The Flanders Gazette
| The Flanders Gazette | |
 | |
| Motto | Unofficial English language news source for the Republic of Flanders |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1497 AN |
| Founder | Erwin V.H. |
The Flanders Gazette was a Flemish newspaper founded by Erwin V.H.. It was published here.
History
1497 - 1508 AN
| Date | Headline | Subject | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| XII.1497 AN | Welcome | Editorial | Not so long ago, on October 2nd, the Republic of Flanders was re-founded. Between 1997 and ca. 2002-2003, the VRV (Virtuele Republiek Vlaanderen - Virtual Republic of Flanders), as it was often colloquially called by the locals, was the main centre of micronational activity in the Dutch speaking part of the world. Nowadays, things are different. Flanders is no longer the only Dutch speaking micronation, and many Dutch speaking micronationalists have joined the scene without being able to remember the heydays of the original Republic. For the sake of clarity, the editor welcomes those new nations and micronationalists as an enrichment, as (no doubt) do the other citizens of the re-founded VRV.
Two of the constant points of discussion in the First Republic were the status of the Dutch language and the relationship with the macronational world. To avoid yet another series of endless discussions on these topics, the founders of the Second Republic have made clear from the beginning that the new republic would have no macronational goals or pretentions (not that the original republic ever officially had such goals or pretentions) and that Dutch would be the sole official language. However, because Dutch isn't exactly the most commonly spoken or even understood language in the world, there is some risk of isolation from the non-Dutch speaking part of the micronational scene. I do not mean to say that the governments of the VRV will pursue an isolationist policy or even that other micronations would not be willing to co-operate with us; but I do believe that it makes it harder for those micronationalists who do not speak our language to keep up with what's going on and that therefore our nation might be somewhat of a less attractive intermicronational partner and ally. This is why I've decided to launch The Flanders Gazette. The Gazette is a private enterprise, and the views expressed in it do not necessarily reflect those of the government of the republic. It would be logical for this first edition to start with summarising what has been going on the last three weeks. Most importantly, we're still writing our constitution, and this is going faster than I was expecting. The consensus seems to be that both president as parliament would be directly elected, and that the president, like his US counterpart, would be both head of state and head of government. The judicial power would be in the hands of appointed judges, and, failing that, parliament. A senate, composed of elderly statesmen, would be composed to check if passed legislation is in accordance with the constitution (but this senate would only perform its duties when there are no judges). Until this new constitution will be approved, the VRV is governed de facto as a direct democracy, with a provisional head of state with limited powers. The basic structure of a party landscape seems to have been formed as well. Currently leading in the polls are the social-democrats of the SP.ES, with 41%, followed by the more radical leftists, represented by DEREV (33%), and the conservative SCU (25%). The republic now has 19 citizens, which can be devided into three groups: the 'old gang' of the First Republic; those who were already active in other Dutch speaking micronations like Mayo or the Red Antilles; and the total newbies. Something which risks becoming a major point of discussion is the question on how strict the immigration policy should be. Fearing the paper dolls which plagued the First Republic, it was seen as wise to introduce the requirement that new citizens should be able to provide three witnesses confirming their existence. However, the provisional head of state has already expressed his doubts about the long term sustainability of this requirement. Currently, two types of citizenship are distributed: confirmed and unconfirmed. But what will be the exact content of this distinction remains to be seen. Formal contacts have been established with the Empire of Lemuria, and it would seem that a treaty of mutual recognition is on its way. |
| XIV.1497 AN | Diplomatic News (Lemuria and the Red Antilles) | News | In accordance with the decision of the Burgerforum (Citizen's Forum - the provional "parliament" of the Second Republic), the Provisional Head of State has appointed Gert Geens as plenipotentiary to negociate a treaty of mutual recognition with the Empire of Lemuria. Geens is the founder of the original Republic of Flanders, and was its president on two seperate occasions (1997-1998 and 1999-2000), and is now a prominent member of the Second Republic. It also seems likely that official diplomatic recognition of the Red Antilles is on its way. |
| II.1498 AN | Crucial motion passed + new flag | News | The Citizen's Forum (the temporary Parliament of the Second Republic) has passed an important resolution, determining the basic structure of the state. A directly elected President will be both head of state as well as head of government. He will appoint his Vice-President amongst his ministers. This constitutes a break with the parliamentary or semi-presidential character of the First Republic. The legislative power will be given to an elected Parliament, which will also serve as court of justice in times when the job of judge is vacant. The President cannot be a Member of Parliament; he is however its chairman and has a decisive vote when a parliamentary vote results in a tie. An appointed Senate will take on the role of constitutional court.
