Kalistani Major History

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Voice of Kalistan !
5035

LDP Government introduces Economic Reform Package

Prime Minister Santiago has proposed a new Economic Reform to the One-party National Assembly, the reform sees to a liberalisation of certain sectors of the economy, the LDP government, National Assembly and Presidency will look to pass the bill prior to the 5036 elections in which it is expected that the One-party government will end and the LDP will need to compromise and share power with the Socialists and possibly other Parties.
The President of the Republic Edward Preston has shown enthusiasm with the prospect of a Multi-party National Assembly, stating:

The nature of a healthy democracy is debate and conflicting opinions, therefore I welcome and hope for a multi-colored, multi-opinioned National Assembly following the Next elections.

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Socialist Speaker launches National Campaign
Aims to build a broad based Leftist Assembly Party
Sulari, Suldanor
December 18, 5035


Diego Perry leads a Workers March in Sulari to Protest government's moves toward Liberal economic policy

"We have to unite to put a curb on liberal economic Policy," announce SP leader Diego Perry yesterday at a large worker rally in Sulari. "The Socialist Party is the Traditional defender of Kalistani Institutions, and the Liberal's legislation, which SP opposed, weakens the institutional foundation of the Kalistani Ruble, while opening our economy to foreign investment, without focusing first on Kalistani National Interest. Only a strong legislative presence for the Socialist Party will help us curb the worst excesses of unbridled liberalism."

The Speaker's comments came following a sharp dip in the Kalsie following the passage of Liberal Democrat's "Economic Stimulus Act." "The drop in the Kalsie reflects the removal of support for Kalistani industry and business and the arbitrary opening of Kalistan up to foreign competition," said Professor Paul Thompson, of Kalistan National University in Kaliburg. "Industries and businesses in Kalistan have traditionally enjoyed freedom from cheap foreign money, and this drop reflects an expectation of an influx of competing investment in Kalistan, rather than anything that has actually happened."

The Socialist Leader highlighted the 14% overnight in the Kalsie as evidence that liberal policies are not preferred by Kalistani businesses. "But they are also dangerous for Kalistani Workers: When Kalistani investors hold majority shares in businesses here, the State can enforce strong labor protection and environmental laws. But if we become dependent on foreign investment, those companies can hold the Republic hostage with threats of withdrawal of their investment and loss of Kalistani jobs if we attempt to enforce our national laws over their operations."

"We should make it clear," responded Dr. Thompson, "that foreign companies have not yet taken advantage of the new attitude toward foreign investment. Kalistan has a long history of nationalizing foreign and domestic investment following the predictable and regular return of the SP to power. As a result, foreign investors should be very wary of investing in Kalistan, especially without securing majority Kalistani buy-in, regardless of the law at the moment. The SP often leaves Kalistani majority controlled investment in the private sector alone when it takes power, so any foreign investment which comes into Kalistan should proceed on the understanding that the SP will eventually return to power and will nationalize foreign investment which does not conform to its nationalist policy preferences. As history has demonstrated, it really only is a matter of time."

The rally in Sulari kicks off the SP's campaign for office across the Republic at the end of next year. "We launch in Sulari because this is the home of organized labor," said Perry. "While the SP is HQed in Kaliburg, Sulari has historically led Suldanor in its support for the SP, and for leftist Parties in general. And we once more ask Sulari Workers to turn out in massive numbers for SP candidates for the National Assembly. This is how we will work to protect workers' interests in the Kalistani Economy."

Perry took a defiantly pro-working class position. "I know I was told not to alienate business," Perry explained to a cheering crowd, "But under Socialist Government, the interests and the needs of the working class and the poor will be first, last and pre-eminent in Kalistan's economy. We are here to represent the Working Class and to look to the needs of the poor. The Middle Class and the Wealthy can take care of themselves." With this, the Socialist Leader and more than 25,000 workers associated with more than 18 labor unions based in and around Sulari marched from Gale Park to the HQ of the USOK HQ in downtown Sulari to hold a massive demonstration and political rally.

