Nordaustlandet

The Duchy of Nordaustlandet was an unrecognized breakaway state in Vandistan, which for a period of two days from 26 to 28 March 2023 claimed sovereignty over Postozesto Island (also known as Nordaustland), equivalent in territory to the modern Postozesto Oblast. Despite its prominence, the legitimacy of its existence and the validity of its declaration of independence are disputed.
== Background ==
The founder, Burebistta first expressed a desire for the establishment of a duchy on 15 March, and made it a part of their official campaign promises for the upcoming March 2023 Vandistan Prime Minister Election. Burebistta placed last in the first round of voting, and pledged support for Herkko during the second round, taking an extreme stance against Nuklear. This involved creating propaganda in favor of Herkko and claims that if Nuklear were to win, the country in its entirety would fall. However, as time went on, Burebistta rescinded support for either candidate, and claimed that many votes were invalid, as 31 people unofficially voted for Galactica alongside the main candidates. They argued that voting for two candidates at once in an election would result in both votes being null and should not be counted as legitimate. This claim resulted in mocking and arguments against it from Nuklear supporters, particularly Yerevan.
== Declaration of Independence ==
Minutes after Nuklear became the leading candidate in the election, Burebistta declared the establishment of Nordaustlandet as an independent country. They released a provisional constitution and took an oath of allegiance, claiming their accession as Duke of Nordaustlandet. Despite several previous claims for the island to the point that it had become a "trope", this marked the first time in its history that a serious declaration for independence was made.
=== Reactions ===
Following this declaration, Nuklear pledged to "crush [the] insurrection", and an act of Parliament was put forth by Owen for "The Nordaustlandet Problem", offering the establishment of Nordaustlandet as a district. These actions were rejected by Burebistta, who refused to settle for anything less than autonomy. The incumbent Prime Minister Xiliman mentioned the possibility of firebombing Postozesto in retaliation, just one day after the Firebombing of Noshkolm.
The declaration initially netted no response from Kraken or Galactica, the representatives for Postozesto West and Postozesto East, respectively, which laid inside Nordaustlandet.
=== Administration ===
During March 26 and 27, Burebistta attempted to take actions to develop and stabilize the economy in Nordaustland, which included announcing support for the growth and sale of Svalbard Poppies and the construction of wind turbines. On March 28, Burebistta published a secondary anthem for Nordaustlandet alongside God Save the Duke. All other administrative regulations were laid out within its constitution.
=== Conclusion and aftermath ===
As the situation remained entrenched over the following days, Nuklear refused to allow a coronation to take place, and as compromise offered Burebistta a position as a MP over a constituency in Nordaustland, which was also refused. After strong opposition from Lord Councillor Galactica, Burebistta conceded and all claims on the duchy were dissolved. A non-serious attempt to reestablish the duchy was made after Nuklear's inauguration on 1 April, however this was ignored and quickly forgotten.
Category:Countries