Austerain Intl Times- GLADSTONE WINS, AUSTERAIN VOTE ON SLU

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Austerain International Times

CHANCELLOR ASHER CEASES ISOLATION

Today in a press conference at the Palace of Auster, Grand Chancellor Giorgio Asher announced an end to the isolationist foreign policy by opening trade and communication to the rest of the Social Liberal Union and the world of NationStates.

"For too long, our nation has remained in solitude from the rest of the world, still reeling from the conflicts hundreds of years ago when our ancestors first arrived to this island nation to escape from authoritarianism and tyranny. Since then, this country has become a powerhouse in the civil rights and political freedoms that we hold dear to our principles. 

Today I announce that we shall open trade and travel to build new regional and international partnerships in order to stimulate our economy and promote our values overseas. We shall open our closed borders for open immigration so to bring in new ideas, cultures, and technologies that will benefit us. I will request funding and new legislation from the National Congress in order to regulate this new approach in domestic and foreign policy. My Ministers and I shall reach out to esteemed fellow liberal nations in the region to open dialogue for free travel and free trade."

This marks a historic change since the Liberal Party took power last week. Many countries in the region have never heard of the Federal Republic of Austerain, but Asher's new initiative will ensure that Austerain's principles, technologies, goods, people, and culture become a new asset to the region and its growth. 

In light of the new initiative, the Austerain Times has open up a new branch called the Austerain International Times to bring news from Austerain to nations around the Social Liberal Union.

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Austerain International Times

NATIONAL CONGRESS PASSES LEGISLATION

After Grand Chancellor Asher's announcement yesterday to open trade and travel with other nations in the Social Liberal Union, the Omnibus Trade Initiative Act was quickly passed by Grand Senate and House of Delegates, ratified by the House of Governors, and signed into law by the Grand Chancellor this afternoon. This legislation enacts the following:

- Authorization of companies and private citizens to buy and sell products and services with companies and citizens overseas
- Expansion of the Austerain Stock Exchange to the international market
- Authorization of citizens to travel to other nations by sea or air; allows airline companies, shipping companies, and ferry services to expand to other countries
- Creates new immigration policy. In order to become a new citizen, an immigrant must pass a citizenship test and recite an oath to defend and agree to the principles of the Constitutional Accord and National Charter. Work and student visas are available. Tourists may travel to Austerain without a travel visa but must pass through standard security checks at sea ports and airports
- Creation of the Austerain State Department to oversee foreign policy and trade under the Grand Chancellor
- Restricts companies from holding taxable profits overseas and prevents foreign companies from holding foreign taxable profits in Austerain.
- Requires companies from Austerain and abroad to provide sustainable wages for workers; enacts higher corporate taxes for Austerain companies that have production and manufactoring jobs overseas
- Enacts diplomatic immunity for ambassadors from other nations and allows for the construction of embassies and consulates in the national capital cities and provincial capital cities.
- Creates an intelligence agency to ensure that there are no threats from overseas or from travellers within the country
- Allows foreign travellers and expats access to the country's national healthcare service for life-threatening or dire illnesses, including for prescription drugs
- Restricts the government from building diplomatic ties, trade, and travel with countries that have authoritarian leaders such as monarchs and dictators.
- Authorizes the military to build a missile defense system around the island nation to prevent threats
- Restricts the military from building bases overseas and restricts foreign governments from building military bases in the country except by mutual agreement for the use of the base
- Allows the military to create a navy and  air force that will protect the interests and security of Austerain and its allies and neighbors for defense purposes only
- Creates a national patent system and recognizes copyrights, rights, and patents of other nations
- Allows for extradition of criminals

This legislation has had support from multiple parties. Senator Nicolò Piloni (Majority Leader in the Grand Senate) hailed the passage of this legislation as an "important milestone", and House of Delegates Minority Opposition Leader Nancy Youngblood said that she looks forward to the growth of "Austerain's foreign prominence in the years to come".

Only one legislator voted against the OTIA. Conservative Royalist Party Leader Christiana Polacco expressed concern over national security over allowing a path of immigration and free travel and sovereignty of Austerain in its new free trade agreements and diplomatic ties with the Social Liberal Union.

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Austerain International Times

EMBASSY CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY

Austerain State Department Spokesman David Finrir announced today that three embassies and official ambassadors' residences were under construction in the capital city of Austraton's new embassy district,

"Chancellor Giorgio Asher, Secretary of State Dimitri Sinclair, and the whole State Department is proud to announce the construction of new embassy buildings and diplomatic residences in the Jameson Embassy District north of historic Austramere. This means the potential establishment of ties with nations such as Mons Garle, Avaerilon, and Anaaxes and the strengthening of Austerain's rising international prominence on the world stage. Chancellor Asher will be seeking an additional $300 million dollars for the State Department budget in order to promote our diplomatic relationships and the logistics that come with it..."

Far right wing legislator Delegate Christiana Polacco of the Conservative Royalist Party said to reporters outside her constituency office today that the Grand Chancellor's funding request was "absurd" and that Austeren taxpayers "should not foot the bill for buildings owned by invasive foreign governments". As she left her office, she was egged by a flurry of protesters camped outside the building. Strasguard's local police department still hasn't arrived to dismiss the protesters despite repeated requests from Ms. Polacco's office staff.

Despite the vocal minority opposition, legislators in the Liberal Party and Progressive Conservative Party have expressed that they "would be more than happy to grant more funding towards the betterment of Austerain's diplomatic relationships and economy".

When asked for a response about Delegate Polacco's comments today, Chancellor Asher simply smirked and answered with a simple "No."

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Austerain International Times

AUSTERAIN PREPS FOR Z-DAY

Grand Chancellor Giorgio Asher called for an emergency joint session of the National Congress to announce the government's initiative for the zombie apocalypse, colloquially known as Z-Day.

"The State Department has been receiving troubling reports from NationStates Supreme Leader Max Berry office that ' latest tests are showing a definite uptick in post-mortem movement by corpses', according to research by the WA World Health Authority, and that a zombie disease will begin to spread in less than 24 hours. In lieu of these reports, my Government is announcing $3 billion in funds towards research in advance research for a cure as well as seed banks to preserve our supply just in case; and the State Department will work with our allies around the Social Liberal Union to research and cure our populations.
In the meantime, I am ordering all members of the National Congress, my Cabinet, High Court Justices, and your immediate families to report to an underground facility at a publicly undisclosed location in the Andorian Mountain Range. All members are to report to Austraton International Airport for transport. I cannot stress enough that a functioning government is absolutely essential during this time. All amenities and communications are available in the facility. Failure to report may endanger your own lives and the functioning of the Federal Government.
All citizens of Austerain are recommended to stock up on food and other necessities, and to take shelter and not leave your homes until further notice. The government will continue to work and strive to make sure that all of our people make it through this safely and minimal impact on our lives. God bless the Federal Republic of Austerain and may he be with us during these troubling times."

Far right wing Delegate Christiana Polacco is refusing to take heed to the Chancellor's warnings, claiming that Z-Day is a "hoax invented by the Maxtopians and World Order to keep Austerain distracted from the real issues" and that Asher is a "libtard trying to scare the people".

Meanwhile, federal government officials and select members of the press are now being transported to an underground bunker in the Andorian Mountains in the western coast of the midwestern province of Worcester. Grocery markets are having a difficulty keeping up with consumer expectations and demand for produce and emergency supplies as they rush to the stores. The authorities have temporarily closed the borders of Austerain by shutting down airports and ferry ports. The Austerain Naval Force has established a blockade perimeter around the waters of Austerain keeping ships from entering, and the Austerain Air Force has jets in the skies above the country and surrounding waters diverting flights to nearby islands north of Austerain.

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Austerain International Times

AUSTERAIN SURVIVES APOCALYPSE, RIGHT WING POLITICIAN DISGRACED

This morning, the aircraft carrying 83 members of the National Congress, the Grand Chancellor and his Cabinet, and the 6 Justices from the High Court returned to Austraton International Airport and the group was transported via motorcade to the Palace of Auster (seat of the National Government). On the steps of the grand building, Chancellor Asher faced the press and the crowds with a beaming smile,

"Good people of Austerain,

We are proud to announce that our great nation had absolutely no casualties from Z-day! At the peak of the pandemic, we had about 4 million zombies, who were all cured by cure missiles from SLU allies. We thank our friends around SLU for their assistance during these trying times.

The Austerain Institute of Disease Control (IDC) has obtained samples of the pathogens of the diseased and they are currently studying the pathogen to have a better understanding of its origins and how to combat it. During Z-day, our scientists created a cure and found a way to miniaturize them on a missile to aid our allies in return. We are all grateful for the ingenuity of our bright minds; they will be recognized this evening for their service to their country in a medal ceremony and gala dinner, where all citizens are invited.

In times of adversity, we must be prepared to face what meets us and remain strong together against the tribulations of the times. God bless the Federal Republic of Austerain."

It has been reported that Delegate Christiana Polacco from Strasguard, a far right wing legislator who remained at home after accusing Asher of being "a libtard trying to scare the people" and that "Z-day is a hoax invented by the Maxtopians and the One World Order", was one of those infected into a zombie before a cure missile struck. She is recovering in Strasguard Medical Center. Outside of the hospital, protesters are gathering from around her district pressuring her to resign from office for denying the facts and influencing people to endangerment.

