Rildanor

[Elena1012]

Alkenne surrounded as Solé attempts a coup; As Alkenne is surrounded, the military gives a demand of surrender.
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June 4th, 5677
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The military has confirmed it. President Solé has attempted a self coup in an effort to do a mass purge of the Movement for National Reconcilation, and restore his authority in the country. However, the military has also confirmed that the coup effort has largely been contained to just Alkenne, with most of the military refusing the orders and joining in surrounding Alkenne. As the city goes to a complete stop, it's now a question of who will blink first. Should the military blink first, Solés coup will be finished and go without consequences. If Solés loyalists blink first, it's likely he will be imprisoned for the self coup attempt. So far, no violence has been confirmed but a standoff in the capital is not a good sign for any government. The military has already demanded the complete and total surrender of all soldiers loyal to Solé in Alkenne and for the surrender of Solé.

With the capital under martial law and surrounded, public fear is at an all-time high as this can easily spiral into a civil war, especially after the conclusion of the war with Meriath. The Movement for National Reconcilation itself has effectively been split as most members outside of Alkenne have outright condemned Solé, and broken from party line. The status of key reformists figures is so far unknown but one reformist, David Astier has been confirmed to be alive and was not in Alkenne, and has denounced Solé as a reactionary set out to bring ruin to Rildanor.

Until one side blinks, tensions are high. Too high. Just as things seemed to be looking up, it seems the country may easily unravel. The coming days will certainly be unique for Rildanor as state media has been radio silent, with most of the proper government paralyzed by the self coup attempt. And this likely means that dissidents within the country will take any opportunity to spread their message. The Movement for National Reconcilation is bleeding, the country is frozen, the capital is under the world's deadliest staring contest, and fear is rising in equal amounts with uncertainty. As Astier begins to make rounds, it's clear that if Solé surrenders, Astier will become President. And with most of the MRN purged in Alkenne or loyal to Astier, his vision for Rildanor can very much define it easily. But if Solé doesn't surrender, then at best, he will secure his authority over the country and at worst, cause a civil war. One that Meriath may have an interest in taking advantage of, even with the peace, or even foreign powers.

[Elena1012]

Military advance on Alkenne; Solé found dead as Astier is sworn in as President.
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September 1st, 5677
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The Solites blinked first. Yesterday, after a turbulent standoff, the military advanced on Alkenne as all attempts to peacefully resolve the situation failed. Fortunately, fighting was sparse. With casualties still being confirmed, one of the key casualties that has been confirmed is Solé, who was found dead in the National Assembly. With Alkenne still under martial law and several cities across the country entering chaos, David Astier has quickly been nominated as President of the National State of Rildanor, and has quickly formed a Provisional Salvation Committee, consisting of various surviving reformists. While criticism is sparse due to the chaos engulfing other cities, it is worth noting that this Provisional Salvation Committee does consists of radical reformists, akin to Astier who have a questionable commitment to the ideals of the Rildanorien National Revolution and the MRN ideology.

One of the first things on the Astier agenda is rewriting the constitution, and bringing about radical drastic changes, as well as address concerns by the public over the economic situation and stability. As Alkenne returns to stability, state media is starting to return to life, and spread the narrative. However, they've also noticably embraced a reformist tint, even opening the door to criticism of the state. While it's hard to say if something like democracy is possible or even reunification, those goals have the best chance under Astier, who has an ambitious plan for Rildanor. With whatever remains of the MRN behind him, public support being shaky but supportive and the military simply wanting stability, Astier is arguably in a good spot.

And should the constitution be rewritten, then we can very much see the possibility of most if not all authoritarian clauses in the Constitution outright thrown out. What is most likely to be thrown out are the undeniably fascist aspects of the constitution. And a constitutional rewrites only begs the question of whether reunification with Meriath is possible.

