Jacobean Cildania (5321 - 5369)

[Wu Han]

↳  Princess-Consort Konċetta and Grand Prince Ġakbu Maria speaking with a survivor of the Qart Qildar car bombing shortly after mass

Grand Prince expresses "shock, grief, and profound sadness" after Qart Qildar synagogue attack
31 August 5331
In first Sovereign Message to the Council of Deputies, His Serene Highness thanks police, first-responders, and pledges "solidarity" with Cildanian Yeudi community following terror attack at the Sacred Follower Erial Synagogue.

Qart Qildar: Grand Prince Ġakbu Maria sent his first Sovereign Message to the Council of Deputies this morning to express his "shock" and "grief" following the car bomb attack against the Sacred Follower Erial Synagogue in Qart Qildar yesterday. In the message, read by the Speaker of the Council, His Serene Highness described the bombing as a "terror attack against... the Cildanian Yeudi community." His Serene Highness also thanked police officers and first-responders for their service, and pledged to utilize funding from the soon-to-be created Grand Prince's Foundation to contribute to reconstruction efforts, calling upon others to make similar charitable efforts.

Following the reading of the Grand Prince's Sovereign Message, His Serene Highness and Princess-Consort Konċetta attended an Apostolic mass to pray for the victims. Subsequently, the Grand Prince and Princess-Consort met with survivors of the bombing, as well as various prominent Yeudi community leaders.

The Regulating Nobility Act of 5323 defines the role of the Grand Prince as to "reign, but not govern." As such, His Serene Highness is prohibited from engaging in political affairs or campaigning. Nevertheless, it is clear that the latest escalation in anti-yeudish violence has deeply impacted the Grand Prince, such that he has resolved to take whatever actions are constitutionally available for him to express his denunciation of such violence.

il-POSTA NAZZJONALI is one of Cildania's most widely-read broadsheet daily newspapers, respected for its journalistic integrity and objectivity.
A standard-bearer of Cildanian liberalism, il-Posta has become one of the nation's 'newspapers of record.' It is owned by the Grupp Editorjali PNFP.

---

Originally posted by Wu Han on 13 Jul 2023.

[Wu Han]

PK Leader Sigismondo Falzon brings no confidence motion against PLR-BW-GtP coalition
Qart Qildar, Principality of Aqildar, Cildania
2 October 5331

Deputy Sigismondo Falzon, leader of the opposition Constitutionalist Party (PK), has brought a no confidence motion against the coalition government of Prime Minister Franġisku Namur. The government is currently composed of Namur's progressive Radical Labour Party (PLR), the conservative One Flag (BW) party, and populist People's Choice party (GtP). In bringing forward his motion, Falzon declared before the Council of Deputies that "the spirits of those who died at the Sacred Follower Erial Synagogue are here and they are crying out for justice, justice which will come at the ballot box."

It is unlikely that Falzon's motion will succeed, given that the coalition government controls a stable majority of 172 seats out of 300 in Cildania's Council of Deputies, though leadership turnover in the BW, the Qart Qildar terrorist attack, and increased rates of violent crime could lead some government-aligned lawmakers to break with the Prime Minister. By contrast, the Constitutionalists and Alagona Faction (FA), as members of the Alliance for Cildania (AgK) coalition, control 62 seats, just behind the neo-fascist Order of San Bastjan (OtSB) which controls 66.

SK (Stampa Kildanja; Cildanian Press) is a not-for-profit news agency headquartered in Qart Qildar, Cildania.

---

Originally posted by Wu Han on 14 Jul 2023.

[Wu Han]

Government calls in Military and announces extra security measures in aftermath of Synagogue bombing

Qart Qildar, Cildania - The Cildanian Government have called in the nations Armed Forces to assist with extra security measures put in place as a result of the deadly Synagogue bombing in Qart Qildar. The measures will ensure that no one without proper reason can enter the grounds of a Synagogue for the foreseeable future.

The most important of the new security measures will be that all individuals wishing to enter a Synagogue or the surrounding area must pass through metal detectors and undergo security searches before they may enter. Whilst the move will make it harder for Yeudi citizens to enter their place of worship, it is considered necessary by the government to avoid any further immediate threats of violence against the Yeudi community. Key individuals associated with the Synagogue, such as Rabbis, will of course not be required to follow such measures.

