Carthya Inquirer Issue 3

**The Carthya Inquirer**

**Vol. III No. 1                                         August 4th, 2021                                         $2.00**

**Coalition Backs Down**

On the evening of August 3rd, it was announced that Rathnir was not yet done with war. Archon Hazel of Viodoxa released a declaration denouncing the Bardonian Republic for violations of the peace treaty and establishing a state of war between the crumbling nation and the Coalition. However, many notable countries, such as Yimmu-Audal, Aldovir, and Aurlûnor declared non-belligerence in the conflict. With the very controversial nature of the war, a significant decline in international support, and mounting internal issues, Viodoxa announced the termination of the war on the Coalition’s behalf just this morning. This left New Dorasterrock to fall into Magisterium’s hands, who have begun rebuilding the war-torn city.

**Historic Elections Close with a Divided 2nd Duma**

The first democratic elections since the conquering of Ryzan concluded on the morning of August 2nd. The presidential election ended in the re-election of President Kovalsky (NLP) and Vice President Azurov (RPL) with a plurality victory of 41%.

The Duma, however, proved to be much more diverse. The New Ryzan Party (NRP) achieved the highest vote share with 33%, closely followed by the National Liberal Party’s 30%. The rest of the vote went to the Free Fatherland Front (FFF, 15%), Ryzani Prosperity League (RPL, 10%), Central Ryzani Authority (CRA, 6%), and Social Republican Front (SRF, 6%).

These parties aligned themselves into two coalitions, an Opposition Bloc (CRA-NRP-SRF) and an unofficial ‘Governing Bloc’ (NLP-RPL).

The Opposition Bloc released a statement upon its victory in the Duma saying, “The Opposition Bloc announces its full commitment and loyalty to the Ryzani Republic, and intends to stand together to ensure the accountability of the Kovalsky-Azurov government.”

**Second Constitutional Amendment passes**

At one of the most crucial points in its existence since its release from Bardonian vassal status in March and capitulation to Bardonian forces in June, Ryzan has decided.

At noon on the second of August, the 2nd, Ryzani Duma met for its first session to debate the Second Constitutional Amendment proposed by then NLP delegate Sarcasmo Toss. After over 6 hours of debate and many declined and approved motions, the amendment was agreed upon and passed by the Duma with a two-thirds majority. The amendment was then subjected to a citizen vote, where it also succeeded with a record low turnout of 12 votes for and 7 against.

So, what has this amendment actually done? Let’s start with the most obvious; the reinstitution of a constitutional, ‘figurehead’ monarchy. The nation’s formal name has again become the Tsardom of Ryzan, making it the fourth in its history. The reformation of the Crown has also occurred, granting them mostly ceremonial roles such as approving or rejecting Duma delegates from each elected party, approving the ambassadors proposed by the President, and bestowing “the title Knight of the Tsardom of those the Crown sees deserving of it through meritorious action”. Controversially, however, the Amendment also gives the reigning monarch the power to “veto all new legislation proposed by the Duma, in which case they must with a two-thirds absolute majority vote to approve it again,” “dissolve the Duma and call for the immediate emergency election of a new Duma,” and “moderate all elections within Ryzan.” Critics argue these powers are far too vast and “strip more power from the people,” while proponents argue that with improvements and proper checks and balances, the limited monarchy may provide much-needed stability and compromise to our historically unstable nation.

A second major addition in the amendment was the introduction of the Prime Minister. The PM acts as a Vice President in all but name, fulfilling the duties of the President during the latter’s absence. The Prime Minister is also the President of the Duma, where he is appointed to serve for the remainder of that Duma’s term and may cast tie-breaking votes.

The final significant alteration made by the amendment is the introduction of a new Council of Freeholds. The Council primarily focuses on Freehold issues, acting as a check and balance for the Tsar and Duma. Members of the Council are “selected by a method of [the Freeholds’] choosing.” Thus far most Freehold leaders have nominated themselves to the Council, but Lord Aasimar of Carthya has stated his intention to hold elections for the position in the future.

**Notes From the Editor**

We, the Carthya Inquirer, do sincerely apologize for the shorter articles this week. This is mainly due to the fact that our printing press was damaged in a pre-war raid by the Hands shortly before the rallying of forces at Carthya City, in addition to the fact that our Editor, Severov Aasimar, has been spending much of his days working in the government and leading the Roads Revitalization Project (article in next issue).

On a different note, we would also like to announce that the Carthya Inquirer is now accepting both opinion and non-opinion articles. If you are interested in having your article featured in our newspaper, send it to the address listed below. Thank you for reading!

Severov Aasimar

No. 0 Angel Court

Carthya City, CA

Ryzan