Edward Hall of Sardinia (Liberal Majority Leader in the House of Delegates) and House of Delegates Progressive Conservative Minority Leader Nancy Youngblood of Danford have joined in the calls for her resignation and a public letter of apology. The Grand Chancellor's spokesman refused to give the Chancellor's opinion on Polacco, wishing her the best.

As for the Austeren economy, economists at the Worcester Economic Institute are saying that the economy has lost $15 billion in revenue over the last 2 days and the currency has devalued by .5%. Public Policy Professor François Dejonge stated that it will take a couple days for the economy to recover from Z-day, but it should begin gaining ground tomorrow morning. Before the apocalypse, demand on survival gear, firearms, and resources increased by 149%, in which stores were unable to keep up with demand with stocked shelves.

The Austerain Disaster Recovery Agency (DRA) and Department of Infrastructure estimate around $780 million in damages to infrastructure and private shops, much less than the expected $2.4 billion. The government financial agencies are working with insurance companies and contractors to repair private businesses and homes, as well as public facilities and services.

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Austerain International Times

DISGRACED RIGHT WING CONGRESSWOMAN RESIGNS

Disgraced Congresswoman Christiana Polacco, Delegate of Strasguard, has resigned from the National Congress effective immediately. Mrs. Polacco, who made headlines earlier this week after calling the Grand Chancellor a "libtard" and claiming that Z-day was a hoax, was released from the hospital today after recovering from the effects of a cure missile. Outside of the hospital, the pallor Mrs. Polacco expressed her "deepest regrets" for her words and concluded that she would "resign as soon as possible". Upon the announcement, crowds that had been outside the hospital protesting for days cheered in joy.

Grand Chancellor Asher's spokesman gave a short statement to the press corps today that the Chancellor "wishes Congresswoman Polacco the best in the future". Sources close to Mrs. Polacco assert that she will return to her family farm away from the public eye and "happily grow and sell potatoes".

With Mrs. Polacco's resignation, special elections have been triggered in the congressional district of Strasguard, capital city of the Province of Auradon. The three local chapters of each party have announced their candidates already. The Liberals have Mrs. Danielle Housand as their candidate, the Progressive Conservatives have Mrs. Mary Vandercraft as their candidate, and Polacco's Conservative Royalists have Mr. Nigel McCarthy as their candidate.

Liberal Party candidate Danielle Housand has previously served as Mayor of Strasguard and Secretary of Labor under Asher's predecessor Chancellor Quincy Puccini, and was instrumental in Asher's new anti-isolation foreign policy initiative as a key planner.

Progressive Conservative Party candidate Mary Vandercraft has served as District 5 Councilwoman of Strasguard and the daughter of wealthy natural gas baron Jamison B. Vandercraft. She was a strong supporter of Asher's new foreign policy initiative and has been lobbying the Federal government to subsidize the natural gas industries and ease regulations on exporting natural gas.

Conservative Royalist candidate Nigel McCarthy was an advisor to Mrs. Polacco and Chairman of the Auradon Conservative Royalist Party Committee for 5 years. Known for his bombastic personality, he has previously gained national attention when he accused then-candidate Giorgio Asher of being a "spy sent by foreign communists to destroy this country". He has been vocal against the Chancellor's new initiative, asserting that he was "right all along as Asher begins the countdown towards foreign takeover".

The Province of Auradon is the only province where the Conservative Royalists still have a strong base of supporters, primarily in the villages of the rural regions. However, the city of Strasguard has become increasingly diverse and the support for the Liberal anti-isolation foreign policy initiative is very strong here due to the hundreds of new jobs created at the Port of Strasguard and local industries. Pollsters are predicting a victory for the Liberal Party's Danielle Housand. If the Conservative Royalists lose the seat, they will have only three seats in the national House of Delegates in Congress, but they still have elected officials in the Auradon Provincial Assembly, the Strasguard City Council, and the mayorships of rural villages

Local election polling stations will open 6 November and the victor will be announced the next day.

The last time the Conservative Royalist Party held a majority of the National Congress and the Chancellery was from 1905-1910, when the Royalist Movement was revived for the reinstatement of the monarchy after many failed Chancellors had destroyed the national economy.

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Austerain International Times

BILL TO ABOLISH RELIGIOUS TAX EXEMPTIONS PASSED

The National Congress of the Federal Republic of Austerain has passed a controversial new bill known as the "Tax on Faith Bill" to the Grand Chancellor's desk for signing. This bill, if passed, will cease tax exemptions on religious organizations and places of worship that make $50,000 or more a year in profit after necessary bills (if those profits are not donated to charitable causes).

The tax revenue from this new law will be expected to bring in $750 million or more for the National Government and will allow provinces to pass their own tax policies for them as well.

Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Labor Robert Wendell stated in an interview that he would like to see this tax revenue directed towards social programs that will serve as "reinvestment back into our people and small businesses in order to further stimulate the growth of the national economy". He hailed this new bill as "the answer to the problem of stingy religious organizations that take in more than what they contribute to their communities".

Not everyone is happy with this legislation. Bishop John Gregory Wentworth of the Hyacinth Diocese, an official in the Conservative Royalist Party, blasted the bill as "an attack on the Christian churches" and claimed that the churches give salvation to their communities, which "does more good than paying taxes will ever give". Bishop Wentworth has called for a prayer vigil at his country seaside estate to call for deliverance from the "tyranny of government tax collectors" and "atheist libtard politicians".

Grand Senator Minority Party Leader Daniel Arzano of South Worcester (Progressive Conservative Party), author of the bill and a devout Christian himself, dismissed the Bishop's claims as baseless "based on the fact that this legislation applies to all religious institutions and that their leaders are able to hoard tithes and offerings for themselves to shamelessly buy extravagant estates as Bishop Wentworth the Hypocrite has".

Grand Chancellor Giorgio Asher is expected to sign the bill this evening into law, with senior politicians and leaders of all religious factions attending the ceremonial signing in the Great Hall of the Palace of Auster.

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Austerain International Times

CAPITAL CITY ROCKED BY QUAKE

Last night at approximately 11:45 AM, the City of Austraton was rocked by a 7.4 earthquake with its epicenter just northeast of the city shores. Since the shake, there have been reports of damaged homes, collapsed residential buildings, downed street lights and power lines, and gaping sinkholes concentrated in the northeastern suburbs and northeast central commercial districts. Austraton Police Department spokesman Lt. Harvey Fitzpatrick stated that there has been mass looting around the city and has urged citizens to remain calm as law officials reach out to assist communities.

In central Austraton, many of the statues on and around the Palace of Auster (seat of the Grand Chancellor and National Congress) have been damaged or partially collapsed, as well as several national monuments and historic landmarks around the city. Grand Chancellor Giorgio Asher is said to have been "shaken to his core" by the quake, but Asher and his family are safe. No members of Congress were reportedly in the complex at the time, since all chambers are currently in recess to their constituencies and districts for the holidays. The Grand Chancellor will have a press conference tomorrow to express his sympathies with victims and offer emergency assistance from the National Government for food, water, and proper shelter as well as insurance for losses for those without private emergency insurance.

The city's underground subways and rail systems have been closed by the City Transportation Board until further notice for inspections and maintenence. Flights to Austraton International Airport have been redirected to municipal airports and military airstrips outside of the City of Austraton; departing flights have been cancelled until further notice, leaving many stranded passengers in the concourse terminals.

Aftershocks continue to stir the city and surrounding areas. Damages and economic losses of the city are reportedly at least $300 million so far and continue to climb. The Austerain Geologic Institute says that no significant tsunami is expected to make landfall, but the sea level will rise by three feet for the next few days. Suburbs and commercial districts affected by the quake will be evacuated until safety inspections can be made.

The Governor of the Province of Austra has declared a state of emergency for Austraton and surrounding areas, and has ordered a temporary curfew with the Provincial Guard mobilized at the authorization of Chancellor Asher.

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Austerain International Times

UPDATE ON IRISH-WELSH VISIT

A state summit has been underway- President Ted Edwards and Secretary Brandon Cox from the Federal Republic of New Ireland and Wales are visiting to negotiate a free trade/immigration agreement and a mutual military-intelligence agreement with Chancellor Giorgio Asher and his Cabinet Secretaries at the Palace of Auster.

President Edwards is the first foreign head of state to visit Austerain since the monarchy was still around and since the Asher Administration opened up ties. This visit also marks the first time a New Irish and Welsh leader has met a foreign leader since 1985, according to their Foreign Affairs and Trade Department website.

The Chancellor's spokesperson Greg Earnest gave an update on the progress of the meeting between the Cabinet and foreign dignitaries.

"The meeting has been productive so far. So far, they have discussed economic and trade ties, the markets, financial services, and growth and protection of jobs. There are talks of a possible merge between the Austeren and New Irish and Welsh Stock Exchanges in order to ease regulations without undermining essential regulations, but I stress that this is only something that was discussed and may be included in one of two versions of the agreement bill. They are now discussing immigration and full faith and credit of legal documents, and will discuss military cooperation and intelligence sharing tomorrow before the President addresses a joint session of the National Congress."