The Cildanian Armed Forces will also be involved to assist the police force with the manpower required to patrol major Yeudi population centres and areas near Synagogues. The Minister of Justice, Hosegħa Caxaro, has stated that "the most immediate response that we must take is to ensure that Yeudi communities can feel safe and that they won't face the threat of violence simply from walking on the streets. The Police and the Military will ensure that is the case".

The Government has also announced a period of national mourning to remember those who have lost their lives or were injured. Flags will be flown at half mast on all public buildings.

Il-Gazzetta Radikali is property of Grupp Gazzetta, a private limited company.

---

Originally posted by RadicalGeo on 14 Jul 2023.

[Wu Han]

↳ Constitutionalist Party leader Sigismondo Falzon
"We were once a nation of religious freedom" PK Leader blasts gov't anti-terror measures
13 October 5331
Speaking in Qart Qildar, PK Leader Falzon says government use of military, new anti-terror measures risk 'returning to dictatorship.'

Qart Qildar: Following newly announced plans from the government to utilize the Armed Forces of Cildania, in response to insecurity following the Qart Qildar synagogue bombing, Constitutionalist Party (PK) leader Sigismondo Falzon has criticized the government for going too far. In the Council of Deputies, reflecting on the governing Radical Labour Party's (PLR) history, Falzon asked "surely, this is too blatant a move back to dictatorship for the modern PLR... to accept?" Another opposition leader, Guiliano Alagona of the Alagona Faction (FA) also expressed his disagreement with the government's proposed security measures, noting that "the government now proposes to use the Cildanian Armed Forces to [intimidate] Cildanian Yeudis," while stating their purpose should be to "restore order and justice to our country."

The measures come a short time after Mr. Falzon's no confidence motion against the government failed to reach a majority of votes, thus preventing an election. Opposition parties and civil society organizations had been pressuring the government for months in advance of the bombing to take antiyeudism and crime seriously. Now, they say the government's security proposals represent an extreme incursion onto the civil liberties of Cildanian citizens, while perpetuating an atmosphere of fear and instability among the Cildanian Yeudish community.

At a rally with supporters last night, Mr. Falzon, who is known for his amiable attitude toward other lawmakers behind the scenes, directed much of his anger toward the government parties:

"Listen, I'm glad I got the government off its tookus," said Mr. Falzon, "but these measures, I mean, c'mon! Right after their synagogue was bombed, you're going to send in the troops to place the Yeudi community under martial law? It's ridiculous! Y'know, we were once a nation of religious freedom—but not under this government's watch!"

Falzon and other critics of the government's proposals note how they will place a disproportionate burden on Yeudi citizens, who will be subjected to metal detectors and strip searches prior to entering their places of worship: "It wasn't the Yeudis who blew their own rabbi sky high, it was the antiyeudi thugs who have been inspired and strengthened over the years by [the Prime Minister's] coalition partners' willingness to dabble in such disgusting ideas."

Indeed, the Prime Minister's junior coalition partner, One Flag, has been under heightened scrutiny since the synagogue bombing, as the conservative party's lawmakers have been criticized over the years for engaging in antiyeudi 'dogwhistles.' One Flag's leader, Minister of Defence Margerita Giudice has also come under fire for her past comments and actions, including remarks from two years before the synagogue bombing, wherein Giudice described prior government efforts to crackdown on anti-Yeudi sentiment as "counterproductive." At the time, Rabbi Danjel Pisani of Torah V’Avodah went as far as to say that "Bandiera Waħda has thrown fuel on the flames of a fire which already consumes Yeudis across the nation."

Another member of the government, the populist People's Choice (GtB) led by septuagenarian businessman Redentur Piscopo, has similarly been criticized for exploiting antiyeudish sentiments. Mr. Piscopo, in a Council of Deputies debate, described the Yeudi-majority state of Beiteynu as "sneaky and stealthy," in a speech which has been widely described as employing various antiyeudish tropes.