Another, more symbolic decision, was taken today. The Republic has chosen a new official flag, which was designed by Emery Frijters. |
| XIV.1498 AN | New parties + Constitution nearby + Problems with recognising of Charlotta | News | New parties
In less than one week, two new parties have been formed. On November 19th, former President Steven Burvenich created the Vlaamse Demokraten (VD - Flemish Democrats), which became the country's fourth party to be founded, after the conservative SCU, the social-democratic SP.ES and the radical leftist DEREV. The party believes that both conservatism and social-democracy are too macronational to keep up with micronational problems, and favours more direct democracy. Yesterday, the creation of yet a new political party was announced. Bob "Patriot" founded the Belgische Unie/Union Belge (BUB - "Belgian Union" in both Dutch and French), which aims at reforming the Republic of Flanders into the Kingdom of Belgium. Patriot does not hesitate to call the founders of the republic "traitors". The party received heavy criticism from both conservatives and social-democrats for mixing macronational issues with micronational politics. Constitution nearby Yesterday, Temporary Head of State Van Horenbeeck presented a semi-definitive version of the constitution to the Citizens' Forum. Meanwhile, the Citizens' Forum has begun voting on motions that would end the possibility of making more constitutional proposals in the Citizens Forum and calls for a referendum on the constitution. Problems with recognising Charlotta The Citizens' Forum has rejected a motion that would recognise the existance of Charlotta outside of Mayo, without explicitly recognising the People's Republic itself. This came as somewhat of a shock, especially as a treaty had been discussed between the Republic of Flanders and the People's Republic of Charlotta. In order to avoid rejection of this treaty, the voting on this treaty in Flanders has been delayed indefinitively. |
| III.1499 AN | Referendum announced | News | Following the wish of the Citizens' Forum (the Republic's temporary Parliament), Provisional Head of State Van Horenbeeck has called for a referendum on the new constitution. The referendum is to be held between December 15th and December 19th. Most likely, the new Constitution will be approved by a wide margin. If so, the Second Republic's first elections (both parliamentary and presidential) will be held between January 9th and January 13th (with an hypothetical second round of the presidential race to be held between January 26th and January 31st. |
| VIII.1499 AN | Citizens vote on Constitution + Flanders to participate in reconstruction of Victoria? | News | Citizens start voting on constitution
This morning, polling booths opened in the Republic of Flanders. Polls will be open until Sunday, and if the result is as expected, the Second Republic's first elections (both parliamentary as well as presidential) will take place between January 9th and 13th. Only one person has officially announced his candidacy: Evert De Smet will run for president for the conservative party SCU. The social-democrats have declared not to reveal their candidates before the results of the referendum on the constitution are officially announced. According to newspaper De Volkskrant, Provisional Head of State Erwin Van Horenbeeck is expected to run on behalf of the SP.ES. He himself refuses to confirm or deny this rumour. As neither the VD or DEREV are expected to have candidates for the presidents, it is likely that there will be only two candidates and that a second round will be unnecessary. Flanders to participate in reconstruction of Victoria? Yesterday, most Flemish citizens were surprised to find out that a coup d'état had taken place in the Democratic Republic of Victoria. With the help of administrator Stijn, the ultra-nationalist Patriot had taken controll of the nation's forum and declared himself emperor. He immediately declared war on Mayo and Flanders, two pacifist nations against which he bears a personal grudge. Troops of Charlotta, the Red Antilles and Liberi immediately rushed in, liberating Victoria from Patriot's dictatorship and thereby defending Mayo and Flanders. Victoria has now been placed under international mandate, and an international congress was called, to which Flanders has been invited. It would seem that it will accept the invitation and send former president Gert Geens as representative, with the specific instruction that he should make sure that the final decision will lay with the Victorian people. Simultaneously, a procedure has been started to deprive Patriot of his Flemish citizenship. |
| X.1499 AN | Constitution approved | News | What most people expected, happened: the new constitution of the Republic of Flanders has been approved by a very wide margin - almost 94%. Another commonly expected thing happened: Temporary Head of State Erwin Van Horenbeeck has announced his intention to run for president on the social-democratic ticket. Van Horenbeeck is a man of long experience in Flemish politics, having been an MP between 1999 and the end of the First Republic as well as its last Chancellor. The presidential race will probably be between him and the conservative Evert De Smet.
