Le Monde

[Alexander]

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Le Monde is the largest independent newspaper of the Empire of France, and the largest newspaper of record. It has long been considered politically neutral and dedicated to reporting the truth, through regular reporting and in depth research journalism. As a result even during the Civil War it was respected by all sides through its ability to report the good, the bad, and the ugly from all warring factions.

 

[Alexander]

Empress Declares Formal Recognition of Israel Under a One-State Solution​

PARIS - Earlier today, Empress Thérèse has formally announced the Empire's recognition of Israel as the sole sovereign power within the lands previously divided between Israel and Palestine. Through this declaration the country breaks with nearly 60 years of history supporting a two-state solution. The decision is considered a stab in the back by many of the Muslim residents in France, while it was welcomed by the Jewish community as the final redemption for French cooperation with the Holocaust.

The decision followed only a day after Haaretz reported on the passage of the Reunification Law through the Israeli legislative process. This law provides Israel with the legal basis to establish sole governance of the Palestinian Territories. The Empress through her declaration has ended French recognition of Palestine. In the statement from the Palace of Versailles she clarified her decision by insisting that the Jewish people are the natural allies of the French people and Christians everywhere, and that it is the duty of any good Christian nation to defend the Chosen People.

The region has a long and complex history dating as far back as the start of human civilization, but the root of the ongoing conflict came in the wake of the 1947 UN Partition of the previous British Mandate of Palestine. In the wake of the Nazi Holocaust it was felt that the Jewish people's safety could only be guaranteed by providing them with their own state. In 1948 as the new Jewish state sought to establish its sovereignty they were attacked without justification by the Arab world. Israel won this war and gained territory compared to the original Partition Agreement. In 1956 during the Suez Crisis, Israel joined the United Kingdom and France in attacking Egypt to regain control of the Suez Canal. This crisis was a disaster for all involved, but Israel did guarantee its access to the Suez Canal for its shipping. In 1967 the Six Day War occurred where Israel conducted a pre-emptive strike against Egypt, Jordan, and Syria. In this conflict within six days, Israel gained control of the Golan Heights from Syria, the West Bank from Jordan, and the Sinai and Gaza from Egypt. While smaller scale hostilities continued the next major conflict would not occur until 1973 when the Arab states took advantage of the Yom Kippur holiday to launch a surprise attack opening a war named after the holiday. Despite initial overwhelming effectiveness, the Arabs eventually lost again. However Israel was put on notice that its military superiority was not as absolute as they themselves believed it was. Over the next several decades there were multiple engagements with Lebanon and Syria, in 1979 Israel did however return the Sinai Peninsula to the government of Egypt and signed a peace treaty that also provided for a normalization of relations. In 1987 the first Palestinian Intifada was launched against Israeli government forces, this was eventually suppressed by Israel. In 1993 and 1995 the Oslo I and Oslo II accords were signed that established the Palestinian National Authority as well as Israeli's permission of the PNA to govern the West Bank and Gaza. Despite this initial peace it seems years of ongoing Palestinian terrorist attacks as part of the al-Aqsa Intifada have taken their toll and pushed Israel into ending the Palestinian conflict once and for all.

The Islamic community in France in general and the Palestinian refugee community in particular have taken the news extremely hard and called for protests in the streets of France despite the still ongoing ban on public assemblies as part of the state of emergency that has not yet been lifted by the Empress as part of the Civil Law.

The Jewish diaspora in France for their part have had the opposite reaction, claiming France has long been a friend of the Jewish people but now especially she is taken her role as the biblical protectors of the Chosen People and the Holy Land. It is not clear to what extent the French state is acting beyond public recognition, however there are rumours of high level talks between the governments of France and Israel with the topic of military cooperation being a key subject.

In a separate press conference the Empress further clarified her position stating that "After the past years France knows all too well what it means for a unitary state to be divided against its will. The Jewish people have had to live with these dangerous borders for way too long".

The general response from other groups within French society has balanced between neutrality and full support. As such it appears that only the Islamic community of France will resist in any meaningful way.

 

[Alexander]

'Butcher of Nantes' Arrested in Lyon

LYON - In a joint operation between the Gendarmerie and the DGSI doctor Camille Blanc, better known as the Butcher of Nantes, has been arrested just outside of the city centre of Lyon. Authorities were operating on information that Blanc was seeking to flee to Switzerland and was in Lyon to hide until the border was less guarded to attempt a crossing. Blanc is believed to have experimented on as many as 45,000 men, women, and children during the course of the Civil War while fighting for the Republican faction. Most of his victims did not survive, killed by either the experimentation or afterwards to cover their tracks. Blanc maintained a lab in Nantes after the city was conquered by the Republicans from the Bourbon faction until it was liberated by the Imperial Army at the start of 2002. Blanc has been on the run since the Republicans disavowed him June last year and was believed to have fled to South America.

Prior to the Civil War doctor Blanc was a renowned infectious disease specialist, after the Civil War broke out the Republican faction drafted him to head the controversial 'Special Warfare Bureau' of the Republican Army. This unit was tasked with the development and production of novel biological and chemical weapons to be used against other factions. While no side ended up using these weapons, all sides had developed their own capabilities. With that appointment Blanc was also made a Colonel in the Republican Army. Already in the first year of his new job records indicate Blanc experimented with the Yersinia pestis bacterium, better known as the Bubonic Plague, on a group of Bonapartist prisoners of war. Of the 150 test subjects only ten survived, who were then executed to prevent information about the experiments from getting out.

This first experiment would prove to be only the harbinger of what was to come after the Republicans took control of Nantes from the Bourbons. Considering the location perfect for a testing facility and deeming the population of Nantes to be traitors, the Republican faction allowed Blanc to operate a facility for his research in the city's former industrial sector. Initially only prisoners of war and regular prisoners were transferred to the facility, but when Blanc insisted on having a more representative testing pool Republican forces imprisoned political opponents and their families as well. Doctor Blanc especially needed large numbers of women and children. Test subjects were experimented on with diseases, unneeded surgeries, more effective interrogation methods, and at a certain point just about anything that Blanc and his staff could think of to try. Because the only way to leave the facility was through the on site crematorium, there were always rumours what was going on but not until after the city was liberated was the true extent brought to light. When Imperial forces entered the compound's terrain, they found only 3,500 people still clinging to life. In the weeks and months that followed of those 2,000 would die due to the scale of horrors they endured being even beyond modern medicine. While records indicate there have been a total of 45,000 test subjects, there still is a large number of people missing in the area from when the facility was active.

Due to the secrecy involved even many among the Republican leadership were not aware of the scale the operation had turned into. After Imperial forces released a full report, Blanc was disavowed by his own faction but had been tipped off when the Republican Army moved to place him under arrest. Ever since his location had been unknown and many believed he had fled to either Argentina or Chile. Even before the end of the war, the Imperial government placed Blanc on their most wanted war criminals list, but they could find no trace of him. While the Gendarmerie stated they cannot reveal the DGSI's sources due to other ongoing operations to detain war criminals, they did reveal that a source came forward two weeks ago. The information proved useful and the DGSI first confirmed his location a week ago. The area had been placed under surveillance since then to see if any other fugitives would show themselves but when that did not occur the Gendarmerie decided to move in and arrest Blanc inside his safehouse. Documents inside the building showed he was planning to travel to Switzerland around June, when he assumed border security would have been restored to pre-war levels.

