Kalistani Major History

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Former Permier comments on Institutionalist Program
"Re-establishing Empire wrong policy for Kalistan", says Bjorksdattir
Luxon, Ananto
November 30, 5146


Premier of the Republic Angnethe Bjorksdattir, at age 106 breaks silence

Former Premier of the Republic Agnethe Bjorksdattir spoke out about Institutionalist designs on the Republic. "I just think it is the wrong policy for the Republic," said the elder stateswoman. "Imperialism hasn't had a place in this nation for more than 1000 years, and we were fierce defenders of republican ideals during my tenure. I see this as an abandonment of 1000 years of socialist rule in favor for a measure of perceived security."

Despite her criticism for proposed changes to Kalistan's regime, Bjorksdattir was, however, careful not to criticize the new Party leader Nadine Bennots. "I want to make sure she, Comrade Bennots, that is, understands that this is not personal. I was also once a young woman in that role and the pressure on you is immense. You have to placate your Party, you have to guard against outside parties and ideologies, you have to balance budgets, you have to represent your nation to the world. It is a thankless and very tough job to do and personally I wish Ms. Bennots the best. My disagreement is purely over policy."

Bjorksdattir has been retired from public life for more than 40 years now keeps herself busy with charity work. "Nobody is manning the store, you might say," she said with a sad smile. "To think we did these great things for the people of Kalistan, and then it all sort of just stopped. So, we put in work where we can."

The former premier opined on the possibility of a new monarch being named for Kalistan. "I am an old woman now, and my opinion don't mean much, I suppose. I'll probably be dead before it happens. But if they are determined to put one in, I hope they make him a popular person. I mean, I hope they ask the people who they would want as their monarch. The power comes from the voice of the people. If they seek popular approval, at least he or she if that's the case, will still derive their power and authority from the people. We found that with with people's support, anything can be accomplished. We can even harness the power of the sun, right in a small building next to the sea."

When asked for any parting words, Premier Bjorksdatttir answered with a wide grin, "I hope they bring back the Demolition Derby. I enjoyed it so much as a child."

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Institutionalists to pass Enabling Act
Road to Empire is nearly Complete
Kaliburg, Ananto
August 1, 5147


Unanimous vote to pass Imperial Enabling act expected in March

The Institutionalist Party has put the Imperial Enabling act on the floor in the National Assembly that will officially transition the Kalistani Regime to an empire with a hereditary monarch. Titled "Imperial Bill 2- Establishing the Monarchy", the bill creates an Emperor and a system of Ducal families, each of whom will govern a District, and will control local government and administration within the District.

While there are important powers passed directly to the Emperor, the Institutionalists have ensured that there is a modicum of democracy still within the Republic. The Enabling Bill has established the title of the Emperor "By the Consent of the People" rather than charging the source of Imperial Authority to God, as other monarchies do. Furthermore, while the policies of the National Assembly are to reflect the policy of the Emperor, ultimately, the National Assembly retains the right to make legislation while the Emperor can veto it. The policy of the Emperor is supposed to reflect the General Will, which is assumed to mean the will of the population as reflected in national elections.

"We wanted to ensure that there was both a measure of unified government, regardless of which Party is in control. The goal is to prevent ephemeral Parties from having any lasting effect over the system of Government in Kalistan," said Party Leader Nadine Bennots. "They are a constant plague upon our republic, and it is the permissiveness of our participation laws that allow them to proliferate, perform their mischief with a simple majority, and once they have done enough damage to the Republic, leave those committed to our institutions to clean up their wreckage." Establishing an emperor while permitting people to continue to express their preferences in the legislature creates continuity of a human life, rather than of a single legislative term.

The Bill also creates roles for the the Emperor and dukes who govern the Districts, renamed Duchies, and a system of hereditary succession to both offices. It furthermore separates Mainland Kalistan from Ananto Proper, making Mainland Kalistan into a Grand Duchy, and establishing the Duke of Ananto as the Crown Prince of the Empire. Abolishing elections for Head of State and Head of Government add a further level of continuity for the new Regime.

