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I

REGENCY IN EFFECT AS H.M. THE KING STEPS BACK TEMPORARILY

Crown Prince Titu assumes control as Regent

H.M. the King in an exclusive interview to NBC News last year.

CARDENAS, FCD -- H.M the King established today a temporary Regency lasting four AN months, placing Crown Prince Titu as Regent during his absence.

H.M. will be incapacitated for four AN months as he undergoes a series of surgeries and focuses on physical therapy as he addresses major health issues as a result from past injuries in the field of battle during the Restoration.

The surgeries aim to address damage to his joints, particularly his left knee and left side of his hip, injured while leading troops in battle during the seizure of Parap and the return of H.M. in 1673 AN. His joints will be replaced with artificial titanium joints that will help relieve the pain and discomfort H.M. has experienced for years.

He is expected to make a full recovery and is said to be in extremely "good spirits", according to a spokesperson at the Palace of Carranza. "His Majesty has the opportunity to address sources of significant pain and discomfort with this surgery, and will focus on his recovery during the Regency period to return with vigor and in good health."

IV

NEWS HEADLINES FROM AROUND NOUVELLE ALEXANDRIE

H.M. THE KING RETURNS FROM REGENCY

Doctors declare King “in good health and ready to return to work”

VIOLENT CRIME SPIKES IN 1698

Murder, robberies, gun violence spike across Federation as police departments struggle

H.M. THE KING DISSOLVES 1ST CORTES FEDERALES

Election season begins as political climate is stagnant and inactive

NOURADIN HYDROPROJECT GOES ONLINE, DELIVERING WATER, POWER TO ALDURIA

Ambitious and costly project starts supplying more clean water and power to Euran communities

WANTED: AN OPPOSITION

With the country headed to its 2nd general election, will we have a choice here?

The cover of The Aldurian this week.

Democracy depends on competent opposition.

Governments, however well-intentioned, require permanent and effective scrutiny to meet the public interest. For this purpose, our system has given this important role to the Official Opposition to hold the Government to account.

However, at present, and in the week the King dissolves the Cortes Federales, this constitutional duty is being fulfilled in name alone.

Since the inception of partisan politics in Nouvelle Alexandrie, the Government of National Unity has changed partners mid-term, switched the President between Augustus Strong and Santiago Etienne, and has led the country through turbulent beginnings. The Government has done its job well. But it also has neglected many policy fields and has made its own mistakes. An active, scrappy, and focused opposition could have held this Government to account.

As a consequence, many voters have never felt more unrepresented or disempowered. Those who do not share the National Humanist version of Nouvelle Alexandrie do not have a viable and active alternative to vote for.

Let us not forget that the combined vote share of Cambio Democratico, the Progressive Federalists, and the Digger’s Society would have given a majority to a broad leftist share of the vote. However, with the success of the Federal Humanist Party in power, the center-left/liberal majority in this country has not coalesced behind any alternatives - even losing some of its votes to the National Humanists.

Our country’s democracy cannot afford this. This magazine does not oppose the Federal Humanist Party. But what this magazine opposes is a dead democracy and no real choice on the ballot.

Let's hope the other parties will wake up this election and bother to work for the honor of representing the people.

VI

5 SOLDIERS HURT IN ROCKET ATTACK AT ABADAN MILITARY BASE

Alcalá, ALD -- A Department of Defense spokesperson confirmed that five (5) military service members were injured in a rocket attack on Abadan Military Base at the mouth of the Nouradin River earlier today.

The military spokesman in Alcalá had confirmed earlier in the day that 14 rockets had been fired towards the base with some landing inside the perimeter.

Separately, a defense official said that the injuries consist of concussions for three of the service members and abrasions for the other two.

This comes as militants in the Euran Green step up attacks on New Alexandrian military positions and settler communities along the border.

NEWS HEADLINES FROM AROUND NOUVELLE ALEXANDRIE

Prominent Crime Reporter Shot Dead in New Luthoria

Gruesome murder in broad daylight highlights ongoing national crime spike

Inflation Ticks Up as Economic Boom Continues

Inflation is blamed on rising housing, food prices across Federation

Religion in Alduria: “Living Together Separately” as Tensions Between Zurvanites and Nazarenes Rise

Violent incidents are down, but tensions between the communities threaten to tear apart fragile truce

AIRSTRIKES AND LAND RAIDS BY NEW ALEXANDRIA HIT MILITIA CAMPS IN EURAN GREEN

A map marking in black 12 sites that were attacked by the NAX military.

Alcalá, ALD -- The New Alexandrian military conducted airstrikes on facilities used by non-state militia groups in the border region facing the Euran Green, drawing vows of retaliation from the militants.

The targets were facilities militias have used to store weapons used to launch rocket and mortar attacks on border communities and most recently, against personnel and facilities at Abadan Military Base, according to a statement from the Secretary of Defense, the Duke of Salcedo and Counto of Choquequirao, Rawa Vilca.

