Austerain Intl Times- GLADSTONE WINS, AUSTERAIN VOTE ON SLU

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Austerain International Times

VETO OVERTURNED, GOVERNMENT SUES

For the first time in 20 years since the Puccini Chancellorship, the National Congress has overridden the Chancellor's veto of the Nuclear Arms Elimination Act by a 90-50 majority vote, triggering the end of Austerain's nuclear weapons program (National Nuclear Defense Command or NNDC for short). With the legislation now passed, the NNDC will no longer receive appropriations beginning on 30 April to give the nuclear weapons agency enough time to dismantle nuclear missiles and facilities. Not only does the legislation phase out nuclear weapons, but it allows the Government to sell remaining nuclear offensive missiles to SLU allies.

However, after the Speaker of Congress announced that the veto resolution had passed, Secretary of Law and Justice Stephen O'Brennen announced that the Government has filed litigation directly to the National High Court, claiming that Congress has "overstepped its constitutional and lawful boundaries over the Government's duty to national security". The court will hear the case, though legal experts predict that the government will lose the case. The first hearing of Versace v. National Congress of Austerain begins April 14, 2017 and the final decision will be handed down April 25, 2017.

Secretary of Defense Julia Warner said in a short statement that they will begin selling and transporting nuclear warheads to Anaaxes, Ainland, Kanoria, Avaerilon, and New Ireland and Wales as soon as "the decision to the Government's challenge in court is finalized".

Grand Chancellor Versace is reportedly infuriated by the passage of the resolution to overturn her veto by a close source as she begins her next day in the NIW state visit. Vice Chancellor Vandercraft, who is in Ramelium for the SLU Constitutional Summit, said to her press corps that she was "disappointed" by the latest developments and "hopefully that the court will make the right decision for Austerain's security".

Versace's political capital in Congress is collapsing, as Opposition Leader Delegate Henry Winthrop's (PDP-Pinth) proposal to mandate the Grand Chancellor's election upon majority of their party or by coalition in Congress instead of direct election has passed the Delegate Executive Select Committee and moves to the House of Delegates' floor for debate and voting. If passed, this would be a reform toward a parliamentary Congress with the Grand Chancellor's authority deriving like that of a prime minister; it would further chip away at Versace's power in Congress and her political future.

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Austerain International Times

BOMB FOUND IN PALACE OF AUSTER

This morning as Congress was resuming its morning session and as the Government's lawyers prepared to argue their case in the final days of Versace v. National Congress before the High Court, Palace Security were tipped off that there was a bomb in the building by an unknown caller. The Sergeant-at-Arms ordered for the entire Palace complex to be evacuated as the counterterrorism bomb squad was called in to search the premises and deactivate the bomb.

The bomb was found in a thick brown suitcase outside the Executive Residence of the Grand Chancellor. The bomb squad was able to successfully deactivate the bomb before it was due to explode at 10:00 AM. The Grand Chancellor was not in residence at the time, as she is in New Ireland and Wales on a diplomatic mission with the Secretary of State and former First Lady Angelina Asher.

While it isn't clear yet who called in the untraceable bomb threat nor the maker of the bomb, but ABI investigators have seized the deactivated bomb to its crime labs. ABI spokesperson Maria Bentley says that while she cannot go into full detail, the ABI is "almost certain that the bomb was created and placed by an North Welsh nationalist sympathetic to Governor Polacco" due to remnants of a flag found in the suitcase.

Authorities are not allowing anyone back into the Palace until tomorrow morning once police have completed their sweep of the complex for any other possible bombs. Police in military gear are surrounding the perimeter of the complex to keep anyone from entering, including members of the Cabinet and members of Congress. Congress will return to session tomorrow afternoon.

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Austerain International Times

GOVERNMENT SUFFERS COURT DEFEAT

The High Court announced its final decision this afternoon, a day late after the Palace of Auster was shut down two days ago due to the bomb threat (which delayed the hearings).

With Justices Anthony Jacobstowe and Sandra Reinhardt dissenting, the 4-2 decision in Versace v. National Congress of Austerain upheld power of Congress to defund and eliminate the nuclear weapons program, which Versace's Government argued as an overstep in the executive's "constitutional and lawful boundaries over the Government's duty to national security."

Chief Justice Oliver wrote in the majority opinion that "Congress reserves its inherent constitutional duties to the oversight on the executive government through its enumerated power of appropriations... and holds the responsibility of representing the common interests of the citizens of Austerain as a component of its duty to oversight.

Defense Secretary Julia Warner issued a statement expressing her "disappointment with the High Court's decision to back the resolution by Congress that undermines our commitment to national security" but confirms that the court's decision "will be respected" and "the sale of our remaining nuclear weapons to other SLU nations will proceed". Law and Justice Secretary O'Brennen says that the decision of the court is "regrettable" but he also affirms that "the respect of the judiciary's choice will be maintained as per our constitutional duty to execute the will of the legislative and judicial branches".

This comes as a bitter defeat for Versace as her political capital and popularity continue to crumble. An anonymous Congressional aide reports that several legislators are considering a no confidence vote against the Government with its constitutional proposal to a parliamentary Congress. If a No Confidence motion passes, Congress will vote in a new Grand Chancellor between the Deputy Majority Party Leader or Opposition Leaders according to Article I Section 3.VI of the Constitutional Charter of Austerain.

There has been no comment from the Grand Chancellor's office on the defeat in court.

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Austerain International Times

VERSACE RECEIVES RARE PRAISE FROM OPPONENTS FOR NIW SPEECH

Yesterday morning, Grand Chancellor Sarah Versace addressed a joint session of the Congress of New Ireland and Wales for the memorial of Secretary Cox, with Secretary of State Dmitri Sinclair and former First Lady Angelina Asher watching.

Speaking to the vast audience, she hailed Secretary Cox as "a talented statesman who was dedicated to his work and to his country," and a leader who sought to "bring fresh ideas and bold insight into New Ireland and Wales". She described the opponents as "whisper[ing] of oppression and ril[ing] up war against the values of an open-minded democracy as they seek to oppress people themselves and seek to usurp the fundamental necessities of a liberal democracy."

Speaking to Governor Polacco directly, she referenced Polacco's time as a member of the National Congress in Austerain when she described Chancellor Asher as a "libtard", declaring that Polacco "will never succeed in [her] crusade and... authoritarian demagoguery" and attacked Polacco and Catholic Democrats Chairman FitzGerald as the "scum" and the "horsemen that could slaughter the civil rights and liberties that [the NIW people] hold sacred".

The conclusion of her speech was the most resounding out of the rest:

"Secretary Cox and Chancellor Asher, rather than victims of divisiveness, will have died as martyrs of the principles of a liberal democracy. As those who worked hard in public service to protect such values and fundamental building blocks of a democratic society, their legacies will be boom with reverence for generations to come while yours will be heard as a whispering echo of the past and the tyranny of the old days."

After President Edwards posthumously bestowed honorary citizenship upon Chancellor Asher, Versace announced that Secretary Cox would be awarded the Medal of Excellence and the Most Distinguished Medal of Diplomacy and Global Peace "in recognition of his dedication to public service and diplomatic interests".

As the President described Austeren-NIW ties as "stronger than ever" while Polacco "sought to weaken ties between Austerain and New Ireland and Wales", Chancellor Versace received high praise back in Austerain for her speech, even among her political opponents. While her political influence crumbles as more Liberal Delegates switch over to the Progressive Democrats (resulting in PDP and the Nationalist Islanders' Party coalition taking majority in that house), political opponents hailed her speech as one of the best since the Asher Administration.

Progressive Democratic Party Leader Grand Senator Barbara Giulia (Southern Romana) described the speech as "a beacon of hope for liberal democratic values and an eloquent warning against those that seek to destroy them". PDP Chairman Dele. Henry Winthrop (Pinth), newly minted Coalition Majority Leader of the House of Delegates and one of Versace's biggest critics, said that Versace's speech "is a stark reminder of Austerain's solidarity against fascist demagogues like Polacco alongside NIW's progressives."

Progressive Conservative Party Leader Governor Gregory Williams of Ericsson said that Versace "handled her speech beautifully to remind NIW of our commitment to our diplomatic ties."

NIP Chairman Grand Senator Gerard Aveline (Northern Springvale) stated that he was "pleasantly surprised" with her speech, but said it came off as "too aggressive, bleak, and militaristic... nearly to the levels of rhetoric by Chairman FitzGerald".

Conservative Royalist Party Leader Delegate Drake Jackson (Strasguard) said that the speech even moved him, but he said that Austerain "should stay out of the internal affairs of other countries and spend money here instead".

After Chancellor Versace leaves New a Ireland and Wales, she will be stopping by Hirematia just north of Austerain for a three day summit to discuss economic and military ties as well as conservation efforts with Hirematian Premier Minister Mechhai. As the geographically closest nation to Austerain, it is rumored that a superbridge will be built connecting Hirematia to the Province of Austra.

Former First Lady Asher's office says that she will be leaving NIW a day early to have time to herself after her engagements to reflect on her husband and her plans. With High Court Justice Ariana Bolton stepping down at age 89 after 30 years on the court, an anonymous staff member of the Grand Chancellor said that First Lady Asher is on the shortlist to replace Justice Bolton, citing her legal education and career.

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Austerain International Times

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT FAILS IN GRAND SENATE

After the House of Delegates passed the amendment 67-33 among coalition lines (with the 3 Conservative Royalists voting in favor), the Grand Senate rejected the measure by 23-7 vote.

House of Delegates Majority Leader Henry Winthrop (PDP-Pinth) proposed the constitutional amendment in the chamber last month after the social democratic wing of the Liberal Party broken away after Grand Chancellor Versace's veto of the Nuclear Arms Elimination Act (which was oveturned by Congress). This amendment would have changed Article I.1 of the National Constitutional Charter to elect the Grand Chancellor based on the majority of his/her party (or coalition) in Congress rather than by direct election. Political scientists warned that this amendment would make the national government less stable and more susceptible to constant changes of power, including professors at several prestigious universities around the country. Progressive Democrats, Nationalist Islanders, and Conservative Royalists saw this as their chance to increase their influence in Congress, arguing that the executive government "should be more accountable to the representatives of the people".

Liberal and Progressive Conservatives see the failure of this amendment as a victory.
Grand Senate Coalition Majority Leader Piloni (LP- Eastern Auradon) and Grand Senator Arzano (PCP- South Worcester) issued a joint statement after the Senate vote saying that they are pleased with the amendment's failure "because the proposal, if passed, would have been harmful to democracy and lead to unprecedented instability of Austerain's leadership.

PDP and NIP Senate Leaders, however, issued a statement that was less than happy: "Although we were not surprised about the failure of our proposal, we are disappointed that the ruling parties decided to prevent the Grand Chancellor from being better accountable to Congress"

Delegates Majority Leader Winthrop declared that "the fight isn't over" and that his party will keep pushing to make the executive government more accountable to Congress. Progressive Democratic Party Leader Grand Senator Giulia said that her party will "invest heavily into more candidates to challenge Liberal and Progressive Conservative candidates in order to take Congress from the grip of the neoliberal majority."