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Kaliburg DJ King XL Joins Skinny J in Hip Hop Collective
Duo aim to promote Hip Hop in the Capital
Kaliburg, Ananto
January 5, 5036


Producer Skinny J and DJ King XL to build Hip Hop Collective Brethren

Two regulars of Kaliburg's local Hip Hop scene, Producer Skinny J and DJ King XL have joined forces to build a new Hip Hop Collective. "We were sitting around one day," said King XL, "and Skinny was like 'yo, let's make music and get different dudes to rap over the tracks, and put out records." King, who was looking for a new project at the time, was totally down with the project and the new Hip Hop collective "Brethren" was born.

"So, the idea here is to get a bunch of really dope, experimental tracks laid down, and then find some MCs to write some bars and lay them down over the tracks," said Lord. "Skinny basically produces beats anyway for rappers, and I think between the two of us, we're gonna make some bomb tracks. And we'll listen to any independent artists who want to try our tracks."

The idea of a hip hop collective is similar to scenes in rock. "But not quite," said Skinny J. "When you rap with The Brethren, you're actually a member of the group. The Scenes had independent artists who hung out, played shows together and toured together, like brothers and sisters who had their own bands, and hung out together. The Brethren are just one group with like, ideally 200 members or whatever. When we want to go play shows, we'll invite collective members, and whoever shows up, those are the songs we'll do, and like some can do verses on other people's songs, and whatever, you know. The idea is we all put in and we all advance together."

The duo said they already had backing tracks for seventeen songs, and are scheduling time at ARC studios in Sulari. "We already got some interest in Kaliburg," said Lord, "and this new MC, Lady Rey from Sulari has heard of us and wants in. So we're going to go record with her next month, and see what she can do. She'll be the first MC in the collective if we discover we have some synchronicity, you know?"

The Brethren, who aren't affiliated with the faith, haven't announced plans for a full LP. "Well, we're gonna release singles on streaming, and maybe put together an album when we have enough material. But the backing tracks are on stream right now, so if MCs' want to download and rap over them and send us some tracks, we're down for that."

The Brethren hip hop collective represents the first stirrings of a new National scene, as Kalistani music culture takes its first steps toward revival.

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Voice of Kalistan
5036

Preston resigns from LDP after poor election results !

Former President and Chairman of LDP Edward Preston has declared his resignation from his position in the LDP following the results of the 5036 elections in which Preston lost his re-election bid and the LDP became the third party in the Assembly by seat count, behind the Socialists and the UKWF. The LDP has already begun the process of electing a new Chairman and a new program to adress the current situation and the possible Main Opposition stand of the LDP in a possible leftist coalition government.


Preston thanking supporters and party members in LDP HQ after resignation

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Voice of Kalistan
5037

LDP says: “Hope !”

The Liberal Democratic Party held an extraordinary congress following the resignation of the former Chairman. The race for the position of “Leader of the Liberals and Blue Berets” as stated by a few members of the LDP council, saw two candidates rise to the occasion. The former Prime Minister, Jonathan Santiago, who was seen as a favorite and vice-chair of Preston’s leadership, Hope Reid. After debates, speeches, food and drinks came the time to vote for the future of the LDP and the council in a tight margin voted for Hope. She managed to defeat her opponent in a close race and embraced the cheers while using a phrase which can already be seen in future Presidential Election billboards, “Hope for Kalistan !”


Hope Reid observing the results of the council vote as she is declared the winner

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Voice of Kalistan
5040 Election Special

Kalistan chooses HOPE ! LDP largest winner of the elections !

In true LDP fashion, The party’s new leader has won the Presidential Elections, Hope Reid has been inaugurated as the new President of the Republic of Kalistan, meanwhile the LDP has gained 101 out of 300 seats of the Assembly and is set to form the next coalition government. Reid has already begun negotiations with the National Conservative Party and Kalistan National Party (both new-comers to the Assembly in these elections) and the next coalition government will most likely be between the LDP-NCP-KNP. Kalistani’s look at Hope and truly hope for a better and brighter future after 4 years of leftist rule.