Sources close and familiar with the meeting have mentioned that Vice Chancellor Sarah Versace stormed out of the meeting, possibly upset about the hiring of Christiana Polacco as Domestic Affairs Secretary in the Edwards Administration in New Ireland and Wales, who infamously called Asher a libtard, denied Z-day as a hoax, and resigned in disgrace as Delegate after falling victim to the deadly pathogen. The Vice Chancellor's office offered no comment except to say that she had to meet with Senate Minority Opposition Leader Daniel Arzano, Progressive Conservative Grand Senator for South Worcester, that morning about the speech preparations.

Political analysts are speculating that the situation with Mrs. Polacco as New Ireland and Wales' Domestic Affairs Secretary will strain relations between Chancellor Asher and President Edwards, and see her as political dynamite to the new relationship bridged between the two countries. Protesters have been gathering outside the gates of the Palace of Auster to protest the visit and Polacco's place in the visiting administration, holding signs that say "NEOLIBERALS GO HOME", "POLACCO THE TRAITOR", and "STOP HARBORING FASCIST SCUM".

The Chancellor's spokesman rebukes claims of tension between the two heads of state due to the situation, affirming that the gentlemen have "mutual understanding of their internal political processes" and that Asher reaffirms his policy of his "lack of the right to criticize another leader's sovereign appointments".

After the speech to the joint session of Congress by President Edwards, they will proceed to the cities of Sardinia and Pinth for tours, a town hall, and a final joint press conference.

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Austerain International Times

GOVERNOR UNDER FIRE FOR OKAYING OIL EXTRACTION AND PIPELINE

Governor Roy Perry of the Province of Auradon is under fire today after approving a request by EnergyPro Corp to drill for oil in the central tropical rainforests of Auradon. The Progressive Conservative government vowed this term to allow for more companies to tap the region's "potential wealth" and argues that oil drilling and the construction of pipelines to different cities of Auradon will be good for "jobs, investment, and tax revenue".

Not all governors are happy. Progressive Conservative Governor Gregory Williams of Ericsson, just south of Auradon, attacked Perry for "undermining Progressive Conservative environmental values" and has promised to block any construction of petroleum pipelines from Auradon to Ericsson and has committed his provincial government to invest heavily in clean energy subsidies and infrastructure.

Liberal Governor Andrea Bellevue of Worcester (bordering Auradon to the north) said that Governor Perry is "ignoring the potential of technology and economic benefit of green industry" and has called for the national government to step in.

"The Grand Chancellor should either step in to protect the tropical forests and its inhabitants against the greed of human industry or have the national Energy Department expand and enforce federal regulation," Bellevue said in a press conference today,
"Perry's kowtow to oil barons not only affect the welfare of Auradon's own citizens and environment, but they will affect the progress of the country as a whole. I will be lobbying a bipartisan bill to the Grand Senate alongside Governor Williams to block Governor Perry's approval for drilling and pipelines and any future approvals for this, and to follow Williams' example by investing federal funding into clean energy infrastructure and subsidies nationwide."

Grand Chancellor Giorgio Asher, who served as Governor, a Grand Senator, and a Delegate in Ericsson himself, is expected to make a statement on the situation when he visits Pinth in Worcester this week with visiting President Ted Edwards and Secretary Brandon Cox of New Ireland and Wales, where they will also meet Governor Bellevue at the Worcester Provincial Capital Building, Fort Andrews, and the University of Pinth. The Chancellor's office is at this time silent on the matter.

The hashtag "#DestroyRoy" is trending on Twitter by many users who want to see Governor Roy Perry recalled, including several Senators and Delegates around the country.

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Austerain International Times

VISITING PRESIDENT EDWARDS DENOUNCES OIL PIPELINES, AGREEMENT SIGNED

President 'Ted' Edwards today addressed a joint session of the National Congress before signing the first bilateral trade agreement in both nations' histories. He spoke movingly about the tumultuous history of New Ireland and Wales' progress and the personal experiences and struggles that he faced before becoming President, as well as the progress made during his own term,

"In 1975 a bloody revolution began in our nation. This was not long after the death of Chairman Eamon Gallagher who ruled the nation from 1932-1974 as Chairman of the Central Military Operations Committee. Chairman Gallagher while a horrible man who killed those who strongly opposed him was perhaps one of the most moderate Chairmen of the Military Republic. His successor was not so moderate but was weak. I fought in this revolution. I fought to see the restoration of free elections in my nation, I fought to see freedom flow across the nation as my Great Grandfather used to tell me as a young boy. We succeeded in this fight and brought down the military republic after over 60 years in power. But my fight was not yet over. The people of our nation fearing an all powerful government established a confederate type of system. Of course the provinces had way more power than the national government. In my home province of Leinster I served as a provincial legislature where my strong opposition to the Governor landed me in jail for 13 months. Things like this kept happening and it became obvious we needed to change how our government operated..."

President Edwards didn't hold back on the importance of government's service to the people. Speaking of big oil companies and his time as Governor of Leinster (a province in New Ireland), he spoke out against placing people's lives and the environment in danger,

"As Governor I did not make any fans of the big companies. Especially the big oil companies. They still aren't friends of mine to this day. As Governor I blocked over 30 pipelines from being built. I recognize the need for economic growth and development but I knew and still know to this day that does not mean you put people's lives and the environment at risk..."

Many around the room were visibly amused at this reference believed to be directed towards the recent actions of Governor Roy Perry of the Province of Auradon here in Austerain, in which he approved an oil firm's request to drill in an Auradonian rain forest and build pipelines around his province. Governor Perry, who was visibly flustered by the attack, left the room immediately after the speech was over and told members of the press to "f*** off" when asked about it on his way out.

Conservative Royalists, who opposed the agreement, are taking the President's pointed attacks as a warning of further foreign intervention into Austerain's sovereignty.

"This is clearly an attack on Auradon's sovereignty," says CR Delegate Drake Jackson of Andromeda, Auradon, "Auradon will not be bullied into submission by any globalist libtards, foreign or domestic."

Liberal Senator Piloni of Eastern Auradon, Senate Majority Leader, has hailed the agreement as "the start of a new era for Austerain" and that the President's remarks "needed to be said".

With the signing of this new agreement, all that is needed now is passage through the Parliament of New Ireland and Wales for free trade, travel, and military correspondence. As the first Irish and Welsh leader to visit a foreign country and sign such an agreement, President Edwards along with Chancellor Asher has made history that will resonate across SLU.

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Austerain International Times

AURADON PROVINCE REPRESENTATIVE BEGINS RECALL ON GOVERNOR PERRY

STRASGUARD, AURADON-- On the steps of the Auradon Capitol Building today, Mr. Jeff Norton, Liberal District 2 Representative to Auradon's Provincial Assembly, announced that he has proposed to begin proceedings to hold a Recall Referendum against Auradon's Governor Roy Perry.

Governor Perry recently came under a firestorm around Austerain and abroad after he gave approval for an energy company to drill for oil in protected rain forests in Auradon, and building pipelines around the Province, even drawing criticism from the visiting President of New Ireland and Wales in a major speech to the National Congress in front of the humiliated Perry.

"The people of Auradon have the right to bring their Governor under strict scrutiny," said Province Representative Norton, "Not only has he given approval to drill for dirty energy, but he has given his approval to endanger the property rights of land owners who will have their land taken from them to make way for these pipelines, to endanger the protected environment and the lives of our children in the future, and his approval for big oil companies to destroy this beautiful province. It just so happens that Governor Perry holds 20% stake in EnergyPro Corp, which presents a conflict of interest. Auradon deserves a Governor with his citizens as his employer, not the big companies as his employer."

There is speculation that Jeff Norton may run for Governor himself if the Assembly approves the measure and if Perry is officially removed by referendum.

Although Perry's Progressive Conservatives hold majority in the Auradon Provincial Assembly, he has received criticism from his own party for his conflict of interest. It's likely that the Assembly will approve the measure, though it is unclear on whether Auradonians will vote to remove him. The Liberal Party is "confident" that "the right choice to remove Perry from office will be made" and that it looks forward to snap elections if the measure succeeds.

Governor Perry's and Chancellor Asher's offices declined to comment.

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Austerain International Times

ESPIONAGE SCANDAL ROCKS AUSTERAIN

Today, the Irish-Welsh times reported that New Ireland and Wales' eight intelligence agencies spied on government officials around the region and the world, including Grand Chancellor Giorgio Asher. This shocking announcement comes after the conclusion of an investigation into their intelligence agencies ordered by President Ted Edwards of New Ireland and Wales. It is reported that intelligence operatives gathered thousands of emails, texts, and phone call logs, and placed operatives within the Grand Chancellor's inner circle, including his top aide and foreign policy advisor Jeremy Jindal.

The Chancellor's spokesperson Greg Earnest stated that the Grand Chancellor and President will hold an early press conference in Sardinia, cancelling their tour of the historic city.

Meanwhile, Grand Senator Piloni of Eastern Auradon told a reporter today that the accounts were "disturbing" and that "there has to be consequences without jeopardizing our ties to New Ireland and Wales."

CR Delegate Drake Jackson called the accounts "appalling" and called the Chancellor's judgement into question.

"If the Chancellor's closest aides and advisors were operatives from New Ireland and Wales, is it possible that he was influenced by a foreign power to transform our foreign policy? This just proves that the globalist agenda has infiltrated our government and that opening ties was a grave mistake!" Delegate Jackson declared.