While opinion polls indicated that most Austerens were against the amendment proposal, polls are also showing that PDP has a good chance at taking control of the Grand Senate in the next elections. The Liberal Campaign Committee (LCC) said that they will be fighting harder than ever to keep their seats and "to retake the seats from PDP detractors". The Progressive Democratic Congressional Committee (PDCC) stated that was also looking into taking Governorships.

Many speculated that Hyacinth Governor Owen McCord, a rising star in the Liberal Party and into national politics, might have detracted from his party to join the Progressive Democrats. He is one of the most progressive Liberal Governors, who has pushed for investment into renewable energy, higher minimum wage, and limiting the influence of corporate money in politics in his province and the House of Governors. He sharply criticized Versace's involvement in the global nuclear war in April and said that eliminating nuclear arms "was the right way to go". In a statement last month after being pressured to detract from the Liberals for PDP, he said that he "could never betray the party of Asher and his successor Versace while they need unity of the party and the nation the most". Political experts believe that Governor McCord would be a contender for the Chancellorship in the next elections, who could reunite Liberals and Progressive Democrats under his leadership.

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Austerain International Times

ASSASSIN CHARGED, COLLUDED WITH CONSERVATIVE ROYALISTS, CATHOLIC DEMOCRATS

The Justice Department announced last night that Ray McLean, who assassinated Chancellor Asher and NIW Secretary Cox in February at Pinth Regional Airport (injuring Governor Bellevue and NIW President Edwards in the process), would be charged with treason, domestic terrorism, murder, conspiracy to murder, and assassination of a government official; they will be seeking the maximum penalty available- life in a maximum security prison with no parole.

Mr. McLean, aged 32, was a construction worker from Pinth, Worcester. According to Chancellor Versace in her first major speech as Chancellor, he "was corresponding with local NIW nationalist groups and anti-trade far right groups such as Austerain First... during protests and riots". He worked for Governor Polacco through her Chief of Staff John McLean, who is his father.

His father John McLean was charged and found guilty by the High Criminal Court in New Ireland and Wales for "being an accessory and mastermind to the assassination of Secretary Cox and guilty of the attempted assassination of President Theodore Edwards..." and "...being an accessory to the assassination of Chancellor Giorgio Asher", sentencing him to life in prison without parole and a recommendation for death penalty, a sentence that Grand Chancellor Versace herself is said to be urging President Edwards not to pursue.

In the first hearing of his trial today, it was revealed that not only had Ray McLean colluded with Governor Polacco, but he was in contact with high ranking Conservative Royalist Party officials, including the Deputy Chairman and two out of the three Conservative Royalist members of Congress of the House of Delegates. New revelations also revealed that he was in contact with officials in the NIW's Catholic Democrats, lead by Chairman FitzGerald who is running for Taoiseach in their elections. After this came to light, the Justice Department has arrested the two members of Congress involved and has taken in Delegate Drake Jackson, Leader of the Conservative Royalists, for interrogation. Many are speculating that one of the suspected members may have been responsible for the briefcase bomb found near the Grand Chancellor's office in the Palace of Auster. The Justice Department also announced that they will be sending more investigators to New Ireland and Wales to question the Catholic Democrats suspects involved. When asked whether they would declare the Conservative Royalists and Catholic Democrats as terrorist organizations, the spokesperson replied that they were "looking into options".

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Meanwhile, Chancellor Versace is still in New Ireland and Wales with Secretary of State Sinclair and former First Lady Asher, who gave another emotional speech in the memorial statue unveiling of Chancellor Asher and Secretary Cox. Her speech was hailed as unifying and according to political analysts, sounded almost like a campaign speech as she compared the statesmanships of her late husband and Secretary Cox as defenders of "the fundamental values of democracy through acceptance of all".

The most touching of her speech had many in the audience in tears, saying, "The pursuit to form a more perfect democracy that will protect the freedoms and liberties of all does not die with its champions, but continues to live on through all of us, " further adding rather poetically that the "memorial will symbolize our resolute pursuit to do so through time, and the legacy that the two statesmen left behind."

Many were also amused that she called out Chancellor Versace and President Edwards by the noticeable coldness that has occurred between them lately since certain leaks came out, saying "Despite what differences between our people and among our people, this is a legacy that we must continue and to remember the common values and interests we share- not our differences.". In addition to this, anonymous sources close to the President say that Mrs. Asher has been privately urging the two to get over themselves as an intermediary between the two leaders.

There is a lot of speculation on her political future. Many are saying that she will run for Congress in the next elections, while others claim that she is on the Chancellor's shortlist to replace Justice Bolton on the High Court.

As political turmoil stirs in Austerain and in New Ireland and Wales, the Versace and Edwards held a short press conference after the memorial conference room update the public on the military progress with Polacco, the political conflicts between Versace's Liberals and Progressive Democrats as well the campaign for Taoiseach in NIW, where Edwards is running. Versace declined to endorse Edwards saying that it would be "inappropriate... to make endorsements in a sovereign nation's elections" and "terribly awkward" if another candidate was elected. Some saw this as a snub against Edwards as their relationship soured, which the two leaders acknowledged as "regret[ful]" and "disappointing" while citing Mrs. Asher's reference to the bigger picture of the relationship between Austerain and NIW that the late Asher and Edwards built.

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With the relationship between Versace and Edwards seems to be thawing and new revelations come to light amid the trial of the century, political turmoil continues in the two countries as they attempt to unite with closer economic ties in solidarity for Chancellor Asher and Secretary Cox.

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Austerain International Times

AMBASSADOR DIES FROM INJURIES

Mr. Zacharias Peremore,  45 year old Austeren Ambassador to the Paguio Empire, has died from his injuries after being attacked by protesters in his assigned country. He sustained several injuries including broken ribs, a broken nose, and several other bone fractures. He ultimately passed away as a broken rib pierced his lung and the left ventricle of his heart.

According to the Imperial Paguio Network, approximately 30 protesters rushed past the security guards and started beating Ambassador Peremore as he made his way toward his convoy, which was due to head to Xian Palace to meet the country's Emperor. He was transported to a local hospital. After he was discharged prematurely, Secretary of State Sinclair ordered for all diplomatic staff to leave the country and to close the consulate and sent in Special Diplomatic Forces to safely extract Ambassador Peremore out of the country to Austraton to receive proper medical treatment.

Secretary Sinclair said that the beating of the ambassador was "outrageous" and that the "Emperor needs to get his house in order and the people of the Paguio Empire must recognize that we are not the source of their problems and take some self-responsibility." After stating that the situation in the Paguio Empire had "become too unstable and too hostile for [Austerain] to continue its ties", the State Department raised the threat level of the country to yellow and raised the ranking of the country on the department's "SLU Fragile State Index" to the top 10, which suspends all travel between the two countries.

Shortly after, the Emperor released a statement describing his "disgust" at the actions of his people and accused the violent protesters of "ruin[ing] the reputation of our country" before demanding an apology. He has offered to compensate Peremore and his family 1 million Reubelmarks for his injuries and expenses.

After Ambassador Peremore died at Windrow Medical Center in Austraton, the Chancellor's office released a statement describing his "undying dedication to public service and peace with other nations" and his 20 years experience. Chancellor Versace, who is in New Ireland and Wales with Secretary Sinclair, tweeted her condemnation of the protesters' actions, reminding them that "freedom of speech and assembly is not freedom to incite or commit violent acts, especially on the brave ones attempting to calm the tumult" and urged the Emperor "do more to calm and satisfy his people, and maintain the stability of his country."

Members of Congress described the situation as "disturbing" and "outrageous", many urging the Chancellor to get involved militarily. Her spokesman rebuked these calls, saying that "military intervention, which ironically was an outrage when the Chancellor tried to do it before, will further escalate the anti-Austeren sentiments in the country and cause more instability."

The Paguio Empire has been tumultuous as of late, facing many assassinations and deaths of Emperors and members of their Royal Family, civil unrest, and the increasing tension between the Emperor and his people.

Ambassador Peremore's funeral will occur after the Chancellor's return, where she will attend to meet his widow and four children, and deliver his eulogy.

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Austerain International Times

CHANCELLOR TO BE RENAMED PRESIDENT

A bill to rename the head of the executive government from Grand Chancellor to President of Austerain and to require question sessions every week before the House of Delegates has passed all chambers of Congress with a total of 128-12 (the opposition being the more conservative wing of the Progressive Conservatives and the Conservative Royalists) and will be approved by the Grand Chancellor, after which there will be a referendum to officially certify the constitutional amendment bill.

The President Amendment Act, introduced in the House of Delegates by the Coalition Majority Leaders Congressman Winthrop (PDP-Pinth) and Congressman Carndeau (NIP-Gaul), was proposed after the failure of the last amendment to shift the system towards a more parliamentary system in which the Chancellor's power would derive from his/her majority in Congress like a prime minister failed in the Grand Senate days ago. Congressman Winthrop said that this amendment will make the executive more accountable to the legislature and the people it represents by requiring the head of the executive to answer tough questions from the public through their Congressional Delegates. He also seeks to "humble the position a little bit" from being a "Grand" Chancellor to a President, maintaining the dignity that the office deserves. The amendment also seeks to give the President the power to call new elections with approval of the House of Governors.

There has been twenty-three Grand Chancellors since the year 1793 after the fall of the monarchy and the passage of the National Constitutional Charter in the Third Constitutional Convention, the first being General Edward Worcester.

This bill will amend Articles I.1.i and I.2.IV as well as add an additional provision to Article II.4 to enact the changes. The move has wide multi-party support.

For the referendum, the early polls indicate that 76% approve of the amendment proposed. Versace's own approval ratings have drastically dropped from Asher's carrying approval ratings of 76% to the current 46% who approve of her work so far. Her approval ratings increased on days in which she made major speeches to the Austeren and NIW Congresses but dipped in the most controversial topics such as the nuclear war and the breakup of her party, and the tapes that came out regarding her and NIW President Edwards' icy relationship. Rumors are swirling that she will dismiss Vandercraft as Vice Chancellor to replace her with a better individual before calling for new elections herself.

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Austerain International Times

AUSTERAIN VOTES YES TO AMENDMENT

The constitutional amendment bill to rename the head of the executive government from Grand Chancellor to President, to require question time to the House of Delegates, and to grant to power to call for elections with approval by the Governors has passed after three days of voting in a referendum. The Austeren people voted with 78% in favor, with the Province of Auradon voting against it with 53% of the vote.

Versace will now be titled President with Vandercraft as her Vice President, and her first question time is scheduled for next month as soon as she returns from her trip abroad. She is expected to call for new elections for the Presidency and National Congress.

