It was a crisp autumn morning in [[Cardenas]], when the news broke that [[Henry Barreau]], the billionaire businessman and independent [[Federal Assembly of Nouvelle Alexandrie|Deputy of the Federal Assembly]], had gone missing. Just a day earlier, rumors had begun to circulate that something was amiss with the [[Federation Games]], the national sporting event that [[Henry Barreau|Barreau]] had been such a vocal supporter of. And now, as the country woke up to the news of [[Henry Barreau|Barreau]]'s disappearance, it became clear that something far more sinister was at play.
It was a crisp autumn morning in [[Cardenas]], when the news broke that [[Henry Barreau]], the billionaire businessman and independent [[Federal Assembly of Nouvelle Alexandrie|Deputy of the Federal Assembly]], had gone missing. Just a day earlier, rumors had begun to circulate that something was amiss with the [[Federation Games]], the national sporting event that [[Henry Barreau|Barreau]] had been such a vocal supporter of. And now, as the country woke up to the news of [[Henry Barreau|Barreau]]'s disappearance, it became clear that something far more sinister was at play.
The [[Federation Games]] were supposed to be a moment of national pride for [[Nouvelle Alexandrie]]. After years of economic hardship and political turmoil, the country was in need of a boost. And so, when the [[Federal Humanist Party]], the ruling party, stepped in to rescue the [[Federation Games|Games]] from financial ruin and nationalize them, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to showcase the best of [[Nouvelle Alexandrian]] talent and bring the country together.
The [[Federation Games]] were supposed to be a moment of national pride for [[Nouvelle Alexandrie]]. After years of economic hardship and political turmoil, the country was in need of a boost. And so, when the [[Federal Humanist Party]], the ruling party, stepped in to rescue the [[Federation Games|Games]] from financial ruin and nationalize them, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to showcase the best of [[Nouvelle Alexandrie|Nouvelle Alexandrian]] talent and bring the country together.
But things quickly began to unravel. Rumors of mismanagement and corruption began to circulate after the closing ceremonies of the {{AN|1715}} [[Federation Games]], the first ever held. As the government provided funding and nationalized the event, the [[Department of Treasury (Nouvelle Alexandrie)|Department of the Treasury]] launched a secret audit to ensure that all spending was accounted for. The audit team, consisting of seasoned financial experts and forensic accountants, began combing through the books and records of the [[Federation Games]] as allegations started trickling into the [[Council of State of Nouvelle Alexandrie|federal government]].
But things quickly began to unravel. Rumors of mismanagement and corruption began to circulate after the closing ceremonies of the {{AN|1715}} [[Federation Games]], the first ever held. As the government provided funding and nationalized the event, the [[Department of Treasury (Nouvelle Alexandrie)|Department of the Treasury]] launched a secret audit to ensure that all spending was accounted for. The audit team, consisting of seasoned financial experts and forensic accountants, began combing through the books and records of the [[Federation Games]] as allegations started trickling into the [[Council of State of Nouvelle Alexandrie|federal government]].
The Federal Humanist Party is now passing to be generally considered as the natural governing party of Nouvelle Alexandrie. Its numbers may have dropped significantly since their high water mark in the general election of 1713 of 67% of the vote. But these current numbers reflect a return to the normal FHP majority, its support tested through 3 years of governance. Its current popularity however is fed significantly by the silence and inactivity from the Loyal Opposition parties. Its biggest strength currently is that it is seen by a large part of voters as a safe pair of hands to steer the nation through any national difficulty.
The Social Democratic and Liberal Alliance is currently benefiting from the slow return of its grand left and center-left tent in New Alexandrian politics as other alternatives such as the Federal Consensus Party and the People's Liberty Congress decline. Its growth in support from the disastrous low-water mark in 1713 AN can be fleeting if the party does not mobilize quickly to serve as a vociferous and active opposition, holding the Government to account. Could it be possible that after 10 years of FHP dominance, the SDLA can stage a comeback?
