Gaduridos

[Elena1012]

"Reconcilation with Kalistan is not out of the picture" says Foreign Minister; Is it possible?
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March 2nd, 5724
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To say that relations between Gaduridos and Kalistan have seen better days is always an understatement. While it's not as bad as it has been before, it's not close to where it's been at its heights. But, that doesn't necessarily mean that it's going to stay that way forever. Sofía Galán, current Minister of Foreign Affairs has spoken on the issue to the press, stating that "While there are obvious sore spots on both sides, most especially the issue of Bentasur, reconcilation is not out of the picture, and is entirely possible."

While nationalists will of course, oppose any form of reconcilation until the Bentasur issue is resolved, most moderates, such as the PSSG have taken a more dovish approach, and with the PSSG remaining in charge, and Pan-Seleyanism being a key trait of the PSSG platform, it's no surprise that the de la Cruz administration is, while admittedly cautious, still ultimately is open towards a reconcilation of forms. What form reconcilation takes, is yet to be seen however. But it's very much possible. After all, His Majesty, Víctor de Valcorico is still optimistic about improving ties. So why shouldn't the rest of the country?

Whatever the case, the PSSG may be able to make history if they can successfully push for a reconcilation with Kalistan, and if the issue of Bentasur can be resolved, perhaps even take the air out of the sails of the nationalists. 
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In Other News;

De la Cruz administration to look towards workplace regulations and worker rights; The first steps of EPIG.

Local resident of Ciudad de Gadur tried to run for Mayor on the platform of "Banning Green from all public spaces"; He doesn't get far.
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El Mensajero de la Mañana (Morning Courier) is the nationwide daily morning newspaper, located in Ciudad de Gadur.

[Elena1012]

De la Cruz Administration looks to reforming the Civil Labor Administration; Congress passes the "Fair Work Act".
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June 23rd, 5724
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What is one key component of social democracy? Workers. Workers are an invaluable voter block for social democratic parties around the world, and while the PSSG has a diverse coalition, the working class makes up a key component of it. Beyond supporting the PSSG for anti poverty measures (such as the End Poverty in Gaduridos Program, which is yet to be formally adopted), workers also support the PSSG in hopes of better work conditions and practices. And this week, the PSSG is proving that it hasn't forgotten that as Congress has passed the "Fair Work Act", looking to support workers in the workplace without drifting into radicalism. Equally, the de la Cruz administration has looked to reform the Administración Civil del Trabajo (ACT).

First things first, the Fair Work Act, which covers most of the ACT reforms. The first aspect of the Fair Work Act, is the establishment of a National Wage Framework. While mandating that wages always goes up is a positive, it can easily spiral into a disaster. But encouraging minimum wage growth? There's more flexibility there for employees and employers. The National Wage Framework will look to establish a baseline minimum wage, of course indexed to inflation and median wages to ensure it doesn't fall into becoming a starvation wage, but the key focus will be on Sectoral Wage Councils, consisting of all economic sectors and having employers, employees and state representatives to set recommended binding ranges for each economic sector. 

Furthermore, all contracts for employees must be written as to prevent abuse from loopholes, as well as limits on short term repeated contracts, automatic conversion of a contract into a permanent one after a set time. The goal is to take down the instability of gig economics, whilst also not killing hiring. Alongside this, worker representation. It remains a controversial topic, even within the PSSG. Despite this the Fair Work Act looks to set a compromise. Unions will remain as they are with legal protections, and large firms will be required to see a basic workplace council, however there will be no mandatory worker seats in controlling firms or what not. The ACT will also take a stronger role in enforcing max working hours, guaranteed paid minimums, overtime pay, and stricter workplace safety inspections. 

Finally, workplace training programs will also be available, most in the form of national retraining programs, apprenticeship pipelines, and for small businesses, phased compliance, as well as tax relief for compliance. Small businesses shouldn't be drowned out because of the mistakes of bigger firms.
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In Other News;

PSSG Party Convention looms later this year; A new platform is likely to emerge as the country changes.

ULD shows growth in Cuernatecas; Perhaps there's room for a liberal comeback in Duchy Politics?
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El Mensajero de la Mañana (Morning Courier) is the nationwide daily morning newspaper, located in Ciudad de Gadur.

[Elena1012]

Social Security Administration to see reforms; Building the fundamentals of Social Democracy.
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February 19th, 5725
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The Social Security Administration (ASS), the savior of impoverished Gaduri, a proud achievement of the PSSG and the bane of fiscal hawks. It remains a popular program and for good reason, but this hasn't stopped its opponents from criticizing the program, especially over it's efficiency as the malaise has certainly done damage to the ASS. To this end, the PSSG is looking to tackle the issue head on and strengthen the basic fundamentals of Social Democracy; welfare.