"I hope these latest tragic events gives the governing parties, and the Prime Minister, a minute to give their f*ckin' heads a shake. This f*ckin' racism bullsh*t has got to come to an end," said Mr. Falzon. "Listen, socialists, communists—I don't like 'em, alright? But at least they typically have some f*ckin' beliefs, some f*ckin' convictions. What kind of 'labour party' can continue to govern with two antiyeudish right-wingers at their side? Is this advancing the cause of the workers, Frankie?!"

In response to the bombings, the PK proposed a suite of legislation to ban "racist, fascist, or communist" paramilitary organizations, and to prosecute their membership for a new crime which would carry a mandatory minimum of two years in prison and a fine of $10,000. In another piece of legislation proposed by the PK, anyone who is a member of a paramilitary organization must swear an oath to, in part, "serve alongside every Cildanian brother-in-arms, irrespective of their organizational membership, political affiliations, religion, race, or background," with those who violate their oath liable to being tried for treason and sedition under the law.

"We're going after the source, and we're gonna cut the head off the f*ckin' snake. I want to see every single one of these motherf*ckers in prison for the rest of their days," said Mr. Falzon in regard to antiyeudish paramilitary members. "You just watch me—you just watch how far I will go."

il-POSTA NAZZJONALI is one of Cildania's most widely-read broadsheet daily newspapers, respected for its journalistic integrity and objectivity.
A standard-bearer of Cildanian liberalism, il-Posta has become one of the nation's 'newspapers of record.' It is owned by the Grupp Editorjali PNFP.

---

Originally posted by Wu Han on 14 Jul 2023.

[Wu Han]

Disgraced former One Flag member says Beiteynu behind anti-Yeudi attacks
17 January 5332

---

A disgraced former member of the One Flag party has taken to social media to suggest that Beiteynu has colluded with the opposition to increase anti-Yeudi attacks. Lażżru Alessi, who was suspended from the party after a series of complaints about his anti-Yeudi statements, said that the bombing of Qart Qildar's largest synagogue as well as other violent hate crimes against the Yeudi community are part of an 'organised effort by Beiteynu' with both the OtSB and AgK involved. Alessi posted a number of long, rambling videos about the topic for his small but fanatical social media following, leading to uproar. Over two million people have seen the videos but they have many more 'dislikes' than 'likes', with over 40,000 comments and replies that are overwhelmingly negative.

Alessi's unsubstantiated conspiracy theory, which has been condemned across the political spectrum, suggests that Beiteynu is encouraging terrorism against Yeudis in other countries as a pretext for establishing a Yeudi Empire across Majatra. Even more bizarrely, he said that the Alliance for Cildania was in on the conspiracy and that former PM Alec Benaglia is working behind the scenes to take down the 'web of lies'. He has asked followers to pray for God to aid Benaglia's supposed efforts and signs off many of his videos and posts by repeating the phrase 'Alec Benaglia is not suicidal'.

Despite his far-right views, Alessi has refused to join the Order of Saint Sebastian and has previously suggested that they are 'Beiteynu-funded controlled opposition'. He has called Ilarju Rizzo a 'closet homosexual', 'addict to gay Jelbic pornography' and 'secret half-Majatran'. He has also previously suggested that former BW leader Denzilee Depares, with whom he had a complicated relationship, was killed by associates of Constitutionalist Party leader Sigismondo Falzon - who in Alessi's view is a secret mobster, as supposedly is Guiliano Alagona. Alessi also believes that Alagona met his current wife before she turned sixteen and had an affair with her while he was still married to his last wife.

Alessi's theories have been met with mockery and scorn. A group of Yeudi rabbis condemned the former BW deputy for 'using tragedy to fuel his online profile'. Many social media users cracked jokes about Lażżru Alessi being a double agent for Beiteynu and posted photoshopped images of Alessi smoking a crackpipe. A spokesperson for One Flag suggested that Alessi was unwell and should seek medical help.

---

Illum Kinaan is a news agency based in the Kinaan region of Cildania. It covers both local and national current events.

---

Originally posted by Pragma on 14 Jul 2023.

[Wu Han]

Namur agrees to step down as PLR leader

Qart Qildar, Cildania - Incumbent Prime Minister Franġisku Namur has agreed to resign as PLR leader after his fellow PLR deputies expressed their lack of confidence in his ability to continue as the party's chief. The promise came after he & his leadership team abandoned their previous support for the continuation of the current government.