Progressive Conservative and Liberal Senators are now debating a bill to sanction the former President of New Ireland and Wales George Frank and several Irish and Welsh intelligence directors. One PC Senator even proposed an alternative bill to repeal the Omnibus Trade Initiative Act and impose sanctions against past, current, and future Presidents of New Ireland and Wales, but it was voted down in the Senate Committee of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Austeren Bureau of Investigation agents were seen at the Palace of Auster to arrest some of the Chancellor's aides that were involved, including Jeremy Jindal. ABI agents were also seen raiding several suburban homes and apartments around Austraton that belonged to these officials. It is believed that Irish and Welsh agencies recruited both their own people and Austerens for intelligence gathering, but it isn't clear whether the Justice Department will deport the foreign spies or charge them here with espionage.

Back at New Ireland and Wales, there has been outrage as well. Irish-Welsh Times reports that their Senate is planning to fast-track intelligence reform legislation, and that the House of Representatives is beginning proceedings to remove all directors involved. Irish and Welsh spokesperson Nathan Shatter emphasized that they "want to let the world know that this government does not condone these activities and strongly condemns them."

Vice Chancellor Versace broke from the rest of the Asher Administration and said that "these revelations only call into question whether or not we can trust New Ireland and Wales in joint intelligence operations, especially after they knowingly gave someone who has ridiculed the Grand Chancellor a position of executive power and on the verge of electing her as a Governor of one of their provinces."

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Austerain International Times

GRAND SENATE PASSES SANCTIONS AGAINST NIW EX PRESIDENT, INTEL CHIEFS

This evening, the Grand Senate voted to impose economic and travel sanctions against former President of NIW George Frank and all NIW intelligence directors.

The bill to impose these sanctions was proposed by Progressive Conservative Senator Larry Russell of Eastern Ericsson and received bipartisan support from the Liberal Party and its Majority Leader Senator Nicolò Diloni of Eastern Auradon. The bill passed 15-3 with 1 Liberal opposed and 2 Progressive Conservatives opposed.

The support for this sanctions bill was stagnant under Vice Chancellor Versace voiced her support for it in a short statement to the press in the Palace of Auster.

"I solemnly urge support for Senator Russell's sanctions bill against those abroad that wish to undermine our sovereignty. This is only the first step. I will speak to Chancellor Asher this evening to urge him to establish harsher retribution against political leaders in New Ireland and Wales that supported this espionage against us and who would like nothing better than to see us fall.

The House of Delegates approved a unanimous resolution to support the legislation (60-0), so the bill will pass on to the House of Governors for official confirmation. Once confirmed, the bill will pass on to the Grand Chancellor's desk for ratification. It is unclear whether or not he will sign it.

Meanwhile, there is talk around Austraton that factions of Congress are allying with one another to pass another bill to impose the same sanctions against Christiana Polacco, former Delegate for Strasguard and President Edwards' Domestic Affairs Secretary, who won the gubernatorial election in North Wales; and to amend the agreement to limit free travel to deter further espionage.

In a press conference at Hyacinth's Provincial Capitol Building with Chancellor Asher, President Edwards expressed is apologies to the Austeren people and acknowledged the breach of trust that has been suddenly wedged between Austerain and the NIW.

The Austeren Justice Department is deporting the NIW citizens involved to NIW DOJ authorities, where information will be extracted and shared with Austeren intelligence. Protesters have gathered outside of the Palace of Auster demanding the foreign perpetrators to be charged with espionage in Austerain instead, chanting "DOWN WITH THE IRISH", "HANG THE SPIES", and "RESIGN".

Meanwhile, attention is shifting to Chancellor Asher, Secretary of Law and Justice Stephen O'Brennen, Secretary of Domestic Security Barbara Rogers, and Secretary of Defense Julia Warner as to how foreign intelligence agencies were able to deeply penetrate the upper echelons of the Austeren government. Secretary O'Brennan is promising a "full and complete investigation" on the situation as it appears that it has caused a divide among the Cabinet, notably between Chancellor Asher and outspoken Vice Chancellor Versace. Sources close to Secretary Rogers state that she wants to urge the Chancellor to dissolve the agreement with NIW and completely cut off ties with President Edwards. The Chancellor's spokesperson Greg Earnest, when asked about Rogers' alleged statement and the divide, said that "it's not going to happen" and that the allegation is "completely false".

"The situation is being handled in an organized manner," Earnest objected, "As Edwards gets his house in order, let's not make up inflammatory allegations to stoke the fire. Vice Chancellor Versace is entitled to voice her concerns to the public but her concerns should not be mistaken for rebellion against the Chancellor."

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Austerain International Times

SANCTIONS CONFIRMED, PROTESTS GROW

The House of Governors confirmed unanimously the Senate resolution SR-34 to impose travel and business sanctions against NIW intelligence directors and former President George Edwards, and included a clause to subject Governor Christiana Polacco of North Wales under this travel and business ban.

The Grand Chancellor Giorgio Asher tweeted that he would sign the resolution bill for ratification and that "this is as far as [he] will allow for sanctions" and that he will "veto any bill that bars current NIW officials and the current [President] Edwards".

There are now Delegates that are pushing for a ban against all NIW officials past and present and a dissolution of the agreement. CR Delegate Drake Jackson has proposed a bill to overturn the agreement and completely cut ties with NIW. Although some legislators in Austraton are still skeptical, it is expected that Jackson's bill would fail to gain more than 20 votes outside of his own party. Vice Chancellor Versace has been reached for her opinion on Jackson's proposal, but she declined to comment on whether she supported the measure but she did mention that she supported the resolution passed and confirmed by Congress.

Protests are still growing around the Palace of Auster. Growing crowds have blocked the gates of the complex, making members of Congress, the Cabinet, High Court Justices, and palace staff unable to leave. One of the leaders of the protests, Jack Williams, said that the protests would last until the NIW President's visit is over and Asher returns to Austraton, or until the agreement is amended.

The Grand Chancellor and President are currently in Sardinia at Hyacinth University for a town hall with students, agricultural scientists, and farmers. They are expected to return in a few days, where Edwards will depart from Austraton International. Protests in Sardinia have been growing in the public squares in front of the Provincial Capitol Building of Hyacinth. Governor McCord has asked that protests "remain peaceful and undisruptive for the President's visit."

Similar protests are happening in Sundester and Strasguard as well as Pinth, ahead of their arrival to the University of Pinth tomorrow.

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Austerain International Times

GOVERNOR'S GIRLFRIEND ARRESTED FOR ESPIONAGE

This morning, Dr. Michelle Arshad, the girlfriend of Hyacinth Governor Owen McCord, was arrested at her condo in central Sardinia today by ABI agents. ABI spokesperson Maria Bentley told the press today the Dr. Arshad had committed espionage for the NIW's intelligence agencies under former President George Frank, and was assigned to become Governor McCord's assistant and significant other, according to her testimony to authorities.

The 36 year old Dr. Ashad was a scientist for Hyacinth University's Marine Biology Research Department, where Governor McCord also attended to earn degrees in law, business administration, and marine biology (the same department as Arshad). Sources close to the couple said that McCord was a fan of Arshad's research papers and projects, and they would frequently go swimming with dolphins off the coast together and work in her lab together on his down time.

Governor McCord and Dr. Arshad quickly became Austerain's favorite couple after they appeared together in public for the first time at an orca endangerment awareness charity event in Austraton. She was frequently seen going into McCord's Austraton apartment and his Sardinia residence Anglesea Park to stay overnight. They were voted 'Most Attractive Couple' for three years running by 'Austeren People' magazine, and Arshad received death threats after their relationship came out over social media by avid fans of McCord who were infatuated with him.
Things haven't always been smooth sailing for McCord. In 2011 before his relationship with Arshad, McCord came out as bisexual after a photo of him kissing an unknown male at a restaurant surfaced on social media. After coming out, McCord became a lead voice for LGBT rights' groups around the country and for LGBT protection legislation in Hyacinth and in Congress.
In 2015, they made headlines after a blurry sex tape of the two was leaked on social media by a hacker from Arshad's phone, which has been since removed from the social media websites by the Austerain Communications Agency.

During her espionage activities, she passed along classified Congressional information to NIW intelligence agencies, and often spoke to Cabinet Secretaries for information on behalf of Governor McCord.

There is no word from the Governor's Office or Anglesea Park yet, as Chancellor Asher and President Edwards are about to depart after staying over night during Edwards' official visit, and they will be arriving in Pinth later this morning.

Grand Senate Majority Leader Senator Piloni had this to say this morning, "It's a shame that Michelle was among these spies. My wife Sadie and I often had dinner with Owen and Michelle. I think the biggest victim here is the Governor himself, to be betrayed by someone who he loved very much. I will be meeting with Governor McCord as soon as he returns to Austraton as a friend in need."

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Austerain International Times

VIOLENCE ERUPTS IN AUSTRATON PROTESTS

Protests continue to grip the capital city of Austraton as protesters have now resorted to violence in the streets. Protests first started outside of the Palace of Auster after the government's decision to extradite spies from NIW back to their original country for indictment rather than in Austerain. Last week, the protests grew and began to block the gates of the Palace of Auster, preventing members of Congress, Cabinet Secretaries, Justices, and staff members from leaving or entering, but the crowd did disperse a little to allow passage from the gates.