The Social-Democrats also announced their candidates for Parliament. Heading the list will be Charly, with Vice-Head of State Wolfgang Thoma on second place. |
| VII.1500 AN | Conservatives win elections | News | Shortly after midnight, the official results of the first presidential and parliamentary elections of the Second Republic were published. With 60,32% of the votes, conservative candidate for the presidency Evert De Smet has been proclaimed as first President of the Second Republic, thereby replacing the Temporary Head of State and sole rival for the presidency Van Horenbeeck. Like Van Horenbeeck, De Smet had been active in the First Republic as well, being a former MP and president of the former conservative party.
It also seems likely that De Smet will be able to form a government without coalition partners, as the conservative SCU has received a narrow majority in Parliament (26/50). Although it isn't constitutionally mandated, it is always helpful for a government to have a parliamentary majority. Second to the SCU come the social-democrats with 27,78% of the vote (14 seats in Parliament), then the liberal VD (6) and the communist DEREV (4). The biggest personal score is on the name of Charly, leader of the social-democrats. One VD-candidate has already announced that he will not take up his seat in Parliament, in order to concentrate on his foreign priorities. |
| X.1500 AN | President announces cabinet | News | Monday evening, newly elected president Evert De Smet announced his government. Emery Frijters has been appointed Minister of Economy, Culture and the Interior. Minister Frijters has already developed an international banking system, which will probably be used in Flanders as well as in Mayo, and probably other nations as well. Former president and conservative party leader Gert Geens has been appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and Finances. Somewhat of a surprise was the announcement that social-democrat Charly is to be Junior Minister for Education. It was stressed that the social-democrats are not part of the government, and are not bound to any of the government's promisses. In short, they will be in the opposition, except for the department of Education.
Parliament has also begun its workings. Aside from technical such as internal rules and vice-president of Parliament, the most important debate is on a resolution condemning the actions by Bert, head of the State Security Service in Liberi, and the Duke of Liberi in the Sovjet Republic of the Red Antilles. While the communists, supported by social-democratic MP Charly, propose an explicit mention of both men in the resolution, the conservative government seems only willing to support a general condemnation of such actions, without explicitly mentionning both men. Charly has also announced that he will retire from his office as political secretary of the social-democratic party. He will most likely be succeeded by Erwin Van Horenbeeck, who lost last weeks presidential elections. |
| XV.1500 AN | Economic news + update on Foreign Affairs | News | Flanders to launch economy
Even though voting time hasn't finished yet, it's clear by now that a majority in Parliament favours the government's plans to introduce an economic model, as of February 1st. The currency unit will be called the Flemish Ducat or VDK (Vlaamse Dukaat), divided into 100 stivers (stuivers) or st. Every citizen will receive a starting capital - 6 000 VDK for confirmed citizens, 4 000 VDK for non-confirmed citizens.Taxation on individual incomes will amount to 15%, but will only be introduced gradually - the richest citizens coming first. 200 VDK are considered to be tax-free. 15% of corporate profit will also be taxed. The government will have a monopoly on banking, and will use a e-phpbank (located at http://www.emery.be/vrv/ephpbank/index.php), which was developed by Emery Frijters, after it became evident that Sander Dieleman's MX2 would not be launched in the near future. An e-phpbanking is an improved version of Dieleman's phpbank, allowing international transactions. In order to prevent a cash flow to other nations (in particular Mayo, which is set to introduce e-phpbanking in the near future as well), the government wishes to impose an export tax of 10%, which will be gradually diminished. First budget Together with the launch of an economy, comes the first government budget. Because the first tax revenues will only be collected in July, the government expects a budget deficit of 157 987,50 VDK. Out of the government budget, 8 000 will go to the department of Interior Affairs, in order to finance political parties; 5 000 VDK to Foreign Affairs; 20 000 VDK to the department of Culture (salaries of university professors, salary of the webmaster;...); 80 000 to the Economy department (financial aid to companies); 42 437,50 VDK for