After leaving New Ireland and Wales, she will be in Hirematia just north of Austerain to meet with Premier Minister Mechhai. Sources close to President Versace say that she will not run for election and will replace Vandercraft with a more desirable VP.

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Austerain International Times

GOVERNORS APPROVE SNAP ELECTIONS

The House of Governors has unanimously voted on a resolution to approve President Versace's request for a snap election in next month after she announced on Twitter that she would not be running.

Defense Secretary Warner and Governor McCord have struck down considerations for their candidacies for the Liberal Party nomination for President. Secretary Warner said that "now was not the time for her to run" and Governor McCord stated that the "tremendous task of uniting the liberal political forces was not one that [he] is willing to undertake at this time".

As Warner and McCord have dropped out, Governor of Austra Andrew Gates and Secretary of Law and Justice Stephen O'Brennen are the two contenders for the Liberal Party nomination. Governor Gates has a strong reputation as one of the most progressive Liberal governors in Austerain, leading his province along with Hyacinth as a leader in supporting the clean energy industries, raising the provincial minimum wage to a livable wage, experimenting with proportional representation in the Austra Provincial Legislature, and lowering his province's unemployment rate to 3.4% from his Progressive Conservative predecessor's 9.7% rate. He is seen as the candidate best suited for uniting the progressive and centrist wings of the Liberal Party.

Secretary O'Brennen however, is more of a centrist and established candidate as he has the early endorsement of President Versace herself, which many Progressive Democrats see as "the kiss of death". He has been a figure in national politics for many years under the last three Chancellors. He has served as Secretary of Law and Justice under Versace and Asher, and served as Deputy Secretary of the same Department under the Progressive Conservative Grand Chancellor Quincy Puccini. Like Asher, he has a strong record in leading the Justice Department for the civil rights of minorities and the LGBT community, and for focusing on rehabilitation over punishment in the prisons system. Under Versace however, his Department was noted to have decreased funding for its efforts for civil rights litigation and rolled back its litigation efforts against monopolization by corporations to the ere of many progressives in the party already reeling from Versace's newfound hawkishness.

The Nationalist Islanders' Party has backed the top candidate for the Progressive Democratic Party James Thorne, who is now running against incumbent PDP Leader Grand Senator Giulia (Southern Romana) after Winthrop withdrew from the race. His polling numbers are in now above Giulia's, and PDP leaders are now pressuring her into dropping out for Thorne. Mr. Thorne was previously the Secretary of Law and Justice under Liberal Grand Chancellor Brandon Vaughn, where he was notorious for pushing Vaughn to take action for the many civil rights abuses happening in workplaces and public areas across the country in the 1980s. Former Secretary Thorne advised late former Grand Chancellor Asher during his tenure as Chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank regulatory policy on derivatives and fiscal loopholes in the law and continued to do so during the Asher Chancellorship. Thorne has been a Professor at the University of Austraton teaching Financial Law and Civil Rights Law since the end of the Vaughn Chancellorship as well. When he switched his allegiance from the Liberal Party to the Progressive Democrats, he told his colleagues that Versace and her followers in the party had "betrayed Asher and the country's progress" and that it was "time for a new change". He has been a leading contributor on national thinktank roundtable discussions and it was rumored that he might have ran against Asher in the 2015 Election until he publicly backed Asher's re-election campaign.

The Progressive Conservatives have the Governor of Ericsson Gregory Williams as their candidate already. Despite his province's high unemployment rate of 11.2%, he is highly popular among his party and often voted across the aisle (he particularly backed Asher's anti-isolationist policies by supporting the Omnibus Trade Initiative Act, citing the "potential economic growth" for his province from foreign investors.

Lastly, the nonpartisan Electoral Commission has named the Conservative Royalists ineligible to run a candidate in the campaign citing their "ties to domestic and international terrorism with their extremist views" after the arrest of their only three Members of Congress that colluded with the assassin that killed Grand Chancellor Asher and NIW Secretary Cox in February.

Political analysts are predicting that former Secretary Thorne has a "solid chance" at winning the Presidency against the Liberal and Progressive Conservative candidate, and that the Progressive Democrats will take majority of Congress alongside a sweep of seats in the new islands by the Nationalist Islanders' Party.

The first campaigning is set to start tomorrow in Remia. Versace will be making appearances and speeches to O'Brennen's rallies upon her return.

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Austerain International Times

THORNE ATTACKS LIBERALS AND PCP OVER NEOLIBERALISM

As campaigning for the snap elections this month commenced, Progressive Democratic candidate James Thorne held his first rally near the seaside of Remia, the provincial capital of Austra. In his speech, he attacked Liberal candidate Secretary O'Brennen and Progressive Conservative Governor Williams over what he calls "the plague of neo-liberalism and crony capitalism in Austeren politics".

"While our country made great progress during the Asher Administration, we still have more to do. Versace's disastrous interventionist policy with the nuclear war earlier this year has placed a spotlight on how progressive she really is. Not only is she a war hawk along with her Liberal surrogates, but she is a hypocrite to the legacy of Grand Chancellor Asher in campaign finance and civil rights. After she took office, the Justice Department under Secretary O'Brennen cut some of the funding for the Department's efforts for civil rights litigation and rolled back its litigation efforts against corporate merging and monopolization. According to OpenSecrets, the Liberal Party Chairman, Grand Senator Piloni, reversed its policy of refusing donations from the wealthy and pushed the limits of Asher-era campaign finance limits, which the Justice Department ignored.

Governor Williams and the Progressive Conservatives of the Province of Ericsson have had a revolving door between the oil industry and the provincial government's regulatory bodies. Williams' Chief of Staff is a former CEO of PetrolGo Industries, which was granted a waiver by Ericsson's Environmental Conservation Agency to build oil wells. Governor Williams has accepted donations for his campaign by PetrolGo and other petroleum companies, and was even under investigation by the Justice Department for campaign finance violations, which was dropped after Versace took office.

After many establishment Liberals stood for Versace after Progressive Democrats left the party, Progressive Conservatives backed Versace and her government with a coalition. It was at this moment where the Liberals and PCP declared to you all that they are no longer two distinct parties. They have become the Big Money Party. The Progressive Democrats have become the people's party..."

This scathing declaration has made shockwaves in the Austeren political world, with #BigMoneyParty, #PartyCollusion, and #PEOPLESPARTY trending on Twitter. Fact checking sites have confirmed Thorne's accusations, but Williams has rejected the claim of the revolving door. Thorne's polling numbers have surged with him ahead of Secretary O'Brennen's by 2 points.

Secretary O'Brennen's campaign released a statement saying that O'Brennen's record on civil rights is "unmatched even by Thorne's own record" and that "any change to campaign finance enforcement and civil rights litigation was the decision of the President herself, not reflective of the Secretary's own views. The President's foreign policy is not one of hawkishness but of concern for the security of Austerain and the region." Thorne's spokesman Karl Foreman hit back saying, "O'Brennen still had such discretion over efforts and funding. The President's foreign policy has been lackluster compared to Asher, she couldn't even get along with the NIW President when she was the Vice Chancellor. With O'Brennen's ancestors from New Ireland, maybe he'll get along with their next Taoiseach. Thorne, however, will be tougher on New Ireland and Wales for accountability of the attacks."

When asked what he meant about how tough Thorne will be on NIW, Foreman said "we'll see. As President, Thorne will do more to keep Austerain safe from nationalist extremists better than Versace and Edwards ever did." Thorne's campaign manager later clarified that Foreman's last comments were "tongue in cheek", stating that Thorne has not yet formed a final policy regarding "the nationalist issue".

There has been no comment from the President or her staff on Thorne's verified claims.

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Austerain International Times

CANDIDATES CLASH IN PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE

Progressive Democrat James Thorne and Liberal Stephen O'Brennen clashed heavily in their first debate, with Progressive Conservative Gregory Williams at the sideline of the stage. James Thorne slammed his two opponents and President Versace once again for "condoning everything that is wrong with modern politics" and slammed former NIW President Edwards for calling him a nationalist, saying that "I find it funny that Edwards is calling me a nationalist while Irish-Welsh nationalists from his country have been terrorizing both Austerain and New Ireland... maybe the former President and his propaganda outlet Irish-Welsh Times should spend more time focusing on their own radical nationalists before attacking me."

Secretary O'Brennen retorted that Thorne's comments are "ridiculous and hopelessly misinformed", adding that Irish-Welsh intelligence agencies have been "working closely with the Austeren government to seek out terrorists and foil their plots against us."

Former Secretary Thorne wants to call himself a true progressive," O'Brennen said, "Yet it sounds like he wants to limit travelling between Austerain and New Ireland and Wales in order to prevent nationalist terrorists from entering. Am I correct?"

"No, I do not want any kind of travel ban," Thorne responded, "But the government has been failing to properly vet visitors from coming in. The only vetting in the visa form is a question about criminal history, but no resources by the government to perform background checks. In other words, they've just opened the door for anyone to come in. If I am elected, the government will commit to better security at airports while refraining from violating visitors' right to privacy as much as possible. We can be a global country that accepts outsiders, but we must keep our people safe as well. It's common sense."

Throne once again called out Versace and O'Brennen for reversing protection efforts for minorities and against "the abuses of big corporations".

"Under my presidency, no longer shall the government allow corporations to put profit above people," Thorne declared, "As President, consumers and small businesses will be protected from the abuses of corporations using their political influence to increase their economic influence- the tax codes and government regulations will be reformed to benefit the many, not just the few and the powerful. Under O'Brennen, our system will continue to benefit the powerful above the people's interest."

When asked about former NIW President Edwards' remark that he should "tread carefully" and that he is a "disgrace to the lives of Giorgio Asher and Brandon Cox", Thorne hit back by saying, "the only disgraces to Asher and Cox are Versace and Edwards. It was Edwards who gave a nationalist terrorist a platform in his Administration and it was Edwards who allowed his country to fall into civil war. Many of us know that Edwards' policies have been toxic to NIW's security. I had hope that Versace was going to be tougher on New Ireland and Wales after her first encounter with Edwards, yet she disappointed me. They're both weak and in Collins' words, they are reckless leaders. I find it disgraceful that Edwards has used the great statesmen Asher and Cox to score points against me. I look forward to working with Taoiseach Collins to keep our peoples safe, because Edwards is done."

After the debate, Thorne's poll numbers have soared to 49% of likely voters supporting him, 32% supporting O'Brennen, and 19% supporting Williams. Political analysts believe that Thorne's victory is inevitable as Austerain's progressive voters have become increasingly disillusioned with the Liberal Party. The hashtags #PeoplesParty and #BigMoneyParty have been trending on Twitter in Austerain for weeks now, and the hashtags #SoftSarah and #ToxicTed have started trending after the debate in Austerain and New Ireland and Wales.

