Kalistani Major History

[Doc]

The People's Press
A Political Dynasty
As President Conti marries, the People's Press investigates the Curti/Conti family
Kaliburg, Ananto
December 20th, 4122


Elenora Curti, wife to a President, mother to a Foreign Minister and respected performer in her own right

This week, President of the Republic Sophia Conti wedded Sooran Haybe-Olol, a psychiatrist from Sulari and although she has changed her legal name, the President has said she will continue to use 'Conti' in public life. The People's Press investigates the complex web of relationships that make up the Curti/Conti family.

By far the most well-known member of the family, both domestically and internationally, is the late Luca Curti. As a former President, Premier, Internal and Foreign Minister, it is his legacy which has created the prestige that the name Curti now commands. Curti married entertainer Elenora Curti in July 4035 and at that time she was the more well-known, starring in a plethora of motion picture films in addition to topping the country charts on multiple occasions. Throughout Luca's career, his wife always remained more popular than he did, even at the height of his success, and is viewed by many as a Kalistani icon. The couple had three children: Luca Jr. (born 4040), Tony (born 4042) and Elisa (born 4054).

Luca Curti Jr. spent over twenty years as a university lecturer, where he met his eventual wife Wen Jin, an Indralan immigrant. Together, they went on to have five children: Elenora Jr. (born 4069), Li (born 4071), Mauro (born 4072), Claudio (born 4074) and Xiaohui (born 4076). Between the five, they have four university degrees, four Labour Party memberships (and three Labour Party Congressional terms), two terms as ODEN Director, a literature prize and a Kalistani Chess Championship. Mauro is the only child still active in the party, as its Spokesperson for the Environment and Tourism.

Tony Curti's most prominent role was as Foreign Minister of Kalistan, as well as Labour Party Deputy Leader at a time when the party was on the brink of merging with the Socialists. To this day, he remains a Labour Deputy in the National Assembly and is seen as an influential figure on the pacifist wing of the party, probably influenced by his strict adherence to Brethrenism. Just last year, he married his long-time partner Samuel Barbeau and the two are said to be happily wed.

Elisa, who is significantly younger than her brothers, married Allessandro Conti with whom she has three children. The President is, obviously, the most notable but both of her brothers, Ansovino and Orlando, have built successful careers in their respective industries. Ansovino is a senior civil servant in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs while Orlando is a private entrepreneur and Managing Director of Vine Computers, a firm specialising in the production of computer accessories.

Were he still alive, Luca Curti would be a great-grandfather to twelve, highlighting how extensive this dynamic political family has stretched. As time goes on, it seems that they will only become more intertwined with the great offices of state in the Republic. Whether this is an example of elitist nepotists manipulating our elections or simply proof that public service is a genetic condition is ultimately a matter of opinion but certainly when Elenora Giovinco met a young Luca Curti she couldn't possibly have predicted the lasting impact they would have on the politics of their country.

[Doc]

The People's Press
Coalition Building
Sophia Conti continues to prepare Kalistan for aid mission despite leaving office
Kaliburg, Ananto
April 8th, 4123


The largest of the eight private cruise ships repurposed as a vessel to transport refugees

In elections which the incumbent President described as 'shameless, opportunistic and mercenary', Sophia Conti was removed from office and replaced by former wannabe-dictator Randell Ross, of the Neoconservative Party. Ross, best known for attempting to appoint himself as 'Royal Monarch of Kalistan' and saying 'I like wealthy' but who has also never passed a cabinet bill, has been described by the Labour National Assembly Leader Clementine Espinoza as 'a racist and elitist cretin'. Regardless of his domestic policies, his election has made life difficult for Conti on the international stage. She is now the figurehead of an international humanitarian mission, despite not being a member of the Kalistani government.

Fortunately, there seems to be little resistance to the cause outside of Saridan itself and a whole host of nations, as diverse as the Esinsundu Empire and the Federal Republic of Hutori and including three Security Council members, have pledged to join the coalition to liberate Saridanese slaves. As a result of a shift in focus towards Kalistan's defence industries, the Labour Party used the National Assembly elections as a chance to outline their plans to boost the Defence budget by as much 50,000,000,000 Kalistani Rubles and use the extra funding to significantly expand the naval capacity of the Republic. Furthermore, they stated that, with no active forces currently registered, the possibility of centralising defence and, consequently, removing the militia's right to operate was not off the table.