The Independent Deputies' Group has risen as a powerful reformist political movement, especially after the FHP government policy U-turns and the subsequent defeat of the Peers reforms in the fourth Cortes Federales. Deputies from all over the Federation have gathered to build internally what has been dubbed as a "Rainbow Coalition" of different social and political interests such as taxpayer's organizations, civil liberties organizations, teachers' unions, dockworker's unions, farmers' unions and cooperatives, and pro-LGBTQIA+ groups. The group has lost some support as the slow trickle return of left and centrist voters to the SDLA continues to happen. The IDG will have to fight to remain relevant and finally offer details on its so-called "Plan of Aimara" once and for all.
The Federal Consensus Party rose quickly to serve as a competing alternative to the Social Democrats over several elections, but now it is a shadow of its former self. Its lackluster campaign in 1713 and the continued inactivity of its Deputies in the Federal Assembly continues to hurt the party as its voters have largely defected to either the SDLA or to the IDG.
The People's Liberty Congress performed well in 1713 AN presenting itself as a viable alternative to the inactive Federal Consensus Party. Its popular and charismatic leader, Adriana Lopez-Gautier, is a powerhouse with voters and can have massive appeal if she were more active and engaged. The PLC will continue to also suffer from the slow trickle return of left and centrist voters to the SDLA.
17
Government Approval Rating (Federal Government)
Margin of error: ±4%
"Do you approve of the performance of the incumbent FHP government?"
Approve
50%
Disapprove
42%
No Answer / Unsure
8%
Net Approval
8%
NBC POLLING REPORT - COMMENTARY
The current FHP government, led by PremierFelipe de Almagro, enjoys wide popularity due to its very good handling of several crises, namely the Recession of 1713, bringing the Great Vanic Revolt to a victorious end, and igniting a new period of economic growth since 1714AN.
Its Secretaries and Department leaders remain popular political figures inside the FHP and by the general public.
Without much of a challenge by opposition parties, the FHP continues to shape the nation as its, as many political experts now assert, natural governing party.
II
23
BREAKING NEWS: A 5.1 EARTHQUAKE SHAKES NEW LUTHORIA AS MOUNT BROADSHAW COMES CLOSER TO ERUPTION
A magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck New Luthoria early this morning, accompanied by a large plume of smoke and ash from Mount Broadshaw. The damage to local infrastructure has been mostly limited, but some buildings collapsed leaving 12 people dead.
Scientists from the Federal Geological Service say that Mount Broadshaw could erupt any moment.
BREAKING NEWS: EMPEROR NATHAN III OF EAST NATOPIA DIES, THRONE PASSES TO SISTER VADOMA I OF WESTERN NATOPIA
The Federal Geological Service (FGS) warns that the earthquakes are a prelude to an imminent eruption of Mount Broadshaw. Soon after the initial shocks, large plumes of smoke and ash started to rise from Mount Broadshaw. Regional authorities have begun redirecting flights and transportation out of the area.
People across New Luthoria reported feeling light shaking from the temblor. Rochefort Mayor George Benson (FHP) said there was no immediate reports of damage or injuries. Several historic buildings in the center of New Luthoria City, however, collapsed, causing the deaths of 13 people and injury to 89 people.
The series started with a 4.6-magnitude quake seconds before the larger one, the FGS said. The agency's models estimate a low likelihood of damage, thanks to efforts and investments in infrastructure and retrofitting in recent years. The FGS has also mentioned that the likelihood of a tsunami is low.
III
1
BREAKING NEWS: MOUNT BROADSHAW ERUPTS MOMENTS AFTER SECOND EARTHQUAKE, 5.8 MAGNITUDE, STRIKES NEW LUTHORIA
Cloud of volcanic ash rising 12,000m into the air from Mount Broadshaw
Earthquake has likely caused the unstable lava dome of Mount Broadshaw to collapse, triggering an eruption
A second earthquake, this time of a magnitude of 5.8, has struck New Luthoria. This earthquake has caused the lava dome to collapse inside Mount Broadshaw, lava flows being reported out of the mountain. An eruption has begun.