the Finances department (salaries for MP's and government officials, and the purchasing of an e-phpbank) and 4 250 VDK to the Justice department. University Junior Minister of Education Peeters announces his plans to found a Free University of Flanders (VUV). The University will be managed by a three member board, composed along the lines of party divisions in Parliament. Everyone will be allowed to give courses, but the board will have the ability to grand a "quality label" to certain courses, which would entitle the lecturer to a government pay. Foreign Affairs Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has re-introduced the proposed treaty with the People's Republic of Charlotta, and this time, it seems likely that it will be accepted by Parliament. Now that relations with the Dutch sector seems to be completely established, the Ministry is "targetting" the anglophone sector. Cyberia seems to have been first on the list, mainly because it is one of the few micronations which had recognised the First Republic and which is still in existance today. However, the Cyberian authorities claim to have no record of this non-written mutual recognition (to which the Flemish delegate responded by providing evidence that there were at least contacts between both governments), and stated that Cyberia will regard Flanders as a new nation. Jack Santucci, Cyberia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, indicated that a treaty might be considered, but only in a few months time. On the other hand, discussions about a treaty with Antica are reported to be progressing well. The Kingdom of Gotzborg has also been contacted, and has responded in a positive manner - even resulting in a short visit to Flanders by HM King Augustus Charles II. |
| IX.1508 AN | Yet another new political party | News | With a fifth new political party having been formed in one month time, the political landscape in the Republic of Flanders promises to be very different from the two-party-system that had emerged after the parliamentary elections in May. Perhaps this will be a change for the better, as many found the competition between the two parties, led by veteran politicans (former president Gert Geens' conservative SCU and current presidents' Erwin Van Horenbeecks centre-left sp.es), to have become rather dull.
First came the VrV, founded by the new citizen Jorik Mattijs. The party quickly gained notoriety - first by its extreme rightist rhetoric, then by trying to bribe several prominent citizens in order to win their votes while in the meantime accusing the other parties of corruption. It currently advocates the creation of a monarchy, with Jorik Mattijs as emperor, and openly promises to grant its voters 1 000 VDK each. It is, however, unlikely that this party will gain much influence, as all other parties have declared not the be prepared to form a coalition with it. Then came the Libertarian Party (VLP), created by the controversial micronationalist Hieronymus Erasmus. Both the VrV and the VLP are on the ballot in the parliamentary elections which are currently being held, as is MP Wouter Smekens. Smekens, however, has now stated his intention not to pursue a political carreer. Unlike the VrV and the VLP, the three other new parties were not able to participate in the elections, as the registration date had already been exceded. If not, the social-democrats of the sp.es would probably have had some serious competiton on the left by the greens (SP.G), who advocate for the introduction of direct democracy. Then came the PNV, led by businessman Eli, advocating for the introduction of a bicameral parliament, the abolishment of the presidency and joining MCS. The newest addition to this group is VOI!A, whose main goal seems to be speeding up the creation of the confederation between several Dutch speaking micronations. Mayo is currently hosting a conference on this subject, and it would seem likely that both Flanders and Arzania, as well as Mayo, will participate in this project. |
1595 - 1610 AN
| Date | Headline | Subject | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| VII.1595 AN | As Nohsi’s state visit draws to a close, Flemish debate turns toward foreign policy | News | BRUSWERP – The Republic of Flanders has long been a nation whose foreign policy focus has for many years been almost exclusively centred almost exclusively towards the Dutch sector. It would therefore have been surprising for a visitor from the past that the first official state visit by a foreign head of state in the country’s 15 years of existence is that of Ashkenatzi’s 16th Noshi, Herr Moshe Goltz. Yet, ever since the territorial dispute over the Beneluccas (or Skerries, as they were known in Ashkenatza) has been settled by means of dialogue rather than by force, both countries have been enjoying an increasingly strong friendship.