Finally, the Labour Party Congress adopted a motion in its most recent sitting which changed their official stance on 'Separation of Powers' to reflect that they had no plans whatsoever to reintroduce the legislation, even if Presidential Prerogative is passed. Several Congressmen and women even spoke of their desire for a Presidential system in which the President also serves as head of government, noting that Sophia Conti had been able to lead the government well- even without a Premier.

[Doc]

The People's Press
Hit the Brakes
Humanitarian mission in doubt as shocking communications from yesteryear are discovered
Kaliburg, Ananto
Novemeber 12th, 4123


Luca Curti faces having his reputation tarnished following recent events

The future of a multi-nation humanitarian mission to help enslaved persons escape bondage in Saridan has been thrown into doubt following a series of damaging developments. Sophia Conti, who had been influential in orchestrating the expedition, issued a statement via the Labour Party's official website. Explaining that she had contacted the leaders of the other nations involved, Conti said that the 'fight for freedom and against authoritarian, oppressive regimes' was not lost. Undoubtedly, it has been set back.

Earlier this month, King Wrntukai III of Vanuku authorised a movement of ships towards Saridan. Conti is said to have been concerned that, although her coalition could have resisted a Saridanese assault, the impact of the 'First Fleet' would be too destabilising and detract from the charitable aims of the campaign. Additionally, the Foreign Affairs Ministry was forced to release forty-year-old documents which reveal the embarrassing details of that department's involvement in the Baltusia-Kalistan border crisis. In the most significant communication, the late Luca Curti- who was Foreign Affairs Minister at the time- is implicated directly in the Trigunian movement of ships which proved to be a turning point.

Greetings,

First, let it be clear that this is a highly secret and completely extra-legal communication and has been sent to both Trigunian parties. Kalistan has been involved in an ongoing dispute with Baltusia, who are something of a maverick state. To try and bring an end to the matter, I would like to know if Trigunia would be interested in, shall we say, having their ships spend some time in Baltusian water. No aggression needs to occur, just some public bravado. I hope you consider this offer and feel free to discuss with your governing partner but ensure this is a clandestine procedure.

Regards,
L.C.

In another message, Curti states specifically that, if queried, Trigunia should provide their own reason for intervention and 'not that Kalistan asked you too'. Combined with the recent accusations levied against Kalistan, that it supports a 'warmongering Trigunia', these leaks could cause severe damage to Kalistan's international reputation. The rise of the militarist 'Dragon Faction' in Indrala could complicate matters even further.

[Doc]

Tension in the Kalistani Assembly Mounts
How the Last Decade has Thrown the Nation Into Turmoil

It has been a wild few years in the Kalistani National Assembly, marked by toxicity and gridlock. Much of this turmoil has surrounded the formation of a new Cabinet. For years, parties have squabbled and denied numerous cabinet propositions. Since 4116, there have been a total of 9 cabinet proposals, all of which have been shut down. Currently, only three out of the thirteen ministry positions are held by an active party, that being the Neoconservatives, and a whopping four, including the Premier of the Republic, are completely vacant. The first attempt to change the law on cabinet propositions came with the Presidential Prerogative Act of 4122, proposed by the Labour Party. This bill sought to add an amendment to the Constitution that only the President can propose a cabinet, trying to add a form of “Martial Law” to implement a Cabinet. Because it sought to act as amendment, it required at least two-thirds of the total vote. Most parties, such as the Labour, Libertarians, and PEP, voted in favor. However, the majority party, the Neoconservatives, were the only party to vote ‘no’ but managed to prevent the bill from being passed at 303 - 228 votes. The bill has since been re-proposed and is in the ‘debate’ stage. A recent Cabinet proposal by the Labour Party, the Cabinet Proposal of November 4123, is expected to pass the Assembly and implement a completely leftist ministry.

