The Time

[Yawoo]

 

 

Chancellor Müller has announced plans to travel to one of Europe's newest nations, Noord-Uniestaat. Although details of the trip remain sparse sources inside the Chancellor's office, speaking on condition of anonymity, say that matters of the economy, specifically the reduction in tariffs and waterway usage will feature heavily during Chancellor Müller's first visit abroad. As Europe experiences a surge of new nations in the wake of Greater Germany's collapse matters of the economy and the ability for Prussian workers to be competitive in the international market will no doubt remain a constant concern for Mr. Müller's government. Already, the government has announced plans to issue a new currency for the nation, the Prussian Mark (PM). The new Mark will begin circulation within the week as the government has announced plans to exchange the old currency on a 1:1 ratio for the next three months, after which any currency other than the Prussian Mark will be considered no longer legal tender. The government has begun an advertising campaign across the nation to better inform citizens on the upcoming financial changes. 

 

 

[Yawoo]

In the Norse Kingdom Prussia finds a willing partner, not so with Noord-Uniestaat.

Chancellor Müller returned to Königsberg following meetings with two of Prussia’s neighbors. Although each meeting ended with the signing of a Non-Aggression Pact (NAP) the similarities between the results of each nation’s meeting with Prussia could not be more different. In Bergen, Müller found a Dutch government ardent in its quest for access to documents from Greater Germany currently under Prussian control. In Copenhagen, a mistake leads to the beginnings for the potential of warm Danish-Prussian cooperation and friendship. 

The government of Noord-Uniestaat appointed State Secretary Harald Trefall to meet with Dr. Müller in Bergen. This paper is by no means elitist, but it is rather ungentlemanly to send a State Secretary to the first meeting of a visiting nation’s leader, let alone a leader of one of your largest neighboring states.  With a slight pause for refreshments, Secretary Trefall opted to go straight to matters of business by offering preferential oil pricing and the usage of port facilities in the Netherlands for the ability to view documents under Prussian control. As any sovereign nation would, when dealing with an unknown entity, Dr. Müller objected and outlined his concerns. Secretary Trefall then chose to insult the intelligence of Chancellor Müller by reminding him of the various usages of petroleum products and by stating, “I have to question whether Prussia is thinking truly economically.” Yes, Mr. Secretary the Prussian Chancellor understands his nation’s economic position.

As in any good negotiation, talks continued beyond initial rebuff albeit sans apology from Secretary Trefall. Mr. Trefall clarified his government’s intentions towards Prussian documents which included the provision, “We are of course perfectly willing to be under Prussian supervision, and we certainly have no ambition to look into Prussia's own technological industry itself. What is Prussia's is Prussia's.” A seemingly reasonable way to prevent fears of national security compromises, no? Nonetheless, Chancellor Müller sought to ensure his counterpart understood the Prussian position by saying, “All military technology related documents, including documents that Prussia deems vital to her national security up to and including industrial, military and technological related matters are unavailable for viewing.” He went on to inform Secretary Trefall that millions of other documents were still available which would not give Noord-Uniestaat a competitive advantage over Prussian industries.

Secretary Trefall’s response? Another reminder of how Noord-Uniestaat feels about her Prussian neighbors, “Very well, if Prussia wishes so, we shall not push the issue.” Mr. Secretary, if your nation wishes for a peaceful Europe and a strong and warm relationship with your neighbors why is it necessary for you to gain a competitive advantage over the Prussian people? This paper must question why it is acceptable for Noord-Uniestaat to leverage her newfound geographic advantages, but when Prussia protects intellectual property suddenly the meeting comes to a quick conclusion with a hastily thrown out Non-Aggression Pact offer.

 

Thousands of Danish citizens greeted the Prussian Chancellor on his arrival to their capital city before moving to meet with King Frederik, who was dressed in conservative business attire. Truly a stark contrast to what some of the world’s monarchs tend to wear with their gaudy chains of gold and silk sashes. The meeting began with the obligatory small talk and congratulatory greetings exchanged between the leaders of two nations both recently asserting their sovereignty from the ashes of a collapsed Greater Germany. Yet, the beginning of a fruitful discussion soon turned stormy like the famed weather of the Danish straits.