[Elena1012]

National State of Rildanor formally dissolved; Birth of the Federal Union of Rildanor as Astier continues reforms.
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December 19th, 5677
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The National State of Rildanor, and the National Revolution have died. While the state of fascism is questionable in Rildanor, what is undeniable is this. It has taken a major blow. Astier has been able to force a constitutional rewrite, dissolving the National State, reversing authoritarian clauses, the hostility to liberalism and cosmopolitanism (but noticably keeping the ban on communism), and lifting the ban on the formation of political parties. In its place, the Federal Union of Rildanor has been established. Astier remains as president and the Provisional Salvation Committee has remained in charge, with no elections scheduled until "the political climate is adequately ready". While political parties are allowed to form and organize, no elections will occur for the foreseeable future. Simultaneously, a ban has been placed on the MRN, effectively killing whatever remained of the Movement for National Reconcilation after the Solé coup.

Astier has focused on building up democratic institutions before bringing about proper elections, but has opened the door to negotiations with the Free Republic of Meriath regarding potential unification in the coming years. But for now, the focus is on keeping the order, building up democracy, and preparing the country for continued reforms. With Alkenne slowly returning to normal, Astier has pledged that the dark days of the past are gone and that Rildanor can move forward into a better, prosperous future. 

Of course, that depends on if democratization succeeds or if unification with Meriath even occurs. Should either fail to occur, we may very well see this new Rildanor simply become an anocracy by circumstance. Should it succeed however, then Rildanor can return to being a democracy, like what was seen in the 50s. As state media is dismantled in favour of independent media, it seems Astier is looking to radically bring Rildanor to a modern, democratic era.

[Elena1012]

Astier to visit Meriath; Negotiations to end disputes, begin proper reconciliation, democratization and potentially unification.
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June 3rd, 5678
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David Astier has set out on his most radical move yet, and perhaps the most necessary. Visiting Meriath. Painting it as negotiations instead of capitulation (to what few hardliners remain), Astier is looking to directly negotiate with Meriath in good faith and properly bring about peace. He's states that unification is not the goal, but simply securing peace, mutual prosperity and if conditions allow, unification. 

For starters however, what has been done immediately is recognizing Meriath as a proper state, and as an equal one to that. This is likely to help ensure negotiations are smooth, irregardless of if unification or division occurs. Key among Astier's goals are resolving any territorial disputes, open up mutual trade between the two states, and push for cordial relations. Sources inside the Noir Presidency have confirmed that they've engaged in good faith as well, optimistic in the direction that the mainland is heading, but have stated that unification will only be possible if elections are prioritized. While the negotiations are kept under wraps to the public for obvious reasons, it's likely that Astier will accept most if not all Meriathi demands.

The question of unification itself however, is something else entirely. Even if the negotiations are smooth, it can very much not occur. Just as equally, it can. The media will simply have to wait. But for now, Astier is looking to bring Rildanor to the table to negotiate with Meriath and bring about peace and pave the way for prosperity in the region, and resolve all tensions peacefully.

[Elena1012]

Elections to be held in Rildanor; Political Parties form.
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September 11th, 5678
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With the negotiations with Meriath concluding positively, it's become clear that unification is more possible than it was in the past. But, one demand Meriath had was democratization on the mainland. To that end, surprisingly or rather unsurprisingly depending on who you ask, Astier and the Provisional Salvation Committee have announced that elections will be held next year as political parties begin organizing and campaigning. Surprisingly, Astier has declined to join a political party or even run, stating that he would only run if a candidate seriously threatened reforms. So, what parties are looking to run? A plethora, from social democrats to conservatives to thinly veiled national populists.

The first major contending party is the Liberal Democratic Party of Rildanor, advocating for, unsurprisingly, social liberalism. The LDPR has called for extensive democratization, reforming social laws and drastically expanding civil rights and continued economic liberalization. Their candidate for president, Pierre-Louis De Villepin has focused his campaign on optimism, hope and a very internationalist, economy first campaign.

On the other side of the coin is the conservative minded, Federalist Party, advocating for paternalistic conservatism, federalism, and a slow and steady approach to foreign policy and re-integration with the world. Their candidate, Patrick Leroux has focused on law and order, morality and pragmatic calmness instead of radical reforms.

In the middle lay the economically left, socially right, Party for Life and Unity, a nominally social democratic party albeit with a social conservative bent, advocating for stronger regulation in the economy, rejecting extreme social liberalism (but still being open to some social change to get rid of the past fascist legacy) and rebuilding independent and strengthening, labour unions across the country. Being led by Jérôme Morin, he has adopted a populist campaign and while those on the left bash his conservative social views and those on the right bash his social democratic economics, the PfLaU does have a very good shot at winning.