The coming and going of parties has also thrown the entire government out of balance. Short-lived parties such as the White Rose Coalition, The New Democratic Party, and the Grand Kalistan Party have come and gone in the last few years. Most notably, the long-time Kalistani Party, the Society of Kalistani Socialists, made waves after disbanding from the Assembly following more than a century of service. Along with this, the Social Democratic Party has also threatened to leave; however, has said it will stay to see the nation through its current turmoil. Good news, however, has come in the form of new parties such as, ourselves (The PEP), The Central Progressives, and the Peoples’ Party.

To add on to the confusion created by the coming and going of parties has been the constant shifting of power in the position of President. Previously, Presidents were re-elected continuously for nearly a decade and then eventually lost power to a faction on the opposite side of the spectrum, creating a gradual balance of power between opposing parties. However, Head of State has continuously shifted nearly every year between the Neoconservatives and the Labour Party, resulting in increased tension and nasty rhetoric from both sides, throwing the entire country into a state of disarray. The Kalistani people hope that the government can emerge from this conflict as strong as it once was.

Written by the Journalism Staff of the PEP, Head Editor - Sean Lagherty

[Doc]

Conti Addresses International Tension
Foreign Minister remarks on Kalistan's relations across Terra and the crises affecting our world
Kaliburg, Ananto
June 10, 4124


Foreign Affairs Minister and former President of the Republic Sophia Conti appears on The Evening Report

In her first major interview since becoming Foreign Affairs Minister as part of the first Labour-led government in decades, former President Sophia Conti has decried the 'provocative' and 'self-serving' behaviour of the government of New Endralon/Kizenia. The full transcript of her interview with national news anchor Gregor Dand.

(Gregor Dand, news anchor): Good evening ladies and gentlemen and welcome to a special episode of The Evening Report! Tonight, I am delighted to have to alongside me, Kalistan's Foreign Affairs Minister Sophia Conti: at a time when international relations are severely strained. Minister Conti, welcome to the show.

(Sophia Conti): Thank you for letting me come on, Gregor.

D: Now, you have taken office at a time when relations between Kalistan and several other nations are being put under a lot of pressure. Most recently, the Confederation of New Endralon, Kizenia and Kuzakiului has declared war against drugs, one of Kalistan's most influential exports; this after the actions of Vanuku along the coast of Saridan. How do you respond to these two nations and what do you perceive their motives to be?

C: Firstly, I want everybody in Kalistan and across Terra to understand that in these deeply uncertain times, when it often seems as though darkness is lurking around every corner, Kalistan will always remain as a safe haven for the persecuted and victimised. Throughout the centuries when conflict has arisen, those who are in danger have always sought refuge in our great nation and it is now a deeply ingrained and integral part of who we are as a country and as a people. With regards to the specifics of the nations you mentioned, I have to be rather careful with what I say. In the case of Kizenia, it is apparent to me (and it should be apparent to everyone) that this is a nation which is desperately trying to secure power for itself. The NEPP, in particular, claim they speak for their population when in fact they cannot even manage to reach an agreement within their government! Their cowardly actions, to use Vanuku as a shield to protect themselves with, demonstrate how they are attempting to exploit a geopolitical crisis for the advancement of their self-serving agenda.

D: Do you not believe that their ambassador to the World Congress is correct when he says that Kalistan is trafficking drugs into nations where they are illegal?

C: Gregor, as I am sure you know, as Foreign Minister ODEN does not fall under my scope and so I cannot offer a comment on that matter. If you want my thoughts on the Confederation's ambassador then I won't be ashamed to tell you that I think he is a liar and I think he has grossly overestimated his position. This is a man who has called upon his nation's two closest allies, Hutori and Vanuku, to go to war with Kalistan! In what circumstances is that acceptable? Fortunately, I consider the leader's of those nations to be both rational and competent; I believe they will see that Kizenia is behaving in a way that is provocative and which threatens peace in Terra. Hopefully, they will speak to their ally and ensure that they understand the consequences of their actions and rhetoric.

D: The relationship between Vanuku and Kalistan is a mysterious one, to say the least, could you perhaps shed some light on whether you have spoken to the Vanukean government or whether you intend to do that?