Danish advisers to King Frederik had made a mistake with regards to the territorial claims of the Danish straits. Although an old treaty, the 1857 Copenhagen Convention classified the Danish straits as international waterways. Denmark was compensated for this by nations such as Prussia, Sweden and Russia. The Danish monarch’s advisers informed him that the Copenhagen Convention was outdated and no longer valid, a claim which the Prussian Chancellor made objections to. Following a period of intense discussion the King’s advisers found their mistake and the meeting could proceed without further incident.

An important discussion over respective fishing rights yielded an agreement between both Denmark and Prussia with Chancellor Müller receiving confirmation that Danish vessels violating official fishing quotas would be strictly enforced. No doubt, the Chancellor sought such a confirmation to placate his constituents in Schleswig-Holstein and Hamburg who most often fall victim to Danish overfishing. To say the proverbial ice was broken would be an understatement. An agreement to cooperate over oil exploration in the North Sea as well as a joint administration between Danish and Prussian oil experts and safety standards was quickly agreed in the aftermath of the fishing rights agreement. Nonetheless, the Prussian Chancellor reminded his Danish counterpart of Prussian expertise in the renewable energy sector and offered to help the Danes upgrade their current system should they so desire.

As King Frederik and Chancellor Müller enjoyed a cigar together, they continued their discussion in the energy field. A joint Danish-Prussian effort to develop hydrogen technology was quickly outlined by the Danish monarch. Although it took a bit of convincing the Prussian Chancellor eventually offered to provide a limited amount of funds with the promise of increasing it should tangible result be achieved. Yet, the two leaders continued to hammer out increased cooperation. A plan to increase the ability of Danish and Prussian citizens to stay in each other’s nation for an extended 90 days as well as a promise to increase study abroad programs and the potential to implement a more open border policy review in two years was agreed to over local Danish liquor. The meeting concluded with agreement to present a non-aggression treaty before each nation’s legislature with the opportunity to review it in two years with the potential to upgrade it to a military treaty at that point. It would seem the future is bright for future Danish-Prussian cooperation and therefore, a peaceful northern border.

[Yawoo]

Chancellor Müller, in a speech near Kiel's city center spoke of the need to increase Prussian wind energy by 60% within the next decade. Wind energy has become an increasingly popular way to produce clean energy as Prussia's citizens become ever more conscious of their environmental impact. Wind turbines have recently become under fire from those who view the towers as obstructing Prussia's beautiful surroundings. Such criticism has long plagued the wind energy sector, although the Chancellor has sought a compromise on such an issue by promoting turbines in the Baltic where they will be out of sight from land.  In addition, the government has pledge to review its policies and potentially offer a higher tax break for solar energy, especially among households of four or more people. 

[Yawoo]

Current map of the Kiel Canal

 

 

Following a late night negotiation session the Landtag of Schlewig-Holstein has agreed to a compromise and final hurdles have been cleared, allowing the federal government to proceed with extensive upgrades to the Kiel Canal. The canal is already the world’s busiest artificial waterway, but large modern vessels cannot traverse the canal due to outdated bridges which do not have the ability to raise and lower sections to accommodate ships such as many modern military vessels. In addition to upgrading transportation infrastructure, the canal itself will be expanded to ensure its ability to handle shipping well into the future. Included in the renovations will be modern military and security measures aimed at ensuring the security of the canal in the event of a terrorist or military conflict.

[Yawoo]

Willy Brandt Airport Delayed, Again

 

Berlin - The controversy surrounding Berlin's costliest infrastructure project in a decade continues as Willy Brandt Airport announced it would fail to reach it's fifth opening date. The cost of the airport, located adjacent to the current Schönefeld Airport, has now doubled to almost six billion Prussian Marks. Intended to accommodate 30 million passengers a year, and open in 2011 Berlin Brandenburg Airport has become the laughingstock of the new Prussian state. The new terminal and runways, meant to cater to millions of people are a host to safety inspectors and construction crews two years after its original opening date has passed. Although the runways are currently being used by budget airlines from adjacent Schönefeld Airport, but a faultily installed fire suppression system compounded with a shortage of check-in counters have closed off the terminal. Construction problems are not the only issues keeping the troubled airport closed as two different courts have questioned the airport, including one who said that the ""noise protection is insufficient."

