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Senate Votes to Deny Votes to Occupied Systems

ISD Caleb Kang — 2009-11-17T08:19+00:00

Villore - The Federation Senate passed special legislation today to deny occupied systems the right to vote in Federation elections. The bill, which is expected to be signed into law by President Souro Foiritan later in the week, passed with little opposition, the only dissenting votes coming from senators from Placid and Solitude.

The bill applies to any Federation territory occupied by a foreign power, which currently includes much of Placid, including population centers such as Intaki Prime.

Presidential candidate Senator Vilard Garioss, who voted for the bill, said, "[This bill] cleared up a potentially messy legal issue [that could have] potentially invalidated the results of the upcoming election." Other candidates have yet to comment publicly on the issue.

Senator Jolie Maurice of Reschard denounced the bill, saying, "The people who must suffer under Caldari occupation are the ones who will be affected the most by the election. We should have looked for solutions to their inability to vote, rather than passing a law that essentially tells them they don't count."

Off-duty Military Personnel Hold Pro-Fasio Rally

ISD Haruziel Tormau — 2009-11-15T14:50+00:00

Duripant - Hundreds of off-duty Naval personnel and Federal Navy Academy cadets turned out for a rally to support Mannar presidential candidate Daren Fasio. A retired Rear Admiral, Fasio has received the enthusiastic endorsement of a large segment of military personnel from all of the armed services.

Commander Kevet Rivasse, an Academy astrogation instructor who served as an ensign under Fasio, said, "I have the utmost respect for the man and all he stands for. I know from personal experience that he is capable of making the difficult command decisions, andhe isn't afraid to tell it like it is."

An equally ringing endorsement was given by Cadet Calvine Fouchard. "Politicians got us into this war. It's going to take someone with real military experience to get us out of it. "

Cadet Whelan Jao, president of one of the academy's several pro-Fasio student organizations, has been active in getting the Fasio message heard. "Any time we have leave or downtime between classes, we're out there spreading the word. Be it GalNet or good old-fashioned door-to-door interactions, we want people to understand the threats facing the Federation and that Admiral Fasio's plan is the best way to use our chief strengths as a nation: our dynamic economy and our strong tradition of public service."

Concerns have arisen that public endorsements on the part of Academy faculty amount to the political indoctrination of the cadets. Academy spokesman Gerart Oulallen sought to address that issue directly, saying, "While the Academy itself does not officially endorse any particular candidate, our faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to participate in the political process. Everyone here has sworn an oath to protect our nation's free, democratic ideals. To forbid the teachers or cadets to voice their views would be counter to everything the Federation stands for."

Senate Debates Issue of Voting in Occupied Territories

ISD Caleb Kang — 2009-11-15T12:23+00:00

Villore - As the Federation presidential elections draw closer, the issue of voting rights for citizens of occupied systems has been raised by the Senate. Debate over the issue consumed much of the Senate's deliberations today.

Senators from occupied space, led by a coalition of senators from the Placid region, have strongly pressed that elections still be held as normal in the occupied systems, despite the logistical difficulties. According to the senators, their constituents are highly invested in the upcoming election, which will dictate the future face of Federation politics and its stance toward the ongoing war with the Caldari State. The senators proposed several methods of holding the elections in the occupied systems, such as requesting the neutral assistance of the Servant Sisters of EVE, holding secret balloting, and other covert methods.

Political experts, invited to the Senate assembly to weigh in on the subject, raised numerous issues with the prospect, leading to the formation of a strong opposition to any plans. "The task of collecting, tallying, and verifying votes would be nigh-impossible with the continued communications blockade enforced by the Caldari State on occupied systems," noted veteran election organizer Fitale Jean. "That is to say nothing of ensuring that voters are aware of who they're voting for and the high possibility of fraud."

Despite the experts' recommendations, the legality of an election where a portion of the populace was denied the right to vote remains murky. The Senate broke session without coming to a conclusion, but the debate is expected to resume in the following days.