Blanc is currently held in the Gendarmerie Prison in Lyon, he will be transferred to an undisclosed maximum security prison pending trial. He is charged with war crimes, human experimentation, terrorism, 43,500 counts of murder, and treason. All of these crimes, with the exception of treason, carry the death penalty.

 

[Alexander]

Empress Thérèse Announces Civil War Amnesty

PARIS - With her formally ending the state of emergency that persisted following the Civil War, the Empress has today also announced a declaration of amnesty for all those who took up arms against the House of Orléans, with some exceptions. This follows earlier decisions to grant amnesty to the Bonaparte and Bourbon families, as well as a general amnesty for all smaller offences by Orléans forces.

While the amnesty is far-reaching, it does not apply to senior leadership of any of the factions or those suspected of war crimes or other major crimes. In case of the former they will need to individually request amnesty after swearing fealty to the Empress, and the latter will not be eligible for amnesty. Anyone covered under the declaration must also swear fealty to the Empress within 31 days from the declaration being issued. If they do not swear fealty they may still be prosecuted for their crimes.

While it is hard to provide exact numbers, conservative estimates place the total number of people affected at 5.6 million. Another 15,000 are ineligible due to rank, while 25,000 people are ineligible as they are suspected of major crimes or war crimes. The Butcher of Nantes is perhaps the most prominent of this category.

The announcement has been received positively by the public as well as representatives of the former factions, who believe that this vital step will finally bring peace to France's affairs.

 

[Alexander]

Empress Thérèse Bypasses Parliament and Implements Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Decree

PARIS - Using her authority under the Constitution to pass executive measures without Parliamentary oversight, Empress Thérèse has issued a decree to all governmental departments to immediately allow for marriages between individuals regardless of gender and a far-reaching gender identity policy that includes self-identification and authorization for gender reassignment surgery from the National Health Insurance. The Empress came to this measure as a similar proposal has been stuck in Parliament for years and was likely to only be passed in a highly modified form. Members of the Union pour un mouvement populaire have heavily criticized this unilateral decision.

Even before the civil war, topics of same sex marriage and gender identity have been highly controversial in French politics and society. The last pre-war polled only 40% support for same sex marriage and 30% for gender identity laws. While since then these have shifted to 60% and 50% respectively, France is clearly still very divided. The Decree is the second time the Empress has used Imperial authority, only preceded by the Amnesty declaration earlier this month.

Regardless of what society may think, as of today every official employed by the French government is obligated to cooperate with those seeking marriages and changing their gender, most notably this also imposes a ban on all police agencies to prosecute individuals, which still happened in some overseas territories.

UPM, considered centre-right and the representation of the Republican Faction in Parliament has stated they reject the Empress' overreach and demand an immediate end to the decree and a return to Parliamentary procedure. When questioned about this statement the Empress commented that "If they wanted to stop me they should have won the war".

The Empress' far-reaching decree was unexpected as the Roman Catholic church has ended it's persecution of those with a different sexual orientation, however they still explicitly reject same sex marriage and sexual activity. As the Empress is considered highly religious, and has even returned the Catholic Church in France to the same prominence it had before the Revolution, this came entirely as a surprise to many. When a reporter asked her how this decree can be reconciled with her faith she stated that "No God I pray to would condemn someone for loving another. Love is at the root of our existence, it is God's greatest gift to us. How can true love be wrong? Even if it does not conform to our usual standard of a relationship"

Whatever opposition parties and the people may think, through this decree it now is the law of the land.

 

[Alexander]

In Persecution of Christians, Turkish Government Targets France

PARIS - Following a chain of measures aimed at persecuting Turkish Christians, the Turkish government has turned its attention to the Empire of France. In a chain of unprovoked escalations the Turkish government has expelled the French ambassador and imposed restrictions on French shipping in violation of the Montreux Convention. In response the French government has committed to holding firm and not relenting in its efforts to hold the Turkish government to its international obligations and even its own internal laws.

The root of the ongoing international crisis can be found in the controversy surrounding the Hagia Sophia, the basilica constructed by the Roman Empire which fell under control of the Ottoman Empire following its conquest of Constantinople. In a message to the Holy See the Turkish Prime Minister committed to undoing this ancestral crime and return the basilica to its original status under the watchful eye of the Holy See. Within days the Turkish Prime Minister not only went back on his words, but proceeded to convert it to a Mosque and bar Christians from accessing the site. The Turkish state also cut off all ties with the Holy See.

While this was going on, the Turkish state separately had reached out to the Empire of France where they requested a meeting with the French government to discuss possible relations. The Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs has declassified all messages sent to and from the Turkish state and published these on its official website. Per these declassified messages Minister Dubois acknowledged the history of French-Turkish relations and expressed that on principle the Empire of France would be open to discussing relations with the Turkish state, but that it could not maintain any official relationship with the Turkish state while it continued to be in conflict with the Holy See. The Turkish state then responded indicating their recognition of France's position and gave no indication that relations would continue anything less than neutral if not amicable. In a recent interview Minister Dubois herself indicated that she did not have any indication at that point that Turkiye was intending to take measures against the Empire of France.

Recently the Turkish broadcaster TRT1 announced that Turkiye would be expelling the French ambassador in Ankara and withdraw its own ambassador from Paris and closed its diplomatic missions in France. Following questions by this newspaper a spokesperson for the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs has stated that France has not closed any diplomatic mission inside Turkiye. He did confirm that France would be withdrawing its ambassador but that it is only doing so in compliance with French international obligations to respect a decision by the host government to expel diplomats. In light of the escalation, the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs has decided to wind down its activities inside Turkiye to only consular services. It has also issued a Do Not Travel instruction for Turkiye and is preparing flights to evacuate all French citizens and residents from Turkiye. The Empress separately issued a decree offering political asylum to all Christians and other minorities within Turkiye, in respect of the Empire's moral duty to protect persecuted peoples. Any individual from one of these categories must only request asylum from any French diplomatic mission or upon entering French territory.

Just today there was another escalation from the Turkish side when the Turkish government published a policy that imposed a fine of $20 billion for any French vessel to transit its waters, a measure in direct violation of the Montreux Convention. The Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs then notified the Turkish government that its policy infringes the Montreux Convention and that the Empire of France will continue to observe its right and duties under international law, and that any intervention against French shipping outside of those parameters would be treated appropriately.

While this is the full extent of developments so far, the government and independent experts unanimously believe that the series of Turkish escalations has only just begun and will most likely result in conflict eventually. The actions of the Turkish government are considered highly erratic and seemingly intent on creating as many enemies as possible.