The Nohsi’s started his state visit on the Beneluccas, by opening Ashkenatza’sConsulate-General in Schaarlecht (or Vladiskerrysk, both forms are considered to be official), where he praised Flanders as a stable and honest partner. The former governor of the Ashkenatzi Skerry Isles, Herr Heinz Schvartz, has been instructed to improve transport links and commerce links between Ashkenatza and Flanders. Present as well, the Flemish Minister of Foreign Affairs has expressed his country’s wish for an even closer alliance with the Maroon Republic. Next stop was Bruswerp, where the Nohsi was invited to address Parliament. The Flanders Gazette deems it fit to publish a large excerpt of his speech, which has been called the high point of Flanders’ XXIst Legislature: “These stormy seas and bad omens are upon us. Winds of change blow the sails of our ship of state in new directions- and as militarisation increases and the community continues to polarise, I fear the change may be irreversible. His Excellency Foreign Minister remarked in Flanders recently that he wished Ashkenatza a long life. It is a sentiment we appreciate. Activity is scarce, and kind words are scarcer. Given the current lack of activity and goodwill across the sector, I would argue that the nature of any bilateral relationship has now fundamentally changed. We must support eachother with activity, with moral support, and with concrete steps towards further economic and political co-operation. […]It is my firm belief that it is in the interests of my Republic and its people to secure an even stronger partnership with Flanders, significantly increasing military and diplomatic co-operation. Let us examine Apollonia. To the north of Flanders lies the Green, swathes of lawlessness and anarchy. States flicker in and out of existence there- few survive it. Only the coasts of Apollonia are safe, yet they too are now threatened by a pernicious, well-organised, and sly new enemy. The autocrat. To your east, Antica collapses into anarchy. Only the Aryezi have successfully managed to run a stable provisional government as the Shahists declare their intention to bring the once proud Republic under their heel. My Republic will not and cannot allow further Shahist infiltration into the affairs of independent and sovereign states and will offer to them whatever aid they may require to prevent falling down and down into the chasm of autocracy and despotism. Do not falter. Stand strong, stand stalwart, and tread the path your Republic and its citizens deserve, a path which you have shown the whole world you tread with confidence and pride. The Batavian Gutter Press may sneer. The Shahists may smirk, yet we are proud to walk this path side by side with you, and by the ballots and all which is Maroon we will take other free nations by the hand and lead them down it too. “ As for now, the Nohsi is expected to attend a farewell reception in the Ivory Tower (the office of the Flemish President), whereupon he will be heading home. Meanwhile, the Flemish electoral campaign has started to address the issue of foreign policy, which had been mostly centred on the cultural identity of the nation, internal reform and on economic issues. Erwin V.H., candidate for the presidency for the League for the Third Repubic (an alliance of regional parties), has expressed his desire for Flanders to seek a closer alliance with Ashkenatza and Alexandria, including a possible membership of the Council of Free Nations, perhaps starting as an observer or a junior partner with a special status. The other front runner, Koen A., has not yet expressed his position on this specific issue. But his Democrats, which can be seen as the continuation of the yes-side during the controversial recent referendum about a possible integration into Alexandria, is inclined to seek a closer alliance with the Empire, and has expressed his desire to counter West-Cibolan influence, especially in Zeeburg. Together with the Libertarian Party, he has criticised the lack of seriousness of certain unnamed other nations. The League's candidate has distanced himself from these views. Perhaps surprisingly, even the Union of Erasmi, led by Simon van Erasmus, has stated its support for strong relations with Alexandria and Ashkenatza, but – in sharp contrast to the other parties – has stated that “relations with other countries in the Dutch sector don’t seem to have much sense because of the lack of common ground, except for the language”. Independent media outlet V.O.N. predicts a narrow victory for Erwin V.H. during the presidential campaign, but a severe loss for his party in the parliamentary elections, held at the same time. In the end, it will be Parliament which will decide the future course of Flemish external policy. The League would lose half of its vote, despite still coming first – but only 1% above the Democrats (30 vs. 29%). The Union of Erasmi, a Beneluccas based regional party, would give a surprisingly strong performance performance of 19,5%, followed with 11,5% for the Libertarian Party. Finally, the ultraconservative KGF (King, Faith, Federalism) would garner 10% of the vote. |