Retired Naval Officer Daren Fasio Announces Candidacy

ISD Haruziel Tormau — 2009-11-14T15:56+00:00

Dodixie - At a press conference outside his home, retired Federation Navy Rear Admiral Daren Fasio announced his entry into the upcoming Gallente presidential election. The 61 year old retiree, an ethnic Mannar and an unabashed hawk, was openly critical of the previous administration's conduct in the ongoing militia war with the Caldari. "By failing to fully and immediately mobilize the substantial economic and industrial power of this great Federation, President Foiritan has led our nation into a fool's war." Fasio elaborated, stating that "It's not that we can't beat the Caldari, it's that we refuse to try to our fullest potential. "

Fasio was equally critical of several of the other candidates, particularly Senator Vilard Garioss, whose pro-reconciliation agenda Fasio labeled a "platform of surrender." Fasio also criticized industrialist candidate Jacus Roden for refusing to comply with President Foiritan's invocation of the Heuromont Act. "If Roden cared less about his quarterly profits and more about the good of the nation, he'd have been eager to comply with the act. How can we ask our ordinary citizens to make sacrifices for the good of the Federation if our prominent leaders will not?"

If elected, Mr. Fasio has pledged to take a number of steps designed to put the Gallente Federation in a more aggressive stance. His plans include a renewal of the invocation of the Heuromont Act, the institution of a national draft, increased conversion of civilian manufacturing to military production, and a program of civilian rationing for critical war materiel. "War is hard, and if we mean to fight it, we should all be doing our part. It's not too late to reverse the course, but if we continue to fight with one hand tied behind our backs, we will surely suffer further defeats."

Presidential Candidate Aguard Holds Political Rally for Jin-Mei

ISD Sheliak Mesarthim — 2009-10-30T19:00+00:00

Lirsautton - Celes Aguard, Governor of the Mies system and candidate in the upcoming Gallente Federation presidential election, attracted a crowd numbering in the thousands for a political rally at the planet Chakaux in the Lirsautton system yesterday. Aguard spoke at length of her Jin-Mei heritage and the promise to sponsor the development of "fringe worlds and minority communities," gaining positive reactions from those assembled.

"When frontier settlements starve under Caldari blockades, and riots and panic spreads among those who feel they are voiceless, all our leaders can say is 'toughen up,'" said Aguard in her speech. "Fear is a powerful motivator, but it has failed to quell the governmental apathy toward the minorities of the Federation."

Many of Aguard's supporters agreed with this sentiment. "I am a strong supporter for maintaining the independent cultures of groups such as the Jin-Mei, Mannar and Intaki," says Cephan Langlier, a civil rights lawyer in Lirsautton who attended the rally. "I would be ecstatic to see a president who gives more than token support to the minority cultures of the Federation."

Governor Aguard is expected to follow her tour of the Everyshore region with several rallies and debates in the Essence region next month.

Governor Celes Aguard Confirms Rumors of Presidential Candidacy

ISD Sheliak Mesarthim — 2009-10-27T19:51+00:00

Mies - A new candidate confirmed her bid for the upcoming Federation presidential elections. Celes Aguard, Governor of the Mies system, announced her candidacy, promising to turn the tide of the war, Aguard pledged to "empower and strengthen outlying systems" and to "eradicate the factors that have turned our great Navy into a slow, lumbering beast."

The announcement was made at a press conference held at Aguard's residence, confirming a rumor that had been circulating Gallente political circles for the better part of the year. Governor Aguard is recognized as a driving force in the development of the Mies system. and her work in infrastructure development has can be felt throughout the Essence region. This candidacy comes in the middle of her second term as governor, having triumphed in the last election through a landslide victory.

Initial reaction to Garioss's Presidential campaign mixed

ISD Caleb Kang — 2009-10-27T19:26+00:00

Reactions to Senator Vilard Garioss's Presidential bid have proven to be mixed, with supporters citing his positive reputation in the senate, commitment to peace, and background in economics, while detractors point to his low profile in Federation politics, opposition to the war, and inconsistent voting history on non-economic policies.