 

[Alexander]

Empress Appoints Multiple New Minister Delegates in Pursuit of New Foreign Policy

PARIS - Seeking to implement a new foreign policy, the Empress has appointed five new Minister delegates who will work under the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs. The Minister delegates will cover Iberia, Italy and the Holy See, Balkans, Middle East, and North Africa. The appointments imply an intention to launch a diplomatic offensive in each of these regions. An effort that would fill a stated goal of the Empress to bring harmony to the Mediterranean and establish at least some level of cooperation.

In late 2002 when it became inevitable that the Empress would win the civil war she issued the Déclaration sur les objectifs du nouvel empire français, in the foreign policy segment she discussed the need for the nations of the Mediterranean to cooperate to encourage safe travel and unprecedented prosperity in the region. This goal was stated to be so important that it was the very first priority, followed by European cooperation and finally a rules based international order.

While the past few months the Empress has primarily looked inwards, a first step towards this goal was already made when a defensive agreement with the State of Israel was negotiated. The new appointment of Minister delegates is a vital step to streamline talks with governments bordering the Mediterranean. Minister delegates are not part of the Cabinet but they can speak with the authority of a Minister. As the Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs can not be everywhere at the same time, Minister delegates allow the Empire of France to send Minister-level representatives to multiple countries at the same time. Care has also been taken to appoint members to each region with cultural similarities.

Isaac Castell has been appointed as the Minister delegate for Iberia. As a member of the Catalan minority in Southern France he has an extensive understanding of the ethnic groups and languages in Iberia as well as the connections between them. In the past he has worked at the French embassies in Andorra, Spain and Portugal. Marc Fontaine has been appointed as Minister delegate for Italy and the Holy See. Fontaine was raised in the historical region of Savoy and while he has no previous diplomatic experience he has extensively been involved in trade with Italy as a major import and export business owner. Aurélia Dior is the daughter of a French man and a Croatian woman, while born in France she spent much of her childhood in Croatia and as such is intimately aware of the intricacies of this region which so often has been at odds and where multiple faiths still converge. She has in the past served as the French Ambassador to Kenya, Argentina and Ukraine. Her father was the French ambassador to Yugoslavia between 1970 and 1975. Nabila Beracha Michaud at age 25 is the youngest of the new appointees and will serve as Minister delegate to the Middle East. Born from a French Jewish father and a Syrian Muslim mother (her mother's family moved to France prior to Syrian independence and obtained French citizenship). While she lacks practical experience, she has completed a PhD in Middle Eastern Studies at a record young age and through her own background can relate extensively to both Arab and Jewish positions in the region. Finally, at age 80 Hassan Qadir is the oldest of the appointees. Hassan Qadir was born in French Algeria and served with the Free French Army in World War 2 and later the French Army in the Algerian War. Controversially he was part of the attempted coup against then President de Gaulle. After the war he was rehabilitated and turned to a life of academics. Until this appointment he served as the Head of the North Africa Faculty at Sciences Po. He has long shed his extreme nationalist French tendencies and embraces cooperation between France and former states under its influence.

Each of the new Minister delegates brings a unique perspective to both French policy and international efforts. It is expected a concerted diplomatic effort can start as early as late April or early May.

 

[Alexander]

King of Italy Declares Victory Against Communist Revolutionaries

ROME, KINGDOM OF ITALY - In a public address announced only the night prior, King Alessio of Italy has declared victory against the Communist forces inside his country. He went on to announce the restoration of Parliament and the Judiciary. Finally, he announced the reversal of many of the Communist decisions made while they were in power and the formation of a new Committee following Parliamentary elections to evaluate any decisions made not covered by the declaration already. The French government has extended their congratulations both through the Palace of Versailles and the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs.

In many ways recent Italian history echoes events in France. While the Italian people did not have to experience a drawn out war consisting of over a dozen factions vying for power, they still experienced conflict and terror. Following a wave of political instability in the year 2000, the Communists launched a violent coup against the Republican government of Italy. Having the benefit of surprise on hand the Communists quickly overwhelmed the unprepared government. An administration that enjoyed so little popular support that even had they been prepared they would have been unlikely to mobilize enough support among the populace, military or security forces to form an effective defence.

After their coup the Communists imposed a reign of terror that saw the Italian middle and upper classes destroyed or exiled, the Communists turn against the Italian people and their own former allies, and support among the military melt faster than snow in July. His Royal Majesty Alessio of Italy had been exiled by the Italian government and lived in France when representatives of the ideologically diverse underground opposition approached him. Answering the call to his nation, the King travelled to Italy at significant risk to his own life. With their future King among them the Italian people rose up in popular resistance against the Communist tyrants and after months of fighting and bloodshed defeated them absolutely. While Communist cells remain active in the country, they are no longer considered a significant threat by the Italian government. An assessment shared by the DGSE in their recently published 2003 Report on the Security Situation in Southern Europe and the Middle East, requested by the Empress.

While it appears the active war component of the counter-revolution is concluded, the Kingdom of Italy remains committed to the ultimate defeat of Communist forces. They have formed a new organization called the Royal Security Force which seems to be some kind of hybrid between the DGSI and the Autorité Confidentielle. The King also confirmed that the Italian state is currently detaining at least 150,000 suspected Communists.

Setting out the future of Italy, the King announced the restoration of the Supreme Court of Cassation with the surviving Judges from before the Revolution, and new elections to reconvene the Italian Parliament. The Italian Parliament will differ from the pre-revolutionary model. While the Chamber of Deputies will seemingly remain unchanged as 100% elected by a popular vote, the Senate is split into three equal blocks. One block reserved for those appointed by the King (operating similarly to the French Senate), one block elected by a popular vote, and the final block elected by the Regions of Italy. How the last of these blocks will be elected exactly remains unclear, but based on similar models in other countries it seems likely that the Italian people can vote for their regional governments while those regional governments can then vote for the Senate. When the new Parliament convenes the King intends to nominate new members to replace those Judges who were killed by the Communists or died since the 2001 Coup. The King's final action has created some confusion. While he started stating that he is revoking all actions taken by the Communist government, he quickly contradicted himself by saying the next government will evaluate every decision, before eventually reaching a compromise between the two extremes of specifically undoing the Communist nationalization and confiscation of private property, releasing those imprisoned for political crimes, and restoring the property, authority and prominence of the Church. We will likely receive more clarification in the upcoming weeks as the King clarifies his statements, we also expect to learn the exact date of the upcoming elections during that time.

On the surface the Royalist victory in Italy seems highly beneficial to the Empire of France. With a stable constitutional monarchy in Spain and a secure constitutional monarchy in the Netherlands, only Italy and Germany were deemed uncertain. Italy more so than Germany, as Germany's Republican government has not declared the goal of pursuing a global revolution against all monarchs like communism has historically. Nevertheless a resurgent Kingdom of Italy could also form a threat to French territorial integrity or her position in the Mediterranean. The government does not seem to be stating these fears publicly though based on the few statements on recent development.

