Author Topic: Grand Duchy of Lionbourg  (Read 3654 times)

0 Members and 3 Guests are viewing this topic.

Offline The Young Pope

  • Global Superpower
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,346
    • View Profile
  • Your Nation: Republic of Québec
Grand Duchy of Lionbourg
« on: September 16, 2020, 02:27:30 PM »
Groussherzogtum Léiwebuerg (Lionbourgish)
Grand-Duché de Lionbourg​ (French)
Großherzogtum Löwenburg (German)
Granducato di Leonburgo (Italian)





Motto:- "Mir wëlle bleiwe wat mir sinn" (Lionbourgish)
"Nous voulons rester ce que nous sommes" (French)
"Wir wollen bleiben, was wir sind" (German)
"Vogliamo rimanere ciò che siamo" (Italian)

National Anthem:- "Ons Heemecht"
Royal Anthem:- "De Wilhelmus"

BACKGROUND[1]

The Grand Duchy of Lionbourg is a landlocked country in Southern Ardia. It is bordered by New Derusmia to the southeast, and Ardia to the northeast. Its culture, people, and languages are highly intertwined with its neighbours, making it essentially a mixture of Romance and Germanic cultures, as evident by the nation's four official languages: French, German, Italian and the national language of Lionbourgish. It is one of Ardia's smallest countries in terms of population, though posesses among the highest population growth rates, where foreigners account for a large percentage of the Grand Duchy's population. As a representative democracy with a constitutional monarch, it is headed by Grand Duke Henri-Alexander and is one of the world's few remaining sovereign grand duchies. Lionbourg is a developed country, with an advanced economy and one of the world's highest GDP per capita.

Government Type:- Unitary Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy
Population:-:- 3,055,292
Capital City:- Lionbourg City (122,273)
Largest City:- Rosenbourg (280,966)
Demonym:- Lionbourger


ECONOMY

Currency:- Lionbourger Franc (F)
GDP per Capita:- $116,727
Unemployment Rate:- 7.7%
Main Industries:- Banking and financial services, construction, real estate services, iron, metals, and steel, information technology, telecommunications, cargo transportation and logistics, chemicals, engineering, tires, glass, aluminum, tourism, biotechnology, food and beverages


PEOPLE

Ethnicity:- 80% Lionbourger, 20% Foreigners
Official Languages:- Lionbourgish, French, German, Italian
Minority Languages:- Alsatian, Welche, Meridional Frankish, Rhine Frankish, Ladin
Religions:- 68.48% Catholicism, 13.24% Protestantism, 11.84% Irreligious, 6.44% Other
Average Life Expectancy:- 82.1 yrs
HDI (2018):- 0.909


GOVERNMENT

Head of State:- Grand Duke Henri-Alexander
Head of Government:- Prime Minister Céline Lentz
Name of Legislative Body:- Chamber of Deputies (145 seats)

 1. Based on Luxembourg, Alsace and South Tyrol
« Last Edit: October 07, 2020, 12:18:50 PM by The Young Pope »

Offline The Young Pope

  • Global Superpower
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,346
    • View Profile
  • Your Nation: Republic of Québec
Re: Grand Duchy of Lionbourg
« Reply #1 on: September 18, 2020, 05:19:26 PM »
Lionbourg Wine

Vineyards close to the village Kaysersberg/The village of Riquewihr is one of the stops on the Route des Vins/Wine harvest around the Gorgon mountains

Lionbourg wine is primarily produced in the central and southeastern parts of the Grand Duchy, especially with vineyards overlooking the Sansretour river and those located within the Gorgon mountains. Lionbourg produces some of the most noted dry Rieslings in the world as well as highly aromatic Gewürztraminer, Müller-Thurgau, Vernatsch, Lagrein, Sylvaner and Blatterle wines. Wines are produced under three different AOCs: Lionbourg AOC for white, rosé and red wines, Lionbourg Grand Cru AOC for white wines from certain classified vineyards and Crémant d'Lionbourg AOC for sparkling wines. Both dry and sweet white wines are produced.

Winemaking in Lionbourg is particularly intensive: often involving handwork, on steep terraced slopes, with environment-friendly techniques. Thanks to the so-called “integrated winegrowing”, Lionbourger farmers strengthen the natural defences of the vineyards, protecting beneficial insects and supporting their spread. Strict limitations of yields and the consistent conversion of the classical pergola to the modern wire frame (Guyot) improved the quality of the grapes.

Unique in its field, it is a country where 20 different grape varieties are cultivated. In 2016, vines were grown on 29,535 hectares (46,160 acres) in 135+ villages and 128.665 million litres of wine was produced, generating well over 500 million francs in revenue. Of the vineyard surface, 78% was classified for the production of AOC Lionbourg wines, 4% for AOC Lionbourg Grand Cru, and 18% for AOC Crémant d'Lionbourg. About 58% of the wine produced is white, and the remaining 42% is red. 25% of the production is exported.

