The Speaker: We now turn to Questions without Notice. I call upon the Leader of the Opposition.

Mr. Peña Nieto (CDP): The government will run a $55 billion deficit. Despite having extraordinarily high VAT, income tax, Medicare levy, NDIS tax, carbon tax etcetera, the economy is not growing at the promised and cost of living is high. Can we finally admit the government is failing Californians?

The Prime Minister: We understand that this turn of fiscal prudence is difficult but these programs need proper funding. These programs are important for disabled Californians, those who need a helping hand and people who need government support. But, of course, the CDP want to cut funding. If we're really concerned about debt and tax burden, why not ask the wealthy to shoulder more since they're able.

The caravan carrying the Spanish king and queen pulled up the Balmoral driveway. As the car opened, the Scottish Royal Dragoons started playing La Marcha Real. William and Katherine greeted them with great warmth.

"Bienvenidos a Balmoral! We figured the privacy here is more advantageous," William said to Felipe. "Plus, we are hoping you wouldaccompany us to Dublin Castle."

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Berchtesgaden Airfield, Berchtesgaden, Brickland
23rd August, 2023

A typical Briekish Midlands summer afternoon. Chilly, yet overshadowed by the bright sun that did nothing to pacify the cold. Despite it being 13:00. The village of Berchtesgaden, having less than 100 inhabitants, had been insignificant until the airfield was built, specially for Presidential visits. The moment for it to shine had come, for President Lavoie was to be flown from there for a summer escape to Spain. The Presidential Plane, a new model modified by the Royal Air Force themselves, arrived at the airfield, waiting for the President's arrival.

Spain, much to the President's liking, had a particularly hot climate at that moment. He also sometimes considered Spain as his second home, perhaps understandable considering his roots were slightly Spanish, and he had a lot of friends and relatives there. He thus made elaborate plans for the summit to contribute on Brickston's part.

The Presidential car finally arrived at the airfield, with the President looking quite exceptionally delighted. Marchel, the Foreign Minister, immediately stepped out of the car and headed to the seating area, where many of the ministers attending were. President Lavoie meanwhile, read the Briekish Times newspaper, where the front page was predominantly an optimistic view about the summit, for which the President was glad.

Marchel was busy wandering about with many prominent ministers of the Finance Department, was interrupted amid a conversation regarding the reduction of tariffs for Spanish imports, by the President.

"It's time to go," said the President, following which they were escorted to the Presidential Plane which was to reach Madrid by 15:00. Marchel struggled with his 5 suitcases, for all "just in case" situations.

As the plane began its ascent to the skies, the President turned on the in-flight entertainment and waited for his arrival. Marchel meanwhile, to keep the tension low, decided to speak with the crew about his favourite Spanish restaurant in Portovo. It was only a matter of time before they arrived...

Voting has now concluded. With 6 votes FOR and none AGAINST, this motion has PASSED.

Donald Tusk
Council Speaker and Councillor for Spain

Voting has now concluded. With 2 votes FOR and 4 votes AGAINST, this bill has FAILED.

Donald Tusk
Council Speaker and Councillor for Spain

27 August 2023

The Queen Consort and I warmly invite HM Felipe and HM Leticia to Castle Balmoral in Scotland for an intimate gathering. We always enjoy hosting the Spanish Royal Family and wish for them to Dublin Castle in Ireland.

William V Rex

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Conditions 1. If travel delayed over 3 hours 200 Dux Libra compensation must be payed out and food voucher provided if the delay is overnight accommodation must be offered if travel is delayed over 6 hours or flight cancelled compensation of 3 times the price of the flight leg must be provided 2. If a hotel or flight reservation is cancelled before or after departure an alternative of equivalent quality and service must be offered or a refund or account credit provided if this is not possible 3. If a holiday to a destination is cancelled due to safety issues or security issues alternative destinations must be offered and if requested by customer a refund provided 4. Luggage must be covered by a protection guarantee of up to 10,000 Dux Libra in case of loss or theft of luggage if checked in or handed to staff to be stored. A receipt must be given. 5. All package holidays are required to be covered by this guaruntee 6. If any trips are cancelled on a holiday an alternative must be offered or a refund of the trips value offered if this is not possibly 7. Any package holiday provider operating in United Duchies must adhere to this guaruntee 8. All package holiday companies in United Duchies must put 5% of the holiday price into an insurance fund which will pay out in major events or if a company ceases operating 8. For the guaruntee to apply the 2 of the following three aspects must be provided , Accomodation, Trips and Travel to and from the destination and must be booked through the same company.