At the regular daily Press Conference at the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs when one of our reporters asked the Spokeswoman of the Ministry if the Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs was aware of the Italian declaration and how she felt, the Spokeswoman stated "The Minister is pleased to see peace return to the Kingdom of Italy. She congratulates King Alessio of Italy on his victory and hopes to see Italy prosper now he has freed it from the shackles of false revolution. For any additional questions she asks you to wait on an upcoming statement by the Minister delegate for Italy and the Holy See.

Two hours later the Palace of Versailles released a statement by Empress Thérèse congratulating King Alessio on defeating the Communists and wishing him the best of luck and the wisdom of God in guiding his people to prosperity. The Italian King is a member of one of the Cadet Branches of the House of Bourbon, the House of Orléans is itself descended from the Bourbon line which makes Empress Thérèse and King Alessio very distant family.

Regardless of these statements and the familial connection, the Empire of France has so far made no movement towards establishing anything more than basic diplomatic relations between two countries that border each other. Experts believe the Empress and Cabinet are opting to wait and see how stable the King's government proves to be first.

 

[Alexander]

German Government Makes Controversial Change to Its Constitution

BERLIN, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY - The government of the Federal Republic of Germany has announced a controversial amendment to its Constitution, the Basic Law of Germany. This change involves the removal of Article 79 of the Basic Law. The article restricted the ability of the German government to make changes to the Constitution without strong and direct popular support, as well as opening the door to amending Article 1 and Article 20. These articles are vital to the preservation of civil rights within Germany and to combat the rise of a possible future government like the National Socialists who were responsible for tens of millions of dead in the World's bloodiest war ever.

While German media reported that Article 79 made constitutional amendments impossible, this statement was refuted by Professor Maria Gutmann, an expert on German law at the University of Strasbourg and a legal expert that often answers questions for this newspaper. "Article 79 simply requires the German government to seek legislative support for any change to the Basic Law. While it is true that the Article makes some parts impossible to change, these are only article 1 which grants human rights and fundamental freedoms, article 20 which grants every German citizen the right and duty to resist anyone seeking to undermine German democracy, and any other provisions that grant the German Länder their devolution as well as their rights within the German political system. It is unclear to me why any democratic government would want the power to change their constitutional law without democratic oversight or the ability to undermine such basic protections. Especially in a country with such a dark past when it comes to anti-democratic forces bringing ruin to their country and the world."

Our own reporters have analysed the German Basic Law and managed to come to the same conclusion as Professor Gutmann. They found that the Professor paraphrased Article 79 directly. Furthermore, they found that Article 1 grants such rights as human dignity where article 20 is entirely designed to protect local home rule and the right to resist. These are the only provisions covered by the eternity clause, with all other clauses subject to amendment by the legislature even with article 79 in place.

Le Monde has contacted the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs with our findings as well as Professor Gutmann's statement and has received a response from the Press Secretary of the Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, the text has been added to this article.

'The Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs is aware of the developments in your article but appreciates your due diligence and journalistic integrity in reporting on this matter. The Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs is currently consulting its legal experts to evaluate the legal changes and how they hold in the face of the Two plus Four Agreement. We intend to reach out to the German government to seek clarification based on this analysis and will evaluate what actions may be required and consult other parties to the Two plus Four Agreement and any other applicable treaty'

The Two plus Four Agreement is one of the many agreements signed in the decades following World War 2 that returned sovereignty to the German people. As the victorious European Allies and occupying forces of Germany the United States, Russian Empire (then Soviet Union), United Kingdom, and Empire of France (then French Republic) were architects of the original Basic Law, they have a vested interest in any changes that undermine the safeguards imposed to prevent the rise of a totalitarian genocidal regime.

 

[Alexander]

2003 World Power Rankings, Part 1

PARIS - In this issue Le Monde is pleased to announce the first annual Le Monde World Power Rankings for the year 2003. Our experts have reviewed all publicly available information and ranked each active nation according to their power status. While the realities of power are too complex to assign a specific position to each individual country, we have formulated a set of categories. Superpower, Global Power, Rising Power, Potential Power, Regional Power, and Regional Player. Each nation is assigned a category based on the size of their armed forces, diplomatic connections, global projection capabilities, and military technology. In this first of three parts we will look at the countries of Asia and Oceania. In the next part we will look at Europe and Africa, and in the final part we will conclude with the Americas.

Australia - Potential Power
By virtue of its location Australia is a regional power almost by default, yet there is very little region for it to project power into. What elevates it above regional power is the access to significant resources, a large expanse of territory, advanced military technology and a highly educated workforce. While Australia currently maintains forces Le Monde deems sufficient to protect its territory, we believe that if it made moves in that direction it could become a rising power within several years, though it would mostly need to focus on a capable Navy for that.

China - Regional Power
The People's Republic of China is enormous in territory and the largest in the world in number of citizens, while China has access to immense resources and respectable military technology, the country has largely been passive in world affairs for several years now. Additionally the country is surrounded by a powerful rising power to the south and a potential power to the East. Until China develops the capabilities to project beyond the first island chain or manages to bring about a diplomatic paradigms shift, it will likely remain contained to its own territory. It can however to some extent influence regional affairs.

Iraq - Regional Player
The Republic of Iraq is a country blessed with significant resource wealth and has a sizeable Army and Air Force, despite this in recent years the country has been plagued by ongoing internal instability. Furthermore, its dependence on export for revenue as well as its limited access to functional ports means that in any conflict even a much smaller power can quite effectively cut the country off from its lifeblood and starve it out. The country seemingly has also not made significant moves to secure its flank through diplomacy. As a result we must reluctantly conclude the country cannot significantly project power in even its own region. It does however have the potential to rapidly make the jump to a regional and even potential power if it can address these vulnerabilities.

Israel - Regional Power
The State of Israel is in a delicate position. It has large armed forces and technological superiority in its region, at the same time it is relatively resource poor and exists as a Jewish state surrounded by largely Islamic states that it often has been at war with. This need to defend its very existence has encouraged many of the technological innovations it enjoys, but it has also meant that the country cannot commit significant forces to operations beyond its region due to the need to hold its territory. In recent times renewed conflict with the State of Palestine has all but guaranteed that for the foreseeable future Israel will remain committed to its region. The country's advanced technology and historical connections to Europe and North America do provide the country with significant potential to become a rising power if it can settle affairs in its own backyard.

Japan - Potential Power
The State of Japan has a long history. While it was isolated for most of its existence, following the forced westernization the country saw a period of imperialism and aggressive expansion throughout Asia. Following World War 2 the country was forced to embrace demilitarization. Despite this Japan saw rapid economic, technological and even military development in the latter part of the 20th century. In its current state Japan has a significant economy, access to highly advanced technology, it is largely protected by being an island chain with dangerous seas on all sides, and has a renowned diplomatic corps. Its only real weakness is the relative lack of important resources on its territory and if China ever decides to act on its potential it would be threatened on its home territory. If Japan engages in a policy of further industrialization and militarization it has the potential to become a global power before the end of the decade. The primary distinguishing feature why Japan is a potential power while China was not given the same status is that the former has unrestricted access to the Pacific Ocean and is not easily contained to its own territory.