The Route des Vins d'Lionbourg (Wine route of Lionbourg) is an approximately 362-kilometre-long road, crossing the main wine producing areas of the region and passing more than 100 communes.

Wine styles and Bottles

Barrels for wines of several notable varieties/Bottles of the typical flûte shape.

The majority of wines are white, except those made from the Pinot noir grape which are pale red, often rosé, rarely red (e.g. Rouge d'Ottrott). Sparkling wines known as Crémant d'Lionbourg are also made. Much of the white wines of Lionbourg are made from aromatic grape varieties, so many characteristic Lionbourg wines are aromatic, floral and spicy. Since they very seldom have any oak barrel aromas they tend to be very varietally pure in their character. Traditionally all Lionbourg wines were dry, but an ambition to produce wines with more intense and fruity character has led some producers to produce wines which contain some residual sugar. Since there is no official labeling that differentiates completely dry from off-dry (or even semi-sweet) wines, this has occasionally led to some confusion among consumers. It is more common to find residual sugar in Gewürztraminer and Pinot gris, which reach a higher natural sugar content on ripeness, than in Riesling, Muscat or Sylvaner. Usually there is a "house style" as to residual sugar, i.e., some producers only produce totally dry wines, except for their dessert style wines. There is a legal requirement for bottling Lionbourg wine in tall bottles commonly called flûtes d'Lionbourg. In the AOC rules, the bottle type is actually called vin du Gorgon, i.e., "Gorgon wine bottle". Without being mandated by law, this bottle format is also common and traditional in many Germanic regions, particularly for Riesling and other traditional white wine varieties.

Varieties produced include:

- Pinot bianco
- Sauvignon
- Gewürztraminer
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Grigio
- Riesling
- Sylvaner
- Veltliner
- Kerner
- Müller Thurgau
- Moscato
- Schiava
- Pinot nero
- Lagrein
- Merlot
- Cabernet
- Moscato rosa
- Auxerrois blanc
- Chasselas

Industry structures and Producers

An Edelzwicker/A Pinot gris/A Crémant d'Lionbourg

Over 7,000 growers bottle their own wine, but more than 80% of the wine is produced by 335+ producers, including many winemaking cooperatives. Even the largest winemaking companies/négociants in Lionbourg tend to be family-owned. Approximately 57.5% of Lionbourg wine is made by cooperatives. Some of the best known producers include Maison Trimbach, Domaine Zind-Humbrecht, Hugel & Fils, Léon Beyer, Weinbach, Josmeyer and Marcel Deiss. Many of the larger houses, such as Hugel, sell both wines from their own vineyards and market wines they have produced from purchased grapes, i.e., operate as négociant. Producers calling themselves "Domaine", such as Zind-Humbrecht, are supposed to only use grapes from their own vineyards. There are also several winemaking cooperatives, some of which have a rather good reputation.

Lionbourg Beer

Bottles of beers produced by Lionbourgish major breweries and microbreweries

Lionbourg is also a main beer-producing region of Ardia, and has a long tradition of beer brewing, dating back to at least 1300, thanks primarily to breweries in and near Rosenbourg. These include those of Forst, Fischer, Licorne, Kronenbourg, l'Espérance, Meteor, Schutzenberger, Champigneulles, Bofferding, Battin, Diekirch, Mousel, Simon and Ourdaller. The main beer in Lionbourg is lager, drunk in over 95% of the cases. Hops are grown in Kochersberg and in northern Lionbourg. Schnapps is also traditionally made in Lionbourg, but it is in decline because home distillers are becoming less common and the consumption of traditional, strong, alcoholic beverages is decreasing.


« Last Edit: October 05, 2020, 05:43:38 PM by The Young Pope »

Offline The Young Pope

  • Global Superpower
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,346
    • View Profile
  • Your Nation: Republic of Québec
Re: Grand Duchy of Lionbourg
« Reply #2 on: September 20, 2020, 02:34:44 PM »
Monarchy of Lionbourg

Greater coat of arms of the grand-duke of Lionbourg (Since 2019)


Grand Ducal Palace in Lionbourg City: Official residence of the Grand Duke of Lionbourg, and where he performs most of his duties as head of state of the Grand Duchy.

The Monarchy of Lionbourg is a constitutional and hereditary monarchy whose incumbent is titled the Grand Duke or Grand Duchess and serves as the country's head of state. There have been six Lionbourger monarchs since independence in 1815. The incumbent, Henri-Alexander, ascended the throne on 23rd April 2019, following the death of his father. The Grand Duke also holds the Ducal title of Aquilae in pretence in the Tytorian province of Decapolis, since the current dynasty descends from House Tarrenburg of Tytor.