"We have one more bill to pass, which will finally execute the enabling act," said Bennots. "It will involve setting the constitutional provisions to alignment with the enabling act, and then crowning the Emperor. Of course, we will invite heads of state of other nations." The formal transition to the Empire is expected to take place at the end of 5148.

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Small Protests break out across the Country
Liberals take issue with efforts to promote economic nationalism
Kaliburg, Ananto
September 4, 5147


A small protest of 250 gather outside National Assembly in Kaliburg

Small protests broke out across the nation today against the enabling acts that are moving through the National Legislature at the moment. The protests were organized by "unaffiliated" liberal citizens who oppose the move toward the development of the monarchy.

"We are coming out today to let everyone know that this move toward tyranny," said Kaliburg protest organizer Kara Phillips. "These Institutionalists are taking our freedom, and we won't stand for it." When asked what it is her group opposed, she quickly moved through a number of reasons, until settling on "We think we ought to be able to form political parties that reflect the views of Liberals in this country. That includes capitalists, and those who seek to end the economic nationalism that is at the heart of this Nation's long standing policy."

When asked if liberal protesters supported the return of the Socialist Party to power, protestors in Sulari were explicit. "Absolutely not. We only support those parties that stand for liberty." When asked what "liberty" stood for to them, Sulari protestor Thomas Gates said "Specifically, I mean economic liberty. We don't want some government saying what kinds of things our producers can make, how much they can charge, or regulating them into the dirt."

No protest had more than 275 people attending, with the largest protests held in Kaliburg and Vrassa City. Asked if they would support the political changes to the Republic, most said they weren't too familiar with the details of the enabling acts, but oppose the economic nationalism of the Institutionalist Parties. "We have been getting our information from social media sources and the Internet," said protester David Holly, of Vrassa City. "Several websites I've been on said that the Institutionalists want single party rule, and are just reformed socialists." Like most protesters, Holly admitted that he hadn't actually read any of the legislation, and don't particularly care who runs the country, just as long as "I am free to support whoever I want in elections." When asked if Holly supports parties that would toughen sentences on criminals, strengthen police powers, and restrict interstate travel and immigration, he, like most liberal protesters said "Absolutely-- Immigrants have no business in this country."

Generally, the protests were peaceful and not disruptive of automotive or pedestrian traffic and dispersed after a couple hours. No police were required to keep order at any of the events.

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Kalistanis would rather Surf than vote
Political Apathy sets in as Republic begins to slide into History
Sulari, Suldanor
February 17, 5148


Surf fans watch 18th Annual Big Face Championships in Sulari in December

The last of the enabling acts which will extinguish the Republic is set to pass in just a few short weeks, and yet Kalistanis seem mostly ambivalent about the passing of the 1100 year old regime.

"How's it any different than what we've had over the last ten years," said Becca Armie, 20, of Sulari Suldanor. "We haven't had good honest government in Kalistan for longer than I've been alive, and I don't really think it makes much difference who rules in Kaliburg. My life won't change much at all."

Armie's ambivalence toward the composition or structure of the Kalistani government is borne out in a number of sources, including recent election results, where a mere 15 percent of the population bothered to even show up to vote, to recent polls taken by The Republic and other Kalistani news outlets. In one such poll, we asked readers "What would you rather be doing: Surfing or Voting." Surfing won by 42 points, 71% to 29%. When we asked those who selected Surfing "Do you know how to Surf?" only 23 percent of those people responded affirmatively. We put politics up against several other activities including doing drugs (69%), Going to Brethrenist Meeting (62%), detailing your car (60%), watching Bad Movies (55%), and eating mystery food (53%). The only thing that people preferred voting to, in fact, is "listening to bad music", where voting won by a resounding 8% over that option.

The apathy is also reflected in low turnout for recent liberal demonstrations. Despite Liberals attempting to convince Kalistanis that it was imperative and essential to show up and show the Kaliburg government how opposed the people are to the end of the Republic and the rise of economic nationalism, most Kalistanis stayed well away from the demonstrations. "We didn't go," said David Gorem, 32, of Gendaris. "Personally, when the liberals are out here prophesying the end of times, I can see right through that. I say let there be an emperor. Maybe we might get some respectability around here."