Oman - Regional Player
The Sultanate of Oman seems largely content in existing within its own sphere. It has a large enough military to protect its territory, but no capabilities to project power even within its own region. The country has significant resource wealth and access to technology from the last two decades. If the country decided to take a more proactive approach there are no real physical or political barriers that would keep it from evolving into a regional power. We must however conclude that without significant expansion in its capabilities and diplomatic prowess, it would not be able to evolve beyond regional power status.

Thailand - Rising Power
When reviewing Thailand it was incredibly difficult to conclude whether it is a rising or a global power, as the country balances on the verge of global power status while falling just short of it. Without a doubt of the countries reviewed in this part, the Republic of Thailand is the most powerful. It has significant military capabilities, a wide network of alliances, and a history of projecting power even beyond its immediate region. Thailand has undertaken significant infrastructural, technological and military developments, however when it comes to projecting power its sizeable armed forces lack in technological quality. The Thai Navy is largely restricted to smaller vessels that need significant support to operate for prolonged times beyond the range of its ports, the Thai Air Force is large, but like the navy it needs significant support to operate beyond Asia, Similarly while the army is significant in size and capabilities, it is handicapped by the lack to project naval power in large numbers beyond Asia. A global power needs to be able to apply significant force far beyond its territory, there are multiple ways to achieve this. Former colonial powers such as the United Kingdom and the Empire of France have the advantage of owning a large amount of overseas territories that allow for regular resupply, countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom have developed vessels capable of bringing significant force to bear while operating outside of its region for a long time, and finally historically powers such as the United States and the Soviet Union have maintained a large military presence in other countries. In most of these areas Thailand is 90% there, but it lacks the final 10% to truly become a global power. It can however achieve that status with relatively few changes, and we do believe it will in the next two years.

Turkiye - Regional Power
Despite the controversies the Turkish state has recently found itself in, the country is strategically positioned at the convergence between the European and Asian continents. It has access to advanced technology and shown a commitment to militarization in recent months. We can however not conclude it to be a rising power as its diplomatic blunders in the past year have placed the country at significant risk of foreign intervention. Like Israel, the country cannot afford to commit forces to another theatre due to the risk faced to its home territory, but unlike Israel the threats faced by the country are acute and largely of its own making. If the Turkish state manages to address the diplomatic crises, and continues on its efforts to modernize and militarize this status can change in next year's edition.

 

[Alexander]

Sparrow Industries Ceases Trading, Risking Global Economic Crisis, French Government to Intervene

PARIS - In an announcement that shocked the world, Sparrow Industries has announced it has ceased all its operations. The company, considered the largest in the world, controlled large swathes of defence, aeronautics, space and shipping manufacturers as well as financial and other services. Through its ownership of Airbus, Naval Group and Thales, the company employed tens of thousands of French nationals. Following an emergency meeting at Versailles the Empress has issued an emergency decree to preserve French jobs and keep the companies vital to the Imperial Armed Forces afloat. The decree also looked ahead to future legislation by barring certain companies from being sold outside the borders of France.

Sparrow Industries was formed less than a decade ago in a merger of a wide range of especially American and French companies with a relation to the military or aeronautics industries. Due to its control of some of the most high demand military technology, it secured a position as the primary supplier of a majority of the world's militaries. Beyond that, its financial services allowed it to grow to unprecedented sizes for any company. With its headquarters in The Netherlands, however, the profit of this to the French economy was minimal. In recent years, and especially after the end of the Civil War, calls had grown for the French government to renegotiate an agreement that would return the French companies to French control. Now that Sparrow Industries has ceased operations, the crisis has become an immediate one. Without an intervention by the French government, the companies face collapse or being dismantled by opportunistic investors. Many feared even the possibility that manufacturing might be transferred away from France to lower wage countries.

Upon the news going public, the Empress met with the Prime Minister, Minister of the Armed Forces, and the Minister of Economy and Finance on how to respond. Following the meeting, the Empress announced that the French government would obtain 100% of the shares in Airbus Group, Naval Group, and Thales for an undisclosed sum. For now all companies are to continue to operate as normal, but the Empress revealed the government is considering the possibility of creating a new conglomerate that will combine these companies with other prominent French military companies to create a stronger whole.

Perhaps taking advantage of the opportunity created, the Empress also announced that going forward any company that has received public funding and is labelled as a National Security Risk by the Ministry of the Armed Forces may not sell more than 49% of its shares to beneficiaries outside of France. To enforce this, any transfer of shares to an owner residing outside French territory must be authorized by the Ministry of Economy and Finance. The decision to sell the companies to Sparrow in the first place is often raised as one of the greatest failures of the previous government, and one mistake the Empress is intent on not repeating.

While the measures taken will likely shield the French economy from much fallout, and the return of the companies to French ownership will almost certainly boost the Imperial coffers in upcoming years, the impact on the rest of the world cannot be understated. The State of Israel, a French ally, is especially expected to be hit hard. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will consider measures it can take to support affected allies in upcoming years as the world embarks on this new era.

 

[Alexander]

Empress Signs Decree Ordering Sanctions on the German Government and Export Restrictions for French Companies and Nationals

PARIS - After the German government failed to address concerns over its National Socialist shift, the Empress has signed a decree that imposes sanctions on the German President, Chancellor, Government Ministers, and Parliamentarians of the far right wing National Democratic Party. Additionally, French companies and individuals involved in weapons production and development, high-tech sectors, and any other sector that produces dual-use products will be barred from exporting their products to Germany. This directly affects Airbus and the Dassault Group, who intended to bid on a recent German defence procurement. The measures will remain in place for one year, and can be renewed annually. The Empress can also cancel them when the German government has returned to compliance with its treaty obligations.

Over the past months, the French government has taken note of events in Germany with increasing concern. Well aware of what a national socialist government was capable of, the Empire of France was the first to reach out to Germany over its authoritarian shift. As one of the signatories on the Treaty of Final Settlement with Respect to Germany, the French state has a direct role on German governance. The government did not declassify the German response, but according to statements from the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, the reply displayed wanton disregard and rejection of international law and the rights of the German people. The government has found itself emboldened by recent developments from inside Germany, showing resistance from inside the civil service and the German people, whereas other parties have remained disturbingly silent on the topic.

Due to their response and developments inside Germany, the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs proposed a range of possible responses, one of which the Empress has now chosen to enact. The Ministry hopes that this measure will not only hamstring German rearmament but also pose as a rallying point for the German people to overthrow their government. First of all, the German President, German Chancellor, all German government ministers, and all elected officials of the National Democratic Party have been placed on sanction lists. As a result, they are immediately banned from travelling to or through French territory. Furthermore, any capital or assets they may have in France are frozen. Anticipating a tit-for-tat response, the Ministry of Economy and Finance has mapped French exposure in Germany and encouraged French government officials and companies to already begin divesting from German banks as well as moving all capital to other accounts in non-sanctioned countries. These recommendations have largely been followed, with very few French assets remaining within reach of the German government.