BREAKING NEWS: MOUNT BROADSHAW ERUPTING, SPECTACULAR IMAGES COMING OUT OF NEW LUTHORIA
Pyroclastic clouds, rain of ash and smoke befalls most of the Region of New Luthoria
Massive eruption sending superheated ash and smoke rising over 40,000 feet (12,000 m) in the air. At least two pyroclastic flows occurred at 05:13 and 10:00 local time, but did not travel far from the crater.
Three smaller eruptions followed after the large initial eruption, triggering two more pyroclastic flows at 19:36 and 21:55 local time.
XII
13
NEW LUTHORIA’S ERUPTION DAMAGE DESCRIBED AS “EXTENSIVE”
Mount Broadshaw eruption results in billions of damage and thousands dead or missing
Relief efforts led by Maximilian de Almagro succeed in limiting damage and delivering relief to victims
International relief efforts bring hope and reassurance that Region will survive
New Luthoria City, NLA -- The loss of 1,289 residents and the disappearance of hundreds does not even begin to cover the extent of the damage from Mount Broadshaw’s violent eruption, concluding now after months of constant terror.
Maximilian de Almagro, the designated chief of relief and rescue efforts, catalogued the damage as “extensive”, describing scenes of destruction and damage that moved the audience of journalists and other officials.
The damage to Mount Broadshaw itself is evident as it has almost disappeared from view, with vast swaths of the island of Skerryvore covered in grey ash and dust or damaged by pyroclastic flows, earthquakes, or fire. New Luthoria has been virtually cut off from the rest of the world since the violent volcanic blast — the largest recorded in the history of Nouvelle Alexandrie.
The eruption, predicted by the Federal Geological Service, was hundreds of times more powerful than a 15 kiloton atomic bomb, and it affected almost the entire island.
The damage caused by the eruption is extensive, with the superheated ash also creating fires across many wooden structures, particularly in the poorer neighborhoods of major cities like New Luthoria City, Rochefort, and Pharos. The ash deposits mixed with typhoon rains and flooding caused a messy rain of mud and massive lahars. The earthquakes shook the cities of Rochefort, New Luthoria City, and Pharos intensely. Damage to crops and livestock, loss of tourism revenue, and disruptions to transportation and trade cannot be fully calculated yet, but is considered to be extensive.
The leader of the government relief efforts, Maximilian de Almagro, has been credited with preventing a humanitarian disaster. He was incredibly successful at preventing massive loss of life, delivering relief to victims, and in properly and adequately supporting first responders and medical personnel. While loss of life due to earthquakes and other causes could not always be prevented, [[Maximilian de Almagro|de Almagro's efforts have been credited with saving the Region from a much worse outcome.
The New Alexandrian dancer and chanteuse will release a live album of her iconic performance at the Hotel du Babkha Philarmonic Hall in Punta Santiago earlier this year
Album will include past hits and new songs written over the previous decade
Live in Hotel du Babkha sells 100,000 pre-sale copies within first two hours of announcement
CARDENAS, FCD -- The Federal Consensus Party (FCP) has released its new manifesto, entitled "The New Consensus," to great success among its party base. The manifesto, which outlines the party's plans for the future of Nouvelle Alexandrie, includes a number of new policies, such as the creation of a new Charter of Rights, investments in industry and labor, and equalization of school budgets.
However, the release of the manifesto has also sparked controversy and criticism from the center-left Social Democratic and Liberal Alliance (SDLA). The SDLA and the FCP share a significant overlap in voter base, and this has led to a clash between the two parties as they vie for the position of leading the Opposition to the ruling Federal Humanist Party (FHP).