C: Personally, I have had no direct contact with Vanuku so far but that is an option which we are exploring. One potential route which is being considered by the Foreign Affairs Ministry is that Kalistani and Vanukean delegates hold formal talks on a neutral ground. At this time, what I'm telling you is very much unconfirmed and we still need to contact our counterparts in Majatra- nonetheless- I don't think this is something that should be put off the table. One encouraging sign is a new relationship between Trigunia and Vanuku that we see blossoming. The Trigunian Empire, ruled discerningly by His Imperial Majesty, has been a close ally of Kalistan for many years- actually, I would even say it is Kalistan's closest ally in Terra today. If Kalistan and Vanuku are to reach an agreement in relation to Saridan, I feel Trigunia could be crucial in facilitating it.

D: Minister, for a number of years, most observers would agree that one of Kalistan's strongest international relationships was with the Celestial Empire of Indrala. Recently, the Empire has seen great turmoil and at one time it looked like they might abrogate the 'Indralan-Kalistani Fraternal Affinity Community'. What is the state of this relationship today?

C: Honestly? It is weak. You correctly referred to the complete turmoil which has engulfed the Indralan political system, first with the rise of the radical 'Socialist Worker's Party' and now with the similarly radical 'Dragon Faction. In these circumstances, it is testing for us because many nations want to engage with Kalistan, many want to do business and cut deals and if we are hampered by our past commitment to Indrala, well that is an issue. At the moment, for example, Indrala is considering the ratification of the 'Treaty of the Lion, the Tiger, and the Dragon Addendum: The Phoenix', in which Kalistan is explicitly stated to be part of Indrala's 'sphere of influence'. To me, that is repulsive! We are a sovereign nation and if we are to cooperate with other countries, it must be on an equal footing.

D: Finally, Minister, a word on domestic policy if you don't mind. A leaked memo from your office revealed that you and the Social Democrats were at loggerheads over a spending and taxation budget, can you explain that?

C: It would be inappropriate of me to delve into too much detail. The difference in opinion arose over taxation. In the Labour Party, we believe that citizens pay more than enough in tax and that the increases we wish to see- in defence spending particularly- should come from our surplus not from the wallets of our citizens. The Social Democrats would prefer otherwise.

D: Okay, well thank you for joining us Minsiter Conti!

C: Anytime, Gregor. Have a wonderful evening.

[Doc]

The People's Press
Neo-confused
Neoconservative Party left embarrassed after National Assembly Deputy asks 'What is Trigunia?'
Kaliburg, Ananto
December 17th, 4124


Clementine Espinoza, Labour Deputy Leader and Premier of the Republic, made the accusations

Premier of the Republic Clementine Espinoza revealed this morning that a member of the Neoconservative Party asked her what the Trigunian Empire was during a cross-party meeting on Foreign Affairs objectives. The individual, who the Premier refused to name for fear of public derision against them, is believed to be a leading figure in the party. The incident is said to have occurred during a late-night meeting between a group of Assembly Deputies, including the Premier, the Foreign Minister, the Defence Minister and the Parliamentary leaders of all five parties. Espinoza made the revelation during a radio show the next morning. When asked what she thought of the Neocons refusal to compromise on Foreign Policy legislation, she replied;

The Neocons, in my view, haven't the faintest idea what they're talking about on Foreign Policy! I won't give precise details or name names but I attended a meeting between party leadership teams on the subject of Foreign Affairs yesterday evening. One Neocon Deputy, when we were discussing Kalistan's Seat D nomination, turned to me- and this isn't a joke- he said 'what is Trigunia exactly?'. That level of ignorance, it's unheard of! This wasn't a rank and file backbencher either, the guy is almost a household name!

Foreign Affairs Minister Sophia Conti has made huge progress in her short tenure. She began with the drafting of the Kalistan-Istalia Treaty of Cooperation and Friendship, which is being debated in the National Assembly at the moment, and continues to proceed with her planned visit to Vanuku to meet Prefect Cornelius Ashur and King Wrntukai III, along with Premier Espinoza. The Foreign Ministry has stated it will be 'reaching out to all nation's, including those who have had sour relations in the past, to develop stronger ties across the globe'. Specifically, Aldegar, Vorona and Indrala are all rumoured to have been contacted in an attempt to re-evaluate relations. Unfortunately, the Libertarians and Neoconservatives, if they continue their regressive, isolationist agenda, could bring Kalistan's position as a nation which is open for business into doubt. At the time of going to press, the Neoconservative Party could not be reached for comment.