The second measure is more impactful, as it seeks to cut Germany off from the extremely advanced and capable French military industrial complex and high-tech sectors. Under this measure, companies and individuals in any of the designated sectors may not export products to Germany. Exemptions can be requested from the Ministry of Economy and Finance, these are however extremely unlikely to be granted without an extremely compelling reason. The only sectors outright exempted are food production and medical systems. This measure seeks to hurt German rearmament efforts without hurting the German people directly.

In her statement following the signing of the decree, the Empress has indicated that the Empire of France still maintains a large range of diplomatic tools it can use to increase pressure. To protect French diplomats from possible reprisals from the increasingly unhinged German government, the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs has announced it is removing non-essential personnel from its embassy and consulates in Germany. These diplomatic missions will however continue operating. French nationals have been advised to only travel to Germany for business or other essential activities.

 

[Alexander]

Opinion: Where is Europe?

The French Civil War, the Italian Civil War, the Chaos in the Vatican, and the Collapse of Sparrow Industries. Four crises in recent European history with one common element. The continent was nowhere to be seen. In this opinion piece Professor Duchess Amélie Dubois, Head of the European Studies Department at Sciences Po and Wife of the Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, looks at the lack of European solidarity in recent years and how the focus of each country on its own affairs has made the continent less safe for everyone.

Despite being less than a decade, the times of European unity seem as distant as the guns of World War 2. Both the highest and the lowest points in European history respectively. It was after that destructive war that left the continent in ruins, that saw 20 million souls die, that showed the extreme depravity that unchecked populism allowed, that the European nations finally embarked on a project of unification. France and Germany, the two largest rivals for the 100 years prior. France and England, the original rivals for centuries turned frenemies turned allies. They are but two rivalries that were left in the past so that we could all move towards the future together. How could we allow the continent to descend back in the isolationist policies of old? In a world more dangerous than we have seen in decades, while we should be working together we are too busy competing at best and outright fighting at worst.

When we fought our civil war there was no one, when Italy fought its civil war there was no one. These matters could be excused as needing countries internal affairs to be their own. But then when the Holy See came under attack and Italy saw itself forced to close their air and sea space. Who did they call to help them? Did they call the proud Royal Navy? Did they call the growing and historic Marine imperiale? Did they call the Luftwaffe? Did they call the Siły Powietrzne? No, they called the US Navy. Now, do not take this as an attack on the Americans or the Italians. The Americans did not need to come here and protect a country they did not even have an alliance with, and Italy can be excused for preferring the world's largest navy to protect it. No this is an attack on Europe and the countries within it. At the end of the day, the Americans are a foreign power. The Thai, our friends, that are parading through the Mediterranean are also at the end of the day, a foreign power. What would Queen Victoria think? What would Kanzler Bismarck think? What would Empereur Napoleon think? All three would be rolling in their graves.

At the very least, Europeans should handle European matters. Foreign powers should be welcome in Europe, but they should not be needed to protect us. Europe needs to stand on its own as it always has done. Now anyone who knows my work knows I have always admired the European Project. Yet I do not stand here as an ambassador of European Union. I know that that is a dream we will not see this generation. No, I stand here as an ambassador of European cooperation. I stand here as an ambassador of European independence. Once again, instead of focusing on that which divides us, we need to focus on that which unites us. The British Armed Forces, the Forces armées françaises, the Bundeswehr, the Forze armate italiane, the Siły Zbrojne Królestwo Polskie, and all the others, need to not only return to their capacity pre-1995 but far exceed them.

United in Diversity. Years ago it was proposed as the motto of the European Union, and it is a statement that we once again need to acknowledge. Each European country is unique, we all have our stories. Working together does not mean we need to give up on those unique stories, that we lose our identity. However, if we want to be able to tell those stories for centuries going forward, we better come together.

 

[Alexander]

PARIS UNDER SIEGE! Numerous Attacks Reported

PARIS - Throughout Paris numerous attacks have been reported, as authorities and the population of Paris struggle to grasp the true scale of the attacks reports have come in from attacks at the Stade de France, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Great Synagogue, Arc de Triomphe, and the Bataclan Theatre. Authorities have called for all Parisians to stay indoors and keep their doors and windows locked until further notice. The Empress has declared a State of Emergency throughout France.

It began as a normal Friday evening, even an especially nice one, as people throughout Paris wound down after the work week and enjoyed the nicer things life has to offer. At 20:00 the first reports of explosions and gunshots reached the Paris Headquarters of Le Monde and other newspapers. Ten minutes earlier loud sirens could already be heard throughout the city as in an unprecedented speed every armed official in Paris was mobilized. Early today the DGSI had issued a notice to Parisians to be careful due to the possible risk of a terrorist attack, however seemingly even the DGSI did not comprehend the scale.

A total of three hundred explosions have been reported, most at the Stade de France, Great Synagogue, and Bataclan theatre. While it is far too soon to predict the scale of casualties, the number is expected to lie between 5,000 and 25,000. As the attacks seem to also have caught authorities by surprise, Parisian officials and law enforcement have not made a public statement yet beyond calling for calm and for every Parisian to go home and stay indoors while monitoring tv, internet and radio for news.

On the national level the Empress has called her security cabinet to Versailles and has declared a state of emergency. While this state of emergency has not yet been used to suspend any specific civil rights, the Armed Forces, National Police, National Gendarmerie, and all security services have used it to cancel all leaves and mobilize all forces for immediate deployment in Paris and throughout France.

While little is known about the perpetrators, the first reports suggest they are Muslim terrorists. This is strengthened by eyewitnesses who have reported seeing Arab looking men.

 

[Alexander]

Prime Minister Returns From Portugal, Secret Summit With German Chancellor

PARIS - Prime Minister Marie Lefebvre has returned from an unscheduled secret trip to the city of Braga in Portugal. The Prime Minister was there to negotiate with the German Chancellor on the normalization of Franco-German relations with the blessings of the Empress. While the exact agreement made there remains confidential, the result was good enough to satisfy French concerns over the course of German politics and resulted in the immediate lifting of sanctions. The Empire of France has also unilaterally declared itself bound by the European Convention on Human Rights, a defunct Human Rights agreement, again.

Recognizing the sensitive nature of such a conference in both French and German politics, both parties made the decision to meet in secret with Portugal offering itself as a host nation and mediator for such talks. The Prime Minister opted to charter a private plane so her flight could not be monitored and so that other passengers couldn't photograph her if she and her staff flew commercial. According to a statement from the Élysée Palace, the Empress gave the Prime Minister far-reaching authority to come to an agreement with the Germans that would establish the framework for long-lasting European peace and stability. This meeting was already underway prior to the illegal war declaration by Canada.