President Versace, whose approval numbers are now at 32% (the lowest of any executive in the last 20 years), is currently in Hirematia north of Austerain to discuss trade, infrastructure, and mutual defense with Premier Minister Mechhai. She was ridiculed on social media after reports that she accidentally incorrectly addressed Mechhai as "Prime Minister".

[Austerain]

Austerain International Times

THORNE ELECTED, LIBERALS DECIMATED

Progressive Democratic candidate James Thorne, former Secretary of Law and Justice, has been elected as the second President of Austerain with 67% of the popular vote and 100 out of 140 Electoral votes (80 needed). In the National Congress, the Progressive Democratic Party partnered with National Islanders' Party gained majority in the Grand Senate and control of Congress after the Liberals and Progressive Conservatives lost many seats to the parties. The House of Governors remains in Liberal control since there were no gubernatorial elections. In total, PDP has 62 seats, the Liberals have 32, and PCP and NIP have 23 separately. Grand Senator Barbara Giulia (PDP- Southern Romana) will reportedly replace Governor England (LP-Romana) as the Speaker of Congress.

President-Elect James Thorne gave his victory speech in front of Progressive Democratic Party Headquarters in Austraton,

"My fellow Austerens,

Secretary O'Brennen has called to concede. I thank and congratulate him on his tough campaign; I wish him well.

You have spoken. Tonight's embarrassing defeat for O'Brennan and the Liberal Party demonstrates that the Austeren people have had enough with Versacean Liberal policies. No longer will Austerain carry out hawkish foreign policy. No longer will Austerain embrace autocratic leaders in its hallowed halls of democracy. No longer will Austerain tolerate nations in the Social Liberal Union that do not align with progressive democratic values within their political institutions. And no longer will Austerain's government work best for the wealthy and the powerful.

A new day rises in Austerain where your elected government will work for all Austerens, not just the few and the powerful. We saw this in New Ireland and Wales upon the election of Governor Collins as Taoiseach, now this new day reaches the shores of Austerain. Versace's leadership has been disgraceful to the legacy of the late Chancellor Asher, a true progressive who would be ashamed to see the state of the Versacean Liberal Party. Under my Presidency, we continue his legacy for civil rights and economic Prosperity for all.

You all deserve such a government, and it is a government you shall have. This is YOUR government. Yes. Let your cheers for democracy ring beyond the southern islands of Austerain, beyond our gleaming shores to the edges of the Social Liberal Union. In celebration of the invention of democracy resound, and let rocks their silence break... let the sound prolong..."

On the steps of the Justice Department, the grim-faced Secretary O'Brennen congratulated Thorne and apologized to his supporters for his "piss-poor performance".

President-Elect Thorne will be inaugurated and officially sworn into office upon President Versace's return from Hirematia. Until then, Thorne will be determining his Cabinet picks and transitioning the Palace of Auster from the Versace Administration to the Thorne Administration.

Congress is now dissolved until the next one is sworn in on Inauguration Day.

For further information on the new Congress, refer here: www.nationstates.net/nation=austerain/detail=factbook/id=710302

[Austerain]

Austerain International Times

SECURITY BUILDS AFTER THORNE REMARKS, POLACCO KILLED

In the first news today, New Ireland and Wales-based media organization RTE News reported that Christiana Polacco, Governor of North Wales and former Congresswoman here in Austerain, was killed after an apparent accidental grenade blast on her compound during a military mission ordered by newly-elected Taoiseach Edward Collins. As Governor of North Wales, she illegally declared her province independent from NIW, prompting a civil war, and was directly involved with the assassinations of Grand Chancellor Asher and Secretary Cox though her Chief of Staff. She was on the run for months after North Wales' capital Cardiff was captured by NIW forces. Her previous position as a member of former President Edwards' Cabinet was under deep scrutiny in the Taoiseach elections, in which former President Edwards' party lost its power to Collins, who lambasted Edwards and Versace along with then-candidate in the Austeren presidential elections James Thorne as "reckless leaders".

As a native Austeren, there was some concern that President Versace and President-Elect Thorne would be upset about Polacco's murder, but Versace tweeted that while her death was "unfortunate... before justice could be served", both her and Thorne were glad that Polacco and her "extremist reign of terror... has ended". The President-Elect's transition team confirmed that he was pleased that Polacco's time had ended, but wants to send an investigative team to confirm her remains. Ms. Polacco's parents, who live in Strasguard and were publicly distraught by her actions, requested for NIW authorities to return her remains for final burial, which Versace is assisting.

Meanwhile, in a series of statements, tweets, and speeches over the past week, President-Elect Thorne along with over SLU leaders proposed crackdowns on "imperialist and authoritarian nations" within the Union, stating that these nations "retain institutions, laws, and values that are contrary to the liberal democratic values that the region holds dear". He previously mentioned proposing a ban on imperialist nations from SLU. Nations such as the Paguio Empire blasted Thorne for his comments that they saw as a disrespectful "attack" their culture, and effectively closed Austeren embassies in the Empire, not knowing that Versace had withdrawn Diplomatic Staff from the Empire after our ambassador was killed a month ago. With 79% of Austerens supporting his remarks, Thorne didn't back down after the response of Paguioan officials. After discovering that Thorne would not back down, the Emperor himself released a statement falsely claiming that the Austeren government's credibility is in jeopardy under Thorne, yet didn't even know that Austerain's Ambassador was killed by Paguioan protesters a month ago despite offering compensation to the diplomat's family. However, Thorne softened his tone in a major speech to the IAC after being contacted by former Queen Amita of Kyratistani, who explained the modesty of Kyratistani's monarchy compared to that of the Paguioans. Describing the queen's explanation as a "different perspective", he dubbed Kyratistani as "the modern monarchy" and he softened his stance by offering a compromise in which he would not call for expelling all nations with monarchies upon the conditions that these monarchies became elected positions under the rule of law like every other public official.

"The fatal flaw of a hereditary monarchy," he declared, "Is that its original mandate does not lie with the nation's voters; and in most cases, they're above the law."

Officials from Kyratistani agreed to work with Thorne on this compromise in SLU legislation. Foreign policy experts around the region have backed Thorne's claim that this was the "best compromise to protect the sovereignty of Member States and to promote democratic principles mandated by the regional Constitution".

Thorne admitted that this was a major concession since he would rather "expel such an archaic and historically oppressive position from the region altogether" but he declared that this compromise "will achieve the overall goal for democratic-republicanism in benefit of SLUan people and their desire to maintain traditions that are central to their national identities.".

With Versace's surprise backing of Thorne's compromise, the State Department declassified and released memos sent to the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the Paguio Empire by Secretary of State Sinclair to persuade them towards Thorne's compromise as a "reasonable approach" and the "best concession that [he] will ever give up" for the usual stubborn and strong-willed nature of the President-Elect. The Secretary of State went on to apologize for the perceived disrespect and offense caused, and gave a detailed explanation on the fundamental components of a properly functioning constitutional democratic-republic and checks and balances, even proposing an Imperial electors system as an alternative to direct election of their Emperor.

Near the end of the released memos, Secretary Sinclair's last thoughts were his most resounding as he dismissed the fears of the oppressive Tiger Republic as "logical fallacy":

"History demonstrates that one cannot have any democratic institution if rights are not protected from government overreach, and if the rights of the minority are not protected from the tyranny of the majority. This is not a difficult concept to understand, and makes the most sense for your people and the interest of all nations collectively. Your people and Thorne share the common interest against the tyranny of an autocratic demogogue leader- Thorne simply wants to ensure that leaders, including future monarchs, are not able to be above the law and oppress the rights of the people. "

The Premier Minister of Hirematia has also backed Thorne's compromise, praising Kyratistani as a "shining example of reform" and proclaiming that it was not an issue of Paguioan sovereignty, but for "upholding SLU's democratic commitment". The compromise is being praised by foreign policy thinktanks and career diplomats and experts across the Union, but there is not yet official word from the Paguioans if they will come to a final agreement to this compromise. If they do not, Secretary Sinclair fears that Thorne will return to his "harsher stance" in which the Paguio Empire may have no choice but to be forcibly removed from the Union if not complied with Thorne's proposals to SLU Parliament.

If that wasn't enough, it was reported today that a letter was sent to Paguioan Imperial Guard that threatened the lives of the Emperor, Prime Minister, and high ranking and important Austeren officials (rumored to include Versace, Thorne, and his Secretary of State pick). The ABI is sending investigators to assist in what it calls a "serious and credible threat to national security", but it isn't yet publicly clear how serious this threat is. However, Special Forces have increased security around the Palace of Auster and major commercial areas of the city of Austraton, as well as military installation perimeters, indicating a very real threat. The President-Elect has taken residence in an apartment wing in the Palace of Auster complex with increased security until his inauguration, after which he move into the executive presidential apartments of the Palace.

[Austerain]

Austerain International Times

PRESIDENT VERSACE UNDER INVESTIGATION

After it was revealed this morning that President Versace sought to subvert the incoming Thorne Administration from within the State Department, Grand Senate Majority Leader Barbara Giulia (PDP-Southern Romana) announced today that the Grand Senate Ethics and Accountability Committee was launching an investigation against the President for conspiracy of manipulation and subversion of the next administration.

"These revelations are disturbing," said Grand Senator Giulia today, "And quite frankly, embarrassing to have such blatant corruption revealed to the world. President Versace has said before that the President-Elect would be an embarrassment to the office of the President, yet here she is with this disgraceful act to the integrity of the office. We call for President Versace to return to Austerain to answer for this corruption, and to resign. In the meantime, we will subpoena the Secretary of State to testify in order to verify this leaked audio, and to answer for his willingness to aid President Versace's subversion..."

The Grand Senate Ethics and Accountability Committee filed for a joint investigation with the ABI to gain more information. Meanwhile, several leaders around the Social Liberal Union have condemned Versace's actions. Courelli's Governor Thomas tweeted that her actions were "not only preposterous, but also dangerous" and called for her to resign and stand trial. Hirematia's Premier Minister Mechhai, whom of which President Versace is currently meeting with for bilateral talks, has distanced himself by stating that he is "opposed to [Versace's] attempted undermining" of the President-Elect".

Final inauguration preparations are being made as Versace is expected to return soon to resign.

President-Elect Thorne has not yet publicly commented on these revelations, but close aides say that it's possible that he might order a federal prosecutor to charge Versace by the Committee's charges so that she can stand trial. There is no word from the embattled President's office, nor from the office of the Vice President, who is currently on vacation at her ranch in Hyacinth.

[Austerain]

Austerain International Times

EARTHQUAKE STRIKES SOUTHERN AUSTERAIN

This afternoon, a 8.2 earthquake struck the city of Sundester, capital of the Province of Ericsson, causing massive devastation to many of the historical churches and government buildings. An estimated 45 people were killed, with over 218 and counting injured. Massive sinkholes have opened up around the city, engulfing cars and entire homes and shops. The national high speed railways connecting Sundester to other provincial capitals such as Pinth and Sardinia have been shut down. The National Disaster Relief Agency (NDRA) has been called in to provide shelter and food for displaced residents.