 

With all signs pointing to 2014 for an official opening date, there is little comfort to the businesses currently occupying the 150 shopping slots in the new terminal. Many owners had already moved in, installed merchandise and hire staff as opening dates have come and passed. The owner of a fish and chips restaurant, Markus Weber says his store's interior is worth 80,000 PMs and collecting dust. If that wasn't the worst, Mr. Weber went on to say that as his store updates its furniture about once every five years, by the time the airport is opened he will be forced to buy new furniture, all without seeing a dime of revenue. There is little the airport management can do, as they themselves face approximately 6,000 PMs in electricity costs per day. All anyone can hope for is that no new problems present themselves or the airport may well remain delayed well into the future.  

[Yawoo]

Classified:

 

The Prussian state continues to advance back to the technological level of former Greater Germany. The military has successfully integrated nuclear weapons back into their weapons stockpiles. Research continues on Prussian advanced weaponry with gains expected within the next twenty days when the next report to the chancellor is due. With recent instability in the Middle East, the military has been alerted to begin preparations for potential Prussian involvement in a European defense scenario, should the instability spread to the continent. Communication with Prussian allies in the region, particularly the Athenian Federation, should prove a valuable in the event of hostilities spreading from the Caucuses further into Europe. 

[Yawoo]

 

Protests erupt in Berlin over war in the Caucuses 

 

Anti-war protesters marched on the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin this afternoon as war continues in the Caucuses.  It seems the march was inspired by an earlier Athenian protest. Organizers have stopped short of calling for Prussian intervention, but instead urging the government for humanitarian support for refugees and an increased effort by world leaders to send monitors to assess the situation on the ground. Many Prussian cannot help but wonder why the Tianxian Empire has failed to act against a massive rebel uprising in its own protectorate following their history of crushing potential threats along their border. Sources within the chancellor’s office have confirmed the military has reviewed potential response scenarios should the conflict spread further into Europe. As citizens continue to protest in Berlin, one cannot help but wonder how the Chancellor would find the political capital for any military intervention. For the time being, the Caucuses must fight with their backs to a wall of world apathy.

Edited September 5, 2013 by Yawoo

[Yawoo]

Crisis Continues over South America's Future

 

Ambassador Mathias Seidel presented a plan to the United Nations Security Council earlier this afternoon to prevent further instability and conflict over the administration of South American territory which has recently fallen into anarchy. This plan, later named U.N. Resolution #3, quickly received support from Prussia's neighbors, as well as Paraguay before the Empire of Tianxia issued a veto following the concerns of its ally, Dai-Tōhoku Renpō. Tianxia continues to insist there be no international response to what it claims is a regional conflict. Chancellor Müller, visiting the University of Flensburg near the Danish border, stated he has been in contact with Ambassador Seidel and remains confident a solution will be worked out that ensures the will of the people are taken into consideration. A recent interview, conducted via phone, finds the average citizen to be less than pleased with the continued obstructionism in the United Nations. As elections near, the ruling Social Democratic Party must shore up support for Prussian participation in an organization largely dominated by interests in conflict with the average citizen's views. 

[Yawoo]

Investment in the East Surpasses Expectations

 

 

DANZIG – The world’s leading private military landholder has signaled its intentions to build a new headquarters in Danzig, following several unsuccessful negotiations with other Prussian cities. Access to the Baltic Sea and thus the oceans seemed to be a sticking point during negotiations with other centers of commerce such as Berlin or Dusseldorf. Additionally, Virtus International will be investing in a new manufacturing center in Breslau to better accommodate the specialty hardware/supplies business, which has quickly grown into a very profitable division of the company in relatively short time span. Regional tax incentives and increased infrastructure investments continue to lure new business ventures to the eastern part of the nation. With Prusso-Danish economic cooperation continuing and a new Polish state emerging, investment in the east has many in not only manufacturing, but service quite excited for the emerging opportunities.

Edited December 16, 2013 by Yawoo

[Yawoo]

Energy Reform Passes in the Bundestag

 

KӦNIGSBERG- The Bundestag passed an updated version of the Prussian Renewable Energy Act (Erneuerbare-Energien-Gesetz).  The reformed laws seek to update the Prussian energy grid in line with agreements made with the Danish state earlier this year. The Social Democrats have long championed the need for an increasable renewable energy friendly Prussia, but the lack of a so-called “smart” grid has retarded the ability of energy companies to invest in wind, solar or hydro technology. A smart grid enables energy to move throughout the grid from a source of high energy (for example, the Baltic coast) to where energy is needed the most (for example, the industrial cities such as Dusseldorf). Critics have bemoaned the cost of upgrading the grid, but scientists believe such investments will pay off in the years ahead as the country adapts to using energy in better ways. For now, however, the Bundestag looks forward to a relaxing Christmas holiday before facing a new round of legislation in New Year.