The Prime Minister and other government officials did not elaborate on the specific terms of the agreement reached, beyond stating that for now out of respect for the German legislative and electoral processes now was not the time for the agreement to be public. It has however resulted in the immediate removal of members of the German government and NDP parties from the travel ban list and the release of all their assets. Other sanctions had already been lifted previously.

The Empire of France has also unilaterally committed itself to the European Convention on Human Rights. The original Convention, composed and signed by the post-war Council of Europe, provided for a comprehensive framework of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Europe. Foreign policy experts believe that this unilateral action is a first step to a larger program to begin enhancing European cooperation under such common elements as respect for human rights and the need for collective security.

Finally, the Prime Minister apologized to Germany on behalf of the Empire of France at resorting to sanctions at that stage in the process when other less severe measures were still available. Foreign policy experts consulted by Le Monde hope that this apology will go a long way to restoring historic positive relations between the French and German states.

 

[Alexander]

DGSI, National Police Conclude Investigation Into Canadian Accusations, Discover Shocking Truth

PARIS - Following the Canadian declaration of war, the government has ordered and completed a complete investigation into any weapons shipments that may have left France for Canada, in their investigation they find evidence of a high level Canadian conspiracy to endanger their own citizens as a pretence for war. Multiple arrests have been made and the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs has called for the ICJ to investigate the case as the only truly impartial organization empowered to do so.

Following the conclusion of the investigation, Le Monde was given exclusive access to the DGSI and National Police reports as well as interviews with involved officials. According to the investigation a shipment including 5,000 FAMAS rifles left France in 1997 headed for insurgents in Quebec. At the time the Canadian nation was under fascist control and a non-governmental organization known as the Oriflamme Society considered itself responsible for the safety of the French minority population in Canada. The shipment was made following communication between the Oriflamme Society and Québécois separatists. The person responsible for these messages and the shipment, Jean-François Fontaine, has been arrested by the National Police in a raid earlier today.

More importantly, the investigation and the interrogation of Fontaine uncovered that after the shipment was sent to the Port of Quebec it was seized by the Canadian government. Officials have dug through all available archives in the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs but were unable to find any communication from Canada to the government of France at the time. Critically, all of these events took place years before even the civil war and even if the then government had been involved many have since been arrested for their crimes against the French people or died fighting in the Civil War.

"The Canadians sat on this shipment for six years, they had access to every piece of communication our intelligence agencies managed to retrieve yet they did nothing. At no point did they attempt to get French authorities to cooperate with an investigation. They could be forgiven for not trusting the government active at the time of the shipment but since then there have been multiple transitions of power where justice could have been delivered" A diplomat with the North America Desk of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs who wished to remain anonymous commented.

Another question with terrible implications follows as a result of the findings, if the Canadian government had authority over these weapons how did they six years later end up in the hands of terrorists? "Look, i don't know how they do business over there, but here if we seize illegal weapons we gather evidence and then we destroy it. If my officers seized weapons that years later ended up being used against French people, the government would rightfully fire me and have me prosecuted for dereliction of duty" The Director General of the National Police commented.

There are only two answers to the question. Either the Canadian state is incompetent to such a basic level that it can lose thousands of weapons. Or it intentionally let these weapons fall into the hands of terrorists, worse still the terrorists and the Canadian government could be the exact same organization. Any of these options make Canada a much greater threat to its own security than any other power.

"What this investigation shows is that regardless of what is the root cause of this absolute failure in Canadian security, the Canadians do not have any right to claim the Empire of France is responsible for the tragic attacks. No one in power currently was in power in 1997, no one in power in 1997 had any involvement with the weapons shipment, and at no point in the past six years Canada has tried to address this matter. Now suddenly, after being in Canadian warehouses for God knows how long these weapons suddenly hit the streets and suddenly were used by terrorists. Now suddenly this is a matter that justifies a declaration of war when it did at no point in the past six years." The Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs stated in a rare interview with Le Monde earlier today.

Based on the French findings the Palace of Versailles has once again called for an international investigation. "The Canadians have their version of the truth, we know what the truth is, but the only proper way to address this is by the international community who can evaluate the evidence without any ties to any side. Ideally we would like to see an ICJ investigation, but we are willing to agree to an international investigation by neutral countries as well. Regardless until the international community has been able to come to its conclusions all combat should cease. Any continuation of violence shows that the only thing Canada cares about is expanding their territory while killing innocent and unarmed French" Christelle Renault, the Empress' Press Secretary stated.

 

[Alexander]

In Rare Sign of Unity, Senate and National Assembly Unanimously Adopt Joint Resoluti

PARIS - In a sight not seen in years, all sides of the political spectrum have come together in unity to approve a joint resolution authorizing and calling upon the Empress to use any means necessary to guarantee territorial sovereignty and banning her from agreeing to any peace agreement that would provide for the loss of French territory. More controversially the resolution also bans any Canadian citizen who does not fit certain conditions from entering French territory and requires anyone in that group to leave France within 14 days.

Since even before the Civil War, the factions within the Empire of France were rarely on the same side. This has changed however due to the Canadian declaration of war and their demand for France to give up its territory and citizens to an oppressive dictator. "Now is not the time for rivalries and grudges. The Empress needs us, France needs us, the people need us. When a foreign threat imposes its will on France we must all set aside our differences and close ranks" Denise Bernard, Leader of the Republicans in the National Assembly, said prior to the vote.

This sentiment was echoed by the leader of the other major French opposition party, Parti Socialiste, in his statement. "Our people in the Overseas Territories are suffering unprecedented human rights violations, the Canadian animals must be stopped at any cost." Jean-Louis Bernard said.

The Joint Resolution implements several policies effective immediately. First, the Empress is given an unlimited budget to bring the French military up to a standard that it can easily expel the Canadians from French territory. Already reports have come out that the military has launched an unprecedented expansion ordering the largest fleet in French history and one only outmatched by the United States, a large air force, and a significant army. All French infrastructure capable of aiding the war effort is ordered to direct all production to said war effort. This was one measure that required parliamentary approval as the Empress could not implement a war economy on her own. Second, the resolution sends a clear message to the government and the world that France will enter peace negotiations but that it will not give up its territory.

Third, and most controversially. Canadian citizens who do not have French citizenship, are not married to a French national and if they are have not been to Canada in the previous five years for any period longer than 90 days, or have not been living in the country for more than 10 years, and if they have lived longer in France than 10 years have not spent any period longer than 90 days in Canada during that period, are banned from entering France. Any Canadian matching these conditions must additionally leave France within 14 days. After that period Canadian airliners will also no longer be allowed to enter French airspace while Air France must end all connections to Canada after the evacuation of French citizens is complete. The measure is controversial as the government pushed for no travel restrictions. It is believed this provision may also be challenged in Court, whether the Court upholds it depends on how it weighs the interests of affected individuals in comparison to the interests of national security. The Ministry of Justice has not yet indicated whether it intends to challenge the provision in Court, but any affected individual is also empowered to do so.