Ericsson Provincial Governor Gregory Williams (PCP) is taking a hiatus from House of Governors business in Austraton and is traveling to Sundester, where he is expected to declare a provincial state of emergency and use to Provincial Guard to maintain order under the threat of looting. The nearby island Province of Roseaurain experienced minor tremors with minimal damage, as well as the mainland Province of Auradon. Sundester experienced an estimated $550 million in damage, as the rest of the province outside of Sundester experienced an estimated $300 million in damage. Ericsson and Roseaurain are not under threat of tsunami.

[Austerain]

Austerain International Times

THORNE PROPOSES EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP

Amid waiting for the Paguio Empire's response to Thorne's compromise deal on foreign policy with SLU, President-Elect Thorne stopped by the city of Pinth, provincial capital of Worcester, to focus on domestic policy- in particular, workers wages. After meeting with dozens of industrial workers in the working class neighborhoods of Pinth, he gave a speech in front of a community center,

"For too long, big corporations have absorbed hoards of money at the top while you the workers receive less in proportion to your increased productivity. It is unethical for workers not to receive a fair portion of the profit of the products you make. [applause] I am proposing a reformation of the modern corporation. When I take office, I shall ask Congress to pass an act to mandate that all workers under corporations are entitled to own a portion of the corporation you work for. As shareholders, you will be able to vote for your board of directors and you will have enough economic clout to negotiate for higher wages and better benefits. Studies have shown that when the workers own the corporation, that productivity increases with those wages. As shareholders of the companies you work for, you will have a say in which interest groups and political activities your company donates to and supports. Your economic clout translates into political clout- enough to influence the decisions of your elected government. We are placing lobbying activities back into the hands of the working class, because when the working class is able to have a better say in the government, the whole country prospers. [applause] Yes, there will be limits and oversight to ensure anti-corruption and efficiency. Yes, you will need experts to assist you in what policies are wise to lobby to us. But this is a revolutionary change that will strengthen the power of the working class to better compete with the wealthy few. We are many. They are few!" [applause and cheering]

This has not been the first time that employee stock ownership has been proposed. Former Grand Chancellor Giorgio Asher once proposed a similar bill in 2011, but there was not enough support within his own party and in Congress to get it through committee. President-Elect Thorne and his Progressive Democrats are likely to be able to pass the proposal this time, although there is uncertainty on whether or not the Liberal-held House of Governors would ratify it. However, Governor Owen McCord (Liberal Party- Hyacinth) said that he is a "strong supporter" of Thorne's proposal and would "vigorously convince [his] colleagues to work with the President-Elect to get it through".

The Progressive Conservative Party is attacking the proposal as "full blown socialism" and "unsustainable", its Chairman, Senator Daniel Arzano (South Worcester) adding, "this will wreck the free market." Thorne, when asked about Arzano's comments, said, "The free market does not exist without rules over what's owned and traded. The so called 'free market' isn't separate from government, the rules of government are what maintain the economy. The question we have asked ourselves is who the rules of the economy are set up for. Right now, they're set up in favor of the wealthy elite. I'm changing that."

[Austerain]

Austerain International Times

DEPUTY SECRETARY DEAD AFTER GUNMAN ATTACK

Deputy Secretary of State Brian Presa, aged 47, has died after being shot by a gunman twice in the chest during a second town hall meeting with Paguioans. Secretary of State Sinclair is still in the intensive care unit of a hospital after being shot in his lower abdomen and the bicep of his arm.

Secretary of State Sinclair and Deputy Secretary Presa started their whirlwind visit to the Paguio Empire where they attended the Crown Prince's ceremonies to represent Austerain, discussed the compromise deal with the Paguioan Foreign Minister, and held two town hall meetings with Paguioans to address their concerns over the deal. According to the Secretary of State's head of security in a press conference today, the young man with a handgun rushed the stage first toward Presa and unleashed fire on him twice, then shot Sinclair twice before being tackled by Austeren bodyguards. As he rushed the stage, he was heard shouting "For the Emperor! For our monarchy!" as before shooting. Austeren authorities know that the man as a Paguioan national, but they are working with Paguioan authorities to identify his name.

President-Elect Thorne gave a statement at the Palace of Auster stating, "This is a terrible tragedy that serves to further strain relations between our two countries and to undermine our deal. Secretary Sinclair and Deputy Secretary Presa are dedicated public servants that went in the lion's den to get to know the concerns of the Paguioans and to dispel the lie that the deal is meant to abolish the monarchy (it's not), and this is how they're treated. My thoughts are with the Deputy Secretary's family, and it is my hope that Secretary Sinclair survives and recovers from his injuries. I am beyond outraged that this has happened and hope that the Paguioans will understand the message that Sinclair and Presa were trying to communicate with them."

President Versace tweeted from Hirematia, "I am horrified to hear about the attacks of Secretary Sinclair and Deputy Secretary Presa. My thoughts are with Dep Sec Presa's family at this time and for Sinclair's recovery. There is no excuse for violence over dialogue. This is a terrible blow to our country and our decaying relationship with the Paguio Empire. President-Elect Thorne and I will call the Emperor and Prime Minister to express our outrage and to work with them to hand down consequences [to the perpetrators]."

The Austeren Foreign Relations Society, a prestigious and influential foreign policy thinktank organization in Austerain, said in a statement that "Secretary Sinclair and Deputy Secretary Presa went to the Paguio Empire to form dialogue over the President-Elect surprisingly controversial compromise deal, yet they were met with extreme hostility and violence. The President-Elect should take a stronger stance against the Paguio Empire after this attack on our second highest chief diplomat under the President, and insist that the Emperor adopts the Accord without the referendum of the Paguioans. Policy decisions should never be held by the fluctuating impassions of the people, but rather by the wisdom of their government for their best interests."

[Austerain]

Austerain International Times

LEAKED AUDIO: PAGUIOAN PRINCE "WEAK" AND "BRAINWASHED" SAYS THORNE

More leaked audio has been revealed to the public this morning, this time of a conversation between President-Elect Thorne and Secretary of State Sinclair upon meeting before the wreath laying for Deputy Secretary Presa. The transcript is below:

James Thorne: "Mr. Secretary, good afternoon. Welcome back from your trip, I wish we were meeting again under better circumstances."

Dmitri Sinclair: "As for I, Mr. President-Elect. It was terrible what happened."

JT: "Indeed it was. Brian was a wonderful public servant. The assassin will be brought to justice."

DS: "Yes, the ABI brought him here for trial."

JT: "I hope this doesn't cause a conflict. I do appreciate your efforts over there, it must have been extremely difficult. How did you get on with the Emperor and the Crown Prince?"

DS: "The Emperor was very gracious but the Crown Prince could not hide the hatred in his eyes. He's very immature and I could tell that he is not confident in himself."

JT: "I am not surprised. He has been raised by brainwashing and indoctrination that any reform is hostile, and that anyone advocating for such is against them."

DS: "And from what I heard from several aides, he is heavily reliant on his sister and his uncles."

JT: "I was watching the broadcast. That was one of the most ostentatious and tacky display of self-adulation while many of his people are starving."

DS: "I didn't really have a good impression of him either. In his speech at the ceremony, his voice was quivering. I've heard that he's very uncertain of himself."

JT: "I sincerely hope that the Emperor survives his ailment. The last thing the Paguioans need right now is some unstable, impressionable, and weak boy king running the place. It would be hard for me to take him seriously if we met... until he matures, that is. I wouldn't meet him at all, most likely, I'd much rather meet with their PM."

DS: "Right. His uncles and the Emperor are very wise, but the boy isn't ready."

JT: "That's another thing. Why are members of the Imperial Family being appointed Prime Minister? A modern monarch has a duty to be above politics and should appoint their prime minister based on their electoral mandate. A nepotist autocracy, if I've ever seen one."

DS: "The current Prime Minister is rather wise, and his sister Princess Azula seems more than capable although she is indoctrinated herself. Many nations with female monarchs tend to be better, just look at your best friend Queen Amita."

JT: "Mm, I'll ignore that last part. Otherwise I agree. She seems to be much more mature and sure of herself. She would be a better empress than that naive young lad."

DS: "Very true. Let's hope the Emperor recovers. The Paguioan people don't deserve what's coming for them if the boy becomes Emperor. From speaking to some of their people and despite the attacks, many of their hearts are in the right place. Unfortunately most of the nation is brainwashed with Jimin and Azula that reform is bad. You will show restraint, I hope?"

JT: "As much as possible, but any sort of war is out of the question so don't worry about that. Did the President brief you on what they found out about the assassin?"

DS: "No, I've only just arrived and she's busy in Hirematia."

JT: "Well, it seems that the assassin had contact with an attorney connected to the Paguioan Emperor. Some intelligence officers suspect collusion. They're not completely sure yet."

DS: "I hope that isn't true. If so that would mean-"

JT: "Retaliation. If it's true, I would consider the attempted assassination of our second highest-ranking diplomat by the Emperor as an act of war. Of course, I wouldn't send troops over there, but there would be very harsh economic sanctions and isolation in store for them."

DS: "Let's hope it isn't true. Now, it's about time to go to the ceremony."

JT: "Yes, let's go."

[end of transcript]

With the Paguioan Emperor in poor health, it seems that Thorne is genuinely hoping the the Emperor will recover as he is faced with the prospect of dealing with who he sees as someone who is "unstable" and "weak" as the next Emperor.

The President-Elect's office has offered no comment on the leaked audio, but the Secretary of State's office has said that they have found the leaker of both audio tapes (including the one with Versace) and fired him. Due to the evidence of criminal wrongdoing, the leaker is protected by whistleblower protection laws from charges.

[Austerain]

Austerain International Times

SINCLAIR TESTIFIES, INVESTIGATION DROPPED

Secretary of State Dmitri Sinclair had his public hearing before the Grand Senate Ethics and Accountability Committee, who issued a subpoena for Sinclair to testify on the revelations over leaked audio revealing that Versace wanted to undermine President-Elect Thorne through Sinclair's State Department loyal connections. Chaired by Grand Senator Aaron Stuart (PDP- Southern Hyacinth), the committee asked a series of questions regarding Versace's intentions and to confirm the tape. In his testimony, he confirmed the authenticity of the tapes but he told the panel, Was it immoral of the President to ask for this? Yes. Was it wrong of me to be willing to comply? Yes. But there was no action taken to call for a criminal charge against President Versace. That was the first time we discussed that and we haven't spoken about it since... the President was just understandably upset about how the President-Elect had behaved and offended the Paguioans, and she was concerned about the state of Austerain's international credibility. There is no criminal conspiracy here."