As such, the first thing is formally unifying the entire system under the ASS. One file, one identify, one interface. Small as that may be, the goal is to make the system usable, accessible and easy to understand. Furthermore, the PSSG is committing itself to formally rejecting workfare or means tested solutions, instead embracing universalism, and benefits will be automatically triggered for citizens upon age, employment or income. No citizen will be left behind. All citizens will share the benefits of ASS, and some will see more benefits than others if they need it. And to that, the first proper reform. Unemployment Insurance is vital for the unemployed and urban poor, as without it, they fall rapidly. As such, of course, Unemployment Insurance will cover earnings related benefits, and be time limited but adequate. It mustn't be a crutch, but the state should never be heartless. Alongside this, it'll be tied to retraining programs to assist the unemployed in being trained and making them desirable to the market.

Alongside this, Family Benefits. While Gaduridos is certainly not at a wealth level enough to warrant generous benefits, it isn't a poor country. And poverty when there is plenty is something that can't be allowed. As such, Family Benefits, while not grandeur, will be as they are. Monthly child allowances, guaranteed parental leave and childcare support subsidies. Its not a lot, especially compared to more wealthier states and socialist states, but for Gaduridos, it's a start. Alongside this, disability benefits. The goal will be to make it easier, and more accessible, standardizing the medical criteria of disabilities to ensure equal care, streamlining eligibility and enrollment programs, and of course, providing a monthly allowance to households with disabled Gaduri, and if situations allow, partial work to promote independence for disabled citizens. As a symbol of compromise to fiscal moderates however, the ASS will be subject to periodic reviews, and income verification systems will be needed to ensure fraud is kept down. Fraud will need to be stopped wherever it emerges, but it cannot allow the state to become heartless in the name of stopping said fraud. 
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In Other News;

PSSG Left propose an expansion of Public Works; Ending poverty via work programs is a possibility.

PSSG enjoys high public approval; The natural governing party of modern Gaduridos.
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El Mensajero de la Mañana (Morning Courier) is the nationwide daily morning newspaper, located in Ciudad de Gadur.

[Elena1012]

Facundo Santángel proposes the Plan de la Economía Dorada; A compressive plan by the Ministry of Economics for growth.
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September 9th, 5725
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Within the myriad of economies in the world, the Gaduri economy has shown signs of recovery from the Malaise, but compared to the global economies, and most especially the golden age? The current economy leaves alot to be desired. To that end, current Minister of Economics, Facundo Santángel, has proposed the Plan de la Economía Dorada (Golden Economy Plan), which if adopted (and most likely will be adopted) would see the state invest heavily into industries across the country, and the wider economy in an effort to promote economic growth and development.

If enacted, the PED would see itself conducted into Nine Phases, with the first phase focusing on strategic sector growth, mostly looking at the giants of the economy, that being iron mining and steel, oil, and agriculture. Whether it be expanding domestic refining, creating industrial jobs, or creating an agro industry, phase 1 would be solely focused on these strategic industrial sectors, and it would not neglect the most vital sector to the Gaduri economy; trade. Phase 1 would see investment into all those sectors, as well as a focus on turning trade into the economic engine of growth for Gaduridos. Phase Two would see a focus on wider industrial economics, and would see the state take a very interventionist approach to support specific industrial growth and work with the private market. Phase Three would focus heavily on practical infrastructure, avoiding vanity megastructure projects but instead focusing on infrastructure that supports economic development and growth. Phase Four would focus on human capital, ensuring that the average worker can keep up with a rapidly changing economy. Phase Five would focus on Small to Medium Enterprises and businesses, providing them with support to ensure that the economy isn't reliant on just heavy industry and that growth is spread out evenly. Phase Six would see a focus on fiscal stability, as the state will be spending an awful lot, and preventing a major deficit. Phase Seven would focus on the Gaduri Peso to ensure inflation is kept at a low due to (ideally) growth. Phase Eight would focus on ensuring that development isn't restricting to just a few cities but evenly spread out all across Gaduridos via economic corridors. Phase Nine, the final phase, would focus on wrapping up with export led growth projects, and diversifying trade further to avoid dependence and reliance on single states. 

