WORKER OUTRAGE SPARKED IN OCCITANIA. Toulouse, Occitania. The Occitanian government has made a highly controversial move this year, threatening to undermine what the liberals view as the march of progressive employment. The government has effectively seized control of existing unions under new legislation, forcing unions to operate only within the confines of the parameters established by government committee. Quickly following this takeover, the Occitanian government forced through a reduction of minimum wage laws, sparking even more outrage among the workers. The membership of the unions which have submitted to the government's oversight has dropped substantially, and its reported that there has been a corresponding rise in numbers for proletarist political groups and illegal union organizations. The unions have been little consoled by new subsidies and government oversight and repeal of laws favoring old aristocrats. It is widely agreed that the new laws have outraged everyone except the few they directly benefit, and the current Party of Order regime is losing friends and support rapidly, being considered traitors to the liberal cause by the workers, and wild-eyed proletarists seeking state control of the economy by the upper class. (-1 Stability)
NORMANDY BEGINS REBUILDING. Caen, Normandy. During the latter stages of the Rhine-Rhone War, the Kingdom of Normandy played host to several ferocious battles between German and Confederate forces along the coast. Fortunately, the worst damages were solely in the eastern half of the nation, though even Caen itself was badly mauled in the fighting. Prime Minister Theirn Caron has pledged that his utmost priority is to repair the damage and restore normalcy to Normandy. This year, the first surveys and construction began throughout the towns and cities of the east, seeking to rebuild homes and put to work those left unemployed by the chaos of war. The building has proceeded well, and holds the full support of all elements of the Norman government and political apparatus. Optimistic forecasts state that the program of reconstruction should be complete as early as 1929, depending on the level of private and public commitment to the effort.
BRITTANY COMPLETES RAILROAD IMPROVEMENTS. Nantes, Brittany. The fairly low key improvement and construction project in Brittany to improve the efficiency of the nation's railroad network has been officially completed this year. The new project has established multiple new stations and depots, as well as building new branch lines to improve transportation times and speed. Though there were some regional controversies over the confiscation of private homes to build the new lines and stations, overall, the program has been popularly received. The completion of the project is stated to provide not only large scale national transportation, but also has begun to take on the role of urban mass transportation in some of Brittany's larger communities. The new localized stations and the addition of new trains to the infrastructure clearly aids in the localized transportation for passengers and goods throughout the Breton nation.
SERBIA COMPLETES MODERNIZATION PROGRAM. Belgrade, Serbia. A project that has spanned nearly a decade, the Serbian Modernization Program has been a controversial one as it has been expensive. At long last though, after silencing critics and smashing the republican underbelly of Serbian politics, the government of King Adrijan Vlastimir at last has announced the conclusion of the program. The final touches were put upon a new railroad depot in Belgrade this year, marking the end of actual physical construction as dictated by the project. The project has also aided in the construction of modern industrial apparatus as well as the creation of new shipyards and harbor facilities. Already, the economic rewards are being felt as new employment has been created, and King Adrijan has stated that this is a sign of Serbia joining the modern nations of Europe. The king has elaborated that the next step is to focus upon the modernization of the military and strength of Serbia, so that the nation will never fall prey to the whims of expansionist neighbors.
News from the Americas
JACKSONIAN UNIVERSITIES START ANTI-FLORIDA CAMPAIGN. Jefferson, Jacksonia. Tensions have mounted between Jacksonia and Florida, despite their best efforts, this year as Jacksonian university leaders have gathered together and presented an ultimatum. They have refused to allow the admittance of any Floridian students into their schools, and have threatened to strike completely if further Floridian influence is allowed in Jacksonia. The universities and liberal establishment in Jacksonia remains highly opposed to any agreements with Florida, and have stated that the new treaty has gone far beyond the government's reach. Similarly, they have pushed forward use of the Jacksonian hodgepodge currency and a boycott of all Floridian goods. When asked why they have pushed with this policy, the leaders behind the movement have stated that the Floridian government is a sham, and that the very concept behind the nation of Jacksonia was independence from southern barons, the worst of whom are considered to be Floridian. They have stated that they will continue to refuse service to any Floridians, and will continue their campaign until the Jacksonian government nullifies the treaty. This in turn has sparked outrage in Florida, which has launched an embargo of Jacksonian students in retaliation. Neither university leadership seems interested in compromise, and many question what, if anything, the leadership of either nation can do.