After the Secretary of State's three-hour hearing, the committee moved to drop the congressional investigation against President Versace by a 8-3 vote. The committee Chairman Senator Stuart had a meeting with Majority Leader Grand Senator Giulia (PDP- Southern Romana) and held a press conference after the vote, where he made a short statement:

"While President Versace's request was unethical and deserves rebuke, there is simply not enough for a criminal charge against the President. I will be proposing a resolution to the Grand Senate to express the disapproval of Congress over Versace considering the undermining of the President-Elect, and I will be proposing a resolution to urge Versace to return to Austerain so that Thorne can finally be sworn in. She ought to be thankful that she decided against taking further action, otherwise we would be pursuing criminal charges."

The ABI is still conducting its investigation, though the members of the committee issued a joint letter to the Director of the ABI to drop their investigation as well.

Austraton is now prepared for the inauguration of James Thorne as the President of Austerain, and security forces are ready to protect and accommodate the world leaders that will be in attendance to the historic event. The only question now is when President Versace will return from Hirematia, where she is negotiating an environmental deal and a deal to build a bridge and rail line with Premier Minister Mechhai.

[Austerain]

Austerain International Times

CONGRESS ORDERS VERSACE TO RETURN

After charges of conspiracy to subversion against President Versace were dropped by Congress after Secretary of State Sinclair's fiery defense in his hearing, all three Houses of Congress have passed a resolution that expresses disapproval over Versace's behavior and orders the President to return to Austerain immediately so that President-Elect Thorne may finally be inaugurated. The resolution passed 126-14 in the National Congress altogether, with all Liberal and Progressive Conservative Governors voted unanimously in favor. The sponsor of the resolution, Grand Senate Majority Leader Barbara Giulia (PDP-Southern Romana), declared on the floor of the Senate,

"We understand that the President is working hard in Hirematia to draw out a deal for a bridge, the environment, and for mutual defense. However, if the Honorable President does not abide by our resolution and chooses to delay, Congress will block any deal she made until the next President consents and she will be charged with contempt. It is a disgrace that she is using this trip as an excuse to stay in power longer. Enough is enough."

World leaders from around the Social Liberal Union have started arriving in Austraton, and have been invited to stay at the foreign dignitaries apartments wing of the Palace of Auster complex. With all preparation made, all eyes are on Versace for her return to Austraton to deliver her farewell speech to Congress before the inauguration ceremony.

[Austerain]

Austerain International Times

TRADING IN STOCK MARKET HALTS AS NIW CRASH RIPPLES

After the stock market in New Ireland and Wales crashed following the delay of the vote for the Economic and Regulatory Reform Act, market volatility increased significantly as the market crash had ripple effects on investor confidence in the Austeren Stock Exchange. Within an hour of the crash, stocks in the Austeren markets declined by 4%. After twenty-four hours, the decline continued down to 10.2%, the lowest in years. In response to the continuous ripples, the Secretary of the Treasury ordered the Financial Services Authority Agency to halt trading in the Austeren Stock Exchange for 24 hours. Secretary Denver called his counterpart in NIW, the Minister of Finance Allison Conway to discuss the economic trauma and to urge Taoiseach Collins to push the legislation through their legislature to restore investor confidence.

President-Elect Thorne has also called his NIW counterpart Taoiseach Collins to do all he can to restore investor and consumer confidence to stabilize the markets. $27 billion dollars has been lost so far.

[Austerain]

Austerain International Times

VERSACE RETURNS, DECLARES HER RESIGNATION

AUSTRATON, AUSTERAIN- President Versace finally returned to Austerain today to give her farewell speech and to submit her resignation to the outgoing Speaker of Congress. Here is a recap of our coverage of Resignation Day from earlier:

The presidential aircraft, a white Gulfstream with the Austeren Presidential Seal on its side, finally lands on the tarmac at Austraton International Airport. Versace steps out with her Secretaries, her aides, and General Brockwell, side-by-side with the Premier Minister Mechhai of Hirematia and his aides. Versace and Mechhai get into the armored limousine and their aides get into the black SUVs behind them, and the motorcade whisks them away as quickly as they came towards the Palace of Auster.

Along the way to the Palace, people line the streets of the city to catch a glimpse of the outgoing President, some with anti-Versace signs and yelling chants loud enough for the occupants of the motorcade to hear.

When they finally arrive at the Palace, they pull up to a red carpet at the front entrance of the Palace, where President-Elect Thorne, the Speaker-Elect of Congress, and the Chief Justice of the National High Court await to greet them. After exchanging pleasantries and greetings, Versace follows them into the Joint Assembly Chamber. The Speaker-Elect, Chief Justice, the President-Elect, and Premier Minister take their seats ahead of Versace.

“Madam Speaker,” the Sergeant-at-Arms shouts to the outgoing Speaker (Liberal Governor Clara England of Romana) for the entire room to hear, “The President of the Federal Republic of Austerain!”

Generous applause resounds in the chamber and Versace takes her place at the podium. She scans the audience of visiting dignitaries, members of Congress, her Cabinet members, High Court Justices, and the press in the back of the room. She begins her speech,

”Madam Speaker… my fellow Austerens,

Since I came to office in February, I knew that this job was not going to be easy. When I came to office, I had hoped that the circumstances would have been happier… but they were not. The country had just experienced the assassination of one of its greatest leaders Grand Chancellor Giorgio Asher and another nation’s visiting diplomat, which was a significant blow to the morale and tolerance of our politicians and of our people. I knew that I had big shoes to fill, and that it would be impossible to have the same good graces with the Austeren people that Asher did.

I will admit that those shoes… were not filled. I will admit… that there were many times as his Vice Chancellor that I disagreed with his positions and policies. Since I came to office, my party split due to seemingly irreconcilable differences.

Despite those hardships, we’ve done the best given the circumstances. The economy is ticking with optimal health and consumer confidence left over from the Asher era, and we successfully committed ourselves to reforming our system into a more accountable one… a system that has better submitted to the democratic will of the people, but hopefully not to the tyranny of the majority.
We have our disagreements. My short time as Grand Chancellor then President has been tumultuous. Despite the difficulties, it has been the greatest honor of my life to serve in this position and to be a public servant to better the lives of all Austerens.

It is no secret that the President-Elect and I have many differences, but I trust that he will provide a stable hand for Austerain and for the Social Liberal Union and as a champion for the Austeren people to promote equality, justice, and rule of law. My Administration has done all we can to support his transition and to ease the tensions that have occurred as of late.

I shall burden you all no longer. Madam Speaker, I hereby submit to you my resignation from the Office of the President of Austerain, effective as soon as James Thorne takes the oath of the office.”

Speaker England nods and says loudly, “The President has submitted her resignation to me in capacity as presiding officer of Congress. I move for a voice vote to accept her resignation. All in favor, shout ‘aye’.”

A resounding “aye” from the members of Congress fills the air.

England says, “Opposed?”

The hall is quiet.

“The ayes have it. The resignation of the President of Austerain has been delivered to the Speaker of Congress and has been approved unanimously by the National Congress of Austerain. The resignation shall be deemed sufficient declaration that the term of President Sarah Versace and that this session of Congress expires upon the inauguration of the next President of Austerain. Let the record show that number of electors appointed to vote for President of Austerain is 140, of which a majority is 80; and that the majority of popular votes is 51%. James Thorne of the Province of Austerain has received for President of Austerain 100 electoral votes and 67% of the popular vote. Stephen O’Brennen of the Province of Austra has received 40 electoral votes. We do hereby certify that James Thorne from the Province of Auradon has been duly elected as the President of Austerain, the next term of which shall begin on the 15th of August, 2017, and shall be entered on the journals of the House of Governors, the Grand Senate, and the House of Delegates.

I hereby adjourn this session of the National Congress, to assemble as a new legislature after the Inauguration of President-Elect James Thorne upon his declaration to call the next session.”

The hall erupted in applause as the outgoing President steps down from the podium and shakes hands with the President-Elect, members of her Cabinet, and the visiting leaders of SLU, then leaves the great hall.

The Presidential Inauguration is set to take place in the morning, where the President-Elect Thorne will be sworn into office and make his first speech in front of the Palace of Auster before thousands of Austerens in the streets and millions watching around the country and regionwide. After the public inauguration ceremony, he will make his first inaugural speech before the National Congress to establish his legislative agenda. After his inaugural speech, the Collar of Honor (a ceremonial symbol of the Austeren Presidency) will be bestowed upon the new President and he will preside over a vote for the new Speaker of the National Congress.

Once the ceremonies have concluded, the new President will meet with the outgoing President at the front of the Palace to see her off. Then the new President and his spouse will attend a two individual state dinners with members of Congress and the visiting dignitaries from around SLU in the Palace. After these dinners, Congress will begin having hearings and voting on Cabinet nominees and the President will hold private audiences with foreign leaders and important Austeren politicians. The next day, the President will step outside of the gates of the Palace to greet citizens in the streets and to invite average citizens and political experts into the Palace to have a private audience so that he can listen to their concerns.

[Austerain]

Austerain International Times

PRESIDENT THORNE TAKES OFFICE

AUSTRATON, AUSTERAIN- “I am Jennifer Davison and this is Matt Parker from Austerain International News. We are beginning our live coverage of Inauguration Day at the Palace of Auster here in Austerain as James Thorne is about to be sworn in as the next President of Austerain. A motorcade of foreign leaders from around the Social Liberal Union has just arrived at the Palace, and are seated in the VIP section of the public square to watch Mr. Thorne take his oath and deliver his inaugural speech, along with performances. We now see the President-Elect’s car entering the square in front of the Palace.”

The square in front of the Palace of Auster and streets around it is filled with people. A path is made for the President-Elect’s motorcade to drive through the square to the gates. The President-Elect’s car is a black open-air limousine, in which Thorne and his wife Victoria are standing and waving to the cheering crowd. Red, white, and blue confetti and roses are falling from the tops of buildings along the procession route onto the streets below as Thorne passes. After the car passes through the gates, the gates remain open. Outgoing President Versace is waiting at the front oak doors of the Palace, where she greets the Thornes with a handshake and hug before entering.

Minutes later, a fanfare resounds throughout the square as the President-Elect, Mrs. Thorne, President Versace, Chief Justice Nicholas Oliver, and a young woman appear on the front balcony behind a podium with the Presidential Seal on it. The audience applauds and cheers loudly for a few minutes.

The Chief Justice approaches the podium and says, “Ladies and gentlemen, please stand for the National Anthem of Austerain. Singing our national anthem is Ms. Katherine Jenkins with the President’s Own National Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir.”

The young woman takes the Chief Justice’s place as he stands back next to Versace and Thorne. She sings the anthem, the Austeren version of British hymn ”I Vow To Thee My Country”

After she is done, applause echoes throughout the square and the audience continues standing. President Versace approaches the podium as the applause dies down.

“The President-Elect will now take his oath of office.”

The Chief Justice and President-Elect Thorne walk up to the lectern. Versace is holding a copy of the Austeren Constitutional Charter palm up as Chief Justice Oliver and Thorne stand face to face. Oliver raises his right hand and Thorne follows with his left hand on the Constitutional Charter.