Since then, protests in Austraton have spread to public squares and highways around the city, as well as in front of the new NIW Embassy complex and ambassador's residence in the Jameson District just north of Austermere. Far right protesters and Conservative Royalists have been marching in the streets of the city with burning effigies of Asher and Edwards, signs with derogatory language against NIW, and literal burning torches. Some protesters in the business district have burned cars and thrown bricks through the windows of shops, restaurants, and banks.

Far left activists have also come out to clash against the right wing protesters. The shooting of an unarmed democratic socialist activist by right wing gun enthusiast Buddy Djolt in the middle of Market Street has sparked more outrage between the groups, resorting to police in military uniform being called in to separate the two factions.

Heavy police and military presence has gathered around the Palace of Auster after several protesters scaled the walls and broke into the office of a Grand Senator in the Legislative Office Wing, vandalizing the room and running through the corridors of the building, pushing and hitting staff and members of Congress along the way. A large bonfire has been constructed in center of the public square front of its gates with protesters chanting "BAN THE IRISH" and "AUSTERAIN FIRST". Protesters have again surrounded the Palace leaving its occupants unable to leave, in what Opposition Leader Governor Williams (PC-Ericsson) calls "a siege by an angry mob resorting to shameful, desperate, and rash acts of violence".

Protests have also spread to Strasguard, Sundester, Sardinia, Pinth, and Danford, though these protests have remained relatively peaceful.

The Chancellor's spokesman urged protesters to "exercise their freedoms of speech and assembly without resorting to the violence that undermines their message".

As the Grand Chancellor and the President are about to arrive in Pinth, Vice-Chancellor Versace is said to be "privately urging the Chancellor to return to Austraton before they encounter violence during the trip" and to dismiss the President back home and abandon the agreement, according to a close aide to Versace.

There has not been a protest to this degree of civil unrest since former Grand Chancellor John D. Fockerellar privatized the national railways system and legalized "dark" political contributions by corporate donors in 1968, when the Lenton Square Massacre happened by federal troops sent by Fockerellar shooting into a crowd of 20,000 protesters in the streets of Danford, Romana, leaving 463 people dead and 4,471 injured by bullet wounds, police beatings, and trampling. People are fearing a repeat of this dark time in Austerain's history tonight as tensions between factions of protesters and law enforcement soar.

Traffic around the Austraton Bypass and inbound/outbound lanes of the highway has grinded to a halt with protesters blocking cars. The Austraton Metropolitan Traffic Agency is recommending commuters to take back roads and high speed rail in and out of the city until police are able to break up the lines for traffic to flow again.

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Austerain International Times

CHANCELLOR ASHER, SECRETARY COX, KILLED BY GUNMAN

PINTH, WORCESTER-- Grand Chancellor Giorgio R. Asher, aged 68, and NIW Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade Brandon Cox, aged 60, passed away this morning after sustaining several gunshot wounds at Pinth Regional Airport.

Grand Chancellor Asher, Secretary Cox, President Edwards landed at the regional airport at 8:45 AM for their engagements at the University of Pinth as a part of Edwards' state visit around Austerain. Worcester Governor Andrea Bellevue (L) and Lieutenant Governor Matt Carter (L) met the group on the rolled out red carpet. As they were slowly making their way towards the limousine while shaking hands with members of the crowd, and small man in a black suit jumped onto the carpet in front of the limousine and pulled a large handgun out of his coat pocket. He then shot several times at the Austeren and New Irish and Welsh leaders. Witnesses from the scene say that he shouted something in Irish translating to "In the name of God!" before being apprehended by police.

Chancellor Asher sustained two shots to his neck and his right chest, President Edwards sustained one to the shoulder, Secretary Cox sustained two to the chest, and Governor Bellevue sustained one to her lower abdomen. Lieutenant Governor Carter was unharmed but is said to be "severely shaken" and is under mental evaluation. President Edwards and Governor Bellevue have been transported to Pinth Memorial Hospital to treat their injuries. Tramasurgeon Dr. Vince Kilwin said in a statement to the press that the two would survive their injuries but recovery will take weeks.

The apprehended gunman has been taken into ABI custody at its local field office in Worcester for questioning. No details of his appearance other than his clothing have been released, nor regarding his motives and background.

Pinth Regional Airport is closed down while authorities investigate the crime scene, cancelling 150 flights from departure and arrival. Arriving flights already in the skies have been diverted to surrounding smaller airports outside of Pinth.

The spokesperson of the Chancellor has been silent, and no statements have been released from any executive or Congressional officials. Dark SUVs were seen departing from Chief Justice Nicholas Oliver's home in east Austraton toward the Palace of Auster, as Vice-Chancellor Sarah Versace is expected to be sworn in as Interim Chancellor in the wake of Chancellor Asher's death.

Crowds are gathering outside of Pinth Regional Airport and the Palace of Auster laying bouquets of flowers in front of their gates. Governors and Mayors across the nation have ordered flags at half-mast while the Federal Government is silent.

There is no news yet from NIW government officials or NIW media on their reaction to this attack.

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Austerain International Times

VERSACE SWORN IN

This morning at the Palace of Auster, Chief Justice Nicholas Oliver swore Vice Chancellor Sarah Versace in as the Interim Grand Chancellor to complete the remainder of Asher's third term until 2020.

The surprise assassination of Grand Chancellor Asher and NIW Secretary Cox left the nation in shock after Austerain lost "martyrs in the name of diplomacy", in the words of Delegates Majority Leader Congressman Edward Hall (L-Sardinia) in a joint statement on behalf of the Houses of Congress today.

In an emotional address to the nation, the Acting President of New Ireland and Wales Aeronwen Baron said, " If we do find those responsible for this may God have mercy on their soul for we will have none. I will pray for the nation of Austerain and its people. I will pray for the family of Chancellor Asher. I will pray for New Ireland and Wales. I will pray for the family of Secretary Cox, a dear longtime friend of mine. I ask you to do the same. I also ask that you remain calm. Anger and hatred gets us nowhere. Other people may be angry and hate us. They may hurt our people and hurt what we stand for. But they will not hurt the soul of this nation. If we get angry and destroy our cities and hurt other people these terrorists get what they want. We can not give them what they want. We are New Ireland and Wales and we will not be defeated."

Governor Polacco (TU-NW) also issued her own statement saying, "This is where globalism gets us. We try and reach out to the world and this is what happens. I hope President Edwards learned his lesson. If Edwards hadn't gone to Austerain he wouldn't have been shot" adding that she was glad that Asher is dead and thanking God that "the globalist scum is out".

Chairman Benjamin FitzGerald of NIW's National Conservative Party, former President of Ireland Global Investment Bank (a firm that Asher fought against as Federal Reserve Chairman), tweeted, "@austeraingc and Sec. Cox killed in TERRORIST attack. This is due to Edwards weakness on security. SAD!". Chancellor Versace did not tolerate this, tweeting in response,

"Thin-skinned FitzGerald is verbally attacking his opponent, who is still recovering from a gunshot wounds in the hospital. Pathetic."
"He should be sending his best wishes to Pres Edwards for a speedy recovery after that ordeal instead. Heartless (@rtedublinniw)"
"While Acting Pres Baron and I are working to secure our nations after this tragedy we both share, Chairman Fitz again displays no leadership"

FitzGerald didn't like this, tweeting, "Crooked Sarah Versace hates me for no reason. MEAN! NIW needs new leadership to avoid people like her. (@austeraingc)".

Mourners and well-wishers have been showing up outside of the Palace of Auster and the Embassy of NIW in the Jameson District and laying flowers and cards.

According to the spokesperson of the Chancellor, Versace is currently in an Emergency Security Council meeting with the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Domestic Security, the Secretary of Law and Justice, the Secretary of the Army, the Director of the Austerain Bureau of Investigation, the Lieutenant Governor of Worcester, and the Commanding General of the National Domestic Security Force. She has been speaking to NIW's Acting President over a secure phone on the recent events.

ABI spokesperson Maria Bentley stated in a short press conference that the suspect apprehended at the scene's identity will not be released to the public, though witnesses in downtown Pinth reported that a SWAT team had been seen at the Swanmore Apartments building infiltrating an unknown person's apartment.
"What we can tell you," Bentley continued, "Is that Austeren and NIW intelligence agencies are working closely to understand and investigate the situation."

President Edwards and Governor Bellevue remain in recovery at Pinth Memorial Hospital. Edwards is expected to stay in Austerain after he is released from the hospital in order to attend the state funeral of Grand Chancellor Asher this week. The Chancellor's spokesperson said that Versace is expected to travel to NIW with Edwards to attend Secretary Cox's funeral as well.

As of now, there is a vacancy for Vice Chancellor, but many are predicting that Secretary Price, Secretary Sinclair, or former Federal Reserve Bank Chairwoman Jacqueline Vandercraft will be appointed.

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Austerain International Times

NEW VICE CHANCELLOR APPOINTED

The spokesman to the Chancellor today announced that Jacqueline Vandercraft, former Chairwoman of the National Reserve Bank of Austerain from 2005-2010 under Asher's first term, was summoned to the Palace of Auster and sworn in as the new Vice Chancellor of Austerain.

"Chancellor Versace has faith in Mrs. Vandercraft, judging by her extensive dedication to public service as former Reserve Bank Chairwoman and as a former Grand Senator" said Earnest, "Mrs. Vandercraft has campaigned for Asher three times before, and has proven to be a formidable and dominant figure in Austraton."