Institutionalist spokeswoman Nora Farnham said "Well, obviously we would prefer to have more enthusiastic support across Kalistan, but the Party has, I think, done a good job in making the case that the things they like about the Republic will not change once there is a monarch. There will still be ODEN, we want to revitalize the NSP, we want to do what we can to jumpstart our cultural institutions and our scientific and technological knowledge bases. And frankly, I think that most people will welcome the changes when they are implemented."

In other related news, the National Assembly have begun discussions about who will become the First Leader of the restored House of Ananto. "We have candidates narrowed to a handful of candidates who have earned the trust and admiration of the people, and who meet our various criteria," said Farnham. "We are looking for a person who has a history of philanthropy and public service, who is not married, and who can make a substantial donation of money to capitalize the Household. We need someone who already knows how to perform executive functions, and has experience working with diverse communities. Of course, we will insist that he is a member of a Brethrenist Meeting as well. This describes many individuals, but there are a few other criteria as well which will weigh on the decision. The most important is whether he can get the support of the population." The Front runner at the moment is a member of Kaliburg society named Derek Talmadge, age 27, who is a well known club owner in Kaliburg. But other candidates are said to be in serious contention, including chief fundraiser of the National Opera, Vincent Lemon, and Director of one of the largest charities for disabled children, Fredrick Guerra. No announcement will be made until the decision has been made, and the Emperor-elect stands before the population for election.

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Kaliburg turns back to RF
Softer beats, less robots, more drugs, more skin
Kaliburg, Ananto
April 12, 5148


Party goers celebrate the end of the Republic at Kaliburg's Seal Club

In times of social ferment and decadence, Retro-Futurism tends to make a resurgence, and so, right on schedule, it is clearly time for a third wave of RF to sweep Kalistan's more urbane environments. Centered once more in Kaliburg, RF has been making a comeback in the nightlife and on the radio of Kalistan. Where the first wave tended to focus on technology, robots and space, and the second wave tended to focus on thumping bass, all night orgies and call backs to the past, the new wave of RF has much less bass thumping (but more omnipresent bass that hits softer than your typical club tracks and electronic drums), fewer technological representations among the audience, but more of a reliance on lasers and colored spotlights, a wider variety of drugs used in the clubs, and fewer clothes on the women than previous incarnations.

"Its time to cut loose," said club goer and scene maker Belle Correy. "The old ways are over, new stuff is happening in Kalistan. We're a totally new generation and its time to show up and show out." RF clubs have been opening across the Capital once again, and have been also been spreading to the Mainland, where the first new clubs to open in Sulari, Eshar, and High Bong in years are RF clubs. Along with a new attitude toward the scene among music and drug fans has been a slew of new bands to drop major label debuts. The most successful so far has been the RF band from Kaliburg called Amphetamine, who uses a hybrid band of a synthesizer, sequencer and computer base, along with analog drums and bass guitar to make really thick, sludgy and richly textured RF. The trio of Chris Davies and Nathan Bollero also features Singer Kelsey Moore, from Eveari, who sings in a breathy mezzo soprano, with a three octave range. Their first track "Done with it" has already ascended the charts to reach Number 1 on Radio 1's Hot 100 poll.

Amphetamine performs their Number 1 hit "Done with it" on Radio 1 live last week

"I'm thrilled that we hit number 1," said the demure RF singer Moore, who says she doesn't often go to clubs she is not performing in. "I think the music is electronic enough to appeal to the RF kids, for sure. I mean obviously, but it is also really hard, and I think many of the fans are also rock fans, who are dipping their toes into a new world. Everyone is welcome!" Moore says the band's electic blend of what she refers to as "Alternative RF" makes for a scene that appeals to music fans from around the nation.