President of the Republic Hope Reid

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Socialists Acknowledges Election Results
Perry- "Liberal victory vindicates Socialism"
Kaliburg, Ananto
April 7, 5041


Diego Perry Addresses Disappointed Socialists on Revolution Plaza

"Yes, we took a bath in the last elections," said Socialist Leader Diego Perry while addressing Socialists on Revolution Plaza last week. "But our analysis shows: The SP lost more seats than the Liberals gained. They picked up only 18 seats while the SP lost 27 seats. The NCP did far better than the Liberals in this last election, and to be completely honest, this election should not be seen as a victory for the Liberals, but a victory for the Nationalists." The Party Leader noted the history of Kalistani Politics: "We have historically worked with the National Conservatives on Nationalist matters. The SP remains the Party of Kalistani Institutionalism, and nationalism is a primary institution which cuts across ideologies and Party Lines."

The Party Leader also noted that the positions that the Liberals won on were largely Socialist positions. "If we look at the Liberals' positions, the only real difference between our two Parties is that The Liberals are far less liberal on civil Rights, are for a smaller role of Government, primarily seeking to hand the entire National treasury and all workers over to the avarice of finance capital, and is somewhat more moderate, though in agreement with us generally speaking. For the LDP to claim that Liberalism has triumphed in Kalistan, as opposed to socialism, suggests that perhaps the LDP is confused as to what Liberalism is."


Perry's chart demonstrates the similarity between the SP's traditional positions and the LDP's newly acquired appreciation for Leftist Ideals.

Perry declares the LDP's gains to be a vindication of Socialism, contrary to the propaganda of the LDP. "We urge the Liberals to keep in mind that their proposals in the Assembly may pass, and of course, we will work tirelessly to undo any privatization they push though. Instead of doing what they can to strengthen the hand of the wealthy and powerful, to recall that the vast majority of this country live well and earn their living through their work, not through their investment. Kalistan doesn't tend to support wealth accumulation for long."

In a final word, Perry mentioned that he is interested in talking with the NCP about privateers. "We know they are interested in the Privateer act, which is still on the books and active in our national laws. If they are interested in working on additional legislation or explicit reauthorization, the SP is ready to discuss the matter further."

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Voice of Kalistan
5044

Reid wins re-election, LDP one seat behind SPoK

Hope Reid has been re-elected for her second term as President of the Republic, gaining 59% of the vote against the NCP candidate. The Parliamentary Election has resulted in a tense three-party National Assembly. The SPoK has gained 125 seats meanwhile the LDP has gained 124 seats while the NCP has been placed as the third (possibly king-maker) position with 51 seats in the 300-seat Assembly, the UKWF and KNP have failed to enter parliament. Hope Reid had the following comments after the results: “The most colorful era of a Democracy, the election period has ended. We truly have a very interesting composition in the Assembly and I anticipate a stable coalition government to lead the nation for the next 4 years. I am honored to once again be given the honor to serve as President and make sure Kalistan is safe and stable.”
It will be interesting to witness what the future holds for Kalistani Politics.

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Premier Perry Reports Record ODEN production in Kalistan this Year
Recreational drug production for Export surpasses pharmaceutical production
Kaliburg Ananto
October 7, 5047


KGA reports record demand for Kalistani National Product

Premier Diego Perry briefed the Annual Meeting of the Organization of Drug Exporting Nations- Kalistan last week with rather stunning figures. "We are on track this year to hit record production of Cannabis this year, as well as all other major ODEN export products," said Premier Perry. "The Kalistani Growers' Association has informed us that Kalistan will produce more than 40,000 tonnes of marijuana, and raw coca production will exceed 60,000 tonnes this year. Additionally, raw opium production is above 7,000 tonnes, and more than 250 tonnes of raw ergot. We are also up over the previous decades in psilocybin, and sugar cane and grape production."

The report surpasses investor expectations and sent agriculture stocks into a rally, as a modest sell off turned into a snatch up of ag futures. "A bumper crop is not always bad," said the Premier. "As long as we maintain the single buyer of the ODEN system, we can guarantee our independent farmers' prices, and a rush on futures represents additional profits for independent farmers."