Called the Golden Economy Plan for a reason, the PED, if done well, can push Gaduridos on track to a return to the golden era. At the very least, it's taking inspiration from past economic plans such as the Plan de Duplicación de Ingresos from the first golden age, and it's likely that the de la Cruz administration will enact the PED Plan within the coming months. If successful, the economy can expand, grow and development can also occur across the country, and it'll also give the PSSG more reason to enact welfare laws (as currently, despite having the political capital and the majority to do so, there are fiscal concerns due to the current state of the economy).
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In Other News;

Will the Royal Family see kids soon? The media debates as the Valcorico Estate takes no comments.

Gaduri Neutrality; Should it be strict, or principled?
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El Mensajero de la Mañana (Morning Courier) is the nationwide daily morning newspaper, located in Ciudad de Gadur.

[Elena1012]

Expanding the oil industry; The first step to the PED Phase One.
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November 9th, 5725
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The oil industry in Gaduridos remains one of the most vital and tightly regulated industries in the economy. With PeGad being a major employer, it's no surprise that the oil industry is vital to the Gaduri economy, and with the PED being formally adopted as an economic doctrine, the de la Cruz administration is looking to begin Phase One, and it starts with investments into various strategic industrial sectors, and what better route to start with than the oil sector, which did receive modernizations earlier this decade, so it's not only more efficient but cheaper to expand. As such, significant investments will go into the expansion of the oil sector to ensure it isn't purely reliant on just extraction and exporting.

As such, the first step to that, is expanding refining capacity, such as refineries. After all, if we produce our own oil, we might as well refine it domestically to support local economies. Alongside this, petrochemicals. Whether it be plastic production, fertilizers, synthetic materials, or industrial chemicals, petrochemical jobs will be vital and also will assist in diversifying the oil industry significantly. Because most of the oil industry is dominated by the state, the state will take the initiative in paying for these expansions (most especially for PeGad). Whatever the case, diversifying the oil industry will only provide positives for the economy and especially for local Duchy economies.

Of course, this is just the start to Phase One, which will require investments into agriculture, as well as steel and iron and that's just for phase one. The PED will certainly be a long and arduous plan, but it will most certainly pay off if enacted well. Whatever the case, the first step is often the one that seems insignificant.
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In Other News;

Partido de Acción Verde (Green Action Party) forms; Peculiar platform calls for environmentalism and anti oil efforts.

Efforts to form a farmers party fails to gain traction; Farmers largely remain behind PSSG.
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El Mensajero de la Mañana (Morning Courier) is the nationwide daily morning newspaper, located in Ciudad de Gadur.

[Elena1012]

Hosian Democratic Party sees a split; HDP Right leaves the party and forms the Gaduri State Party.
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February 2nd, 5726
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With the Hosian Democratic Party reaffirming its commitment to Hosian Democratic ideals, the leadership of the party, naturally, fell to the left wing of the HDP, who favoured cooperation with the PSSG where possible and generally support the current direction of the economy, much to the disappointment of the right wing of the party. However, it seems that internal disagreements could not be kept internal forever, as the right wing of the HDP has only grown more agitated, and with the current direction likely to remain, especially with the Primaries this year as the October Elections loom, the right wing has chosen to forego the HDP outright and splinter off.

The results? The Gaduri State Party (Partido Estatal de Gadur) has been founded and formally registered for National and Duchy elections. This week, the PEdG released their new platform, outlining a noticable right wing shift compared to the HDP. In their platform, the PEdG has endorsed corporatist economics, rejecting both laissez-faire capitalism, and state socialism, arguing that the economy should be coordinated, and the state should act as a mediator of interests, where employers, employees and the state work as partners. The PEdG has firmly rejected class struggle as a concept, and has endorsed class cooperation. But, beyond economics the PEdG has favoured strengthing the monarchy, believing that His Majesty should be empowered with more constitutional powers, arguing that only the monarchy can reliably be above partisan politics, and should be trusted with the ability to act in a non partisan manner. As expected of the right wing splinters of the HDP, the PEdG has of course, endorsed a right wing conservative social policy, favouring public recognition of Hosian values, and moral frameworks, as well as skepticism of rapid societal change and endorsing social cohesion. The most interesting part of the platform (beyond corporatism) has been the strong endorsement of Armed Neutrality, believing that Gaduridos should keep to a strict form of neutrality, but must be armed to defend itself from aggressors. 

With this only occuring months before the HDP Primaries, it's save to say that this'll hurt the right wing vote and most especially the HDP, and it could even give the PSSG another term thanks to a fragmented right. Whatever the case, the PEdG is expected to make some ground in Congress, but ultimately be a minor party unless something drastic happens. 
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In Other News;

Who will be the successor to de la Cruz? PSSG Primaries loom this summer.