As a hereditary constitutional monarchy system, the role and operation of Lionbourg's monarchy is governed by the Constitution. Since he is bound by the Constitution (above all other ideological and religious considerations, political opinions and debates and economic interests) the Grand Duke is intended to act as an arbiter and guardian of Lionbourger national unity and independence. Lionbourg's monarchs are inaugurated in a purely civil swearing-in ceremony.

Constitutional Role
The Lionbourger monarchy symbolises and maintains a feeling of national unity by representing the country in public functions and international meetings.

In addition, the monarch has a number of responsibilities in the process of the formation of the Government. The procedure usually begins with the nomination of the "Informateur" by the monarch. After the general election the Informateur officially informs the monarch of the main political formations which may be available for governance. After this phase, the monarch can appoint another "informateur" or appoint a "Formateur", who will have the charge of forming a new government, of which he or she generally becomes the Prime Minister.

The Constitution vests the "national executive power" in the monarch. This power includes the appointment and dismissal of ministers, the implementation of the laws passed by the Chamber of Deputies, the submission of bills to the Chamber of Deputies and the management of international relations. The monarch sanctions and promulgates all laws passed by Parliament. The monarch is required to exercise his powers through the ministers. His acts are not valid without the countersignature of the responsible minister, who in doing so assumes political responsibility for the act in question. This means that national executive power is exercised in practice by the Council of Government, which is accountable to the Chamber of Deputies.

The monarch receives the prime minister at the Palace of Lionbourg City at least once a week, and also regularly calls other members of the government to the palace in order to discuss political matters. During these meetings, the monarch has the right to be informed of proposed governmental policies, the right to advise, and the right to warn on any matter as the monarch sees fit. The monarch also holds meetings with the leaders of all the major political parties and regular members of parliament. All of these meetings are organised by the monarch's personal political cabinet which is part of the Grand Ducal Household.

The monarch is the Commander-in-Chief of the Lionbourg Army and makes appointments to the higher positions. The names of the nominees are sent to the monarch by the Ministry of Defence. The monarch's military duties are carried out with the help of the Military Household which is headed by a General office. Lionbourgers may write to the monarch when they meet difficulties with administrative powers.

All in all, the monarch has the following powers, exercised in accordance with the Constitution and the law:

Domestic powers
The power to dismiss and appoint a prime minister
The power to dismiss and appoint other ministers
The power to summon and prorogue Parliament
The power to grant or refuse Royal Assent to bills (making them valid and law)
The power to commission officers in the Lionbourg Army
The power to command the Army of the Grand Duchy
The power to appoint members to the Council of State
The power to issue and withdraw passports
The power to grant prerogative of mercy (though capital punishment is abolished, this power is still used to change sentences)
The power to grant honours
The power to create corporations via Royal Charter

Foreign powers
The power to ratify and make treaties
The power to declare war and peace
The power to deploy the Armed Forces overseas
The power to recognise states
The power to credit and receive diplomats

Cultural Role and Traditions
The monarch and members of the Grand Ducal Family undertake a variety of official, unofficial and other representative duties within Lionbourg and abroad. The monarch and his or her family play a central role in state visits to Lionbourg and conduct state visits to other nations on behalf of Lionbourg. Other members of the Grand Ducal Family may also represent the country abroad at lesser functions.

The Court still keeps some old traditions, most famous is the "Promotio sub auspiciis Magni ducis", in which PhD students with extraordinary credentials receive a ring of honor from the monarch. Another tradition is that the reigning grand duke becomes the godfather of a seventh son and the grand duchess the godmother of a seventh daughter. The child is then given the name of the Sovereign and receives a gift from the palace and lord Mayor of the city. There's also the centuries-old ceremonial welcome the new monarch receives in the country during the Joyous Entry.

Grand Ducal Household
The Grand Duke's Household consists of seven autonomous departments and the Court's Steering Committee. Each Head of Department is responsible for his department and is accountable to the monarch.

- the Department for Economic, Social and Cultural Affairs
- the Grand Duke's Cabinet
- the Grand Duke's Military Household
- the Grand Duke's Civil List
- the Department for Foreign Relations
- the Department of the Protocol of the Court
- the Department of Petitions

The Grand Duke's Chief of Cabinet is responsible for dealing with political and administrative matters and for maintaining the relations with the government, trade unions and industrial circles. In relation to the Grand Duke, the Chief assists in keeping track of current events; informs regarding all aspects of Lionbourger life; proposes and prepares audiences; assists in preparing speeches and informs the Grand Duke about developments in international affairs. The Chief of Cabinet is assisted by the Deputy and Legal Adviser, the Press Adviser and the Archivist.