| VIII.1595 AN | League gains presidency, suffers severe blow in parliamentary elections | News | The Flemish Department of Interior Affairs has published today the official results of the country’s presidential and parliamentary elections. Erwin Berchtoldszn. van H. from the Northern Beneluccas, has been declared the winner of the presidential elections, with 54,5% of the first preference votes. V.H. was the candidate for the League for the Third Republic, an alliance of regionalist parties. His main competitor K. Anders, from Bruswerp, who had the support of incumbent president Mattiassen’s Democrats party, gained ‘only’ 40,9%, with Simon van Erasmus (of the Beneluccas based Union of Erasmi) and the monarchist Petrvs Fidelis lagging behind with 2,3% each. The president-elect is expected to take the oath of office on Wednesday.
The results also show a strong regional divide, with Anders’ support mainly concentrated in the national capital (67% of the vote), while the Province of Ambetanterijk massively supported the League’s candidate (94,7%). The results from the Beneluccas were mixed, with Van Erasmus receiving a surprisingly high percentage of the vote (7,7%). On the other hand the League lost much of its support in the parliamentary elections, losing its absolute majority in the 50 seat legislature. With 20 remaining seats, its only barely larger than the Democrats, who conserve the 19 seats its predecessor New Democracy gained in September. The monarchist KGF (2 seats) and the Union of Erasmi (1 seat) will have only a negligible presence in the next legislature, which will commence its activities tomorrow (December 17th). The Libertarian Party is, with eight seats, the clear winner of these elections and may emerge as the kingmaker in the next coalition government. However, it should be noted that Flanders has a tradition of minority governments as well, so it’s not entirely clear if there will be a coalition at all. The new government is expected to face a number of crucial issues, most notably the possible introduction of a new economic system and a further defining of the geopolitical role of the country. |
| XV 1595 AN | “Perhaps the most ambitious government in Flemish history” to be installed | News | League/Libertarian government to be installed
The Ivory Tower, the Flemish president’s official residence, has announced that a new government will be installed on Monday, after several days of negotiations on an undisclosed location resulted in an coalition agreement between president Erwin V.H.’s federalist League for the Third Republic and Roeland C.’s Libertarian Party. This means that former president Mateo Diez Mattiassen’s Democrats are now almost completely certain of being relegated to the opposition benches, although despite the claims made by the Flanders Post the current president did contact the ‘mateists’ but to no avail. Nevertheless, the President stated his opinion that a coalition with the Libertarians was the politically more interesting option anyway, seeing that their proposals during the electoral campaign were much more innovating than those of the Democrats. What the president called “one of the most, if not the most, ambitious governmental agreement in the country’s history” contains several proposals which entail a break with certain age old Flemish traditions, most notably:
Flemish foreign policy is likely to maintain its tendency to seek a closer alliance with the member states of the Council of Free Nations, of which Flanders now aims to become a ‘junior partner’ somewhere during the next few months. Other parts of the governmental agreement include cutting in the bureaucratic red tape and reinvigorating the nation’s cultural development. Jingdese propaganda machine abuses unclarity about government’s composition The Ivory Tower has yet been unable to specify who exactly will become part of this new coalition government. Unconfirmed rumours have it that the League and the Libertians will be joined by Luc van de Bakoven from the Future Party, a kinsman of Zeeburg’s leader. The officious propaganda channel of Jingdao has been using this uncertainty to spew ludicrous claims about the Flemish president being part of some sort of secret cabal called the Mystic Society. While this is treated as a joke by the Flemish population and those of the civilised nations of Micras, it is to be feared that populations with less opportunities for education - such as those of the feudal society Jingdao self-admittedly is – will not be able to separate truth from fiction. While certain people understandable fear that a Jingdese unification with Shireroth might destabilise the latter nation (with which Flanders unfortunately hasn’t developed official relations yet, although this will hopefully be realised in the near future), many also hope that this would provide the Jingdese masses some economic development and advances in education and therefore an entry into modern society. Some are even disappointed that Shirekeep doesn’t seem likely to gain an even firmer control on this West-Cibolan backwater. Of course, nobody will say this out loud, given the Flemish government’s official position that relations with the Zjincheng regime should be normalised. |