The Prime Minister's dramatic u-turn on the future of the PLR-BW-GtP government coalition was understood to have led to the demands that he step down with his decision-making being viewed as erratic, especially in light of recent events in Cildania. The Prime Minister is understood to have agreed after intervention from his long-time allies Deputy Leader Danjel Gauci and former Minister Edera Galdes-Bajada.

In a letter written to the party’s General-Secretary, Għamos Terreni, Mr. Namur said that “whilst it has been an incredible honour to serve as the leader of the Radical Labour Party it is now apparent that the party requires a fresh leadership to deal with the challenges facing Cildania ahead. That is why I have decided to hand in my resignation so that a new leader can be chosen”.

Rather than having Prime Minister Namur make a public speech the PLR simply released a statement advising of the Prime Minister’s resignation & announcing that internal elections would be held in due course.

Early contenders for the party’s leadership have been reported to include Mrs. Galdes-Bajada and Mattew Levanzin, a member of the party’s democratic socialist faction.

Il-Gazzetta Radikali is property of Grupp Gazzetta, a private limited company.

---

Originally posted by RadicalGeo on 14 Jul 2023.

[Wu Han]

Chaos! Government Collapses Again!
8 March 5332

In yet another twist in Cildania's long-running political chaos, it appears that the Namur government has collapsed after the PLR voted to abandon the governing coalition in favour of a proposal incorporating the Alliance of Cildania (AgK) instead of One Flag (BW). The AgK proposed the 'emergency government', stating that One Flag is a 'known anti-Yeudi party' and that their alternative proposal would be more capable of tackling anti-Yeudi hatred and terrorism in particular. This was slammed by Foreign Affairs Minister and former PM Alec Benaglia, who accused the AgK of being mafioso puppets of Beiteynu. It comes just weeks after the government seemingly united to push for stronger measures against disorder, using the military to back up the civilian police.

In retaliation, One Flag has submitted a proposal for early elections which looks likely to succeed as the PLR have made yet another u-turn to support a snap vote. The Constitutionalist too are seemingly voting both for early elections and for the 'emergency government'. With the GtP opposing both proposals, the country's politics is seemingly more fragmented than ever. The hatred between the major personalities in all parties, as well as rampant accusations of foreign interference, corruption and bigotry mean this may well be the most consequential election yet for Cildania's young democracy. With both Franġisku Namur and Yan Despott stepping down as party leaders, this has the makings of either a 'change election' or another step into indefinite confusion and division.

Right Now News is an online news aggregator focusing on current events. It is targeted toward younger Cildanians.

---

Originally posted by Pragma on 14 Jul 2023.

[Wu Han]

Guiliano Alagona’s plea to Cildanians: “vote for justice and order”
13 March 5332

Ahead of early elections next month, former Prime Minister Guiliano Alagona has told Cildanians to “vote for justice and order”. At a party event in the capital, Alagona told a crowd of supporters that the country’s political instability was the result of “backroom deals and treachery”. In an unusually pointed remark, he accused Redentur Piscopo and People’s Choice of “pulling the rug” on the previous government.

Earlier this month, the governing coalition collapsed after criticism over their handling of anti-Yeudi violence. In the wake of the Sacred Follower Erial Synagogue terrorist attack, the government had proposed sending military personnel into sacred Yeudi religious sites across the country. Opposition politicians have condemned the measures as draconian. The controversy culminated in the resignation of Franġisku Namur as the leader of the Radical Labour Party.

The upcoming elections have the potential to define Cildania’s political destiny. As a result, the political atmosphere is heated. Guiliano Alagona has been active on the campaign trail alongside other senior figures in Alagona Faction. The former Prime Minister has made several appearances alongside Constitutionalist Party leader Sigismondo Falzon. The two men hope to demonstrate the stability offered by their political coalition the Alliance for Cildania.

L-ewwel24 is a television news channel and online news website owned and operated by the Alagona Group.
User avatar

---

Originally posted by Jamescfm on 15 Jul 2023.