“Repeat after me,” says Chief Justice Oliver, “I, James Thorne, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the Federal Republic of Austerain,”

“I, James Andrew Thorne,” he repeats, “ do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the Federal Republic of Austerain,”

“...And will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitutional Charter of Austerain,” Oliver continues.

Thorne repeats, “And will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitutional Charter of Austerain."

“Congratulations, Mr. President.” Chief Justice Oliver says as he shakes Thorne’s hand. An announcer declares, “Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you James Thorne, the President of the Federal Republic of Austerain.” The crowd cheers and applauds as the Chief Justice takes his seat. The applause continues as Thorne waits to deliver his speech at the podium.

After a few minutes, Thorne begins, “My fellow Austerens, Members of Congress, Madam President, honorable leaders of the Social Liberal Union,

I stand before you today humbled by the trust that you have bestowed upon me to be your champion, to lead Austerain into a brighter future. You have bestowed upon me the task to not only lead this country as a beacon of democracy and progressive values, but to form a country and an economy that works for you, not just the few and the powerful.

[APPLAUSE]

Although we have our differences, I thank President Versace for her service to the country and to the region even though she entered office by the most tragic of circumstances- the brutal assassination of former Grand Chancellor Giorgio Asher.

Grand Chancellor Asher was the last leader that stood with resolute leadership for true progressive values and with policies that has lead Austerain into prosperity and closer ties to the world. He was your last champion that did his best to stand for you, and I pay tribute to him today. His legacy will continue through his wife Mrs. Angelina Asher, who is Austerain’s brightest legal mind in her own right. She will be appointed to the nation’s highest court. [applause]

I also hope to be a part of the legacy that he has left behind. We have seen the consequences of abandoning our progressive principles. People become frustrated at their government as it kneels before the powerful influence of its wealthy donors to create policy that works best for those donors rather than for all Austerens. The people become frustrated at their government when it decides to compromise too much on its tolerance for maintaining ties with authoritarian leaders and inequitable governments.

My fellow Austerens, I say to you, no more. No longer will this government allow profit above the wellbeing of people. No longer will we welcome autocrats within the hallowed halls of democracy. No longer will this government work best for the few and the powerful.

The sun rises upon our gleaming shores, our rolling hills, and our fair cities. A new day comes as the nation’s leadership begins to work for you. [louder cheers and applause] That’s right. Let your cheers ring beyond these streets, beyond the shores of Austerain to the far corners of the Social Liberal Union. Let us all unite under a single voice for progressive values…

The government of yesterday has allowed corporations to use their economic clout as political power over our politicians. They have influenced our politicians to reform the tax code and regulations to ensure that they would still remain on top at expense of yourselves as taxpayers, consumers, and small businesses. Through this political power, they continue this vicious cycle by engorging their own economic power as a result. They have formed an economy with the odds stacked against you and odds in favor of themselves almost exclusively. This is what happens when weak-willed politicians replace their public duty with their hunger for money to get re-elected into power. They have formed a system of crony capitalism.

Well… no longer… the buck stops now. [applause] Instead of this cycle of influence by corporations to form a government that works for them, myself and fellow Progressive Democrats will work to reform the government and the economy so that it works best for all Austerens. We are the party for the people, not the party for the powerful like the Liberals and Progressive Conservatives have turned into. We have proposed the most ambitious economic plan in years to restore true social democracy to our country to place more of the prosperity of the country in your hands. [applause]

The government of the powerful is no more. The government of the people, by the people, for the people is restored. [applause]

Thank you. God bless you all and God bless the Union.”

The crowd stands with applause and loud cheers. Mrs. Thorne walks up next to President Thorne and they wave to the crowds from the balcony.

“That was the new President’s first inaugural speech, folks,” says reporter Matt Parker, “President Thorne’s speech emphasized a return to Austerain’s progressive principles, and gave Versace and her coalition a deep blow by calling them ‘the party for the powerful’. Although giving a message of hope for restoration of these values, he painted a bleak picture of Versace’s Administration’s policies, which he and then-candidate Secretary O’Brennen sparred over during the debates.”

Jennifer Davison says, “Now the President, First Lady, Chief Justice, and outgoing President Versace are headed back into the Palace so that the President can make his Inaugural Speech to Congress to lay out his legislative agenda. Members of Congress and visiting foreign dignitaries are now walking into the Palace to head to the Joint Assembly Room to listen to the Speech. Our coverage continue after this break.”

[Austerain]

Austerain International Times

PRESIDENT THORNE ADDRESSES CONGRESS

AUSTRATON, AUSTERAIN- “This is Jennifer Davison and Matt Parker from Austerain International News reporting once again in our live coverage of the Inauguration of President James Thorne. We are here in the public gallery of the Joint Assembly Room, where the members of the three Houses of National Congress, High Court Justices, and dignitaries from around the Social Liberal Union have gathered to listen to the President’s Inaugural Speech to Congress to lay out his legislative agenda. Let’s listen.”

The grand room is a beautiful hall with frescoes and the stone carved high ceilings, with 6 large chandeliers hanging. As the chandeliers and tall windows illuminate the room, there is a raised dais with the podium at the center, and the Speaker’s seat raised behind it. The hall is filled with important Austerens and foreign dignitaries. The foreign leaders are seated the center front, the outgoing President and former Cabinet is seated at the front right, and the Cabinet nominees and Thorne’s family are seated at the front left. Suddenly the hall quiets down when there are three loud knocks at the doors of the hall. The Sergeant-at-Arms enters and shouts, “Madam Speaker! The President of the Federal Republic of Austerain!”

Everyone in the hall stands as fanfare sounds through the hall. James Thorne enters through the doors, and greets the outgoing President, foreign leaders, and the next congressional leaders. The audience applauds as he steps up to the dais behind the podium. He smiles and waves, then signals the audience to quiet down.

“Madam Speaker, Vice President Healey, members of Congress, honored foreign guests, and my fellow Austerens,

Our Constitution mandates that from time to time, I shall provide to Congress information of my government’s agenda and to lay out my legislative agenda before you. I stand here before you today to fulfill this obligation for the first time as your new President.

The business that has plagued the hallowed halls of this Congress can no longer continue. We have seen certain members of Congress of the opposition party allow their wealthy donors to have more political clout on the legislation written and voted on than that of their constituents. We have seen so-called progressive members turn towards hawkish and neoliberal policies rather than true progressive policies.

Well I declare before you all that this will no longer be the case. My government’s legislative agenda shall deliver a long term plan to build a strong economy and a society that works for all Austerens, not just the few and the powerful. We will restore fiscal Keynesianism and restore social democratic values within our society.

The Progressive Democrats and Nationalist Islanders’ Party coalition shall deliver legislation that will give workers better economic clout within corporations through employee stock ownership. We shall deliver legislation that will limit the influence of corporate donors on our politicians in order to shape legislation and economic regulations that will benefit the collective interests of all Austerens, not just the corporations. We will reform existing legislation and tax codes that have been fashioned to skew toward the benefit of corporations into fairer legislation and fairer tax codes that will ensure that all individuals and companies are paying their fair share. We will introduce legislation to strengthen security at our airports and seaports.

My government and Congress shall work together to implement legislation that will impose penalties on companies that do not pay their employees up to the National Livable Wage. We will work together to implement regulations on financial institutions to prevent predatory practices on their consumers, and we will implement regulations to prevent monopolies that make it difficult for small businesses to stay afloat and prevent consumers from having numerous choices in quality and prices. We will bolster funding towards Austerain’s infrastructure through the Southern Islands Highway, and we will commit to the deals negotiated by former President Versace with Premier Minister Mechhai of Hirematia for environmental protection and the construction of a bridge and rail line between our two countries. We will commit funding and a long term plan towards moving towards renewable energy with offshore wind and solar farms and geothermal plants. We will implement plans that will make university tuition cheaper for students, and we will give grants to private companies, universities, and individuals for innovative projects.

My government will increase funding and efforts for civil rights protections and litigation thereof. We will implement increased funding toward our national health care system, which is plagued with long waits and low wages for health care professionals. We will demilitarize our nation by cutting our defense budget by 20%, closing unnecessary military installations abroad, and rolling back efforts by intelligence agencies in which they violate Austerens’ right to privacy by spying on them.

My government will continue talks with foreign nations to negotiate economic deals that will benefit Austerens and other citizens of the Social Liberal Union. My government will no longer maintain ties with governments that have autocratic and inequitable tendencies, and we will impose sanctions against such regimes to encourage reform towards more libertarian, equal, and democratic policies. No longer will Austerain conduct business with authoritarian regimes. [applause]

Austerens are sick and tired of Congress forming legislation that stacks the odds of the economy against them. Austerens are sick and tired of a government that has abandoned its progressive and democratic principles in its foreign and domestic policies. This will no longer be the case.”

Loud applause can be heard from outside of the Palace, where crowds are watching the speech from large monitors.

“Let us seize this moment for the renewal of our nation’s political system into a government that works for everyone. The state of our nation will strengthen as the people are strengthen. This is a government that works for you. You are many, they are few! Thank you.”

Applause resounds from the crowds outside, and everyone in the hall stands with applause. President Thorne steps down and walks to the front of the dais. Former President Versace is wearing a gold chain with sapphires and rubies embedded in it. As the applause dies down, she approaches the President and places the chain on him declaring, “James Thorne, we recognize and honor you as the President of Austerain, and bestow this Collar of Honor upon you.”

With the weight of the symbol of the Austeren Presidency on his shoulders, he walks back up to the Speaker’s seat and shakes outgoing Speaker England’s hand. The outgoing Speaker then steps down and takes a seat among the audience as Thorne sits in her place and holds the gavel. He says, “We will now vote on the next Speaker of Congress. I hereby nominate Grand Senator Barbara Giulia of Southern Romana as Speaker. Do I have a second?”

A collective “seconded” arises from where the Progressive Democrats and Nationalist Islanders’ are sitting.

“Are there any other seconds?” Thorne asks.

A gruff voice arises from the Liberals’ side of the room, “I nominate Grand Senator Nicolo Piloni of Eastern Auradon for Speaker. Do I have any seconds?”

A few people among the Liberals and Progressive Conservatives shout “seconded”.

“Alright,” Thorne says, “We will hold a voice vote. All in favor of Grand Senator Piloni of Eastern Auradon, shout ‘yea’”.

A few from the opposition shout ‘Yea!’”.

All in favor of Grand Senator Giulia of Southern Romana as Speaker, shout ‘aye’”.

The hall erupts with a louder collective voice with “Aye!”

Thorne bangs the gavel on the arm of the Speaker’s chair, “The ayes have it. Let the record show that with a majority of the voice vote of Congress, I hereby declare Grand Senator Barbara Giulia as the Speaker of this session of National Congress.”