Regardless of the debate surrounding the third measure, the Parliament of France has made it clear that there is to be no surrender. The Joint Resolution being sponsored by all Assemblypersons and Senators from the French Overseas Territories shows just how strong the desire for territorial sovereignty is.

 

[Alexander]

With New Legislative Mandate, Empress Creates French Volunteer Forces and Expands Foreign Legion

PARIS - Citing global voices of support for the French cause in defence against Canadian aggression, the Empress has ordered the Ministry of the Armed Forces to create the French Volunteer Forces and expand the French Foreign Legion. The measure is possible thanks to the recent joint resolution that allows expanded measures in defence of French citizens. The French Volunteer Forces will constitute a parallel armed force to the French Armed Forces while the French Foreign Legion reminds as part of the Army.

Shortly after war was declared millions all over the world voiced their opposition to the Canadian declaration of war and according to the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs many have approached French embassies asking how they can help the fight. To facilitate this help and provide a significant boost to manpower the Ministry of the Armed Forces will significantly expand the Foreign Legion. The French Foreign Legion has continuously existed for centuries but was steadily reduced in size as the need for foreign operations decreased. The reactivation of the Foreign Legion will allow for the recruitment of foreign nationals who then receive training to serve in the French Army. Through their service they are also able to obtain French citizenship.

In addition to the Foreign Legion, the Ministry of the Armed Forces at the instruction of the Empress will now also create the French Volunteer Forces. The French Volunteer Forces exist parallel to the French Armed Forces and as such consist of their own Army, Air Force and Navy. Friends and allies of the French nation may voluntarily pledge their allegiance to the French cause and operate as part of the Ministry of the Armed Forces. While in many ways this is similar to the French Foreign Legion, unlike the Foreign Legion foreign forces may also serve as officers within the Volunteer Forces and it allows for the integration of non-French military designs into the regular Armed Forces. Like the Foreign Legion and as its name implies the French Volunteer Forces can only be joined by foreign nationals who voluntarily decide to do so. A pledge of allegiance to the defence of the French state is required, however service does not automatically grant a right to French citizenship. Anyone wounded while serving in the French Volunteer Forces will however still be eligible for citizenship under the French by spilled blood provision that applies to the Foreign Legion as well.

The Ministry of the Armed Forces anticipates that these dual measures will address an acute need for increased capabilities while recruitment and production of the regular armed forces continue.

 

[Alexander]

Government Challenges Joint Resolution, Court of Cassation Has Granted Temporary Injunction

PARIS - Believing that the Joint Resolution included discriminatory provisions, Empress Thérèse has instructed the Ministry of Justice to challenge the provision that ordered the expulsion of Canadian citizens from French territories. The Court of Cassation has granted a temporary injunction halting all procedures while it reviews the court case. The Empress has not challenged the ban on Canadian airlines entering French territory or Air France to fly to Canada and has instructed the Ministry of Transport to implement the measure effective immediately.

The expulsion measure was immediately received with both domestic and foreign criticism. Shortly after the vote Versailles already released a statement expressing appreciation for the united front but stated that the good was tainted by the measure. Additionally, it stated that the government would evaluate its options with regards to its execution. It has also been revealed by anonymous sources that the Minister of the Interior had instructed the French Office for Immigration and Integration to delay processing as much as possible even before any case was filed.

Now, the government has evaluated its options and made its feelings clear it has filed a case with the Court of Cassation, the highest court on civil and criminal matters and the only Court that under the constitution can resolve disputes between the other two branches of power. In the case of the Ministry of Justice v. the Parliament of France, the Ministry has argued that expelling Canadian citizens who have a legal right to stay in the country is unconstitutional and a violation of their right to equal treatment by the government. The Ministry has also asked the Court to grant a temporary injunction ordering a halt to any expulsion or deportation procedures that may have started as a result of the Joint Resolution.

It is the first time ever that the Court of Cassation has to rule on a case between the Government of France and the Parliament of France, but the Constitution did provide it the power to do so. Under the Constitution any measure approved by the Parliament of France is law. In cases where more than 66% of both Chambers voted for it, even the Empress' veto can not block the law. All laws by the Parliament and Imperial Proclamations by the government must however conform with the Constitution. The Court of Cassation has been authorized to rule on disputes arising from any law by Parliament. The Council of State has an equal position on challenges to Imperial Proclamations.

The Court of Cassation met on the same day the case was filed and ordered the Ministry of the Interior to halt any expulsion or deportation procedures, less flashy but equally significantly it also ruled that the Government had standing and that the case was valid. As the Court of Cassation is extremely thorough it can take as much as a year for a final ruling to be issued. Until then Canadians need not fear deportation and legal experts consulted by Le Monde are convinced that the measure will ultimately be declared unconstitutional as they doubt the Parliament's lawyers will be able to prove that the threat to national security is greater than their right to equal treatment, especially in light of recent statements by the DGSI that no Canadian citizen in France or any of the overseas territories has engaged in sabotaging or other insurgent activities.

 

[Alexander]

Monarchists Win Elections in Landslide

PARIS - Whether as a direct result of the Empress' post-civil war policies or a vote to form a united front in the face of foreign invasion, the Mouvement Monarchiste has secured majorities in both the Imperial Assembly and the Senate, securing legislative control for the Empress' extensive policies and plans for the Empire. As expected Les Républicains have come second with the Parti Socialiste tailing both to become the third largest party in the French Parliament..

Prior to elections there has been calls to postpone them due to the ongoing occupation of French territory by Canadian forces. Proponents of a delay have argued that the people of the French overseas territories are not capable of voting and that as such elections should only be held once the entirety of France is free. The Empress, the only person with the power to pospone elections, has however stated that the French people will never make way for terror and that elections should never be postponed. As a compromise the incumbent Senators and Assemblypersons from the occupied territories will continue to hold their seats as acting members until free elections can be held upon the liberation of their homes from Canadian occupation.

While even before the invasion the Monarchist Movement had always been expected to win the upcoming legislative elections, all polls since the invasion showed an increasing growth trend with votes moving to the Empress' party from all sides of the political spectrum. It seems clear that in the monarch the people of France see the personification of the French state and that in the face of foreign invasion and conflict abroad there is a need for strong governance at home. Out of 577 available seats in the Imperial Assembly the Monarchist Movement secured 330 while out of 348 Senate seats it secured 220. As a result the movement will not need to look for a coalition partner to form a government.

Now that the elections have been concluded Empress Thérèse will likely invite Marquis Lefebvre to form a new government. Marquis Lefebvre, who leads the Monarchist Movement in the Senate and was in charge of the successful election campaign, has already served as Prime Minister of the Provisional Government prior to the elections, however with a clear and undisputed electoral mandate she can now properly commence implementing the policy proposals that have won the election.

Regardless of domestic policies however, the priority for any new government will be bringing Canadian occupation to an end as soon as possible and restoring peace to the Empire of France.