[Wu Han]

Mattew Levanzin to become PLR leader in aftermath of disastrous election result

Qart Qildar, Cildania - In the aftermath of a crushing election defeat the 47 remaining PLR deputies have chosen Mattew Levanzin to serve as the party’s new leader. The party must now regain the faith of the electorate if it wishes to become the face of the Cildanian left once again.

The party had originally intended to hold a poll of its members to determine who they wished to serve as their next leader, however, Mr. Levanzin received the endorsement of 34 of his PLR colleagues in the Council. This prompted his nearest challenger, Edera Galdes-Bajada, to withdraw from the race. Galdes-Bajada has now been chosen to serve as the party’s next Deputy Leader, ensuring that the more moderate factions will retain a voice.

Mr. Levanzin, whilst not often critcising the leadership of Franġisku Namur , is known to be much further to the left on a range of issues than his predecessor. It is expected that under him the party could see a dramatic re-alignment compared to the policies it has followed in recent years as it looks to restore its popularity among voters.

In a speech at the party’s headquarters in Qart Qildar, Levanzin thanked his colleagues for their support and said that “our focus must now be on returning the Radical Labour Party firmly to the left, to become the leading voice for essential services to be ran for the people and not for profit, to create an economy where there are fair wages and a society where everyone is equal and poverty is wiped out”.

The PLR’s new leader also announced that the party would be setting up an internal inquiry into the disastrous election result and how it can look to improve dramatically going forward.

Il-Gazzetta Radikali is property of Grupp Gazzetta, a private limited company.

---

Originally posted by RadicalGeo on 15 Jul 2023.

[Wu Han]

Alec Benaglia dies after brief illness aged 77
17 June 5332

The former Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister died at his home in Sur municipality, Aqildar.

---

Alec Benaglia has died at the age of 77 at his secondary residence in the municipality of Sur, 20km from the capital. His death comes after a brief illness that appeared just before the election, which had caused him to stand down as a deputy and give his spot on One Flag's electoral list to another. Despite his advanced age, up until the last year Benaglia was known to be in good health. He was an active member of the Council of Deputies tennis club and had recently celebrated his 55th wedding anniversary to his wife Marija Benaglia. Mrs Benaglia released a statement confirming the news and saying that they had been 'madly in love' the whole five-and-a-half decades.

The former PM's death has shocked many close associates and led to a tributes from across the political spectrum. One Flag leader Margerita Giudice called him a 'great friend' and said he would be 'dearly missed'. Yan Despott, who worked alongside Benaglia for over a decade, said he was 'shocked' by Benaglia's death and asked supporters to pray for his family. One Flag has announced that a painting of Benaglia will be portrayed prominently at the party's headquarters as a mark of respect.

Benaglia was chosen as leader of an all-party coalition after the restoration of Cildania's democracy. He was the first PM in Cildania's modern multi-party democratic history. As Prime Minister, he oversaw rapid constitutional change including the end of the old monarchy and the instatement of Ġakbu Maria as Grand Prince. He was a stalwart against corruption and a former prosecutor who took down several organised crime bosses in southern Aqildar during the tumultuous period before democracy was restored. His feud with fellow One Flag founder Denzilee Depares culminated with the later's sacking as a minister. Other achievements under his premiership include the changing of the national flag, significant agriculture and ecological devolution, the Regulating Nobility Act of 5323, the reduction of the legislature to 300 seats, the creation of public radio and TV and the formal recognition of climate change by the government.

Benaglia's passing has also had an effect on the supposed 'B-innom' conspiracy theory, started by far-right conspiracist Lażżru Alessi, which postulates that Alec Benaglia was working from the inside of the Cildanian government to expose and combat Beiteynuese interference. Benaglia's passing, therefore, has caused shock and fury among its true believers who are now suggesting that Benaglia was poisoned. B-innom, short for 'Benaglia innominate', has attracted a small group of followers who believe Beiteynu pays the Order of Saint Sebastian to attack Yeudis so they can excuse a future Beiteynuese invasion of Cildania.

---

Il Bandiera Indipendenti is a political and current affairs newspaper aligned with the Bandiera Waħda movement in Cildania. It has a religious, conservative and pro-Hebilean editorial stance.

---

Originally posted by Pragma on 15 Jul 2023.