"Senator Garioss has long been popular with his constituents," said Kep Ekatemi, political analyst for the University of Caille. "He has been a stable hand in the government for over a decade. He is widely respected by his peers. He is known as an intelligent man, but one who is humble at the same time. And while he has not been at the center of any high-profile bills or movements, he has worked diligently behind the scenes to improve the well being of the Gallente people. He has chosen to make the war a central theme of his campaign, obviously focused on ending it. Anyone who knows the man would have predicted this; he is a great conciliator, wishing nothing more than for everyone to live in peace for the benefit of all. The Federation could use a man of his learning and compassion in these troubled times."

Stiff opposition to the Senator is rare, though political commentator Rourke L'feene has been among the most vocal in decrying his anti-war rhetoric. "The fact is, the Caldari State is run by a war mongering dictator who wants to see the Federation burned. They will not respond to peaceful overtures and putting someone as weak-willed as Vilard Garioss into power will be a death kneel for our great nation."

Many common people have responded with apathy to Senator Garioss's campaign, however. "I've never heard of him before now," said Lamia Ire, a student at the Center for Advanced Studies. "I know he's against the war, which I agree with, but I think he may be a little extreme in it. I'd really need to know more."

Senator Vilard Garioss announces Presidential campaign

ISD Caleb Kang — 2009-10-23T19:12+00:00

Today marked the official entrance of Senator Vilard Garioss into the upcoming Federation Presidental race. Garioss made the announcement from his home system of Egghelende, surrounded by family and hundreds of supporters.

For weeks, speculation has run rampant as to the identities of candidates who would rise to challenge Jacus Roden in the historic election. Garioss is one of the first to emerge, perhaps spurred by the continued occupation of dozens of Gallente systems by Caldari militia forces. During Garioss's announcement, he pledged to end the war that has grown increasingly controversial.

"Our Federation has thrived in peacetime and advocated peaceful relations for decades. It was the folly of the previous administration and their obstinate refusal to swallow their pride and concede to moderate requests that has brought us to our current position. Our economy is falling, our people are suffering in the periphery. Continuing to be prideful and throw away lives and resources into a war that has become increasingly hopeless is the height of foolishness. We must turn the other cheek and return to the way of diplomacy that has made our Federation great. I am willing to pay a great price for peace and I believe the Federation is as well."

At 67 years of age, Vilard Garioss is one of the currently serving senators of the Nexus constellation. He has served eight consecutive terms, the first two terms as an Independent, the past six as a member of the Federal-Populist Party. Garioss has long advocated open economic policies with the other empires, as well as pushing for extended social liberties and increased public welfare projects. Prior to entering politics, Garioss served as a headmaster and professor of economics, mathematics, and psychology for the University of Caille.

Compromise Reached in Fedmart Security Strike

ISD Threff Geldarran — 2009-10-06T18:05+00:00

Anchauttes - Local residents are feeling relieved today as members of the Anchauttes Security Union returned to work after a compromise was reached between union leaders and management at the Fedmart Retail Center in Anchauttes. The agreement was signed early this morning, less than 24 hours before a Lai Dai fleet is expected to make its first appearance in the system and bring many new Caldari residents.

A spokesman for the Retail Center told reporters, "We're satisfied with the agreement. We agreed to provide a large amount of upgraded equipment and already have a shipment en route. We met their demands on health benefits and agreed to a notable increase in the number of officers on patrol for the first two months of Lai Dai's occupation. We are confident that the Fedmart Retail Center will continue to be a safe haven for businessmen from all over New Eden and expect that, especially after this agreement, racial tensions on the station will be kept to a minimum."

Gilbin Doyle, speaking for the Anchauttes Security Union, told reporters that they found the compromise acceptable. Residents are still nervous about the future, but most feel that two months of increased security should be enough to extinguish most of the initial tensions.

Fedmart Security Strike

ISD Threff Geldarran — 2009-09-19T11:16+00:00

Anchauttes - Fourteen security teams left their posts at the Fedmart Retail Center in Anchauttes, and several more have stated their intention to do so tomorrow. Gilbin Doyle, spokesman for the Anchauttes Security Union, explained: "We are understaffed and underpaid. We have substandard equipment and poorly managed dispatch systems. We can't afford to let this continue. Lai Dai starts moving into our system in less than two weeks, and we're going to see a notable rise in domestic disturbances and a higher potential for terrorism. Fedmart has not taken these problems into account."