The Premier put the onus for the bumper crop on a history of intelligent, pro-growth policies and a series of fortunate events. "The willingness of the Liberals and Conservatives to continue ODEN has ensured a reliable market for recreational agriculture over many decades, ensuring farmers not only regularity, but confidence to practice more efficient farming practices without fear of income loss. This has led to more acres under cultivation, as well as more producers entering the supply stream. The pro-agriculture polices of successive governments combined with the general adoption of environmentally untaxing cultivation practices, allowed independent farmers to meet demand as it has steadily increased over the years. And finally, this year especially, we experienced weather patterns that have been especially conducive to production of both coca and cannabis. The result is the creation of a virtuous cycle that will lead to record production of Kalistan's National Product and strong production levels for years to come."

The Premier also announced that for the first time in a long time, recreational sales will outpace pharmaceutical sales at the ODEN Mart in Kaliburg. "We have large external demand for ODEN goods, but it is mostly on the side of recreational product. As a result, ODEN has asked the pharma producers in the Republic to slow production on all but vitamins in the external market, while maintaining flat levels for the internal markets." The Premier finished his report noting that that the largest growth in demand has also occurred in the export market. "We have so far this year received contracts from distributors in every single nation who are not members of ODEN, especially those which strictly control drug usage, and would reiteration that the best way to control drugs within your nation is to join ODEN. Inter ODEN transfers have held flat and have even decreased in some departments."

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Dana Pop Punk Band F-Stop signs to ARC Records
Debut Album "Pella Avenue Mixtapes" to be released in August
Dana, Suldanor
May 15, 5048


Dana teens F-Stop mix 2 Tone with Pop in a potentially potent combination

Dana, Suldanor has an outsized influence on Kalistani music of the last few centuries. Starting with the rise of the Ska punk sound of Red Tone nearly 150 years ago, the small provincial town has been the center of the Ska scene in Kalistan and has even eclipsed larger scenes in neighboring Sulari and Kaliburg when it comes to the upbeat and imminently danceable music. But the scene has had trouble differentiating in recent decades. Most skapunk bands do covers of older tunes, and the scene has grown increasingly elderly, as youth are turning back to hard rock and hip hop.

Which makes the decision of ARC to try to restart the scene with a pop infused punky and occasionally ska inflected band of teenagers called F-Stop, who will be headlining a small ARC showcase tour this fall in support of their debut record "Pella Avenue Mixtapes." The record, whose title is an explicit nod to the lead singer and primary influence Monica Pella, is a dozen "one-take wonders" where the band franticly tries to stay both in tune and on time, and led by the whirling dervish frontwoman Billie Pepper, 18.

Pepper sings songs of puppy love, breakup, annoyance, and frustration at being treated like a little kid, in a way that is both distinctly teenaged and also relatable to older audiences. Band mates, who are also all in their teens Teddy Singh (bass), Tomas Edwards (lead) and Pepper's brother and organist Gerald Pepper are joined by drummer Fabian Gold, Trombonist Vernon Caruthers, Saxophonist Willie "Bones" Jones, and Trumpeter Xavier Majors. This unwieldy octet flies through their set list in less than 36 minutes, creating pop that has a harder edge than Top 10 music, but is not as edgy as 2 Tone.

"The band is my brothers' band," said Pepper of F-Stop. "He just let me sing because I wouldn't stop bothering him about it when he would practice with the band out in the garage." But do not mistake Pepper for some demure girl, "I get grabbed a lot at shows, so I started kicking the s--t out of those d--kheads." Indeed Pepper has started to wear combat boots to shows. The guys in the band seem ambivalent: "She can take care of herself," said Singh. "I would say just don't cross her. She's nice and all, but she will put the smackdown. I guess... whatever..."

F-Stop's record "Pella Avenue Mixtapes" is expected to do well in Suldanor Markets, the first single from the song, tentatively called "Not Your Girl" is slated to debut on M7 in late July. F-Stop will tour in support of the record from July through September, and will play shows in all five districts.