Maria Teresa Motochanchi, currently the interim leader of the SDLA, has criticized the FCP for "flip-flopping" on key issues and for "lacking conviction and foresight", according to Motochanchi. She also stated that the SDLA has always been committed to responsible gun control measures based on evidence and best practices, and that the SDLA's approach to the hereditary Chamber of Peers is not about preserving an outdated institution, it's about ensuring that the voices of scientists, experts, and marginalized communities are heard in the decision-making process.
The SDLA has also stated that the FCP's economic policies will only perpetuate the status quo of income inequality and privilege for the rich, and that the SDLA is committed to creating an economy that works for everyone, not just the wealthy few.
The FHP has not issued any official statement regarding the release of the FCP's manifesto or the debate surrounding it.
The release of the manifesto and the subsequent criticism from the SDLA has highlighted the fierce competition between the two parties for the support of the Nouvelle Alexandrian electorate. As the elections approach, citizens will have to weigh the contrasting visions and policies of the FHP, FCP and the SDLA and decide which party aligns more closely with their own beliefs and values.
4
BREAKING NEWS: KING MANCO CAPAC I RUSHED TO HOSPITAL FOR CHEST PAIN AS PREVENTATIVE MEASURE
King Manco Capac I experiences chest pain, taken to hospital for examination
Spicy meal believed to be cause of chest pain, preventative measures taken with trip to hospital
H.M. the King's condition remains stable but under observation and testing, updates to be provided on his health status regularly
KingManco Capac I of Nouvelle Alexandrie was rushed to the hospital today after complaining of chest pain. According to a statement released by the Palace of Carranza, the King had just eaten a particularly spicy vegetable and meat quinoa dish for lunch, which is believed to have caused the chest pain. The trip to the hospital is being described as a preventative measure and the King is currently undergoing a series of tests to determine the cause of his discomfort. The King's condition is being closely monitored by his medical team, and the public is being reassured that he is in stable condition. The Palace of Carranza has stated that further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
15
BREAKING NEWS: GENDARMERIE RAIDS HOME OF MISSING DEPUTY BARREAU IN FEDERATION GAMES SCANDAL INVESTIGATION
Key Organizer and Sponsor of Controversial Games Under Scrutiny
The search warrant is believed to be in connection to the ongoing investigation into allegations of corruption at the Federation Games in 1715AN, which were organized, sponsored by Barreau. Barreau also led large fundraising efforts and helped secure sponsors. The Games, which were intended to promote national sports and cultivate national unity, have come under fire for failing to do so and for allegedly enriching large corporations and sponsors at the expense of taxpayers.
According to sources close to the investigation, the Federal Gendarmerie is looking for evidence that Barreau may have used his influence and connections to secure favorable deals for his own companies and to funnel money away from the games and into his own pockets.
The search warrant is the latest development in the rapidly-evolving scandal surrounding the Federation Games, and it remains to be seen what evidence, if any, the Federal Gendarmerie will find at Barreau's home. Barreau himself has not yet publicly commented on the allegations of corruption or on his sudden disappearance.
The government and the Federal Gendarmerie have declined to comment on the search warrant, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation. However, the government spokespersons did confirm that they are cooperating fully with the Federal Gendarmerie and that they are taking the allegations of corruption very seriously.
The Federation Games scandal has sparked widespread public outrage and calls for accountability from politicians and citizens alike. With the search of Barreau's home, it appears that the investigation is reaching a critical juncture and it will likely be only a matter of time before more information is revealed about the alleged corruption surrounding the Federation Games. The Federal Gendarmerie, who executed the search warrant, has not yet released any official statement on the matter. But sources close to the investigation have stated that the search was related to the investigation of potential misconduct and embezzlement related to the organization and sponsorship of the Federation Games, in particular while it was a private organization.
It remains to be seen what information will be uncovered during the search of Barreau's home and what implications it will have for the investigation.
XV
1
Henry Barreau, earlier this year during a press conference.