[Yawoo]

Fallen Allies Remembered

 

KӦNIGSBERG- The Bundestag has passed a series of resolutions to help the families of allied service members killed in the line of combat better prepare for the future. The first such resolution seeks to secure the educational future of the sons and daughters of fallen military personnel. The Prussian government will pay any costs associated with attending a Prussian higher educational institution for a period of five years once the student has passed basic schooling. The second, aimed at easing the financial burden of losing a family’s primary earner, will see the Prussian state providing a 50,000 Prussian Mark (PM) gift to the beneficiary of the deceased. In the event of multiple beneficiaries, the 50,000 PM will be divided equally among the receiving parties. Such benefits will be financed through Prussia’s North Sea Oil fund. The final resolution will see the establishment of a memorial dedicated to the fallen along the Oder River in the city of Küstrin.

[Yawoo]

Schleswig-Holstein - Over half a decade after construction began, workers are beginning to wrap up their efforts to modernize the worlds busiest artificial waterway. Major obstacles to modern vessels, most notably bridges crossing the canal, became casualties of the modernization efforts trumpeted by the federal government. New motorways across the canal have the ability to raise and lower sections to allow tall vessels to once more make use of the Kiel Canal. Taking half a decade of near constant construction, the canal itself was expanded in an effort to ensure the canal’s importance well into the future. Though construction will continue on side projects - including increased security measures - for at least another year, there was cause for celebration as several large vessels made their way through waters once completely inaccessible to them during a trial run over the weekend. The ability for large vessels to cut down the time between the Baltic and North Sea routes will help the government to recoup its investment in the upgrades. 

 

Cologne- The Bundestag has authorized an increase in defense spending to 2.9% of GDP in the wake of Poland's invasion. Such a move follows that of many other European nations, including two of Prussia's neighbors. Separate from the increased allotment of GDP spending to defense is a special directive to increase the size of the Preußische Marine (navy). As rebuilding from the war continues (OOC: IG rebuilding from that war) upgrades to existing infrastructure have been authorized including several million Prussian Marks to finishing construction on energy infrastructure, capable of handling the nation's focus on green energy growth. 

[Yawoo]

Chancellor offers Federal Police Assistance to Denmark

 

KӦNIGSBERG- The Prussian Chancellor, in a call to his Danish counterpart, offered to send a team of Prussian Federal Police to assist in the investigation surrounding the explosion in Copenhagen earlier this week. The explosion, rumored to be an attempted assassination carried out by Polish terrorists, is still under investigation by Danish authorities. In response to these actions border guards have been increased at key entry points along the Danish-Prussian border.

 

BERLIN- A victory parade was held in Berlin commemorating the collapse of Poland and the Sith Empire. Though the mood was celebratory, the parade was not without its solemn moments as the names of the deceased civilians was read as the parade finished its journey through downtown. Flags across Prussia have been lowered in a state of half-mast, for a day, in remembrance of the horrors of war. The Christian Democrats used the parade as an opportunity to criticize the Chancellor's Social Democratic Party, as the C.D.U. continues to lay a strong foundation for upcoming national elections. The S.D.P. has been particularly hard-hit in Berlin and Brandenburg where their actions during the war are perceived as lackluster.  Last month's increase in defense spending has not had the long term popularity bump the Chancellor had been expecting in the run-up to election time. Only a year out, and rumors are swirling Chancellor Müller may be forced to step aside for a younger, more popular candidate if the SDP wishes to salvage its increasingly slim lead over its perennial political rival. 