“A long range desert patrol, formed of volunteers attached to the Federal Forces in the Baatharzi Autonomous Republic, has been dispatched to conduct a punitive expedition against the tribes of the ungoverned territories,” the Secretary explained. “Further actions against these communities will occur as and when targets of opportunity are identified.”

Statement by the Defense Secretary: https://discord.com/channels/800128162078916629/800212593755029554/864110025248997427

XII

NAX NAVY ROLLS OUT AMBITIOUS PROCUREMENT PLAN FOR 1699-1711

Ship	Amount
Dominator-class missile cruiser	8
Klimatariá-class missile corvette	40
Logistic Support Vessels	120
Melusine-class missile boat	360

CÁRDENAS, FCD -- The Defense Department has announced an ambitious building program for the next 12 years, designed to expand and strengthen the Federal Navy.

The Akeraiótita Dockyards, ESB Armada (ESB Susa), and the shipbuilding division of the Pontecorvo Firm won the bid to build 528 ships, ranging from missile cruisers to logistical support vessels.

The cost is estimated to be in the billions of écus, financed by bond emissions from the New Prosperity Plan and from a special government fund to finance defense procurement for the Federation.

Statement by the Defense Secretary: https://discord.com/channels/800128162078916629/800212593755029554/864834256281927740

XIII

BREAKING NEWS: WILSON HART SHOT DEAD IN AIRLE, RANSENAR

Airle, RNS -- The leader of the Ransenari Liberation Party, Wilson Hart, has been shot by an unnamed assailant during a campaign parade in the city of Airle, Ransenar.

The leader of the largest party in the Ransenari Congress died instantly from gunshot wounds to his head and chest while in a motorcade for a large election parade in Airle.

Hart was poised to become Lord Chief Steward after the elections of 1693 resulted in his party becoming the largest in the Ransenari Congress. However, a last minute coalition deal between the Imperial Democratic Party, the Nationalist & Humanist Party, and the Buffalo Party of Ransenar circumvented him and led to the IDP staying in power.

The country is in the middle of a hotly contested election in the aftermath of the Second Elwynnese Civil War and the nuclear exchange in Elwynn that resulted in radiation, refugees, and a myriad of other problems for Ransenar.

The Ransenari Liberation Party, led by Hart, was poised to reach enough seats to achieve a majority on their own, according to the most recent polling.

IX

STOCK MARKET DOWN AS INFLATION FEARS SPOOKS TRADERS

CÁRDENAS, FCD -- Stocks fell and bond yields rose in the Cárdenas Stock Market as investors recoiled from a hot inflation report and earnings out of some big banks.

Trading turned volatile in the latter half of the session around the same time government bond yields kicked higher. Early gains made by the stock market so far in 1698 were mostly wiped out.

Analysts pointed to new data showing inflation rising at its fastest pace in more than a decade as the key factor behind the pullback in stock and bond prices. Bond yields fall when prices rise. Ahead of the opening bell, the Department of the Treasury said the consumer-price index rose 4.4% from a year ago, the highest since the inception of the Federation.

The increase surprised investors and analysts, who had forecast a somewhat slower pace of consumer-price growth. Still, stocks ended up rising by the end of the day, led by shares of tech companies, construction companies, and defense contractors as some investors argued the strong uptick in consumer prices was a product of big leaps in prices of homes, cars, electronics, and airfares and would prove to be temporary.

NEWS HEADLINES FROM AROUND NOUVELLE ALEXANDRIE

CITIZENS FOUND ARMED INITIATIVE AS CRIME SPIKE CONTINUES UNABATED

Citizens United for Security advocates gun ownership, training, and neighborhood watch organizations

ISLAND HOPPING CRUISE INDUSTRY REPORTS 45% INCREASE IN PROFITS IN 1698

Island hopping cruises along South Lyrica and Islas de la Libertad run record profits as demand increases for cruise travel

NATIONAL DEBT STANDS AT 60% OF GDP

Experts say no cause for alarm yet, but reckoning "must happen to avoid excess"

NEW LUTHORIAN GOVERNOR RESIGNS IN DISGRACE AMIDST INFIDELITY, CAMPAIGN FINANCE SCANDALS

Governor Luis Ojeda, an independent formerly from Cambio Democratico, resigns as impeachment proceedings were about to remove him for corruption

NEW ALEXANDRIANS SAY CRIME, DEFENSE, & ECONOMY TOP THREE ISSUES AHEAD OF 1698 ELECTION

XI

NOUVELLE ALEXANDRIE & CONSTANCIA LAUNCH JOINT INVASION OF EURAN GREEN

Operation Paramount aims to pacify and settle vast swaths of ungoverned territory to eliminate militias & foreign influence

CÁRDENAS, FCD -- Nouvelle Alexandrie and Constancia have launched a joint invasion of the ungoverned areas between them in Eura to eliminate the threat of militia attacks, foreign expansionist designs, and to provide for more "living space" for their populations.