Vandercraft is known in Austraton to be a politician who prefers to work behind the scenes to get work done, and rarely makes public speeches other than for occasional campaigning for other candidates. She is however as vocally fiery as Chancellor Versace. In 2011, she stirred controversy when she said to a reporter about then-Congresswoman Polacco, "A deplorable Conservative Royalist in the Delegates' Appropriations Committee is a joke-- why is someone so economically illiterate sitting in that committee?"

She continued, "That woman couldn't tell us the value between coins and paper bills, much less balance a budget."

Despite her fiery yet reserved personality, she has been a favorite in Austeren politics for years. There was speculation that she would run against Asher in the Liberal Primary Elections for the 2015 General Election, but no plans were ever made.

In other news, we have learned that President Edwards and Governor Bellevue have been released from the hospital, and that Edwards arrived in Austraton International Airport this evening away from the view of photographers and access of journalists, and is being transported by motorcade to the Palace of Auster. Secretary of State Dmitri Sinclair is reportedly accompanying President Edwards in the limousine to see Chancellor Versace and Vice Chancellor Vandercraft.

The bodies of Chancellor Asher and Secretary Cox have also arrived by C-17 military transport aircraft. Their caskets lie in state at the Palace of Auster Cupula Hall side by side as a sign of solidarity and unity, with their respective national flags draped over. Mourners have been lining up into the Palace to see them.

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Austerain International Times

DoLC RELEASES MARCH ECONOMIC REPORT

The Department of Labor and Commerce has published its tri-monthly report on the state of Austerain's economy. Here are some of the economic indicators and changes since December:

- 0.6% increase in the CPI
- Unemployment fell by 0.8% from December's 3.36% rate to the March 2.56% rate.
- The real GDP has risen to $81.2 trillion versus December's $80.92 trillion, rising just 1.36%. This is the slowest rate of growth compared to the September 2016 growth rate of 4.56%, indicating a slowdown in the economic cycle. The GDP per capita this month is at $32,400.14.
- The average income rose from December's $61,713.25 to $99,495.08, a record high and record growth rate. The average income plummeted to $54,346.11 during a temporary epidemic in south Austerain in the 2 January, but recovered by the 15 January to record highs during recovery.
- The richest 10% now earn an average of $156,249 while the poorest 10% earn of $59,400 at a ratio ofor 2.63%, as wealth inequality continues to narrow towards recovery from January's record poor-to-rich ratio of 8.29%
- The government deficit has decreased to $585 billion from last year's $1.02 trillion after gaining more revenue by raising corporate taxes on companies with production overseas by the Omnibus Trade Initiative Act passed by Congress in October. This year's budget is expected to increase.
- Productivity has increased 2.6%
- With new profits being made from exporting goods and services and by tourism after the passage of the OTI Act, last year's $6 billion trade deficit under a Conservative Progressive Congress has become a $62.462 billion trade surplus under the new Liberal majority Congress.

After the assassination of Grand Chancellor Giorgio Asher in February, the stock markets have been ordered to close temporarily to protect the markets. After the suspension of public transportation services and travel between NIW and Austerain, the economy is expected to take a loss of $620 million.

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Austerain International Times

GOVERNOR PERRY REMOVED FROM OFFICE

Governor Roy Perry of the Province of Auradon came under controversy after granting approval to the energy company EnergyPro Corp to drill for oil in the central rainforests of the province. After the strongest voices like that of President Edwards from New Ireland and Wales spoke up against him, District 2 Provincial Representative Jeff Norton of the Liberal Party filed Articles of Recall against the Governor to the Provincial Assembly, citing conflict of interest and corruption in his 20% stake in EnergyPro Corp. The Assembly passed the Articles of Recall by 120-25 majority vote, with many of the Governor's own Progressive Conservatives voting against him, triggering a recall referendum on the 9th of March. Governor Gregory Williams (Ericsson), also a Progressive Conservative, hailed the passage as a "good step towards recovering the image of our party in Auradon".

The March 2017 Recall Referendum results indicate that the people of Auradon have voted to remove Roy Perry from the governorship with a 76% vote against him. Progressive Conservative Lieutenant Governor Michaela Farnese is now Acting Governor of Auradon until a new Governor is elected.

Upon the removal of the Governor, the Auradon Provincial Constitution calls for snap elections to be held a month after the referendum results. Provincial parties are now holding their primaries.

Prov. Rep. Jeff Norton (L- District 2), who spearheaded the Recall, is a rising star in Auradon, and is expected to become the Liberal Party's candidate for the governorship. He has been a supporter of the Asher and Versace Administrations, but has pushing his party to shift more to the left by rebranding itself as the Social Democratic Party (although the party's platform and policies lean towards social democracy).

Acting Governor Michaela Farnese (PC) has already been selected as the Progressive Conservatives' candidate for the governorship by the party provincial committee, citing "continuity of power and transition" being the best step towards recovery. She has been Lieutenant Governor since before Perry's governorship for over 10 years, and is known as the most experienced candidate.

Prov. Rep. Mike Quinton (CRP- District 37) is expected to be elected by the Conservative Royalist Party's provincial committee as their candidate for the governorship. Mr. Quinton is a popular figure among conservatives around the country as a "charismatic leader", but has been outspoken against the Asher Administration's open diplomacy and trade initiative and the OTI Act that enacted the initiative, and even praised the assassinations of Chancellor Asher and NIW Secretary Cox as "a punishment by God" and "the next step towards restoring monarchy". Like many others in his party, he supports restoring the monarchy officially abolished in 1795 (but killed off in 1792) by installing Duke George FitzAuster of Remia (descendant of the Royal House of Auster as King William's illegitimate son through a concubine) as King of Austerain. Mr. Quinton happens to be married to Lady Victoria Bradshaw FitzAuster, granddaughter of the Duke of Remia. He has no royal title, though all royal titles in Austerain are defunct and not recognized by the Government.

The candidates begin their campaigning in the provincial capital city of Strasguard, and will campaign around the province until the election on the 10th of April. Not only is the governorship seat on the line, but snap elections require new elections for assembly representatives as well.

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Austerain International Times

VERSACE, EDWARDS PAY TRIBUTE IN ADDRESS TO THE NATION

Interim Grand Chancellor Sarah Versace and NIW President Ted Edwards spoke to a joint session of the National Congress today paying tribute to Secretary Brandon Cox and Chancellor Asher today, with his widow First Lady Angelina Asher looking on.

The historic great Joint Assembly Room of the Palace of Auster was draped in black as the caskets of the fallen statesmen laid side by side in front of the podium.

In Edwards' address, he described Asher's death as "not only a tragedy to Austerain... but a tragedy to New Ireland and Wales and humanity" and as a "senseless act of terrorism", and described the late Chancellor as "fruitful soul that always fought for the interests of the people he represented whether it was a farmer, a minority, or a gay man." Speaking about Secretary Cox, he described how he grew up with him as "a best friend and a brother" who was "dedicated to serving the people of New Ireland and Wales". Addressing Governor Polacco and Chairman FitzGerald (a newly elected Federal Senator in NIW) directly, he declared that their "politics have no room in New Ireland and Wales [and] Austerain".



"We get nowhere by promoting hatred and fear" he said,"It tears apart our cities, our countries, and humanity itself. We must seek to love our neighbors with no regard to how they look, what language they speak, how much money they have, who or what they worship, or who they love. This is the 21st century. Leave the hatred at the door when you enter into this century.
These people that commit these hateful acts seek to divide us. They will not divide us."

In the beginning of her own address to the nation, she paid tribute to the late Oddish President Olivia Guatam (who was assassinated followed by a short-lived coup dismantled by SLU coalition forces) and Paguio Emperor Kevinjonah IV and Empress Catherine (who were also assassinated during a military parade), along with Chancellor Asher and Secretary Cox.

"The sons of our two nations were taken from us too quickly," she said, "For the benefit of the hatred that divides our people and to the enemies of liberal democracy."



She delivered a moving eulogy on Asher's life, in which he "fought to protect the freedoms and happiness of minorities and the LGBT community, to accept immigrants into our nation, and to defend the beauty of the world against the greed of unbridled industry", then recognized his widow as an attorney in her own right who worked for the same.

The most significant part of her speech briefed the nation on the status on the investigation of the assassinations. With several gasps throughout the hall, Versace informed the the audience that the assassin Ray Jenkins McLean, who had been in contact with far right nationalist groups, had been in contact with his father John McLean, the Chief of Staff to the Governor of North Wales Christiana Polacco.

Glaring angrily at the Conservative Royalist Party Delegates in the hall, she said, "It seems that Polacco has continued her awful opposition to liberal democracy as Governor. Just recently we have been hearing reports from New Ireland about her agenda against minorities and her treachery as she builds war to tear the country apart. She praised the deaths of Asher and Cox, and we now believe that she has had direct involvement in the plots."[/i]

Furthermore, she stated that the Justice Department would begin to conduct investigations into "all far right groups in Austerain", including the Conservative Royalist Party. Free speech critics say that this move will undermine freedom of speech and assembly by unfairly targeting these groups, but national security experts praise this initiative as "the right direction to go".

Later in the speech, Versace spoke out against the isolationism movement that was revived during the bilateral visit by declaring that Austerain "will not turn our backs on our allies while we need each other the most."