[Yawoo]

 

Low Countries Liberated, Norway Torn to Pieces

 

DUSSELDORF - St. Andrea's bells chimed throughout Dusseldorf in remembrance of the fallen soldiers and civilians who gave their lives for the liberation of the Low Countries. The Athenian armed forces have transitioned from a liberation campaign, to one of support for a newly formed local government centered in the Hague. In Scandinavia, a combined force of Danish and Swedish forces have finished military operations as late spring arrives in Norway. The rugged country has been split into three spheres of control - half Swedish and half Danish, with a few islands to Iceland. It is not yet known who the two countries will govern the land, but an anonymous source said that President Helmut Roggenfelder (SPD) has voiced his displeasure at seeing the country shredded to pieces. Where there was a just and virtuous reason for the liberation of the Low Countries - and indeed, the Athenian government should be applauded for their quick actions leading to a return to local governance - there is little evidence suggesting a just reason for gutting, and parceling out the Norwegian homeland amongst the victorious armies of Scandinavia. This paper can only hope our Danish allies return to their senses, and remember the lessons the Polish people learned when their government invaded another for land. To the Swedish and Icelandic governments, this paper can only say, "For shame."

Edited May 5, 2014 by Yawoo

[Yawoo]

 

Julian Müller To Be SPD Candidate for Chancellor

 

BERLIN - In a press conference outside Willy Brandt House in Berlin, the headquarters of the SPD, it was announced that after much speculation Julian Müller would retain his position as candidate for the chancellorship of Prussia. Chancellor Müller's approval ratings have only recovered slightly following the Polish war of aggression. The SPD faces its most uphill challenge in the East, once a solid bastion of SPD approval, as the region continues to blame the Chancellor's party for the lack of military preparedness. Despite recent efforts to capitalize on the SPD's loss the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has been quickly outpaced by the Greens as the eastern portion of the nation capitalizes on renewable energy investments. It is increasingly becoming likely that neither the traditional large parties, those being the SPD and CDU will retain enough seats in the Bundestag to form a government. Should the Greens continue to hold their lead in West Prussia, East Prussia, Posen and Silesia then they could force significant concessions from either the CDU or SPD in a coalition government. 

Edited May 17, 2014 by Yawoo

[Yawoo]

 

 

Federal Police Readied for Potential Deployment

 

BERLIN- Chancellor Müller has offered the immediate deployment of a federal police team to help the Athenian authorities investigate the explosion in Damascus. This is the second time in less than two years that a terrorist attack on an ally has prompted the Chancellor to offer police assistance. Minister for Foreign Affairs, Klaus Spreckles said in a briefing shortly after the news of the explosion was reported, "As terrorism continues to rear its ugly head across the globe it is imperative that Prussia continues to work with the American Commonwealth and Denmark to increase the integration of a unified criminal database for our police forces." There was no indication of an increased border security presence near the border crossing in Aachen, but the Bundeswehr refused to comment, citing national security concerns. 

Edited May 22, 2014 by Yawoo

[Yawoo]

Travel Warning Issued for the Athenian Federation

 

ATHENS, ATHENIAN FEDERATION - After a second explosion in two days the government has formally issued a travel warning to the Athenian Federation, citing security concerns. The Prussian Embassy in Athens announced the warning shortly after reports of a radioactive substance were confirmed by Athenian authorities. Minister for Foreign Affairs, Klaus Spreckles has reiterated the Chancellor's offer to deploy Prussian Federal Police to assist the Athenian investigation. Additionally, specialized Bundeswehr personnel have been placed on alert, ready to deploy to assist Prussia's ally in the event of further catastrophe. Border security has increased with reserve personnel being called up for additional patrols. The Luftwaffe has deployed additional drones to monitor Prussia's borders as the potential for terrorism continues to rise across Central Europe.

Edited May 23, 2014 by Yawoo

[Yawoo]

 

Prussian Navy to Patrol Shipping Lanes in the Atlantic

 

WILHELMSHAVEN - Following the Athenian Federation's decision to bring naval assets closer to home in the wake of last weeks terrorist attacks, the Prussian Navy has deployed to patrol popular shipping lanes in the Atlantic Ocean. From his flagship, the Treptow, Konteradmiral Konstantin Blumel said, "It is the responsibility of Prussia to assist an ally in need, and to ensure the free flow of legal commerce transiting the Atlantic Ocean." Although the exact schedule of deployment was not released, it is widely anticipated in the navy's inner circles that the flotilla will make port visits throughout the Athenian Caribbean. This action allows the navy to field test several new vessels which were purchased under the Bundestag's special naval procurement fund. The Luftwaffe will escort the vessels to international waters using a series of experimental drones alongside traditional manned aircraft. Meanwhile, Prussian border agents have continued to tighten security across the nation's border, with the Bundeswehr providing additional units to assist in high volume areas such as the Kiel Canal and the Landeck border crossing. 

