Bernardo Iancuni

Iancuni at a press conference, 2261

**Bernardo Iancuni** was a Romian Politician who served as the Vice Premier of Neo-Europe from 2259 until his assassination in 2264. A member on the right of the **Constitutionalist Party,** he was known for his strong traditionalist European views and fierce anti-Tekinism.

## Early Life

Iancuni was born in the Romian city of Verona to **Luigi Iancuni** (2172-2227) and **Valentina Bartoli** (2176-present), as the youngest of two children. His father became involved in the underground anti-Tekin movement and, when the faction in Veneto was discovered, Luigi was killed by soldiers on the direct orders of Tekin. As his parents had divorced by this time, Bernado's own life was spared in subsequent raids. Yet, his father's execution directly influenced his choices - he wished to become a revolutionary and overthrow Tekin. His mother grew weary and instead, he took her advice of becoming a Doctor; he qualified as a nurse in 2233, and he worked part time to increase his qualifications further. Upon Tekin's death, he continued in this career, becoming an Ophthalmologist by 2241.

## Political Career

With Tekin and his legacy in the past, Iancuni's childhood political ambitions had been accomplished (without his help). However, he grew weary of future dictators and pursued a political career to prevent further individuals like Tekin, both home and abroad. It was this reason he chose the Constitutionalist Party - hardline Anti-Tekinites. After being elected a Deputy for Verona in 2248, he quickly rose through the Constitutionalist Party ranks, and was elected leader unopposed in 2254, aged 42.

In 2256 he generated controversy when he seemingly compared Premier Maud Rutte to Tekin. Following the backlash, he apologised but insisted people must do all they can to stop future Tekins.

## Vice-Premiership

When Rutte won the Premiership election but failed to secure a National-Liberal majority, she reluctantly asked the Constitutionalists for their support. On the party's behalf, Iancuni agreed, but only if he would become Vice-Premier, and other members be given 'powerful positions' within the cabinet. Fearing power would totally go to the opposition if not, she agreed, and the NL-Constitutionalist Coalition was officially formed.

Iancuni was part of the campaign to prevent Neo-Europe's intervention in the conflict in South America, and was delighted when a vote passed confirming this decision.

### Assassination

While on a political visit to Bukhara, Turkestan, in February 2264 Iancuni was approached by a local resident who asked why he was against Tekin. Iancuni spoke of the 'evils of Tekin' and referred to him as a 'stain on humankind'. Furious, the Turkestani, later identified as Tatyana Nosirova, produced a knife and stabbed Iancuni. Distraught, his bodygards were quick to react but neglected another assailent, Boris Erkov, who shot him in the chest. Iancuni was rushed to hospital, but was pronounced dead shortly after. The two assassins were later identified as Tekinite agents; it is believed Nosirova idolised Tekin while Erkov was part of the larger Brotherhood of Tekin, whose involvement suggests it may have been orchetsrated by the clone of Tekin himself. Regardless, it served as a very stark reminder that the Tekinite threat was very much alive.

His body was returned to London, where a state funeral was held. This was the highest profile assassination of an incumbent democratic leader in Neo-Europe since that of Alexander Miliband over eighty years prior. In the wake of an upcoming General Election, a new candidate had to be hastily selected (although there was talk of delaying the election). Shortly afterwards, Lesedi Mabaso was sl

## Personal Life

iancuni's sister, Maria (2207-presumed dead 2287), was a filmmaker, largely based in Manchester. She directed twelve films and had further credits in seventeen.

Iancuni married Briton Nicola Watling (born 2209) in 2258. They have a single daughter, Charley (born 2258), who was born with the assistance of IVF and Gene Therapy.