AZTEC ELECTIONS AMID INTERNATIONAL POLICY DISPUTES. Oaxaca, Aztlan. Though the president could certainly not be blamed for the ongoing setbacks and blights plaguing Aztlan's economic development, people have endeavored to do so all the same. Matters were made worse when Flamenco, a Floridian-American oil company was invited to assist with local development. This has led to a rising outcry against the Americans and Floridians, who as the opposition liked to state, were trying to destroy any semblance of Aztec independence barely over a decade ago. This has spiraled into the conservatives embracing the idea of withdrawing from the Pacific Concord, which is viewed as an American organization, more than an international one. The opposition has demanded the end of Aztec involvement and the creation of higher tariffs and taxes upon American business. This became the focus of the election season, and the conservatives have stated that continued involvement in the Concord will invite the return of American imperialism, whether from Florida or the United States. This proved highly effective, and President Esteban Cortéz has been booted from office in favor of conservative RodolfitoDominguez. The legislature remains divided and partisan, and both sides have threatened to put the other in deadlock, as the Concord continues to remain the primary issue of contention. (-1 Stability)
ELECTIONS HELD IN CHILE. Santiago, Chile. The government of President Davros Cruz has come under extensive criticism, both internationally and internally this year, as pressure has mounted to reform a national legislature. The president has so far refused these demands, looking to establish a lasting and moral Christian government without the hindrance of checks or balances. Regardless, unlike past presidents, he has not taken any action against would-be opposition, allowing them to campaign fully throughout the year for the position of the presidency. Reformers and less religious conservatives have placed pressure upon him, but as it turns out, with the support of the Church, Cruz has secured a very comfortable majority in the overall vote. This has led to his return as president, giving him another term and another mandate for ruling the nation. He has promised to continue his campaign of providing new funds to the Church as they help to take care of the people of Chile. (+1 Stability)
CUBAN ELECTIONS HELD. Havana, Cuba. When he was elected as President of Cuba in 1923, Adolfo Garcia faced a hostile congress controlled by his opposition and a nation still recovering from the war with the American expatriates and an abortive invasion by the United Proletarist Republics of America. The hostility of Congress blocked any new legislation or efforts to help the people, which led to a standoff and the dissolution of the legislature by President Garcia in 1924. Now election time has arrived once more, and many were concerned that they would be cancelled in favor of a dictatorship. To the surprise of many, President Garcia has allowed the start of new elections for the position of president, though the doors of congress remained closed. Confident that the people would support him, the president would be woefully disappointed when the results came in. Liberal opponent, SilvioMenendez campaigned on the promise to restore the legislature and begin true reform. This proved to rile the masses who have voted him into office to oust President Garcia. There was a tense moment late in the year after elections when it appeared possible that the president would refuse to relinquish power, but he did, and a peaceful government change has at last provided new hope for the Cuban people. (+1 Stability)
VICIOUS ELECTIONS IN JACKSONIA. Jefferson, Jacksonia. As numerous strikes and outcry are promised against the recent treaty with Florida, a ruthless election season has begun. President Stilwell has been completely abandoned by his party, for the signing of the treaty with Florida, a notoriously anti-proletarist state. As a social proletarist himself, Stilwell's new policy on Florida was deemed to be highly out of character for the party, and as such, he has lost any support he may have had from the Progressives or social proletarists, who remain staunchly against Florida in all respects. The terms of the treaty have been widely considered to be completely intolerable and outrageous by almost every political group in Jacksonia, except the Party of the Republic. The legislature has moved dramatically towards the left, and the social proletarists have for the first time gained full majority in the Jacksonian congress. Similarly, with the end of support for Stilwell, the new social proletarist candidate, Liam Tuff. Both the party and the new president have pledged that Jacksonia will pave its own future, without the nonsense and horrors created by the American or Floridian governments.
PUERTO RICAN ELECTIONS HELD. San Juan, Puerto Rico. The politics of Puerto Rico have seen a surprising shift this year as the twelve year government of President Alfonso Munoz has been at last brought to an end. Though he campaigned as a candidate independent of all political parties, with the end of the Unity Party in 1921, his sheer popularity proved to not be enough this time to achieve victory. The recent debacle in Hispaniola and the withdrawal of Brazil from the Pan-American Democratic Accord has led to Puerto Rico's involvement in PADA becoming the primary concern. The conservatives have looked to increase ties with Brazil, and have garnered the support of the Church for their cause. While not quite fundamentalist, the conservative Party of Order has still managed to pledge a new morality and principles for the nation. This appears to have rung true with the voting electorate, and former priest, TeófiloGallo, has won the support of the Party of Order and the voters. The liberals have barely lost their majority in the legislature, and it seems likely that the government may soon seek to build new ties with Brazil and the Papacy.
