Kalistani Major History

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Major changes coming to Kalistan
D'Arcy to become Premier, Deal with Deltaria concluded
Kaliburg, Ananto
July 7, 4775


The New Premier of the Republic immediately sets out to increase Kalistani cooperation abroad

The New Premier of the Republic was elected by the Assembly by acclamation this week. Katrine D'Arcy-Robinson, who emigrated to Kalistan from Lourenne as a Child was selected last year as the Socialist Speaker following the untimely death of the late Joaquin Bennots, and has been acting Premier of the Republic, until her office as Head of Government was formalized following recent elections, which saw Socialist Ari Velasquez run unopposed for the Presidency of the Republic. Ari, himself the first Yeudi President of Kalistan has vowed to leave most power with the Government and focus on international relations, working closely with Foreign Minister Uxue Etxeberri, who will remain in place following the transition.

The President and Foreign Minister recently concluded a deal with Deltaria which will allow Kalistan to expand markets for its goods and attract foreign investment, while allowing Delatria the right to refuel and resupply at Port Swedes in Vrassa. "Today," said Velasquez in a public statement, "we reaffirm our Republic's good relations with Delatria. Those who sold us our airforce and trained us on how to use those weapons will be welcomed in the Republic. We feel that adding Deltaria to our list of friends is a good thing, and we look forward to participation with them in ongoing regional security exercises to maintain peace and stability in our corner of the world."

D'Arcy, herself a Brethrenist, has indicated that she intends to continue the former Premier's focus on attracting foreign investment, but signaled that there will be some changes to be made. In her innagural statement following the formalization of her office, D'Arcy announced: "The goal for our first term will be to revive several major national institutions. We mean, the restoration of KALNAPECO and KALNAFERCO, which will be expanded to also encompass the nation's aluminum industry. The Republican National Bank is also on the docket for rechartering, as a measure to stem inflation and to slowly return to zero growth policies of the past. It is also our aim to reinstate the majority share requirements in joint enterprises, while still protecting foreign investments in Kalistan. These programs will build upon the successes of our predecessor, and will allow Kalistan to regain control over its strategic sector following decades of deregulation and chasing profits rather than working for the benefit of the Republic."

D'Arcy's agenda received tepid applause from the Assembled Deputies, most of whom grew up under the liberal regime structure of the Republic. Her moves to the Left, however, have been welcomed for the most part by Kalistan's economists, who argue that competition in the strategic sector leads to waste and redundancy, and only through some mild planning with a cooperative goal in mind can Kalistan truly marshal its national resources to become a great nation once more. Only very few Liberal economists remain in Kalistan, most of them having re-adopted Ethical Socialism years ago, and the economic intelligentsia has been lobbying the Kalistani Government for a more hands on approach at least since the end of the Occupation.

Premier D'Arcy also seeks to expand Kalistani Cultural prowess in the world. "I would like to see public support for a technological and Artistic exposition once more," said the Premier. "Letting the world know that Kalistan still, even after all these years sits at the pinnacle of art, music, literature and theater is imperative for advertising the Kalistani image across the globe. As the saying goes, the pen is mightier than the sword, and if we are not to take a place among great military powers, and we are not able to sit at the table of great economic powers, let us then become the world's greatest cultural force. Most of the world already listens to Kalistani music. Let them watch our films and read our books and marvel at our architectural structures and enjoy our cuisine. We have the power to be the model for the world in terms of culture creation. We should set our sights on that and direct our national energy in that direction. We can have influence through Peace and Beauty." Her call for peaceful influence received a much more enthusiastic support from the Assembly, and at least one Deputy noted that this was far more in line with Kalistani Traditions than creating a strong war machine or opening the doors to foreign investment.

The future looks bright for Kalistan.