| III.1596 AN | Trouble in the Batavian Confederation? | News | ZIJINCHENG/ZEEBURG (e.e.r.s.t.) – The long standing rumours that there is a row between the Grand Duchy of Southbatavia and the Free State of Zeeburg, the constituent nations of the Batavian Confederation (Bataafse Bond), have now been confirmed, as the state-influenced gutter press have reported that Southbatavia will no longer share its military secrets (or state secrets in general, as this reporter has heard a Jingdese colleague say) with Zeeburg. At the source of these tensions lies the fact that Luc van de Bakoven, a ‘relative’ of Zeeburg’s bailiff Luc van den Braende, has joined the Flemish cabinet as Minister of Culture, Sports and Education. Although there recently has been a normalisation, it is no secret that the relationship between Flanders and Southbatavia has often been strained.
The Batavian Confederation, whereby the leader of the Southbatavian regime promises to protect Zeeburg in exchange for a yearly tribute, emerged in the aftermath of the dissolution of ‘Greater Batavia’ last year. Some now question the long term viability of this unnatural alliance between the violent autocracy on Western Cibola and the brave little merchant republic. These countries are very different indeed – not only geographically, but most importantly politically and culturally. They don’t even share a same language, as some may mistakenly believe. Indeed, what does the Free State of Zeeburg have to gain in an alliance with a partner that doesn’t want to share information that is vital to the island’s security, but still wants a revenue from it and demands that Zeeburg’s foreign policy conforms to that of Southbatavia? Finally, should any Southbatavian read this, it may of interest to them to know that not only Zeeburg’s leader has ties to Flanders. A ‘relative’ of their Heavenly Light is also a Flemish MP, a position that implies the defense of the interests of the Flemish nation. Can that person, ‘radiating’ in the Imperial Palace of Zijincheng, still be trusted? |
| XI.1600 AN | Flanders and Batavia sign Treaty of Eternal Friendship; Batavia to regain territories, forum | News | ST ANNA – Earlier today Flemish President Erwin V.H. and General Remus van Veen, Provisional Head of the Batavian government, have gathered on an undisclosed location, somewhere in St Anna to sign a ‘Flemish-Batavian Treaty of Eternal Friendship’. In it, Flanders renews its pledge to recognise only General van Veen’s government as the legitimate representative of the Batavian nation. General van Veen was deposed last months by a coup, lead by the Jingdaoese infiltrant Major Windsor, who subsequently proceeded to offer Jingdao’s self-proclaimed Heavenly Light to annex Batavia to its empire – an offer which aforementioned autocrat swiftly accepted. General van Veen, who has since fled to those parts of Batavia which have not fallen under Jingdaoese occupation, has refused to acknowledge this annexation, thereby supported by Flanders, which he had invited as a caretaker to manage the few territories which still were under control of the legitimate Batavian government.
In this new treaty, Flanders has also vowed to transfer those territories back into Batavian control, and to offer Batavia the opportunity to use its forum infrastructure. Batavia, on its turn, has promised not to engage in any foreign activity that would be contrary to Flemish interests. Flemish Parliament, which was out of session, has now been convened to discuss this treaty. Ratification is expected by May 28th. |
| VI.1601 AN | Jingdaoese dictator admits Batavia is occupied by Jingdao | News | From nitwit over full-of-shit to just plainly boring person, everyone who has ever had to deal with the reigning Empress of Jingdao and her family have come to know their sense of restraint and feeling for polite conversation, equaled only by the current Flemish president. Yet, it came as a surprise to many that she personally came to visit the Flemish president. It’s an open secret that the relationship between the two countries is at an almost all-time low ever since the Flemish government decided not to recognize the Jingdaoese annexation of Batavia, which was effectuated by her troops without the support of half of the Batavian population, and went on to recognize the Batavia’s government instead.