She summarized with a moving call to unite under a common beacon: "What makes our countries great is not by placing our selfish desires before those in need and it is not demonizing groups of people for the sins of a few. What makes them great is uniting together under a common banner against the enemies of liberal democracy, and accepting one another.

We will never give up and we will not give in. The beacon of democracy, acceptance, and peace will triumph over the shadows of division, hatred, and violence. My fellow Austerens, we are being challenged by these shadows of divisiveness. We must rise above them."

In the end, she fiercely warned Polacco and FitzGerald with her glistening eyes looking angrily into the camera, "You made the wrong enemies".

Critics are hailing the address to the nation as one of Versace's most moving speeches to date, with the right amount of comfort, inspiration, and transparency for the people, and the right amount of seriousness against "the enemies of liberal democracy".

After the Chancellor's address to the nation and the NIW President's speech, First Lady Angelina Asher used her speech on a personal level on Giorgio Asher's family background, how the couple met, and their journey into politics, and praised her late husband's dedication to public service as she recalled the time her husband told her "'If I don't do it, who will?'" when she once urged him to tone down due to the "increasingly taxing" opposition.



Declaring to the nation, she said, "The legacy of my husband does not rest here. I hope that I will be able to continue his legacy by helping Sarah and President Edwards heal our countries, and to do all I can to ensure that the work he did will not die with him."

There was not a dry eye in the room after the three speeches.

The First Lady intends to move down to Pinth after her husband's burial and after attending the NIW Secretary's funeral in New Ireland and Wales, though Versace has offered to allow the First Lady to remain in the Executive Residence in the Palace.

Though she has remained apolitical most of her husband's term, she is popular around the country with an approval rating of 87% and is a favorite in the Liberal Party to run for office. There is speculation that she may run the Liberal ticket for the upcoming July 2018 gubernatorial elections in Ericsson against incumbent Progressive Conservative Governor Gregory Williams.

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Austerain International Times

VERSACE CREATES YOUTH GOVERNMENT

In one of her first press conferences today in the atrium of the Palace of Auster, Grand Chancellor Sarah Versace was joined by former First Lady Angelina Asher, Education Secretary Ashton Scott, URD Secretary Joshua Daniels, Speaker Clara England, Chief Justice Nicholas Oliver, and high school and college students from around the country to announce a new youth program under the Department of Education.

"This youth program, Youth Government, was in the works of the late Chancellor Asher to get young people who are interested in politics to have the opportunity to get engaged," Versace said to reporters, "Youth aged 13 to 19 will be able to register to run against other candidates in their Youth Districts, run for Youth Chancellor and shadow myself, become a Youth Justice, and engage in mock Congress, shadow members of Congress, Justices, Cabinet members, and staff- all under the guidance of Youth Government supervisors from the Department of Education. This is an excellent opportunity to shape our future leaders, and for them to gain cash awards, scholarships, experience, and job offers. First Lady Angelina Asher will be the Honorary President and Patron of Youth Government, headquartered in the Cartier District right here in Austraton- where other government departments are located. Youth Congress will have to chance to debate in Congressional chambers and committee rooms when Congress is not in session, the Youth High Court will be able to hold mock cases in the High Court chamber when court is out of session, and the Youth Chancellor and his Secretaries will be able to shadow myself and other Secretaries. This is an monumental opportunity."

The Chancellor signed the Youth Government Act passed unanimously by National Congress, receiving bipartisan support. Chief Justice Oliver hailed the new program as "a milestone to develop future leaders of the country", and Speaker England (Governor of Romana) praised it as "a wonderful use of our surplus to invest in our youth".

The nonpartisan National Congressional Budget Committee estimates the cost of the new program at $10.2 million a year in the use of facilities, employees, transportation, and materials. Youth Government will be ran by the Youth Government Committee in the DoE, who will organize events, materials, and logistics. Major universities and foundations are sponsoring the program to ease the burden on taxpayers from 20% to 43%, but corporations are restricted from contributing in fear of influence over what its participants are taught.

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Austerain International Times

FOUR ISLANDS JOIN AUSTERAIN AS PROVINCES

Breaking news is coming in from islands southwest of the island nation of Austerain. Last night, the four islands of Springvale, Westerhaven, Cesarmere, and Roseaurain voted to join the Federal Republic of Austerain as autonomous provinces. Springvale approved the referendum with 78%, Westerhaven 65%, Cesarmere 82%, and Roseaurain 73% of the voting population.

The islands are rich in natural resources (such as precious stones and fruits) and environmental beauty, and has been a popular holiday spot for Austerens. In the mountains of the island of Westerhaven, the area is known to have the largest volcano in this region of the Social Liberal Union, Mount Urabia, which erupts every 6 months and whose ash often rains down on the island's capital city of Donwae.



Not only does this mean the expansion of the country's land area by a few million square miles, but it means a dramatic increase in Congressional seats to 140 seats compared to the previous amount of 85 seats as well as the rise of the Nationalist Islanders' Party.

In the House of Governors, there will be 10 seats, with Liberals maintaining majority 6 to 4 Progressive Conservatives.

In the Grand Senate, there is an increase to 30 seats. The Liberals maintain majority with 16 seats, the Progressive Conservatives with 11 seats, and the Nationalist Islanders receiving 3 seats.



In the House of Delegates, the amount increases to 100 seats. The Liberals maintain majority with 54 seats, the Progressive Conservatives holding 28 seats, the Nationalist Islanders receiving 15, and the Conservative Royalists having 3 seats (a decrease from 4 after former Congresswoman Polacco's seat was lost to Liberal candidate Danielle Housand last month).

The Nationalist Islanders' Party, with Senator Gerard Aveline (Glauport, Cesarmere) as the party leader, is a center left party whose sole mission is to "protect the interests of the islands to Austerain", according to the party manifesto. They hold a total of 18 Seats in the Grand Senate and House of Delegates. The main island of Austerain will now be referred to as "mainland Austerain".

The new members of Congress will be sworn in by the Speaker of Congress Governor Clara England (Liberal- Romana) this evening. The Governors of these new provinces will be at the Palace of Auster with Grand Chancellor Sarah Versace to sign the official economic union agreement once she returns from her state visit to New Ireland and Wales.

The islands have never had trade, travel, or correspondence with any other nations or people before other than Austerens from the Province of Ericsson in the south of main Austerain.

Vice-Chancellor Jacqueline Vandercraft is hosting the Governors and new members of Congress for a banquet after the swearing-in ceremony, where the Governors will sign the Union Act to officially join the Federal Republic as provinces.

Refer here for detailed information on Austerain's party seats in the National Congress.

[Austerain]

Austerain International Times

Senate Passes $1.5 Trillion Highway Bill

After the House of Delegates unanimously passed a resolution of support for the Federal Highway Infrastructure Act, it has passed the Grand Senate by a vote of 26-4, co-authored by Majority Leader Senator Nicolò Piloni (L- Eastern Auradon) and Senator Gerard Aveline (NIP-Glauport). This bill authorizes the Department of Transportation and Department of Labor and Commerce to construct an interstate highway and bridges from the south of Ericsson on mainland Austerain through four new provinces in the southwest, which is over 750 miles.



The planned highway will add on to the existing 1200 miles in interstate highway that stretches up and down the country from Austraton in the north to Sundester in the south. The bill as written partners with private contractors in local townships and provinces to encourage job growth and higher wages, as well as efficiency.

The bill still requires ratification by the House of Governors, where it is expected to breeze through, then to the Grand Chancellor's desk for official passage.

Nationalist Islanders Senator Aveline is said to be "very happy" with the bill and its potential for job growth, but some of his fellow colleagues down in the House of Delegates are skeptical of the environmental impact. However, according to Secretary of Energy Evan Carter, this particular stretch of highway will be constructed using hexagonal solar panel roadways, the first of its kind on a major highway.

"The highway will not only be great for the environment and electric vehicles, but it will also produce a tremendous amount of clean energy for surrounding areas- including areas of the islands where electricity is not always accessible. This massive project has the potential for long term economic benefits and advancement for this part of the country, which we're very proud of.

Subsidizing these solar panel roadways are slightly more expensive than the regular highway tarmac, but the government is subsidizing and offsetting the costs to make it more affordable for local communities' subsequent highways. Many in the Liberal Party would like to transition the existing highway tarmac in the mainland to solar panel roadways, but the measure would take up to an additional $1.7 trillion in funding, something that many federal legislators aren't willing, including many Liberals. Some provinces such as Worcester and Hyacinth have already built parts of their highways as solar panel roadways.

Despite the energy benefits, some environmentalists are against the construction of the highway in the islands, as they're still concerned about the impact on the natural beauty of the rainforests and hills.

In Austerain, the government is constitutionally restricted from forms of imminent domain. However, the planned highway follows along land already sold to the Federal government for highway construction that were previously owned by the island's government, who will use the profits from the land for social services.