ELECTIONS IN VINLAND. Nya Stockholm, Vinland. Once again, the Socialproletärpartiet has faced a new uphill climb in the battle to retain a majority in Vinland's Riksdag. The government has faced a strong challenge from opposition parties, as they seek to install a new era of governance and policy. They have campaigned on the platform of maintaining a steady course of the current successful policies and diplomacy of the government for the past eight years. The people seem to be mostly pleased with the progress and promises of the Socialproletärpartiet, and this has been demonstrated throughout the voting, despite the spirited efforts of the opposition. The majority has been retained with relative ease, and the government has once more remained under the control of StatsministerOleGudrunsson. It seems that little will change in Vinland for the time being.
ANTI-MORALISTS RALLY IN ARGENTINA. Buenos Aires, Argentina. The government of Argentina recently has seen the growth of the influential Moralist Party among the Catholic population of the nation. The same political movement has been gaining strength elsewhere in South America, most notoriously in Chile and Uruguay. The result has been the rise of a backlash against these parties, which are viewed as oppressive of individual liberty and even against Protestantism, which when taken collectively, is the majority beliefs of the Argentine people. Religious leaders from Protestant faiths have come out against moralism and its tenets, stating that a truly successful nation must retain separation of the church and state. They have appealed to the Argentine government and President Harkness to resist the influences of the Catholic Church and the economic power of the neighboring moralist states. While they have not advocated violence or banning of political parties, they have urged representatives in government to make a stand based on secular principles, rather than ones of faith.
CELEBRATION TURNS TO RIOTING IN BRAZIL. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A regional celebration and parade became a disaster this year in Rio de Janeiro, as revelers became increasingly intoxicated throughout the evening. Police officials simply became lost, or turned into revelers themselves as the celebration increased in size, and as the evening progress, somehow what started as celebrations turned to violence. Robberies, looting, and overall disorderly conduct plagued the streets, as people broke into store, and eventually the army was called in to restore order, despite many already being in the streets themselves. Throughout the following day, the chaos continued, and crime was clearly at an all time high, leading to further unrest and confusion. After several days, some sanity restored, and most involved officers have been given amnesty for their actions, except for those guilty of the more heinous crimes committed.
PROTESTORS RIOT AGAINST MILITARY GOVERNMENT IN COSTA RICA. San Jose, Costa Rica. The government of Costa Rica faced a new localized uprising again this year, as protestors turned out calling for the restoration of democracy. The military was immediately called in as soon as the protest began, and the government declared further martial law and curfew throughout San Jose. General Lopez de Luz has stated that dissent of any kind would not be tolerated by the government, and that any violators would be punished with strictest punishments available to military rule. The resulting violence through San Jose was mostly in the poorer parts of the city, where the most active resistance exists. The army has established greater holdings through the urban area, as they attempt to maintain control. The military has had limited success with this endeavor, and it seems unlikely they will make any further headway against the masses of the discontent and disillusioned.
PROTESTORS MARCH IN SUPPORT OF REFORM IN CUBA. Havana, Cuba. The election season this year in Cuba has been one of the most hotly contested, as President Garcia, confident in his victory, was seemingly assured that his power would be maintain and congress would remain disbanded. As the elections drew onward, protestors drew national and international attention as they marched in crowds in support of liberal candidate, SilvioMenendez. The protests proved highly successful in achieving visibility for the cause, and the intense scrutiny from the Pan-American Democratic Accord and throughout the nation prevented any foul play in the process of the elections. The largest rally took place after the elections were actually won, a combined political rally and celebration party as Menendez's victory over Garcia was confirmed. The leaders of the protestors have continuously reminded Menendez of his reformist campaign promises, and in a late speech to the crowd, the newly election president has confirmed plans to reinstate those congressmen elected in 1923.
FLORIDIAN CONSERVATIVES SPEAK OUT. Dallas, Florida. The government of Florida has faced criticism from an unexpected angle, as President Johnston has firmly decimated those who would speak out against him. With the Progressive Party gutted, it seems that the only ones with the will to criticize the president are from within his own party. Leading elements of the Reformed Party of the Republic have stated that the efforts being taken against Floridian business are too much, and likely crippling Floridian economic growth. They have suggested that the president take a more moderate approach to protecting Floridian industry, which now stands at risk of being overrun with cheaper American and Jacksonian produced goods. They have further decried the investigations undertaken against the embargo breakers, stating that they were patriots, seeking to face off against a self-destructive policy. Regardless of these words, Johnston has pushed ahead with his agendas, even as distrust grows against him from among the conservative leadership.