The military action, codenamed Operation Paramount, was launched yesterday with several scathing raids and bombardments of militia training camps, smuggling paths, and other militia facilities for Azad Eura and other militias in the Euran Green.

The invasion followed last week's strikes on militia camps in the Euran ungoverned territories around the Nouradin river and its corresponding lake.

The move has proven to be very popular with voters, but outside of the Federal Humanist Party, no other party has stepped up to comment on the large-scale invasion. Many have criticized the invasion as an act of war that should have been declared by the Cortes Federales, now out of session in the midst of campaign season. Legal analysts say that due to the nature of the fight being against non-state actors in ungoverned areas of the continent, the invasion and annexation of the territories remains legal.

A brief government statement before the joint operations occurred affirmed that Nouvelle Alexandrie would "spare the lives of innocent civilians," but affirmed that the campaign will be "broad and concerted" and will use "decisive force." A Defense Department spokesperson commented, "no outcome but victory will be accepted."

BREAKING NEWS: CÁRDENAS ELECTS NEW MAYOR IN SPECIAL ELECTION

Charles Delaire of the Solidarity Party wins special election to replace embattled Mayor Gerald Fauquier

Charles Delaire, Mayor-elect of Cardenas

CÁRDENAS, FCD -- CÁRDENAS, FCD -- In a special election to replace disgraced Mayor Gerald Fauquier (FHP), the Federal Capital District has elected Charles Delaire to finish the remainder of Fauquier's 6 year term.

Mayor Gerald Fauquier (FHP) recently resigned after campaign finance filings revealed he was using campaign funds to pay for personal expenses, including over 100,000 ecus (€) in clothes and another 200,000 ecus for rent and other personal expenses. This is illegal in New Alexandrian law.

Fauquier resigned two months ago after the Council began proceedings to remove him from the post.

The campaign to replace Fauquier was rather muted, but a large protest vote was mobilized - of which two candidates benefited the most: now Mayor-elect Delaire and Francis Kandy, an independent candidate.

Delaire will take office tomorrow to complete the last two years of Fauquier's term.

FINAL RESULTS - CÁRDENAS MAYOR SPECIAL ELECTION

Charles Delaire of the Solidarity Party wins special election to replace embattled Mayor Gerald Fauquier

XIII

NEWS FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL - 1698 GENERAL ELECTIONS

Challenge to Beaujolais Leadership Rises in Solidarity Party

New Mayor of Cardenas challenges Beaujolais for leadership

The new mayor of Cárdenas, Charles Delaire, has only been in his position for a few days and from his new office, he's launched a challenge to Robert Beaujolais' leadership of the Solidarity Party.

The challenge, however, runs the risk of running quite flat. The Solidarity Party is dropping significantly in polling as it remains dormant and unresponsive under Beaujolais' leadership. But Mayor Delaire has also faced criticism for a plagiarized victory speech that mentioned an unknown country called "United States of America" before the speech was heavily edited mid-broadcast. Mayor Delaire has also been criticized for his "low effort, all entitlement" (according to an unnamed party insider) approach. It remains to be seen whether this challenge in the middle of election season will do anything for the party or worse - harm it.

Progressives Float "Lefitst Unity" Ahead of Elections

Merger between Solidarity Party and Progressive Party in discussions

With the Federal Humanist Party reaching 60% in polling, there is a growing movement between the two main left parties to merge and create a larger unity coalition under one big tent party. The Progressive Party and the Solidarity Party are currently in high profile discussions to achieve the merger ahead of the 1698 general elections.

Freedom Party Flops, Registers 0% in Polls

Fascist party cannot break past 0% in any polls anywhere in New Alexandria

In what is proving to be quite a blow to a nascent nationalist-fascist movement in New Alexandria, the new Freedom Party, composed of a handful of Deputies that defected from the FHP, has consistently scored 0% in national and regional polling for the past several months. It is likely that the party, should it not achieve to win any seats, may lose its electoral registration.

XV

1698 GENERAL ELECTION RESULTS: SEYDLITZ AND FHP WIN MAJORITY

Gerhardt Seydlitz will become President of the Government, FHP wins majority of 34 seats

Cárdenas, FCD -- Gerhardt Eugen Seydlitz’s Federal Humanist Party has secured a majority in the Federal Assembly by seizing seats in the traditional heartlands of the left across several Regions, most importantly the Wechua Nation and Valencia.

Seydlitz will now become President of the Government and will not need to negotiate a coalition, having led the FHP to a majority. This is the first time in New Alexandrian history where a party wins a majority in the Federal Assembly.

After a difficult night for the newly formed Social Democratic & Liberal Party, its leader Robert Beaujolais has said he will not lead the party in the next election. Meanwhile, the Digger’s Society maintained its seats though its share of the vote dropped. The Freedom Party, once sworn off by polls, saw itself return with 5 seats.