Oil industry sees growth; PED Phase One continues on as the next industry may occur later this year, or next year.
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El Mensajero de la Mañana (Morning Courier) is the nationwide daily morning newspaper, located in Ciudad de Gadur.

[Elena1012]

PSSG prevails in October Elections; Rene Pardo elected Prime Minister.
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October 19th, 5726
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The 5726 October General Elections have concluded with, perhaps expectedly, another victory for the PSSG as the Gaduri Right remained too fractured for any candidate to unite the voterbase, as well as the PSSG Coalition holding firm. As such, besides losing a handful of seats, the PSSG has largely retained their majority and Rene Pardo, the nominee who won the Primary earlier this year has been elected as Prime Minister, and with the blessings of His Majesty, has formed a government.

Pardo, being relatively centrist and modest within the PSSG, but still acceptable to the Garcian Socialist wing of the PSSG has pledged to continue the PED, not rock the boat too much, and ensure good governance from the mainland to the islands. However, what won her the Primaries was her rather strong stance on pacifism, and she's pledged to conduct a review of the National Service Program, as Gaduridos no longer has imperial obligations from the Anantonese Empire, and still has its neutrality backing it, and if possible, move towards abolishing military service. If not, then most certainly reform the system. Whatever the case, her election largely means a continuation of the status quo as Gaduri voters are trusting the PSSG to deliver results once again in four years, most especially economically.

For the right however, the plethora of parties there have split the vote decisively, as whether you're voting for the HDP, RPG, ULD, PEdG, or even the far right PSL, they're all still divided. While all parties didn't suffer heavily, they're all still far from forming a coalition government. For the far left, the communists, as expected, have not participated in the elections, and the Left Republicans found little appeal this season due to the popularity of His Majesty, Víctor de Valcorico. The Green Action Power equally struggled, as they've largely offered to shut down the oil industry with no alternative, something that has understandably, repulsed working class voters and even middle class voters.

Whatever the case, the PSSG has another four years in Los Altos and expectations are looking at the economy and the PED. 
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In Other News;

Reform Party or Gaduridos sees it's lowest vote shade in decades; The party of conservatism, meeting it's end?

Manzamal Duchy Elections sees far right lose momentum; Has the PSL peaked in Manzamal?
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El Mensajero de la Mañana (Morning Courier) is the nationwide daily morning newspaper, located in Ciudad de Gadur.

[Elena1012]

Investments into the Iron and Steel industry; Building domestic industrial pride for Gaduridos.

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January 2nd, 5727
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For workers on the mainland, one of the biggest industries is the iron and steel industry, most especially in the state of Manzamal. However, compared to the juggernaut that is oil, the iron and steel industry lacks behind trade, and then oil. As apart of the PED however, this cannot stand. The steel and iron industry will require investments to turn it from just pure raw resources production and basic resource refinement, and more towards something worthy of respect for a modern economy. As such, the first step is of course, expanding steel production and iron mines. After all, nothing can be done if demand is low. Whether it be industrial grade steel or basic steel, production must be expanded.

Furthermore however, steel can't be the only usage of iron. A modern, efficient economy requires diversity. Iron will need to be used for machine parts, industrial tools, rail components, vehicle inputs and the like. Raw iron must be used for wider industrial capacity. Alongside this, steel usage must be expanded for domestic infrastructure and manufacturing to ensure stable internal domestic demand. Expanding production will of course, not only help local communities economically but also help the wider national economy, which also has the bonus effect of keeping workers away from extremist parties.

The goal is to, beyond supporting economic growth, provide new avenues for trade as it's more valuable to have more to export than just steel and raw iron alone. As state investments move into the iron and steel industries, blue collar workers across the country can celebrate for continued support into their jobs.
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In Other News;

Congress begins hearings on amending the National Service Act; Should national service be abolished, or just the military aspect?

PSL and National Front extend olive branch to the Reform Party; Will the dying conservative party align with the far right for a chance at rebound?
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El Mensajero de la Mañana (Morning Courier) is the nationwide daily morning newspaper, located in Ciudad de Gadur.

[Elena1012]

Congress debates amending the National Service Act; PSSG Doves push for abolishing military service.
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May 9th, 5727
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What won Rene Pardo the PSSG Primaries was her outspoken pacifism, and most especially her opposition to the National Service Act, and this summer, she's spent time debating with Congress over amending the National Service Act, as even with a majority, the PSSG itself is evenly torn on it. There's no doubt, the PSSG is a pacifist party, even despite the decades and changes, but doesn't neutrality suffice enough for pacifism? For Pardo, it's not enough. In a speech to convince Congress, she urged the PSSG and pacifists in the opposition to support amending the National Service Act to at least cut out the required military service.