Much has been said about the apathy of Kalistanis these days, but when the head of the Institutionalist Party of Kalistan announced last month that the enabling acts that will toll the final bells of the Republic have been passed, tens of thousands of RF fans, or at least people who were RF fans that day, flooded the streets of several major cities across Kalistan to welcome the new Constitution. "We're gonna have an emperor, and that's pretty wild," said one young partier, who was out with her friends. "Who would have ever thought it would come to this? This is wild!" Institutionalist leader Bennots called for public order in Kaliburg and across the country, but young people fueled by drugs and a desire to get freaky ignored her words, and shut down traffic through most of the Capital on Friday. 81-year Thomas Zephyr, an Institutionalist from Vrassa City said "This is scandalous, these kids wandering around out here in just their draws, having sex in the public park, playing their loud music. Man, we have a thing called decency in this nation, even if the city governments are disbanded." Zypher wandered off yelling at a group of kids to turn their music down.

A group of RF women at a week long RF party outside The Imperial Club in Dana, Suldanor

The music of a resurrected RF is once more the sound of the Kalistan and the soundtrack to the Regime transition, at least until the come down, so all party-loving Kalistani's may as well take their clothes off, use drugs, and go dancing. Meanwhile, you can check out Amphetamine's new song, number 1 in the Nation at the moment, called "Done With It", from their morning live performance on Radio 1 right here.

[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gNLunnuJXo]

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Work Continues to Crown New Emperor; administrative elections to be held
Bennots files Bill to establish "Consent of the People" for chosen Candidate; Emperor to be Crowned Within 3 months
Kaliburg, Ananto
August 5, 5148


Institutionalist Leader Nadine Bennots files several administrative petitions following passage of Enactment Bill 1

The basic infrastructure of the Empire in place, Leader of the Institutionalist Party and head of the Kalistani Transitional Government Nadine Bennots began working with colleagues to set up the statutory framework for the Crowning of an Emperor. Her first act was to call an administrative election, which is not expected to change the composition of the Legislature in any way, but to give franchise approval to the Institutionalist Party's nominee for the restored Emperor of Ananto and Kalistan, Fredrick Guerra, of Dulnerstaad, who will be formally crowned soon after the election, and who shall then work with the Transitional Government as Head of state until formal powers of the Office are finalized over the course of the next year.

"We still have a few things to put into place to transition from the Republic to the Empire," said Leader Bennots. "As of now, Kalistan is no longer a Republic: It has passed out of existence, following the passage of the Enactment Bill on June 1, 5148. That said, we are also not quite yet an empire either: We had to pass those statutes to allow us to make the next steps toward formalizing the Role of the Empire and the Emperor. It also allows us to put our preference for Emperor, Fredrick Guerra, before the people to be acclaimed."

Having an administrative election for Emperor of Ananto and Kalistan, who was selected by legislators in the National Assembly puts the very foundation of the Empire in Democracy. Though this is merely a pro forma election, it gives meaning to the first line of the Title of the Emperor: "By Consent of the People." ideally, that consent once given, may be withdrawn, though there is certainly no provision for that in any of the enabling acts or executing acts. "We made no provision for removal of the Emperor," reiterated Leader Bennots. "The Emperor is supposed to sit above the mass, who can, and frequently does, make very ill informed and self injuring choices because they are swayed by a demagogue here or a random wind there. There is no accounting the seeming randomness of the popular sentiment, which can, and frequently does do damage to the society and the body politics because often feels like it is driven by an illogical and poorly constructed mathematical equations rather than what anyone knows about political behavioralism."

Fredrick Guerra, 25, of Dulnerstaad, soon to be enthroned as Emperor Fredrick I Ananto, Emperor of Ananto and Kalistan

Little is known about the soon-to-be emperor. He founded a large non-profit organization to help children with health problems find innovative and often very expensive cures. At the moment, he is unmarried, though the government will certainly insist that he remedy that issue within the near term. Once he is formally crowned, he will begin the business of naming Dukes to lead the newly formed Duchies, and working with the Government to establish The Order of Gray Smoke, a new honorary order designed to better administer the Empire. The Emperor will also seek to make trips abroad to visit the world and introduce himself to the other heads of State.

"It is a great honor that I have been considered for this office," said the soon to be First Emperor. "I would like to thank those others who were also considered for their graceful words of congratulations after I had received notice that I was to ascend the Throne. I have no doubt they will receive positions close to me." Guerra said that he would likely Administer the State from Kaliburg, he will keep a home in Eveari, and will live there most of the year. "I far prefer the solace and peace of Eveari to the activity of the capital," said Guerra. "I will perform my official functions in Kaliburg, but will call Eveari my new home."