The Jingdaoese tyrant came to offer the Flemish president some apple turnovers. Perhaps this was just meant for Jingdaoese propaganda purposes, but nevertheless the President has politely thanked Sisera. More remarkably though, were the words of the Empress herself. She referred to the Jingdaoese administration ofBenacian Batavia as an “occupation”. To our knowledge, this is the first such recognition by the Jingdaoese ruling class. Is this the beginning of a political U-turn, which may in the end lead to a reunification of Batavia, a historical apology by Jingdao and a reconciliation between Flanders and Jingdao? Time will tell, but this newspaper certainly hopes so. |
| I.1610 AN | Batavia to reunite? | News | ST ANNA/'s-KONINGENWAARDE – Yesterday, an agreement was submitted almost simultaneously to the legislatures of both the St Anna and the 's-Koningenwaarde factions of the Kingdom of Batavia, aiming at reuniting the country after an almost yearlong split. This split, as our readers surely know, occurred on April the 17th of last year, when colonel Benedictus Windsor staged a coup against General van Veen, who at that time was head of the country. Windsor then immediately went on to invite Jingdao to annex the country. Van Veen, meanwhile, fled to Sint-Anna, which, together with some other possessions of the Kingdom, had not been annexed by Jingdao, and reorganised his government on a forum provided for by the Flemish. Both governments had since then refused to recognise the other one's legitimacy, each of them claiming to be the only true Batavian government, despite the eventual Jingdaoese withdrawal.
There had been several attempts at compromises, but each one of them were, in the end, aborted. It seems, however, that this agreement, signed in loyalist-held Lannion by Vice-Admiral Van Ampersant (representing Sint-Anna) and Trydan van Gebar (representing 's-Koningenwaarde), has a sufficiently broad base of support on both sides to warrant some degree of optimism. We have learned from confidential sources that the proposal enjoys a unanimous support amongst the Sint-Anna political elite, while in 's-Koningenwaarde two of its three active citizens have voted in favour. The main exception appears to be Robert Windsor, who some days ago already indicated that he would have no part in this endeavour; it should, however, be said that he has yet to cast his vote. The agreement appears to have been kept to a bare minimum. An interim government is to be formed, composed of the aforementioned Van Ampersant and Van Gebar, headed by Max van Schaerbosch, the former Batavian king who chose the Sint-Anna side in the conflict but whose late re-entry into the Batavian public life seems to make him unstained enough for the 's-Koningenwaarde Batavians. This new government is to organise fresh parliamentary elections and to prepare a draft constitution, to be considered and amended by this new parliament. The agreement also states that all persons recognised by at least one of the sides to be a Batavian citizen, shall henceforth be considered a Batavian citizen by the authorities of the newly united Batavia, as well as that all treaties made by one of the parties shall be considered to remain valid. This is especially important to the people on Nova Batavia/the Brettish Isles, as the 's-Koningenwaarde recognition of Brettish sovereignty was, of course, considered void by Sint-Anna. Lastly, the united Batavia shall be hosted on a new, neutral forum, batavie.micronatie.nl. We, at least, hope this will be the end of a bitterly fought battle, whereby to many a harsh word has fallen and which, frankly, belongs to one of the most shameful episodes in the history of the Dutch sector. Is perhaps the recently signed treaty of recognition between Flanders and Jingdao, two countries whose relationship (although it has always been a tumultuous one) had suffered severely because of the Batavian conflict, a second sign, indicating that this is the time of the Great Détente in the Dutch sector? History has learned that a certain antagonism seems to be inherent to this sector, but one can only applaud those who try to be peacemakers. |