Finally, the Grand Nationalist Party of Rildanor, focusing on a national conservative and nationalist vision for Rildanor. Campaigning on staunch social conservatism, little social reforms, and a few concessions to the free market, the GNPR is also staunchly against unification with Meriath. However, they remain polling last, so it's unlikely that they will win unless something catastrophic happens. Their candidate, Marius Blanchet, has looked to court whatever remains of the far right in Rildanor and those who feel the Federalist Party is simply too moderate.

Whatever the case, it's likely that the winner will have the unenviable task of endless negotiations in unifying Rildanor with Meriath and bringing the two states together once again. For better or worse, the times are changing in Rildanor rapidly.

[Elena1012]

Elections in Rildanor conclude as Meriath and Rildanor reunite; An end to division.
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December 1st, 5678
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In an announcement made by recently inaugurated President Jérôme Morin and newly inaugurated (and former President of Meriath) Prime Minister, Christelle Noir have formally announced the end of the Free Republic of Rildanor (Meriath) and the formal unification of Rildanor. The Federal Union will adopt, and integrate all diplomatic and economic responsibilities that Meriath had. After nearly two decades of division, Rildanor is now one again.

The Morin Administration will have alot of work cut out for it. But it's certainly starting with a major celebration. As Meriath and the mainland continue reconciliation, Astier has looked to step away from politics entirely, content with the direction that the country is taking now, as the remnants of the MRN are fundamentally shattered. Whatever the case, as Rildanor adopts the responsibilities of Meriath, and continues efforts to cripple whatever remains of fascist sympathies, the economy still remains the biggest concern. But with the Meriath economy largely being unaffected, and arguably thriving compared to the economy of the mainland, the situation isn't entirely hopeless.

Whatever the case, for the first time in a fairly long time, there is hope for the mainland. While many issues still exist, unification is not one of them.

[TheNick]

Le Rildanorien

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Group of Tiralle Academics Found 'Liberal-Socialist Party'
October 5730

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Sylvie Aimard-Bélanger, the General Secretary of the newly founded Liberal Socialist Party.

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Tiralle, Tiralouse - A new party appeared on the registers of the Interior Ministry last month, after decades of de-facto political inactivity. It is one of the many parties recently established in Rildanor, founded by three academics living in the capital city, Sylvie Aimard-Bélanger, a professor of contemporary history, Olivier Brassard, a professor of economics, and Henri Des Ambrois, a professor of international relations. They have founded, last month, the Parti Libéral-Socialiste (PLS), or Liberal-Socialist Party, and as the name suggests, they're positioning themselves in the moderate center-left of the political spectrum.

The announcement was preceded by months in which the trio toured the nation to express the need for a new political renaissance of the nation, which in their own words "must be capable of leading Rildanor in the future through reform, with a free, liberal State that leaves great degrees of individual freedom to citizens, combined with aspects of economic redistribution, mainly through a strong welfare state, to ensure a fair economic system for all". In September, the 1st party congress was held and it led to the election of Dr. Aimard-Bélanger as the Secretary-General of the party, now tasked to lead PLS's first political campaign next December.

This new entry comes as Rildanor's political landscape is filling with other parties, leading immediately to an important question for the new Secretary-General: which, of these parties, PLS would feel more comfortable working with in the future? We asked her that on the sidelines of a PLS political event in Meroix, here's her response:

The political system is just filling in after years of instability and government unresponsiveness. PLS is running on a campaign centered on building on the welfare system, protect individual liberties, enshrine a secular state while respecting religious liberty and draft a constitution with all of our colleagues to give this country a clear identity. As for the declared candidacies for the next legislative election, in the event of a cabinet coalition, we feel like we'd work rather well with PNP, and to an extent PLR. In general we are ready to work with whoever is committed to build a solidary democracy in this nation.