[Doc]

The People's Press
Unift For Office
Labour endorses Knapp for President, as Neocons show their incompetence yet again
Kaliburg, Ananto
June 30th, 4125


The Premier of the Republic enjoys much wider support than the Neoconservative Party

As the race for the Presidency heats up, the Labour Party has officially endorsed the Chair of the Populist Environmental Party Jacob Knapp. Citing that 'Sophia Conti believes she can advance her agenda more effectively as Foreign Minister', the party said they encouraged other parties to follow suit. Despite the fact that the role of the President has been eroded extensively in recent years, Labour believe that the sitting President- Neoconservative Randell Ross- is the worst thing to happen to happen to Ananto since the invasion of Indrala. The President has done nothing except collect paychecks until last week; when he agreed to conduct an interview with the People's Press.

(Ayesha Nur, reporter): First question, Mr President what is your view on the ongoing crisis in Saridan?

(Randell Ross, President of the Republic): Listen, I think whatever my foreign policy guy says.

N: Are you aware that the Foreign Minister is a woman, Mr President? Sophia Conti, your predecessor in office. A follow up question: if you agree with your Foreign Minister, why did you vote against her on the bill to support Trigunia?

R: Because, let's be honest: Sophia is an idiot. She won't even let us have a police force. And she is letting people get hurt and killed by having no protection for them, and if I have the power we will be seeking criminal charges.

N: Do you understand that your comments are factually incorrect? That Kalistan has never had a police force and that support for such a force is in the single figures among the public?

R: I'd like to see the report you got that from, you know what you must be one of those brainwashed people of Conti!" [Ross throws his notes] Fuck Conti, fuck Labour, and fuck liberals! None of you bastards know how to run a country!

N: Mr President, we will be asking no further questions. You are clearly incompetent.

R: HUH YOU LIKE THAT? THE LIBERALS ARE TERRIBLE. I DARE YOU TO PUBLISH IT! DO IT!

Ross' comments will only add to the feeling that he is unfit to serve as President, given that Labour has run the country for longer than he has been alive. A poll conducted by the People's Press indicated that his net favourability rating was -72%, a record since we began collecting data. Even former President Owen Rushmoore, who forged party documents to put himself forward as the Conservative Independence Party candidate only reached -56%. In contrast, the Foreign Minister Sophia Conti and Premier Clementine Espinoza are enjoying 38% and 59% favourability respectively.

[Doc]

Making Progress
Premier and Foreign Minister return from Vanuku pleased with a cordial visit
Kaliburg, Ananto
November 17th, 4125


The Foreign Minister Sophia Conti, during her highest profile official international visit to date

This week, Premier of the Republic Clementine Espinoza and Foreign Affairs Minister Sophia Conti returned to Kalistan after an extended stay in the Vanukean capital of Wiel. During the trip, the pair (along with various aides and staff members) met with the Vanukean Prefect of the Council Cornelius Ashur and, significantly, King of Vanuku Wrntukai III. The decision was taken to open a diplomatic channel as a result of the increasingly pressured relationship between the two nations, heightened by the events relating to Saridan. After Kalistan had attempted to send military-escorted rescue vessels, the Vanukean First Fleet moved towards the Saridanese coast- prompting Conti to immediately postpone the planned action.

Since then, the Vanukean government has liaised with the Saridanese Council of Elders to organise the movement of refugees out of the nation, for any reason. Nonetheless, the impact of these events have been felt in every corner of Terra. In Endralon, the government has taken the 'unprecedented step of expelling the unmanly Istalian diplomats from the Federal Republic', while some in Beluzia have attempted to declare war on Saridan. With this level of international uncertainty, both Kalistan and Vanuku agreed that a direct channel of communication between two members of the Security Council was desperately needed.