As for Bennots, she and her Party are now working around the clock to organize coronation and other administrative activities surrounding the rise of the Empire. Which is fine because there is not a lot of business of national import before the Assembly.

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RF supergroup Hits top of the Chart
Lourennais Superproducer and Kaliburg RF Singer release "Crush" on KMI
Kaliburg, Ananto
October 8, 5148


Jean Pierre du Rue joins with Club megastar Molly Shepherd on Kalistan's Number 1 Album, KMI's "Crush"

RF continues its dominance of the Kalistani charts as Lourennais superproducer Jean Pierre du Rue joins popular RF Club singer Molly Shepherd to release the LP "Crush" on KMI Records. Their record has now been declared the single hottest LP on the KRTVN's Top 100 Albums poll, while their first single, "Big in Sekowo" has hit number 1 on Radio 1's Hot 100 list.

"This marriage of Cross Anantonese sounds is a perfect combination for this new RF movement," said du Rue. "Our collaboration, myself and Madame Shepherd, takes, I think, the art to the whole next level."

Shepherd herself was thrilled at the news. "I mean, we're opening new doors and bringing the new sound to RF. Lourenne's club scene adds a different flavor to our RF music, it makes it a little harder, a little faster... We took to calling it Hard House, because its the kind of music we'd hear on any club floor but its like the next level. Its like our own house music but harder."

The LP, which contains 14 tracks of heavy RF, is upbeat and fun. Shepherd sings on 9 of the tracks, while du Rue sings (in Vrassan) on three tracks and featured singers carry the other two tracks. "We got Hutorian vocalist Josephine MacKenzie to sing on 'Nothing Going' and I backed up Poppy, from Dana on the title track," said Shepherd. "The record is way high energy, and is a lot of fun." Both du Rue and Shepherd made all the music on the record, and all songs are credited to both artists. “I did most of the sequencers and guitars,” said du Rue, “while Molly was responsible for all percussion and effects. We make a great team, oui?”

Unlike previous RF waves, there is more of a Party mood in this music, but less sexual overtones. "I don't know if this music will make people want to have sex with one another in the club," said the fairly modest du Rue, "but I think I can speak for a lot of people when I say, nobody wants to see all that..." "Well," Shepherd interjected, "I mean, there is a time and place... what my friend here means to say is that we appeal to a broader audience, and public sex is kind of distracting... fun, but distracting. We just want to put on a great show and get people amped!"

Molly Shepherd and Jean Pierre du Rue celebrate their success over coffee in Kaliburg

The duo are booked on a nationwide RF tour over the fall, and will close their tour with a New Years Eve show in Kaliburg at Lolla's "R Factory" where they will ring in the new year with special guests Amphetamine, and Dana RF singer, Poppy.

[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFQueneKBLI]
You can now hear Du Rue and Shepherd’s second single, the album’s title track, "Crush" Featuring Poppy, on KRTVN Radio 1, from their KMI LP "Crush".

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HIM Emperor Fredrick I Ananto crowned Emperor of Ananto and Kalistan
For the First time since mid 3700's Kalistan has a Sitting Emperor
Kaliburg, Ananto
February 1, 5149


Fredrick I, Emperor of Ananto and Kalistan

The National Assembly has turned over formal executive and State Authority to the newly Crowned Emperor, His Imperial Might Emperor Fredrick I Ananto, who was formally elected to the Office on September 1, 5148. This date completes the first stage of transitioning the former Republic of Kalistan to the Empire of Kalistan and Ananto. In addition to the Imperial Throne, the new Emperor, formerly known as Fredrick Guerra, 25, the Emperor receives a number of other titles, as per the Enabling Acts. He is named Grand Duke of Kalistan and Duke of Ananto, Head of a revitalized House of Ananto, Official Head of State and De Jure head of Government (though due to a small concession, will exercise this authority through the Leader of the Majority in the National Assembly), Commander in Chief of the Regular Forces of Kalistan, Defender of the Constitution and Guarantor of the Anantonese Ocean and Ananto Strait. He will also head a secret knightly society known as "The Order of the Gray Smoke", which will consist of the Emperor, the Crown Prince or Princess, when one should be born, and no more than 45 of the Emperor's closest advisors and companions.