Rildanorians will be called to the polls in December to make an important decision: the country needs a new Constitution, and the big number of parties that are poised to appear on their ballots give them so many ideas for the future of the nation. PLS, according to one of our political experts, wants to position itself as an establishmentarian center-left party and it appears clear that the academic trio seized the opportunity of a political void to offer the nation just that. If they're successful in their intents, we'll find about in three months, when the new National Assembly is elected.

[Jordan343]

Parti National Progressiste founded as political alternative

[October, 5730]
@LeRildanorien

Gathered in a conference room in Tiralouse, the 200 founding members of the Parti National Progressiste (PNP) officially announced the creation of their new political party, which they describe as a "bold new political alternative."
The party appears to be an unusual blend of traditionally left-wing and right-wing policies, combining progressive social ideals with strong nationalist rhetoric. The newly elected party president, Thomas Bouquet, a high school teacher and military veteran, explained the philosophy behind the movement:

"We have seen so much division in Rildanor in recent years. We need to unite our country and focus inward instead of welcoming outsiders and allowing foreign nations to meddle in our internal affairs. We believe that the best way to unite our nation is through a strong, religiously neutral state that protects everyone's freedoms and ensures fair treatment for all citizens.
– Thomas Bouquet"

The party also places a strong emphasis on rearming the nation in order to protect it from future international threats.

(Thomas Bouquet, newly elected president of the PNP)

Strangely enough, the party has chosen Guillaume Mayer, the party's chief organizer, as its candidate for the Presidency of Rildanor. Bouquet jokingly explained the decision:

"He sounded like a good fit for the job!"
– Thomas Bouquet

The party also elected its first Leadership Council. Its members are as follows:
Party President: Thomas Bouquet
Vice-President: Jeanne Lefèvre
Treasurer: Joey Barton
Secretary: Renaud Morin
Chief Organizer: Guillaume Mayer

[AdAstra36]

Change in the course of FN after disappointing electoral performance

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December 5730

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The leader of the recently established Fraternité Nationale (Luth.: National Brotherhood), a hard right party, sometimes described as "crypto-fascist" Adrien Botrel, has announced his resignation after the recent legislative elections failed to deliver relevance to the nationalist conservative party.

Botrel, a former professor, established the right-wing party in October 5730, just a few months prior to the election. Described as "lacking charisma," his leadership was criticized even prior to the election. After the news of weak performance reached the headquarters of the party, Botrel has made clear his decision to step away from the leadership. To avoid infighting and weakness in the post-election period, leadership elections were not held, and instead the charismatic priest Noé Plantier was appointed by Botrel.

Plantier announced changes to the FN platform after his ascension. According to Plantier's vision, the party will abandon its radical stance against welfare and will generally shift to be economically left while maintaining its social conservatism. Under Plantier, FN will also pursue being the party of the people, rather than the party of elites imagined by Botrel.

Plantier has already urged the 4 lawmakers representing FN in the parliament to put forward to debate the "Law on Relations Between the State and the Church," which creates provisions to establish state religion and give more influence to the Aurorian Church. Plantier has also told journalists that for the time being FN will not go forward with the extremist Moral Society Act, which would outlaw pornography, sex reassignment surgery, and other subjects deemed "immoral" by the FN.

[Doc]

Parti Socialiste du Rildanor doubles down on Socialism
We will always fight for the rights of the Worker, says Marceau
December 18, 5730

The Speaker of the Socialist Party of Rildanor (PSdR) addressed supporters following lackluster election results which saw the far left Party pick up only 9 seats in the Legislature. "We will always fight for the rights of the Worker," said Party leader Henri Marceau in the capital today. "The 9 seats we possess ensure that the workers have a voice in the National Legislature, and that we can move legislation to the floor, and that is important. But we can do better."

Marceau's strategy: To differentiate the PSdR from other left leaning parties. "We see plenty of Parties claiming socialism, but only one Party is calling for full workers rights within this republic and a radical reorientation of our economy and society to a socialist model. We seek to apply socialism not as Metz would command but in a form that would be appropriate for our Nation. And we will fight until we get it or we die. That is our mission."

The Party has endorsed the Liberal Socialist Party in the upcoming runoff elections, but does not expect to be welcomed to sit in Government. "It's no concern--The Capitalist Parties and we are playing different games at the end of the day. We will work with others where we may, but will stand on socialist principles in any case."