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Conditions 1. If travel delayed over 3 hours 200 Dux Libra compensation must be payed out and food voucher provided if the delay is overnight accomodation must be offered. Seats on the next available flights or a valid flight combination within any airline alliance must be offered if they are available. 2. If travel is delayed over 6 hours or flight cancelled a refund of 3 times the flight value must be provided 3. Luggage must be covered by a protection guarantee of up to 10,000 Dux Libra in case of loss or theft of luggage if checked in or handed to staff to be stored. A receipt must be given. 4. All Duchian Airlines must abide by this guarantee 5. All Duchian Airlines must put 5% of the ticket price into an insurance fund which will pay out in major events or if a company ceases operating

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Conditions 1. If travel is delayed over 1 hours 100 Dux Libra compensation must be payed out and food voucher provided if the delay is overnight accomodation must be offered. If the trains are cancelled for 24 hours 3 times the ticket price in compensation must be provided. 2. Travel on the next valid train combination must be provided in event of a cancellation or if a later scheduled train arrives first . This may prioritise Train Alliance combinations first. 3. Luggage must be covered by a protection guarantee of up to 10,000 Dux Libra in case of loss or theft of luggage if checked in or handed to staff to be stored. A receipt must be given. 4. All Duchian TOC's must abide by this guarantee 5. All Duchian TOC's must put 5% of the ticket price into an insurance fund which will pay out in major events or if a company ceases operating

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Conditions 1. If travel is delayed over 1 hours 100 Dux Libra compensation must be payed out and food voucher provided if the delay is overnight accomodation must be offered. If the coaches are cancelled for 24 hours 3 times the ticket price in compensation must be provided. 2. Travel on the next valid coach combination must be provided in event of a cancellation or if a later scheduled train arrives first . This may prioritise Train Alliance combinations first. 3. Luggage must be covered by a protection guarantee of up to 10,000 Dux Libra in case of loss or theft of luggage if checked in or handed to staff to be stored. A receipt must be given. 4. All Duchian COC's must abide by this guarantee 4. All Duchian COC's must put 5% of the ticket price into an insurance fund which will pay out in major events or if a company ceases operating

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Yosainese Trade in the Mediterranean

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The cargo ship the Atoyumaru will be making its way over from the Yosainese naval base of Shimisu in Southern Shannon. The Atoyumaru will be transporting sensitive military cargo to their allies in Mishar. This is ahead of negotiations between the two nations of the Mishar Republic and the Federal Republic of Yosai in regards Yosai negotiating trade investment of Yosainese military manufacturers setting up manufacturing plans in the Mishar Republic, a deal in which if it goes ahead would have months of inventory ahead of time from the goods already transported.

Yosai from today is set to begin trade in the Mediterranean Sea as it is going to be transporting goods from Tokyo to Praling. Yosai has recently purchased in Praling and intends to ship goods from Shannon County, UK to Pralinng Mishar via the Mediterranean Sea via military naval convoy to protect from interference of trade and seizure from pirates and other non-recognised and non-state actors.

Briekish Achievements:
Largest FDI Investment [Current Fiscal Year]
Highest diversity of immigrants in the world [at least 100 residents from each country except 2]
Highest Median Wealth after taxes, deductions, living costs, etc by purchasing power parity
Triple A Credit Rating according to S&P
Universitat Neue Amsterdamme ranked as 3rd best university in the world
Strongest Surveillance and Cyber Intelligence
Highest Economic Freedom
1st in Ease of Doing Business Index
Highest percentage of those who have obtained tertiary education
One of the highest trade-to-GDP ratios
6th in Global Innovation Index
One of the highest Export to Import Ratios in Europe
2nd Lowest GINI Coefficient
Most number of urban public transport networks
Very low corporate taxes
8th highest life expectancy
Highest number of police officers per capita in Europe excluding microstates
Highest number of drones specifically for military usage per capita in Europe
Lowest House Price to Income Ratio
Most affordable Northern European country
0% poverty rate [considering those living with less than $6.85 a day]
8th by Purchasing Power Parity
4th highest number of patent holders per capita
Highest in Social Mobility Index

Changes to travel rules for citizens of the United Kingdom

19 August 2023

Previously, the Brætha have instituted a ban on travel by citizens of the United Kingdom to the Kingdom of Sertia.

The Brætha appreciate the disruption this travel ban has caused, disallowing many family reunions, business affairs and affecting income due to a decrease in tourism.

Effective 19 August, citizens of the United Kingdom will be able to apply for an E-visa to come to Sertia. This visa will be valid for one entry, with a maximum stay of 91 days out of every 180 days.