THE FALL AND DISAPPEARANCE OF HENRY BARREAU: INSIDE THE SCANDAL SHAKING NOUVELLE ALEXANDRIE
Billionaire businessman and Deputy of the Federal Assembly, Henry Barreau, goes missing amidst Federation Games financial scandal
Internal government audit reveals corruption, money laundering, and pay-for-play scheme at the Federation Games
Officials from the Federation Games Organizing Committee and business associates also found to be involved
Ruling party heavily criticized for not catching the corruption sooner, as Federation Games were supposed to be a symbol of national unity and pride
CARDENAS, FCD -- As the dust settled on the grand spectacle that was the Federation Games, the federal government launched a top-secret internal audit, a relentless pursuit to uncover the truth behind the finances of the event. But as the investigation delved deeper, it uncovered a sinister web of irregularities that threatened to tarnish the legacy of the Games forever.
It was a crisp autumn morning in Cardenas, when the news broke that Henry Barreau, the billionaire businessman and independent Deputy of the Federal Assembly, had gone missing. Just a day earlier, rumors had begun to circulate that something was amiss with the Federation Games, the national sporting event that Barreau had been such a vocal supporter of. And now, as the country woke up to the news of Barreau's disappearance, it became clear that something far more sinister was at play.
The Federation Games were supposed to be a moment of national pride for Nouvelle Alexandrie. After years of economic hardship and political turmoil, the country was in need of a boost. And so, when the Federal Humanist Party, the ruling party, stepped in to rescue the Games from financial ruin and nationalize them, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to showcase the best of Nouvelle Alexandrian talent and bring the country together.
But things quickly began to unravel. Rumors of mismanagement and corruption began to circulate after the closing ceremonies of the 1715ANFederation Games, the first ever held. As the government provided funding and nationalized the event, the Department of the Treasury launched a secret audit to ensure that all spending was accounted for. The audit team, consisting of seasoned financial experts and forensic accountants, began combing through the books and records of the Federation Games as allegations started trickling into the federal government.
As they delved deeper into the finances, they began to notice discrepancies and irregularities. They traced the money trail back to a number of shell companies and offshore accounts, all of which led back to one individual: Henry Barreau. The audit team has conclusively discovered that Barreau, in his capacity as a key organizer, event sponsor, and fundraiser for the Federation Games, had used his position to steer contracts and sponsorships towards his own companies and associates.
Further investigations have also revealed that Barreau had used his influence to award lucrative contracts to his cellphone company, Celly Corporation, and his basketball team, the Alexandrian Eagles, for supplying equipment and services to the Games. The audit team also found evidence that Barreau had used the Games to launder money for his own personal gain, by funneling money through the shell companies and offshore accounts. Barreau had also used his position to ensure that the Alexandrian Eagles were selected to play in several exhibition games during the Federation Games, despite the team not meeting the required qualifications. This was done through manipulation of the selection process and the use of his influence to sway the decision-making of the selection committee. This not only resulted in a subpar athletic experience for the public, but also led to the direct financial benefit of the Alexandrian Eagles.
The audit also uncovered that several officials in the Federation Games Organizing Committee had also been on Barreau's payroll, including the Committee's Director of Sponsorship, Julian Augsburg, who had been tasked with finding sponsors for the Games. Together, this group had siphoned off millions of dollars in public funds, with the bulk of the money going to their own pockets. Both men engaged in a pay-for-play scheme, in which sponsors and corporations were able to secure more favorable treatment and contracts in exchange for large donations to a the Federation Games' fundraising foundation that was established by Barreau. This foundation was created under the guise of supporting national sports development, but the investigation revealed that the majority of the funds were used to enrich Barreau and his business interests.