Security details have announced plans to walk off the job on a rotating schedule until Fedmart meets their expectations, including equipment, communications, and health-care improvements as well as a staffing budget increase.

A Fedmart spokesman told reporters, "We're currently in talks with Anchauttes Security and hope to reach a compromise before Lai Dai starts moving in."

Local resident Darlynee Garmyre told reporters, "They waited until we were most vulnerable, and now we have no choice but to give them what they want or let this place collapse into anarchy." Garmyre had been assaulted during a robbery earlier in the day and claimed to have waited over an hour for an officer to arrive at the scene.

Unofficial surveys indicate that Anchauttes residents and businesspeople are highly anxious about the social clashes that are likely to occur when the Caldari move in.

Gallente Financial Sector Blasts Foiritan

ISD Haruziel Tormau — 2009-09-17T13:25+00:00

Luminaire - A storm of criticism followed the latest Presidential press conference, in which the Administration claimed that its "wait and see" policy toward recent events in Uphallant was both correct and justified. Scope financial analyst Normand LeVard said, "the fact that things didn't go horribly in Uphallant has less to do with President Foiritan's actions and more to do with how the Caldari do business." He further called Poksu's decision to halt the annexation a "happy accident."

This opinion was shared by Bank of Luminaire VP Donelley Desetier. "Lucky for us, the only thing the Caldari mega-corporations dislike more than everyone else is other Caldari mega-corporations. Had Poksu carried through with its plan, it would have set a dangerous precedent." But many feel that the danger is still very real, and that it's only a matter of time before other aggressive Caldari corporations seek to move into the Federation's former space.

As a response to this sentiment, the Foiritan Administration continued to reiterate its position. "Had we taken direct, drastic action at the urging of the financial sector, we'd have ended up doing the wrong thing at the wrong time," said a Foiritan press officer, adding that "the President's approach forestalled both rampant speculation on the one hand and investor panic on the other."

Such explanations are falling on increasingly deaf ears, however. "This situation has dragged on long enough," stated Astral Mining spokesman Giles Bulonne. "One way or another, the President is going to have to face up to the fact that we need to come to terms with the Caldari. If he doesn't have the stomach to do that, he needs to step aside so someone else can."

Poksu Takeover Halted as Negotiations Fall Through

ISD Haruziel Tormau — 2009-09-15T19:37+00:00

Uphallant - After announcing their takeover of Material Acquisition's operations in the Uphallant system last week, The Poksu Mineral Group has put the entire project on hold. The reversal in position stems from a contract dispute between Poksu and partner Nugoeihuvi.

Originally, Nugoeihuvi was contracted to provide logistical support to Poksu from its stations in the Uphallant system. However, disagreements between Nugoeihuvi and Sukuuvestaa (which owns the controlling interest in Poksu) over which corporation's paramilitary forces (Internal Security and the Peace and Order Unit, respectively) would have jurisdiction led to Nugoeihuvi withdrawing support for the project.

In light of a lack of in-system support and increased Federal Defence Union activity in the area, Poksu opted to shelve the project. While Poksu press releases stated that the company is still interested in pursuing the matter, it is unclear what concessions would be required to bring Nugoeihuvi back on board.

Gallente Investors Seek Government Guarantees

ISD Haruziel Tormau — 2009-09-10T13:20+00:00

Luminaire - As transports carrying Poksu personnel and equipment began arriving in Uphallant, a protest was taking place in Luminaire, with demonstrators calling upon President Foiritan to act decisively to address the situation.

The public has been vocal in its outrage, and voices of dissent have also been heard in the Gallente financial sector, with investors calling on the Foiritan Administration to offer government-backed guarantees on assets annexed by the Caldari. While the administration has not yet responded to these requests, beyond saying that they're "considering all options," the President has already drawn criticism from a number of directions. Zemla Faudien, a recruiter for the Federal Defence Union, stated, "Any money spent propping up corporate investments would be better spent actually fighting the damn Caldari." Faudien and others feel strongly that the Foiritan government has not done enough to support the military and militia forces.