MAYAN MINORITY MARCHES IN HONDURAS. Tegucigalpa, Honduras. The Honduran government, which has weathered the storms suffered after the collapse of the United States of New Spain the best, has faced new crisis as the Mayan minority in the western provinces has begun to assert itself. Calling for unification with the free Mayan state to the west, they have accused the Hondurans of extreme oppression, continuing the legacy of imperial Spain. The marches have been quite ferocious, as the Mayans have pledged that their voice will not be unheard, and that the will of their people is undeniable. The government of Honduras has refused to be coerced by these marches, which have grown in both size and intensity throughout the year. President Sol has stated that the right to protest is a right for all Honduran citizens, but has pledged full use of the law should the protestors step outside the bounds of acceptable behavior. The president further declared that violence on behalf of the Mayan cause is unacceptable, and has blamed the militant government of Mayaland for exacerbating the situation.
REPUBLICAN FRONT FACES DISSENT IN NICARAGUA. Managua, Nicaragua. As the 1928 elections for both the presidency and congress loom in Nicaragua, it seems that major political shifts are taking place. The Republican Front has begun to crumble as newer and more vibrant political parties begin to capture the hearts of the population. President Ortiz, who led the nation during the reform era from a military regime to the current democracy, has found the coalition he assembled falling apart. The growth of the Church sponsored Party of Faith has begun whittling away from those conservatives who aligned themselves with the coalition. Seeing the growth of conservative causes and groups, the liberals themselves have found cooperation in the middle ground to be continuing a futile effort. They have since broken off to join the Democratic Society Party or even the Social Proletarist Party. It seems that these maneuvers now promise an intense election cycle next year, as President Ortiz has stubbornly pledged to continue in his role as a moderate, holding together a collapsing coalition.
MARCHES CALL FOR PARTY LEGALIZATION IN PERU. Lima, Peru. While the Liberal Party has maintained a secularist and continuous strength in Peru, they have not quite met all the demands of the worker. Despite prior claims of being the reformist choice in the Peruvian state, they have found themselves lacking the support of the unions and social proletarists. To this end, the unions of Peru have sponsored a major protest this year in Lima, calling for the legalization of the social proletarist parties and the introduction of new social welfare reform. They have hoped that the demonstration of the sheer numbers of those who identify themselves as social proletarists will force the government to recognize a fait accompli and legitimize the party and its cause. Focused primarily on improving working conditions throughout the factories and mines of Peru, the organization has also steered some hopes towards reform in the Liberal Party, even if legalization does not take place. The push has also been supported by left-leaning newspapers, seeking to establish a new paradigm in Peruvian politics.
STRIKE LAUNCHED IN THE UNITED STATES. Boston, United States of America. The United Autoworkers of America, and the Union of American Steelworkers has begun a major strike against their employers, shutting down large segments of the industry of the United States of America. They have begun to demand higher wages, better working conditions, and an legalization of all unions, not just those sanctioned by the state. They have called for other organizations to support them against the government and its corporate lackeys, building up the tension for next year's elections. It is believed that the efforts of the strikes are dedicated towards toppling the government of President Wallace and bringing the New Liberty party back to power. Their efforts appear to not be in vain, as much of the northeast seems sympathetic towards the strikers, who are striving to improve their own lot, as well as those of other workers across the country.
COLOMBIA SELLS OFF NAVY. Apartado, Colombia. Seeking to reduce the expenses of the military and to focus on modern defensive measures, the Colombian government demonstrated radical new initiative this year. The proud Colombian fleet, which served well in the wars with Venezuela and the United States, is no more. The installations and harbors created for the protection and the maintenance of these old ships have been closed down as the ships themselves have been sold to interested buyers. The bulk of the tonnage of the Colombian fleet was purchased by the government of Peru, which was highly interested in purchasing new capital ships to supplement their fleet. Nearly a dozen of Colombias destroyers were instead sold to the nation of Florida for coastal patrol duties and enforcement. The Colombians have claimed that their new overwhelming airpower and capabilities will more than make up for their loss of naval power, particularly in regards to the protection of the vital Panama Canal. Unfortunately, the new planes were unavailable for the speech, as they still had not finished production, but the government promises they are worth the dismantlement of Colombias coastal protection.