The hall applauds as she stands and walks up to the dais. President Thorne shakes her hands and hands over the gavel. The President steps down to the podium and claps with the rest of the hall as Speaker Giulia takes her seat in the Speaker’s chair.

She slams her gavel on the arm as Thorne did to quiet down the hall, “I declare this session of National Congress opened.” She slams the gavel once more and the hall applauds again.

The President steps down and shakes hands with congressional leaders and the foreign dignitaries. Former President Versace leads the procession toward the doors of the hall to the front of the palace, where a car is waiting. President Thorne and the new First Lady follow behind her waving to members of Congress and members of the public in the gallery as they pass by. When they reach the front of the palace, Mr. and Mrs. Thorne stand in front of the open front doors face to face with Versace. They greet each other farewell. After doing so, the former President walks down the steps of the Palace to her car and waves to the audience watching outside the gates. The gates open and a path is made as Versace’s car departs from the Palace.

“That ends our coverage of the inauguration of President James Thorne,” reporter Matt Parker says, “President James Thorne and First Lady Amber Thorne are now going back into the Palace to host two state dinners for members of Congress and the visiting dignitaries. They will hold private audiences with visiting leaders from around the Social Liberal Union. After these dinners, Congress will begin on hearings and votes on the President’s Cabinet picks. Tomorrow, the President will be outside of the Palace greeting average citizens and inviting some into his office for private audiences to hear their concerns. This is Austerain International News on Inauguration Day signing out. Thank you for watching, good day.”

[Austerain]

Austerain International Times

STOCKS RALLY AFTER THORNE INAUGURATION

After trading reopened seven days ago after value declined in the wake of the crash in NIW, the AUSDAQ index recovered and rose 30 points.

Many traders and financial analysts were nervous about Thorne's attacks on corporations and their influence on Austeren politicians, as well as his policies for employee stock ownership, financial regulation, and tax code reform, which resulted in a 1.35% drop in value for a moment. However, this drop was quickly recovered as Thorne promised to continue negotiations for economic trade deals with other SLU nations and to increase funding in national infrastructure. The highest gains in the index were in agricultural, renewable energy, and tech companies, while the most significant losses were from oil companies, and in commercial banks.

Acting Secretary of the Treasury George Tatum said in a statement that investor confidence remains high "despite impending financial regulations, in expectation to high profits from economic deals with foreign markets."

Thorne's approval ratings remain in the honeymoon period at a high of 73%, the highest start-of-the-term ratings since Giorgio Asher took office as Grand Chancellor in 2005 (75%).

[Austerain]

Austerain International Times

SECRETARY OF STATE, OTHER NOMINEES CONFIRMED

The Grand Senate has passed a resolution by 21-8 vote to confirm all of President Thorne's Cabinet nominees. President Thorne did not make new nominations to replace Secretary of Labor and Commerce Andrew Price, Secretary of Defense Julia Warner, Secretary of Agriculture Anna Smithfield, Secretary of Energy Evan Carter, Secretary of Education Ashton Scott, and Secretary of Health and Human Services Amelia Roma. The top star of Thorne's nominee list is Anna Lacroix, his pick for Secretary of State and a popular former Liberal Grand Senator who gave her early support to Thorne during his bid for the presidency. During her tenure as Grand Senator from 2004 to 2016, she was instrumental in pushing former Grand Chancellor Asher's civil rights agenda, and she strongly supported the Omnibus Trade Initiative Act to open trade and travel with foreign nations. During this year's Presidential Election, some speculated that she was going to run under the Progressive Democratic ticket until she endorsed Thorne. When the President first nominated her in June, stating that she "will be instrumental in the new Thorne Administration to promoting the SLU as a safe haven for democratic nations that are committed to safeguarding the civil rights and liberties of their citizens" during the Thorne-Paguio standoff, citing her history in the Grand Senate for "accountability from authoritarian policies" in her relationship with the Asher Administraiton.

Other Cabinet nominees have been former professors in academia at one point, as Thorne wishes to surround himself with "the country's greatest minds to form a sapiocratic administration". These nominees include George Ashcraft for Secretary of Law and Justice (former Dean of the University of Austraton's Law School and former constitutional adviser in the Justice Department), Lt. Gen. Antonio Navarro for Secretary of Domestic Security (former Head Professor in National Security at Sardinia University and lieutenant-general in the Austeren Army), Nahim Fahid for Secretary of the Treasury (former Dean of the Sundester University's Business School and Economics Professor), Victoria Duquesne for Secretary of Urban and Rural Development (former Associate Professor in civil rights law and public policy at Strasguard University), and Juliana Warren for Secretary of Transportation (former Dean of civil engineering and public policy at the University of Pinth).

With his Cabinet confirmed, it now consists of 7 women (this includes the Vice President) and 6 men (which doesn't include the President).

[Austerain]

Austerain International Times

AUSTERAIN HONORS LATE NIW FOREIGN MINISTER

President Thorne, the First Lady, former First Lady Angelina Asher, and Secretary of State Lacroix paid tribute today to the late NIW Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Brandon Cox, who was assassinated along with Chancellor Giorgio Asher last February, by dedicating a statue and an office building at the State Department complex in his name.

"Minister Cox dedicated his life for peace and prosperity in New Ireland and Wales, and sought to strengthen ties between NIW and Austerain," Secretary Lacroix said, "Today, we dedicate this statue and the Brandon Cox Memorial Building in his name."

In his brief remarks, President Thorne observed Minister Cox's "unwavering commitment and love for his country" and with the former First Lady Asher by his side, he announced that Ms. Asher would be nominated as Austerain's ambassador to New Ireland and Wales.

"Angelina has graciously accepted the opportunity to serve as our highest official for our diplomatic mission to NIW. Her appointment honors the memory of her husband and Minister Cox, and shall serve as testament to the close ties between our two nations," Thorne declared, "Brandon Cox will forever be remembered here in Austerain as a devoted and humble servant to global peace and diplomacy."

The building that has been named after Minister Cox serves as an office building to diplomatic policy researchers and training classrooms for diplomacy students for the future careers in international relations. Former First Lady Angelina Asher, who previously visited and spoke at a memorial for her late husband and Minister Cox at NIW, was previously thought to be on the shortlist to fill the empty seat at the National High Court. She will travel back to NIW to remain as Austerain's ambassador once the Grand Senate confirms her nomination. Her personal secretary said today that Mrs. Asher is "honored to be appointed to serve in such a capacity to a close friend of Austerain" and that she "looks forward to remaining active on the political and diplomatic stage for years to come in the memory of her husband's and Cox's dedicated public service."

[Austerain]

Austerain International Times

DIRTY BOMB ROCKS AUSTRATON

At 18:45 this evening, an explosion at a union headquarters in the Franklin District of Austraton has been determined to be the product of a dirty bombing by a suicide bomber. Reports are coming in that a young man ran into the building, threw his briefcase at a group of people, and yelled something incomprehensible as the bomb inside the case exploded. 30 people are injured and 12 people have been reportedly killed, and authorities have closed off the area by a two mile radius. The zone around the building and areas of the city in the direction of the wind are being evacuated and checked for radiation exposure and poisoning, including the Department of Agriculture building in the District of St. Alexandra.

The Franklin District is the major industrial area of the city of Austraton, where millions of dollars in exports and imports pass through its docks every day. Secretary of Domestic Security Lt. General Antonio Navarro held an emergency press conference outside of the closed-off zone of the Franklin District:

"The President has been briefed on the situation unfolding. It is not clear who is responsible for this attack yet as no known terrorist group or foreign nation has claimed responsibility, nor is it clear from where the uranium used in this dirty bomb originated. The government believes that the individual responsible and the material came into Austerain through its docks, and security officials are now reviewing CCTV and records to find more information.

Until we know more, the President has ordered the Northwest Fleet of the Austeren Naval Armada to patrol the waters around Austraton and northern Austerain, the shutdown of all shipping from Austraton's docks to complete a search of any potential remaining material, a shutdown of travel into and out of the city, and he has declared a Level 3 State of Emergency with approval from the House of Governors. Military checkpoints will be established at the borders of each province to search and apprehend vehicles for any suspects with nuclear materials or explosive devices, and security will be increased at airports and seaports. A citywide curfew will be enforced at 23:00 tonight until further notice, any individual caught after this time shall be held in custody until the conclusion of the curfew. These measures are mandated by the National Emergencies and Response Act (1965).

The President and Vice President will be transported to separate undisclosed locations tonight in case of any attacks on the Palace of Auster, and I will be accompanying the President, Secretary of State, and several other Cabinet members and security officials to run the country and restore order. The President understands the necessity to protect the individual rights and liberties of Austerain's citizens, but we are doing our best to restore public safety and order to the country. The use of nuclear material for terror purposes is a serious breach in the security of this country, and we will do everything we can to determine who is responsible, how it happened, and how to make sure that this sort of thing doesn't happen again. Until then, please stay indoors. Thank you."

[Austerain]

Austerain International Times

THORNE RETURNS, PAYS TRIBUTE NEAR BLAST SITE

Wearing a radiation hazmat, President Thorne (joined by the Secretaries of Defense, Labor and Commerce, and Domestic Security) visited the site of the terrorist attack last week, where a dirty bomb exploded in the headquarters of the Dockworkers' Union in the Franklin District, the major industrial and shipping district of Austraton. There is a 300 foot radius around the building that has been shut off from public, as well as an additional 300 feet zone southeast of the site into parts of the District of St. Alexandra.

The government has lowered the state of emergency to level 5, lifting the citywide curfew in Austraton and relieving military checkpoints from provincial borders. Security in Austraton and major airports around the country is still heavy as many soldiers and HUMVEEs have been patrolling the streets of Austerain's capital. The ABI has opened a top priority investigation, and the Joint Congressional Committee of National Defense has opened a congressional investigation on the attack. The President met with the families of the now 23 dead victims and the 56 injured/ill at the hospitals.

Outside of the Franklin Memorial Hospital, he have a short statement to the press, "I have been able to see the damage inflicted on our communities and our people firsthand... like most of the nation, my thoughts and support is with the families of the victims. The government will be providing special support to these victims and will be dedicating funding towards recovering and revitalizing the areas affected by the blast. National security officials are working hard to bring those involved in this heinous act to justice... I would like to thank our allies from around SLU for their military and monetary support during this troubling time.

During times like this, we must show our strength in solidarity and in resistance against the fear and terror that our enemies try to inflict on us. There is a broad conspiracy against our nation and the progressive values that ourselves and our SLU allies hold dear. I call upon all of you to stand strong rather than in fear, to resist rather than submit to these fears, and to stand with me as we work to recover from this tragic attack."

According to release by the Department of Defense, SLU allied aircraft are assisting the Austeren Air Force in patrolling the skies above Austerain, and the Austeren Naval Armada is patrolling the waters around Austerain to form marine checkpoints for all incoming and outgoing cargo ships.