Esteemed members of Congress.

Gaduridos finds itself in an era of calm and peace within Seleya. We find our neutrality to be recognized and supported by the world at large. Regardless of partisan affiliation, we all want what's best for Gaduridos and to preserve it's neutrality. What good is neutrality if we stock up on guns and bombs? If we hide our behind our neutrality with weapons of war? I understand that we cannot commit ourselves to being defenseless, but neither can we keep our mindsets from a time when Gaduridos was apart of the Anantonese Empire. We must lead by example. Show Seleya that pacifism is a strength. We can spend more on building bridges, not razing them or worrying about a hypothetical. If not for the sake of finances, then surely for a better future for Gaduridos.

While doves in the PSSG and across the political environment have supported Pardo, either in outright abolishing the National Service Act or amending to to remove conscription, there has been opposition from more cautious elements in the PSSG and of course, nationalists. One Congressmember, Sergio Quesada (PSSG) had the following to say.

The Prime Minister has noble goals. There's no doubt I can have about that. However, stability is fragile in Seleya. Just 50 years ago, there was a rogue fascist state in Southern Seleya. The world may respect neutrality, but rogue states will not. We mustn't act as warmongers or triple the defense budget in fear of an imaginary foe, but it never hurts to be prepared than sorry. Keeping the National Service Act as it stands, is ideal. We have a guaranteed employer for the youth, and we build the Royal Armed Forces. Its simply a net positive.

Despite this, Pardo has at least been willing to concede on the argument of a guaranteed employer, and has hinted that she's willing to throw her support behind keeping civilian national service, and removing military service. Of course, the far right PSL has been vocally opposed to any attempts to change the National Service Act, arguing that a defenseless Gaduridos is ripe for "specific revanchist imperialists to waltz over Gaduridos". The PEdG has also argued against amendments, arguing that the best way to keep peace, is to carry a big stick. Whatever the case, the doves within Congress remain just short of being able to pass the bill, and will need to spend more time appealing to the rest of the PSSG or finding support from the opposition. But it's certain that Pardo is sticking to her guns as much as she can. And if she can prevail, then maybe pacifism in the PSSG will find itself with a bigger boost than previously thought possible.
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In Other News;

New polling shows public support for His Majesty, Víctor de Valcorico at 89%; The People's King!

Steel industry shows growth; The road to an economic golden age is a long road.
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El Mensajero de la Mañana (Morning Courier) is the nationwide daily morning newspaper, located in Ciudad de Gadur.

[Elena1012]

National Service Act amended; Military service no longer mandatory as civilian service is reformed.
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September 2nd, 5727
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This week, Congress formally voted and approved an amendment of the National Service Act. Despite the hopes of a full repeal, it soon became clear that Congress would be willing to only accept a moderate revision of the NSA and as such, with the effort of moderate doves in the PSSG, an amendment was passed. As such, the first thing changed is the formal abolition of mandatory military service. All conscripts currently conscripted will complete their service however. The Royal Armed Forces of Gaduridos will be a volunteer only force. However, civilian national service has been kept and reorganized into the Servicio Nacional Civil (SNC). The SNC will remain mandatory for all adults upon reaching the age of majority, and will be required to serve in for a duration of 12 months. 

The SNC will offer multiple branches, such as healthcare support (clinics, eldercare, etc etc), Infrastructure and Public Works, Environmental Programs (when applicable), education support (teacher aides and the like), and disaster relief. All citizens will contribute to the nation in some form. Of course, for those physically or mentally unable to work, accomodations will be made to ensure that they can contribute in whatever manner they can. The SNC will ensure guaranteed employment for the youth and unemployed, and ensure that no matter what, everyone is working on something. The SNC will also offer, for those who wish to go further into their field (ie individuals working in healthcare support who wish to go into proper healthcare) scholarships, job training, certifications, so on and so forth to prepare individuals for work in the public sector). 

However, Congress will reserve the right to reinstate Conscription if the country is threatened and an official state of war is ever declared. Even an idealistic approach to foreign policy must not be blind to realities. Whatever the case, Pardo has taken this amendment and treated it as a win for her administration, as most are pleased with the compromise besides the hawks, nationalists, and a few doves who wanted the amendment to go further.
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In Other News;

Union of Gaduri Steel Workers endorses the PSSG; Union Representative says, "The PSSG remains a party for the workingman and his interests."

Support for federalism on the rise; Could the constitution be amended to reinstate federalism if the movement gains more traction?
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El Mensajero de la Mañana (Morning Courier) is the nationwide daily morning newspaper, located in Ciudad de Gadur.