JACKSONIA BEGINS NEW DAM PROJECT. Jefferson, Jacksonia. Perhaps hoping to distract the masses from the foreign policy disaster that the new treaty with Florida has become, the Jacksonian government has announced the start of construction on an ambitious public works project. Last year engineers began laying out surveys and plans for the construction of new hydroelectric facilities in order to provide the luxury of lighting to the whole of Jacksonia. Construction began at last this year as the first foundations and positions were constructed throughout the northern provinces of the nation. President Tuff has stated that not only will these new dams provide the egalitarian lighting throughout the nation, but the increase in government spending will only provide more and more jobs for the unemployed masses. The efforts are expected to be reasonably successful, and the construction is estimated to take at least five years, to the betterment of all of those seeking employment.
WILDLY UNPOPULAR TREATY SIGNED BETWEEN JACKSONIA AND FLORIDA. Boulder City, Jacksonia. The new Treaty of Columbian Friendship has proven to be one of the most disastrous undertakings in recent foreign policy, as it was signed by the governments of two nations with the full hatred of their masses. In Jacksonia, this saw a tremendous backlash, as the president himself was crucified by his own party in the election process, leading to a total devastation of his cabinet and government. In Florida, the backlash has been seen in congressional elections, as President Johnston has lost much of his support from within his own party for this and other reasons. The treaty itself brings the two nations closer together against their will, beginning with reforms of sports. Though some of these were surprisingly successful, famous athletes from Jacksonia have led the charge in stating that they will refuse to cooperate or join any conjoined Olympic team, depriving them of the best talent they could have had. In Florida, most good athletes had already fled or died, thanks to Johnston's previous purges and endeavors. The other terms were rejected and vetoed by the government in Jacksonia after the elections, so they remain meaningless. Overall, the treaty was a miserable failure, and everyone involved should be ashamed for attempting such a foolish endeavor without consulting anyone within their nation or government.
PERU ESTABLISHES NATURAL PRESERVE. Lima, Peru. In a move that was somewhat foreshadowed by the Isla de Mona dispute between Hispaniola and Puerto Rico, the Peruvian government has made an radical new law unmatched by any other nation. Seeking to preserve the natural beauty and splendor of the animal wildlife on the Galapagos Islands, the government of Peru has declared the islands a nature preserve, to remain untouched by humanity's modern infrastructure and development. Though a portion of the islands remain a limited naval facility, with a small community for tourism purposes, the islands as a whole have been declared off limits for development. The roots of this sentiment began years ago with the PADA resolution of an island dispute between Hispaniola and Puerto, which led to the creation of the world's first natural preserve. The Peruvians have taken this a step further, creating territory specifically designed to protect what some ecologists call one of the natural wonders of the world. President Rendon has been applauded for his foresight and naturalism, as very few oppose the bill, though some conservatives do express concern about the possible precedent that has been set with the new legislation and enforcement.
UNITED STATES SELLS JACOBS TO VINLAND. Seattle, United States of America. After the end of the Pacific War, it became clear that the newly recovered possession of Scottson, renamed Jacobs, was essentially worthless to the wellbeing of the United States of America. With immigration effectively nil, and no one willing to take up any sort of incentive to journey there, the United States found that they were losing money attempting to maintain this block of tundra. Taking advantage of the situation, the government of Vinland offered to purchase the colony, cementing their control on the northwestern portion of North America. Faced with continued losses, and heavy criticism of what many viewed as a failing policy, President Wallace agreed to sell the remaining territories of Jacobs still held by the United States to Vinland. By the end of the year, the transfer of land had taken place, and Vinland has assumed management of the territory. This has effectively ended one of the most useless compromises and territories globally, consolidating the territory under Vinlander control.
PRESIDENT WALLACE SPEARHEADS NEW MEDIA CAMPAIGN. Chicago, United States of America. President Robert Wallace of the United States of America began campaigning for next year's election this year with a series of highly controversial methods. Mostly, these have backfired against him, only building more resentment towards the Republican Party, and seem to have overall been a disaster. Under his management, the Bureau of Investigation has begun harassing the Socialist Party and the New Liberty Party, attacking those with proletarist sympathies or outright beliefs. The media has fought back against this, loudly decrying these methods as tyranny at its worse, and the voting public seems to have only grown greater in its hatred of the president. President Wallace has begun to bank on support from the western territories, but has found that most of the territories have begun to swing heavily against the Republicans, as the Bureau of Negro Affairs still remains staffed with members of the New Liberty Party. They have threatened to undermine the control of the west, and leave Wallace only with very limited support for the election campaign. Though he has attempted to define the issue as a campaign against proletarism, he has been dismayed to find much sympathy for proletarists among working men, both white and black, who are quite likely to turn out in large numbers to vote against him. Most analysts predict a humiliating defeat for the president next year with the arrival of new elections.