The hawks among the Gallente were not alone in their criticism of the administration. Speaking on condition of anonymity, a senior executive at Pend Insurance remarked, "The solution is not securing investments, the solution is providing a climate that is conducive to safe investing." When pressed on what that might entail, the executive replied: "It's time for Foiritan to stop whipping up nationalist sentiment, admit we've been beaten, and sue for peace with the Caldari."

As of this moment President Foiritan's economic team has responded to the matter only by stating they are taking a "wait-and-see" approach.

Poksu Mineral Group Announces Facility Annexation

ISD Haruziel Tormau — 2009-09-07T19:29+00:00

Uphallant - The Poksu Mineral Group announced today that it would take over administration of Material Acquisition's extraction and refining operations in the Uphallant system. Though the State's decision to auction off development rights in the occupied systems has been well publicized, this announcement marks the first time that the Caldari have formally annexed existing facilities in the border regions. As part of a negotiated profit-sharing settlement, Poksu personnel and equipment are slated to begin staging out of the Nugoeihuvi stations within the system until occupation of Material Acquisition's facilities can be implemented.

The move has provoked controversy on both sides of the border. Minedrill has already lodged a complaint with the Caldari Business Tribunal, putting forth a "prior claim" based on a past joint venture with Material Acquisition. Further, if this trend continues, Gallente investors with concerns in the region stand to lose trillions; many are following Material Acquisition's lead by filing injunctions with the Secure Commerce Commission to stop further takeovers. Finally, Poksu spokeswoman Juunigara Hesaala's off-hand "to the victor go the spoils" remark during her press conference has angered the Gallente business community. Poksu has since publicly apologized for Ms. Hesaala's remark, but the resentment continues.

The Foiritan Administration has also been mentioned repeatedly by angry investors. "If the administration and the military hadn't been asleep at the wheel, we wouldn't be in this mess," said Duwella Gaugnier, an investor with significant real-estate holdings in nearby Dastryns. While the Uphallant system plays host to both Federal Defence Union and Federation Navy stations, the Caldari Navy and militia's total control of the area make it unlikely that Poksu's move could be resisted by force, a fact which further angers Foiritan's critics.

The Secure Commerce Commission has made no indication as to whether or not it will step into the Caldari-Gallente dispute.

Terraforming Crew Left Out in the Cold

ISD Haruziel Tormau — 2009-09-04T20:44+00:00

Ostingele - Since the Caldari decision to auction off areas of occupied Gallente space, a number of development projects have been put on hold or halted all together. One of these is the SalderTech terraforming facility on Ostingele III. The facility, which was involved in mass atmospheric carbon-capture operations, has been idling since shortly after the Caldari took control of the system. The process is an intensive one in terms of both chemical and energy use, and a lack of necessary supplies has shut down all progress.

Though areas of Ostingele III are marginally habitable, conditions on the planet are not pleasant, and with further terraforming work halted they are unlikely to improve. Complicating matters, there have been several violent incidents between the Caldari Navy forces garrisoning the system and Gallentean or neutral industrial ships transiting the area. As a result, it has been increasingly difficult for SalderTech to procure reasonably priced transports willing to risk bringing supplies to the beleagured facility.

Workers involved in the terraforming operations, as well as construction crews brought in to expand the facility, have been waiting for a ride off the planet for several weeks now, trapped by the same lack of transportation. "The atmosphere is still marginal and we are living off stockpiled supplies and jury-rigged hydroponics," said Gavin Queller, a facility operations foreman. "I mean, we're not in dire straits yet, but I'd rather be home in Dodixie with my family," he added.

When interviewed about her company's position on restarting operations in Ostingele, SalderTech spokeswoman Fia Ledoux said, "Transport problems aside, we'll be damned if we're going to spend all that money and effort terraforming a planet for the Caldari." Ms. Ledoux stated that the company's highest priority was to evacuate the remaining personnel from the facility as soon as practicable.