The Brætha continue to condemn statements made by the government of the United Kingdom concerning the domestic affairs of Sertia, but recognise the need for uninterrupted trade of people, goods and services for the betterment of the European Union.

It is illegal to publicly endorse, by speech or by media, the former regime of the Republic of Aspern, due to continued violence and danger posed by the Aspernians to the good people of the Kingdom of Sertia. Anyone found guilty of committing an offence on these grounds will be subject to 180 days in prison or 250 hours' community service. The Brætha reserve the right to notify InterSpol of any pertinent offences.

ERE BACHÁIR DÙN

"That damned Labour Party. Always winning the Czebrik regions. This might change the status quo", President Lavoie thought to himself, while the Minister for Industrial Development, Haufer, was sitting next to him in the special edition presidential edition automobile, a true Briekish quality Mercedes Venedig 1986, modified for the President himself.

"Sad. Czechs are nationalising everything", remarked Haufer, "I always liked Czech beer".

"That's the first thing you thought of when you entered the car?" questioned Lavoie, who was laughing at the idea of Haufer having thought of that first.

"Well, in all seriousness, no. It just seems a bit hastily done. Just when I thought we could get them to liberalise like us, they did the polar opposite."

"I'm sure we can think of a reasonable deal," Lavoie said, now staring out of the window.

"I sure hope so," Haufer wished. "Won't this just hurt their FDI?"

"We run Brickston, not Czech Slavia. So we should try to ensure that we get a good deal which allows us to tap into the Czech markets."

"I don't think that's going to happen. When they say they're nationalising, they'll nationalise everything."

"You needn't worry. We've had talks over the phone. I'm quite sure we can let existing businesses stay in Czech Slavia at the very least."

"Just make sure they aren't commies."

To this, President Lavoie gave a very loud sigh.

They then approached the Prague Castle along with the fleet of security surrounding them.

Advantages of Baltic Canal

Lower or Equivalent fees compared to Artabonos Canal More direct route to Caspian No Cargo Value tax and simple TEU And Ship Gross Tonnage based fee structure Close access to Porterdam and Baltia Ports the primary ports in the United Duchies nation, the biggest economy in EU . On route with ECON Port zones reducing costs for intra-ECON trade

IC Secret

Plague

Rats infected with Yersinia pestis have died and plague was confirmed to be the cause of death. Pneumonic plague proved to be highly contagious among the rat population. After further considerations of past usage of bubonic plague with minimal success, deployment through releasing infected fleas has been ruled out. Aerosolised version of Yersinia pestis capable of surviving outside the laboratory has been produced successfully.

In case of necessity to protect the Democratic Republic, its socialist and democratic system and its population, Yersinia pestis suspended in airborne droplets is to be disseminated through cruise missiles.

The danger of pneumonic plague spreading into the borders of the Democratic Republic require sufficient preparation for suitable treatment and prevention of the spread of the disease. The Institute recommended to the Ministry of Health to establish a chain of communication and command between health institutions and administrative institutions to allow for accurate and high quality data regarding the potential spread of the disease and prevent overcrowding and overwhelming certain hospitals. To produce and store sufficient ammount of antibiotics, provide medical staff with further training on handling the pneumonic plague and prepare easily understandable training materials available to all citizens, regarding proper behaviour during plague outbreak to be distributed if necessary. To create a registry of individuals crucial for the functioning of the state, treating the infected and maintaining the war capabilities of the Democratic Republic in cases where lock downs might become necessary. Such measures are predicted to allow for minimization of the spread of the disease and loss of life. The recommendations were accepted. Furthermore, if Yersinia pestis is to be released by the Democratic Republic it is advised to immediately close the borders to minimize the threat of the disease spreading.

Until these measures are fully implemented small-size manufacturing of the weaponized Yersinia pestis is to begin immediately. Manufacturing of sufficient amount of missiles to be filed with the weapon is to begin immediately. Following the full implementation of those measures, the manufacturing is to be increased to medium-size.

Given the high mortality, contagiousness of the disease and difficulty of recognizing the disease based of symptoms early, the weaponized pneumonic plague is to be used as a last resort weapon, before the deployment of nuclear weapons. The Institute recommends drafting a combined biological-nuclear warfare strategies, targeting important centres, with the aim of disruption of potential enemy communication, complicating the response to the spread of diseases leading to increased panic and quick debilitation of nuclear states. At the same ties strategies must be prepared to overcome disruptions of communication of the Democratic Republic.

Scientific-Reaserch Biological Institute