Below is the Address made by the Emperor on the occasion of his coronation:

"By the consent of the People, and in their name, we humbly and graciously accept the responsibility that has been place upon our shoulders, and with great reverence for our nation's ancient traditions, step forth with great fear, but also great optimism, into the role and Duties of the Emperor of Kalistan and Ananto. It is our task to provide stability and order to our Realm, to avoid political extremism to any pole of the political compass at all costs, and to serve all people in our Dominion. To this end, we have asked the National Assembly to legislate in our name, conceding to our approbation or disapprobation, leveled in all cases for the Good of the People and for the Good of Kalistan. We seek to uphold Brethrenist Testimonies of Simplicity, Peace, Equality, Integrity and Stewardship in our entire Policy, and will stress these when working with our elected Legislators. We seek to live in peace and tranquility with our neighbors, to see the world, and meet all the wonderful variety of people who inhabit our amazing planet. We hope to see economic prosperity at home, cultural growth and technological innovation, respect for the liberties of Individuals, and a continued open door toward visitors and immigrants of all nations to Kalistan. We thank the people of Kalistan for welcoming us and making us feel accepted as we complete this first phase of transition, and begin our temporary administration, governed as it is by the mortality of man. In Vino Veritas, May Kalistan live forever and serve as a beacon to our neighbors and the world."

The Emperor has formally begun setting up his Imperial Residence in Eveari. He will dwell in the coastal city, ancient seat of Emperors, and will commute as needed to Kaliburg for royal business. "The Institutionalist Leaders thought this was a good idea," said Institutionalist spokeswoman Lana Ayers. "Kaliburg is a huge town and the security mindset needed to allow the Emperor and his family, whenever that happens, to live in peace and safety in Kaliburg, would force significant disruption to life in the Capital. Eveari is, on the other hand, a small town and can be much easier secured, to allow the Emperor and especially his family to live a far more normal life and be far less disruptive to the lives of others in the vicinity.

The next steps for the Emperor are to begin naming Dukes and Duchesses to govern the newly created Duchies. On top of this, the Emperor will need to get married- The lack of an Heir is now an occasion for a succession crisis. Meanwhile, the National Assembly has more technical aspects of the rising monarchy to work out, including the adoption of a new Flag. Most changes are fairly widely supported by the people of Kalistan, and there has been no significant protests across the country.

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Imperial Ministers greet Saridani Counterparts in Kaliburg
Empire to offer ongoing technical advice in new Energy Sector
Kaliburg, Ananto
March 16, 5149


Imperial Minister of Industry Calvin van Driessen opens technical talks at Kaliburg Polytechnic

Saridani Minister of State for Energy and Natural Resources Phillippus Fick, and representatives from the Saridani state petroleum firm, Staatsolie, visited Kaliburg over the last week, and met with Imperial Trade and Industrial Minister Calvin van Driessen, Imperial Minister of Infrastructure Orlando Sommers, and representatives of KALNAPECO at Kaliburg Polytechnic University in the Capital. Their goal was to open talks between the two petroleum firms and secure Kalistani technical expertise as Staatsolie expands petroleum and Natural Gas exploration into the Mad Dog Ocean.

KALNAPECO spokesman Sam Connelly said "The Saridani representatives came to Kaliburg to request our assistance in getting their Natural Gas exploration off the ground. We have been instructed by the Ministry of Trade to offer the Saridani State Petroleum Firm all the assistance they need. As Kalistan departs the fossil fuels sector, we have been slowed in divestment, because we still require fossil fuels for some of our Industry and we are hesitant to pull Kalistani oil and LNG out of the world system because it would create a price shock, hurting our petroleum dependent industries in the process. Saridan's exploration and development of the sector offers a replacement for Kalistani supplies and will allow us to move further away from fossil fuel production all together."

