they've called the 'Kesep Agreement.'

In signing the agreement, parties would agree to resolve their differences through "a framework of mutual respect, dialogue, and democracy—never through confrontation and violence." Moreover, the Kesep Agreement would bind parties to agree that "Cildania is the homeland of all her people and shall remain so forever," thereby rejecting the politics of ethnonationalism or sectarianism. Governor Stiefnu Gauci-Saliba (PK) of Aqildar was unable to attend the meeting at Kastell ta' Falzon, as he was preoccupied overseeing anti-riot operations at the Aqildar Principality Police Force HQ. Nevertheless, Governor Gauci-Saliba send a statement in support of the Kesep Agreement, pledging to abide by its principles.

Dep. Falzon announced that he planned to introduce the Kesep Agreement in the Council of Deputies within the week. Shortly thereafter, Dep. Falzon called on the newly-confirmed MLD-PLR government to take more forceful action in response to the riots, in order to restore law and order:

"Minister Sirocca? Hello? The f-cking capital is on fire! You wanna get in there and crack some f-ckin' skulls already?!" shouted Falzon at reporters. "These groups are breaking the law... These "Right Ass-Men" should all be locked up under the PEP Act, and Pizzuto should be f-ckin' hanged, drawn and quartered for treason, ok? Also, where the f-ck is the Civil Guard?"

Analysts have suggested that the motivation behind the Kesep Agreement is to test the sincerity of the OtSB, which has sought to attain acceptance as a mainstream political party, in renouncing its extreme anti-democratic origins. Under the leadership of Dumniku Zammit-Barca, the once declaredly neo-fascist movement has moderated considerably though its reputation remains deeply damaged by its past, particularly within more centrist and liberal circles. This was made manifest by the decision of the Alliance of Cildania (AgK) to support a minority left-wing government over a "fascist" OtSB government, a move which provoked the right-wing rage behind the riots.

Il-Ġurnal is a broadsheet daily newspaper in Cildania, owned by the Magro Family. The newspaper has a 'moderate' editorial bent.

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Originally posted by Wu Han on 27 Jun 2023.