[Yawoo]

 

 

Greens Sweep to Victory in North Rhine-Westphalia

 

DUSSELDORF - In the bellwether state of North Rhine-Westphalia, the Greens stunned the favored Social Democratic Party in statewide elections. The Greens swept to victory with 39% of the vote. The SPD gained 24% and the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) 21% of the vote. The Left (Die Linke) gained 7% with the Federal Democratic Party (FDP) 3%, and The Pirate Party of Prussia (PPP) a stunning 6%. It is likely the Greens will form a coalition government with The Left and the PPP, forcing the SPD and CDU into a rare opposition government ahead of the national election. This is troubling news for a faltering SPD campaign, as the chancellor has struggled amidst sluggish approval ratings following the Polish war of aggression. Where the CDU has failed to capitalize on their historic opponent's weakness, the Greens have had no such trouble as younger voters are drawn to their message of renewable energy, and closer security arrangements with European partners.

 

With the national election just a few weeks away, the SPD faces an uphill battle to hold on to a majority government in the Bundestag. It is becoming ever more likely the SPD will be forced to make an agreement with the Greens, or even the CDU to remain in power. After nearly half a decade in power, voters are beginning to weary of a centrist-left government, and are seeking a greater shift in either direction. Following the terrorist attacks in Athens, the right may find an unexpected gift. The CDU, especially, is likely to see greater approval ratings as their campaign strategist tout a plan to increase military funding and expand the armed forces. This may be too little too late for a large impact on the national election, but in close state races it may be just thing to edge voters over to the right. Only time will tell which shift the nation takes in this election cycle.  

Edited May 29, 2014 by Yawoo

[Yawoo]

                                                              Müller to Retain Chancellorship, Coalition Needed

BERLIN - As the results flowed in to news stations across the nation political pundits proved successful in their prediction of an end to the Social Democratic Party’s majority in the Bundestag. The centre-left party proved popular in only six states. The Chancellor’s party continued to be hounded by allegations of an ill-prepared Bundeswehr – references of eastern war games helped to fuel anti-Müller rallies. Not helping the SDP’s cause, was a late campaign promise to end Prussia’s dual-capital system and  transition governing responsibilities over to Berlin. Polling indicated this cost the Social Dems the influential votes of Königsberg and ultimately a majority in the Bundestag.

Where the SDP faltered, the Greens were quick to capitalize on voter’s dissatisfaction with the governing party’s security efforts. A successful campaign to remind voters of the Chancellor’s ill-timed war games, and the resulting Polish aggression, helped convince voters in the nation’s east to turn their backs on the Social Dems. This strategy failed to bear fruit in the west of the nation, where the war was nothing more than newspaper headlines for most citizens. Yet, even as the Greens gained unprecedented seats in the Bundestag it was not, surprisingly, the SDP which felt the strongest winds of change. The CDU was thrashed in both regional and federal elections in West Prussia, Posen and Pomerania. In the east, only Silesia re-elected CDU officials – primarily the result of a fidelity scandal surrounding the Greens candidate – who otherwise led in poll numbers a few weeks prior to Election Day.

While the east collapsed around them, the western CDU belt of Schleswig-Holstein, Hamburg and Saxony-Anhalt proved steadfast in the face of competition from newer youth-friendly movements such as the Pirate Party of Prussia. The CDU’s western belt will provide a (albeit shaky) platform on which to mount a opposition effort in parliament. The SDP will be forced to find a coalition partner, and while a grand coalition between the CDU and SDP is unlikely, it is quite possible that power brokers in both parties will seek to mend fences to prevent the newer Greens from gaining even more ground. According to Professor Tomas Scezpnik, distinguished professor of political science at the University of Breslau, an alliance between the SDP and Greens would be a far more successful match, so as either side can compromise on the nation’s security situation.

Any coalition government could cost the SDP several influential positions, and with rumors of a rift between the Chancellor and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Klaus Spreckles there may soon be a new person in charge of the nation’s diplomats. It is rumored that the Greens will seek to install their own Minister of Defense in any government with the Social Dems – an effort that automatically puts such a coalition on shaky grounds, as the SDP has continued to voice confidence in Field Marshal von Beffel. Any new government will face an immediate need to shore up the people’s confidence in the Unite d Nations, as all but a small majority of Prussians view the organization as a waste of resources. In this, perhaps a new Foreign Minister will have more luck than Minister Spreckles.