In terms of what was discussed, Vanuku and Kalistan have both remained relatively tight-lipped thus far. Although there are long-term differences between the two sides, the meetings were reportedly amicable on the whole. Some sources claim that the option of a treaty establishing mutual respect for sovereignty and regional influence was discussed, others insist that any formal agreement was strictly off the table. Foreign Minister Conti gave a brief statement as she emerged on a newly extended runway at Kaliburg Airport;

Premier Espinoza and I have now returned from our official visit to meet with the Vanukean government. We would like to express our tremendous appreciation for the hospitality of both the officials we met and the wider Vanukean population. Our communications were extremely productive in resolving the outstanding differences in opinion between the respective administrations. I hope that this can serve as a catalyst for a period of extended collaboration with one of Terra's most esteemed nations.

Recently, the Kalistani government has been accused of  'becoming state sponsors of terrorism and violence' by the Saridanese regime, who ruthlessly executed six Kalistanis in September. The National Assembly approved embargo on the South Seleyan nation has led to a period of economic recession, failing harvests and signs of rebellion among the downtrodden population but Kalistan denies funding or arming any particular organisation.

[Doc]

The People's Press
Nationwide Relief
Leftists flood the streets as Randell Ross defeated in election overnight
Kaliburg, Ananto
February 11th, 4126


Labour Party supporters amass outside party headquarters as election results filter in

There were celebrations in the streets of Kaliburg overnight as Jacob Knapp, Chairman of the Populist Environmental Party, was elected as the President of the Republic. He replaces the massively unpopular Randell Ross, leader of the Neoconservative Party. Knapp was given a magnificent boost early in the campaign when he received an official endorsement from the incumbent Premier and her Labour Party. Foreign Minister and Labour General Secretary Sophia Conti had been expected to run for the office but decided to support the PEP to strengthen the relationship between the parties and provide an opportunity for fresh leadership.

The immediate agenda for the left-wing parties, specifically the Peoples Party, Social Democratic Party and the aforementioned PEP and Labour Party, seems to be the return of Presidential Prerogative. In response to a rogue radical fascist entering the Assembly and proposing cabinet bills, the Social Democrats and Labour have both brought forward which would bring back a system of government which has given rise to stability, prosperity and improved international standing for Kalistan. However, it may well be the case that the opportunistic Right attempt to block the bill now that their man has been deposed...

[Doc]

The People's Press
For A Free Humanity!
Labour Party officially reforms militia in response to rising political tensions
Neveras City, Neveras
June 30th, 4126


New recruits arrive at the KWLA HQ in Neveras, where Labour received <60% of the vote

This morning, the Labour Party declared the 30th June 4126 as 'a day of freedom'. As a result of the rise of fascism in Kalistan, specifically the Neoconservative and Libertarian parties, Labour officially reformed their militia- now named the Kalistani Worker's Liberation Army. Initially, the number of recruits is officially only five hundred and twenty but over twenty thousand people have signed up to say they are prepared to fight fascism in Kalistan. The KWLA will process the new recruits and hopes to have around fifteen thousand men and women trained by January 4129. Labour have been deliberately clandestine with any further details but they have confirmed that former members of the Revolutionary Socialist Militia of Kalistan and the People's Army have been drafted in to oversee the recruitment and instruction of fresh partisans.

Fears over a new era of fascist politicians have been raised by many in the Labour Party and across Kalistan, the Kalistani Worker's Liberation Army's formation is likely a recognition and response to those concerns. Though they are unlikely to see any conflict for the meantime, the rush to sign up highlights the consternation felt by the populous over the Neoconservatives in particular. Since Randell Ross was elected President, the Labour Party have experienced a spike in membership, as citizens feel compelled to defend liberty and freedom against the forces of the far-right.

Premier Clementine Espinoza has taken a hard line against the Neocons, outright refusing to govern with them- now or in the future. She has been outspoken on her views of the party, too, telling Channel K's The Morning Report; 'the Labour Party is a party for the workers of Kalistan. We view workers rights and human rights as necessarily interconnected. That is to say, where workers rights are restricted, human rights will surely follow. One only has to look at the agenda of the right in this country to understand that they want to erode our rights and introduce a fascist government.'