Many are outraged that the Federation Games, which had been seen as a symbol of national unity and pride, had been sullied by greed and corruption. The Federal Humanist Party, which had rescued the Games and had been in power for several years, was heavily criticized for not catching the corruption sooner. However, those who defend the government - which did put on an incredibly successful and lucrative event that created a sizeable endowment for future Games - do emphasize that there wasn't any concrete evidence of corruption until it was too late. Barreau was able to hide his activities and that any suspicions were not enough to warrant an investigation. However, people across the political spectrum agree and argue that the oversight mechanisms in place were not strong enough to detect and prevent corruption as sophisticated as Barreau's. Many who favor the Games but are incensed over the corruption suggest stronger oversight and greater transparency to prevent similar cases from occurring in the future.
One of the key ways Barreau was able to keep his corruption hidden was through the use of encrypted communications. He had a small, tight-knit group of officials in his immediate vicinity who he trusted implicitly and with whom he coordinated his activities. These officials helped him cover up the tracks of his corruption and keep it hidden from the government. Additionally, Barreau was able to take advantage of the fact that the vast majority of his offenses were committed well before the government had stepped in to save the Federation Games. This meant that the corruption was built in as a feature of the entire Games and was difficult for the government to detect. He also made use of offshore accounts and shell companies to launder money and conceal the true nature of his financial transactions. His system was so efficient that even when the government received tips or leads, they were often unable to find any concrete evidence to support them, leaving Barreau free to continue his corrupt activities.
Overall, Barreau's ability to evade detection and prosecution was truly remarkable, and it wasn't until a whistle-blower came forward with solid evidence that his corrupt empire finally crumbled.
The whistleblower, who wishes to remain anonymous, was a former employee of Henry Barreau's Civic Council for Sport and Culture that managed the Federation Games. They had grown increasingly uncomfortable with the corrupt practices they had witnessed firsthand, but had not taken action for fear of retribution. However, as the Games were approaching, the whistleblower realized that the corruption was getting worse and would have serious consequences for both the athletes and the public.
The whistleblower knew that the only way to stop the corruption was to reveal it to the government. They began to gather evidence of Barreau's illegal activities and prepared a detailed report outlining the specific instances of corruption they had witnessed. Among the evidence collected was Barreau's encrypted communications and the names of the officials who had helped him cover up the tracks, as well as bank statements, wire information, and other crucial documents. These were all turned to the Federal Gendarmerie when the whistleblower approached a government official who they believed would take action on the information they had provided, Carlota Yarlequé, the Deputy Secretary of Education, Culture, and Sports. It was was Yarlequé, shocked by the scale of the corruption, that she referred the matter to the Council of State and to the Federal Gendarmerie for investigation. The government launched a secret audit of the Federation Games and Barreau's organization and the evidence provided by the whistleblower was crucial in uncovering the corruption.
As the reports of the secret audit into the Federation Games' finances spread like wildfire, the Department of the Treasury was finally forced to address the matter in a routine press conference today, where only three questions were answered. One of these was on the audit, with a spokesperson for the department stepping forward and assuring the public that "the audit was nothing out of the ordinary". The spokesperson called the audit "a routine procedure conducted after any government event to ensure that all funds were spent appropriately". However, when pressed for answers on why the audit was being conducted in secret, the spokesperson suddenly clammed up, refusing to comment further and quickly making an escape from the throngs of reporters. Outside of this, the Premier nor the Council of State have commented on the matter due to the ongoing investigation.
Possibilities swirl around where Barreau could have fled. Sources close to Barreau have indicated that if he has managed to leave the country, he could be in Phinbella, the Hexarchy, or Anahuaco. In efforts to tamper speculation that could impede the investigation, the Federal Gendarmerie has stressed that it's important to note that these are all speculation and rumors. The authorities are still investigating and trying to track down the missing Deputy. It's possible that he could still be within the country, sustains the Federal Gendarmerie.
As the search for Henry Barreau continues, the country is left to wonder about the true cost of the Federation Games. How many opportunities, how much money, and how much national pride have been lost due to the greed and corruption of a few individuals? The true legacy of the Federation Games may never be known, but one thing is certain, the actions of Henry Barreau and his accomplices have left a stain on the nation that may take years to erase.