[Yawoo]

BREAKING NEWS UPDATE

 

Coalition Government Formed:

Greens elect to ally with the Social Dems

 

Berlin - The Social Democrats agreed to form a coalition government with the Greens. Negotiations, which began shortly after the federal election concluded with the S.D.P. giving up several important concessions to the Greens. Importantly, the presidency will now be held by Laruenz Kruger, the charismatic mayor of Danzig and a rising star in the Green Party. Foreign Minister Sprekles will retain his position following several weeks of rumors to the contrary. The government will face an immediate test as dissatisfaction with the United Nations culminates in a referendum to decide Prussia's continued participation. 

[Yawoo]

TRAVEL WARNING TO ATHENS CONDITIONALLY LIFTED

 

 

 

ATHENS, ATHENIAN FEDERATION - The travel warning to the Athenian Federation, placed in the wake of two terrorist attacks, has been conditionally lifted by the Prussian Embassy in Athens. As there have been no major security concerns since the warning was issued, and security throughout the nation has increased the Prussian Embassy felt the situation is once again safe for regular travel. With the warning removed, the additional Prussian border guards put on alert will stand down to normal readiness levels. Additionally, national guard and army units as well as federal police will return to normal readiness levels. 

 

BERLIN - The new coalition government announced that a referendum on continued Prussian participation in the United Nations will be held within six months. The move comes after Prussian frustration with the Security Council's lack of action on every major issue coming before its chambers. The Prussian Navy will return from Atlantic patrols ahead of schedule to allow for upgrades to be done on a number of ships in drydock. The upgrades are the result of the Bundestag's decision to allocate increased Marks to the Navy during last year's session. 

[Yawoo]

****BREAKING NEWS****

 

 

Austria collapses: 

Prussian reservists called to active duty

 

FRANKFURT AM MAIN - Chancellor Müller would phone his counterpart in the Athenian Federation as soon as word reached his office of their ally's collapse. The Chancellor would authorize the immediate deployment of military response units to ensure security and peace remained to the south. Prussian border guards would begin stopping civilian traffic near the border, as high speed military trains sped into the Austria's former German states. In the north, marines stationed on the Prussian transport vessel "Krefeld" would be the first to restore order in Bremerhaven, and would soon be joined by police from outlying districts. From Wilhelmshaven, several Prussian naval vessels would move to Bremerhaven to secure any Austrian ships. Prussian Air Force planes would expand into the south and establish non-repeating patrol routes along the Austrian border in Saxony and Bavaria.

 

20,000 Prussian reserve personnel would be called to active duty to allow the Bundeswehr to maintain flexible options for further issues. Whenever and wherever possible Austrian authorities both civilian and military would remain at their post pending review from Prussian authorities. Prussian Federal Police would begin to work with their counterparts in the south to quickly, and efficiently arrest those that would cause chaos for chaos' sake. Peaceful assembly would be allowed, and normal business would continue - especially in the major cities and transit hubs (Frankfurt airport) as much as possible. The border with the new Austrian Empire would be restricted (but not closed) - as Prussian border guards temporarily assisted their new found southern colleagues, but the Athenian Federation's borders would remain open. 

Edited July 29, 2014 by Yawoo

[Yawoo]

Military Operations - Classified:

 

Prussian border guards would prevent the Austrian troop trains from entering Germany. If needed, they would coordinate with the Prussian Air Force and military personnel in the area for extra security. As the new Imperial Austria chose military options before diplomacy the entire border would become host to increased border security personnel. The military would raise their readiness level to Defcon 3, assets would be readied for immediate actions. Specifically, the Prussian Navy would leave port and head towards the Atlantic ocean. Coordination with Prussian allies in the Strasbourg Allied Command Center would immediately be increased to mandatory planning sessions. Reconnaissance drones would be added to operations along the Austrian border, as well as increased defensive non-repeating patrol patterns of the Air Force. An additional 20,000 military reservists would be notified that they may be called to action soon, and to prepare accordingly. As all this happened, the Prussian military would continue to send troops into Southern Germany via high speed military rail lines. 

[Zoot Zoot]

Classified

As the information began seeding into Norse networks via Strasbourg command, a message was sent to prussia securely confirming Norse support of a military nature.