The Imperial government has authorized the sending of engineers, geologists and mechanics in the employ of KALNAPECO to travel to and work in Saridan for a period of three years, to assist the Federal Republic as needed, and to work with Saridani and Istalian engineers to help build the Saridani industry. "We have centuries of experience exploiting reserves in the deep waters of the Ananto Strait and the Anantonese Ocean. We are happy to share this technology and experience with Saridan, not only to improve relations between our two nations, but also to facilitate the final stages of our transition to green energy." The Kalistani Trade Ministry also suggested that it will seek trade relations with Saridan to begin purchasing Saridani petroleum as it comes onto the Market.

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Emperor Returns Home
First International Trip for New Monarch seen as great success
Kaliburg, Ananto
December 31, 5149


Emperor Fredrick I Ananto, at home in Eveari

The Emperor has concluded his first visit to a foreign capital of his reign. To the relief of many Government watchers, the Emperor's participation at the Royal marriage of Emperor Tommasio the III to his new wife Empress Consort Elisa went far better than anyone could imagine.

"We are happy that the Monarch, though he is young, and has little formal diplomatic experience, nonetheless conducted himself with dignity and bearing," said journalist Bryan Weathers. "I was suspicious about the moves to send the Emperor out of the country at such an early point in his reign, but it seems that the man has exceeded expectations." Weathers admitted that he had reservations about even having a hereditary monarch for Kalistan. "I'm an old republican," said Weathers, "But, if we can expect our nation to represented in this way going forward, I can admit that there are some benefits to having a monarch who can remain above politics."

By all accounts, the Emperor, who was accompanied by Istalian Princess Nicoletta during the day of the wedding, was attentive, witty, and well-received. "You have to remember," said another royal watcher Michelle Olson, "Kalistan has not had an emperor in over 1000 years. So this is all new for all of us. Knowing rules of etiquette and protocol so as to not offend the sensibilities of people who are used to others showing deference and obsequiousness toward is a challenge many could not pass perfectly, especially without a lifetime of training. From what I read, the Emperor not only did not make a complete mess of it, he actually put his best foot forward and charmed the guests and the court. That goes a long way in representing Kalistan to the world, and lets everyone know that even 'The Pirate Republic' should stand shoulder to shoulder with Emperors, Kings, and Princes."

The Emperor's official Secretary, Alberto Delgado, conveyed words from the Emperor to the National Assembly: "It is with great honor that we visited Istalia. It is our desire that association between our two realms should be deepened and it is our wish that our recent visit to that distant kingdom shall be put to good use in laying a good foundation for fraternal relations. We are grateful for the opportunity to represent the People and the Nation to the mighty potentate abroad and his kind and beautiful wife. Our command is that our government seek new ties with other nations for the peace and prosperity of our Realm." Members of the National Assembly commented that they were impressed by the Emperor's economy of language.

The popular opinion of the Emperor, following his return from Istalia, has grown from about 35% positive, to just over 50%, as it seems that more people are willing to give him a chance to settle into the job. More than 55% now wish the Emperor well: this is up from 37% more than 6 months ago, when the Emperor was still largely an unknown commodity. "We think that the popularity of the Emperor will continue to go up as more people realize that he is a good natured fellow, who cares very much for the people of Kalistan and will represent us well," said Olson.

in related news, The Emperor has commanded the National Assembly to pay him exactly K1 as as salary for the remainder of his tenure as Emperor. The emperor feels confident that his capitalization of the House Ananto will be large enough to allow him to live a simple life off the interest of his investments. Institutionalist Spokesperson David Fan said "The Party will likely support that plan for a little while, but when His Imperial Might gets married, the political pressure may grow to provide the Emperor with a pension. While the Emperor was emphatic that he could live easily on his investments, the Nation itself may decide that it is not acceptable to house the Sovereign of Ananto and Kalistan in a cottage with minimal staff, and eating simple fare. In short, the Emperor's simplicity testimony may come into conflict with the Nation's self image, and regrettably for the Emperor, he will lose that contest at that time." For now, however, the Government has agreed to the Emperor's demands for cutting his salary.