[Austerain]

Austerain International Times

Austerain Enters Global Nuclear War, Versace Faces Party Revolt

The world of NationStates has erupted into a nuclear war, compelling Austerain and other nations around SLU to respond. Defense Secretary Julia Warner held a press conference today at Fort Williamsburg in the Andorian Mountains,

"At approximately midnight, March 31st, our intelligence agencies received reports that several nations began to engage in nuclear combat. As the situation deteriorated, many nations organized into factions between regions. In response, the SLU regional government formed a factional coalition of SLU nations to defend against the nuclear threat. Hours later, several nations began to undertake counterstrike measures against the Invaders region (a former enemy region of SLU) and other aggressive factions. After Austerain and fellow allies such as New Ireland and Wales were targeted, Grand Chancellor Versace authorized counterstrikes against the Invaders. The Government of Austerain has so far launched 294 missiles and successfully terminated all targets alongside our SLU allies. The regional faction has so far launched nearly 4,000 strikes against aggressive enemies abroad, and has decimated the Invaders region into a nuclear wasteland. The situation is expected to resolve over the next 24 hours. The State Department has approved a $150 million aid package to cleanup and recovery projects around the Social Liberal Union. We do not anticipate that Austerain will be hit by any nuclear weapon."

Versace is currently on a state visit to New Ireland and Wales alongside First Lady Asher and Secretary of State Sinclair. Members of her own party are condemning her involvement in the global nuclear conflict. Senate Majority Leader Piloni (L-Eastern Auradon) said that he was "disappointed" in the decision to intervene, while Progressive Conservative Minority Opposition Leader Governor Gregory Williams (Ericsson) praised Versace for "responding appropriately to defend Austerain's national security and the security of our allies abroad". 52 out of 76 Liberal Members of Congress and all 18 Nationalist Islanders Members of Congress have signed a formal letter of protest against the Grand Chancellor and her decision, signalling a party revolt. Some members of the Liberal Party have already called for a breakaway Progressive Party, which several Members of Congress have sympathized with through likes and retweets on Twitter.

Some political analyists see Versace's decision to intervene as a significant change in her pacifist policy from campaigning with former Chancellor Asher over the years toward a more hawkish interventionist approach to foreign affairs. Asher and Versace both campaigned actively for nuclear reduction and non-intervention. This change in foreign policy from isolationist to intervention since the passage of the OTI Act in October is certainly one for the history books.

Protesters are now gathering outside the Palace of Auster and the Department of Defense over the launching of nuclear weapons, with signs saying "WAR CRIMINALS", "NO TO NUKES", and "MURDERERS". It is expected that Versace's April approval ratings this week will take a large hit downward.

[Austerain]

Austerain International Times

LIBERAL PARTY SPLITS, LOSES MAJORITY

After outrage exploded against Grand Chancellor Sarah Versace for involving Austerain in the global nuclear war, pacifist members of the Liberal Party officially resigned their membership and formed the Progressive Democratic Party, including 33 Members of the National Congress.

As PDP Congress members have broken away from the Liberals, the Liberals now have 43 Congress members versus the Progressive Conservatives' 43 members. No changes happened in the House of Governors, although the power of the Liberals was drastically reduced in the two lower houses.

In the Grand Senate, the Liberals' number reduced from 16 Senators to 12, since 4 Senators joined the PDP. Liberal Senate Majority Leader Piloni (Eastern Auradon) and Progressive Conservative Senate Minority Leader Arzano (South Worcester) have agreed on a coalition to retain majority, though some Liberals and Progressive Conservatives are still against Versace's move and are sympathetic to the Progressive Democrats.

In the House of Delegates, their numbers reduced from 53 to 25 seats, with the PDP gaining the most seats of 29. The Progressive Conservatives have 28 seats, just 3 more than the Liberals do. The Majority Leader of the House Edward Hall [L- Sardinia) and Progressive Conservative Minority Opposition Leader Nancy Youngblood (Danford) have also agreed on a coalition, though many Liberal Delegates are also sympathetic to the Progressive Democrats.

With her party broken apart, and Versace's power in the National Congress diminishing and unclear, many are wondering if she will resign. After members of Congress issued a formal letter of protest and protests erupted outside the Palace, Versace ordered the Department of Defense to cease production of nuclear missiles and to cease launching, and to focus production of nuclear shields, a move to shift Austerain from its offensive strategy to a defensive one to defend the country and the region from nuclear weapons rather than counterstriking. She reiterated the government's "commitment to the security of the region and friends abroad" and the commitment to "diplomacy and peaceful resolution".

Anaaxese President Natalia Goldsmith attacked Versace's decision to cease offensive combat as "shameful" on Twitter, and warned that "if SLUan cities fall because of this, the blood will be on the Austerain people's hands". Versace replied by saying that remaining deactivated offensive nuclear weapons would be transferred to Anaaxes for their use while Austerain transitions its arms manufacturing to defensive.

Liberal and Progressive Democratic Delegates have proposed a bill to defund the nuclear program and eliminate it entirely. In the "Nuclear Arms Elimination Act" bill proposed by the new Opposition Leader Delegate Henry Winthrop (PDP-Pinth) and Majority Leader Delegate Edward Hall (L-Sardinia), nuclear weapons would be eliminated and outlawed, and issues a formal condemnation on behalf of the National Congress against the Government. It is expected to pass through Congress with support of PDP, NIP, and some of the Liberal Party, but PCP and CRP are fervently against it along with Versace and Liberal Members of Congress loyal to her. She is expected to veto the bill, but political analyists predict that Congress will overturn the veto, for the first time in 20 years.

With Versace facing pressure on both sides, her future becomes unclear in a sensitive time for the country after the assassination of Grand Chancellor Asher in February. The Grand Chancellor's spokesman and the Liberal Party officials offered no comments.

See the updated seats and changes to Congress here: www.nationstates.net/nation=austerain/detail=factbook/id=710302

[Austerain]

Austerain International Times

ANTI NUCLEAR WEAPONS LEGISLATION PASSES, IS VETOED

The bill to defund the nuclear weapons program and to phase out nuclear weapons has passed the National Congress, originating in the House of Delegates. All 43 Progressive Conservative Members of Congress voted against it, along with 10 Liberal Delegates and Grand Senators altogether (all Liberal Governors voted for the legislation. With a majority of 87-53 (62%) voting for the Nuclear Arms Elimination Act as anti-nuclear protesters celebrated outside, the legislation moved on for the Grand Chancellor's signature.

In Grand Chancellor's place as she is in New Ireland and Wales on a state visit, Vice Chancellor Vandercraft has vetoed the bill citing "the massive implications that endanger the security of Austerain and our allies".

In response to the veto, the authors of the bill Opposition Leader Delegate Henry Winthrop (PDP-Pinth) and Majority Leader Delegate Edward Hall (L-Sardinia) issued a rare bipartisan statement saying that they will propose a resolution to overturn the Chancellor's veto, disputing the veto reasoning as "logical fallacy" and "ignorant to the bigger danger of nuclear weapons". A veto overturn needs two-thirds of Congress in favor, which they're expected to reach.



The Chancellor's spokesperson Greg Earnest said to the press that "if Congress chooses to undermine our national security by overturning the veto, the Government will sue Congress in High Court for overreach in powers. It is the constitutional duty of the Chancellor and her Government to protect the security of the region... Congress' choice to eliminate our best defense for our security would undermine that."

With the Progressive wing of the Liberal Party breaking away and some remaining within the party withdrawing their loyalty, some political experts fear that her days as Grand Chancellor are numbered.

Progressive Democratic Opposition Leader Delegate Henry Winthrop (Pinth) has also proposed a constitutional amendment to tie the mandate of the Grand Chancellor to the majority party or coalition party numbers rather than direct and electoral election, a change towards parliamentary procedure that is largely seen as a move to strengthen their own power in Congress along with other third parties such as NIP and CRP. The amendment bill has support from PDP, NIP, and CRP of course, but it is unclear how much support the bill would have among Liberals and Progressive Conservatives. Some notable Liberal and Progressive Conservative Senators have proposed such a change in the past, but past attempts have failed. The attempt by the newly formed Progressive Democrats' Leader might actually gain steam this time and pass. If Congress passes this amendment, there will be a referendum across the country to officially ratify it rather than just approval by the Governors.

[Austerain]

Austerain International Times

ECONOMIC PEAK ENDS

Austerain's economy has been booming with rising wages, employment, consumption, and production at their highest levels in years. But according to the Federal Reserve Bank and Treasury, GDP has slowed and began to drop as consumers are beginning to spend less with inflation rates reaching peak levels with wages.

In a joint statement by Secretary of the Treasury John Denver and FRB Chairman Charles Blackwell, the government will begin to adjust as the economic peak begins to pass over. The Treasury Secretary along with the Budget Department of the Treasury has proposed a new budget to cut government spending by decreasing the wages of federal employees (including politicians), and to increase VAT, corporate, business, and income tax to stabilize inflation. The Federal Reserve Bank will be raising interest rates from 2.7% to 3.2% in mid-April, a significant rate hike.

Secretary Denver, with Chairman Blackwell at his side, explained in a press conference today:

"The current 5% rate of inflation signals the end of the peak of our economic business cycle as aggregate demand has dramatically increased the prices of goods as the supply cannot keep up. Wages have risen way above inflation for the fifth month running, further pushing prices up. With the price index as high as it is, demand will significantly reduce along with GDP as consumption falls. To stabilize these effects, the government is now taking steps to decrease its own spending and to control the price index by reducing demand in proportion to supply in order to slow the economy for stabilization of equilibrium.

After the announcement today by the Treasury and Federal Reserve Bank, stocks fell 102 points. The government under the new Grand Chancellor Versace, already rocked by political quakes, must now take on the economic uncertainty that lies ahead as Austerain faces the threat of a recession. Economists remain confident that the government is taking necessary steps to stabilize the economy and to prevent drastic recession.