The Head of the Grand Duke's Military Household assists the Grand Duke in fulfilling his duties in the field of defence. He informs the Grand Duke about all matters of security, defence policy, the views of Lionbourg's main partner countries and all aspects of the Lionbourg Armed Forces. He organises the Lionbourg's contacts with the Armed Forces, advises in the fields of scientific research and police and coordinates matters with patriotic associations and former service personnel. The Military Household is also responsible for managing the Palace's computer system. The Head of the Military Household is a General Officer, and assisted by an adviser. The Grand Duke's Aides-de-Camp and the Grand Duke's Equerries are also attached to the Military Household.

The Grand Duke's aides-de-camp are senior officers chosen by the monarch and charged with carrying out certain tasks on his behalf, such as representing him at events. The Grand Duke's Equerries are young officers who take turns preparing the Grand Duke's activities, informing him about all the aspects that may be important to him and providing any other useful services such as announcing visitors. The equerry accompanies the Grand Duke on his trips except for those of a strictly private nature.

The Intendant of the Grand Duke's Civil List is responsible for managing the material, financial and human resources of the Grand Duke's Household. He is assisted by the Commandant of the Royal Palaces, the Treasurer of the Grand Duke's Civil List and the Civil List Adviser. The Intendant of the Civil List also advises the Grand Duke in the field of energy, sciences and culture and administers the Grand Duke's hunting rights. The Commandant of the Royal Palaces is mainly in charge, in close cooperation with the Chief of Protocol, of the logistic support of activities and the maintenance and cleaning of the Palaces, Castles and Residences. He is also Director of the Royal Hunts.

The Chief of Protocol is charged with organising the public engagements of the Grand Duke and the Grand Duchess, such as audiences, receptions and official banquets at the Palace, as well as formal activities outside of the Palace. He is assisted by the Grand Duchess' Secretary, who is mainly responsible for proposing and preparing the Grand Duchess' audiences and visits.

The Head of the Department for Economic, Social and Cultural Affairs advises the Grand Duke in the economic, social and cultural fields. He is also responsible for providing coordination between the various Households and Services and for organising and minuting the meetings of the Steering Committee. The Head of the Department for Foreign Relations informs the Grand Duke of developments in international policy, assists the Grand Duke from a diplomatic viewpoint on royal visits abroad and prepares the Grand Duke's audiences in the international field. He is also responsible for maintaining contacts with foreign diplomatic missions. The Head of the Department of Petitions is charged with processing petitions and requests for social aid addressed the Grand Duke, the Grand Duchess or other members of the Grand Ducal family. He is also responsible for the analysis and coordination of royal favours and activities relating to jubilees, and advises the Grand Duke in the fields for which he is responsible.

For the personal protection of the Grand Duke and his family, as well as for the surveillance of the royal estates, the Lionbourg Army at all times provides a security detail to the Grand Ducal Palace. The other members of the Grand Ducal family have a service at their disposal.

List of Monarchs of Lionbourg since 1815

1. Guillaume I

Born: 14 June 1792
Died: 20 August 1839
Reign: 15 March 1815 - 20 August 1839

2. Adolphe

Born: 24 July 1817
Died: 17 November 1905
Reign: 20 August 1839 - 17 November 1905

3. Guillaume II

Born: 22 April 1852
Died: 25 February 1912
Reign: 17 November 1905 - 25 February 1912[1]

4. Charlotte

Born: 23 January 1894
Died: 9 July 1985
Reign: 25 February 1912 - 9 July 1985

5. Jean

Born: 5 January 1921
Died: 23 April 2019
Reign: 9 July 1985 - 23 April 2019[2]

6. Henri-Alexander

Born: 16 April 1955
Reign: 23 April 2019 - Present[3]


 1. Regent from 4 April 1902 - 17 November 1905
 2. Regent from 12 November 1964 - 9 July 1985
 3. Regent from 7 October 2000 - 23 April 2019
« Last Edit: September 29, 2020, 03:15:17 PM by The Young Pope »

Offline The Young Pope

  • Global Superpower
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,346
    • View Profile
  • Your Nation: Republic of Québec
Re: Grand Duchy of Lionbourg
« Reply #3 on: September 20, 2020, 10:05:37 PM »
Policies & Stances

• Abortion: Legal. Allows abortions to be done on-demand until the twenty-first week. Abortion for medical reasons can be performed until 24 weeks. After the first trimester, the procedure becomes stricter, as two doctors must consent to treatment. There is a five-day waiting period for abortions.

• Adultery: Legal.

• Affirmative action: No.

• Age of consent: 16.

• Age of majority: 18.

• Artificial insemination: Legal.

• Assisted suicide: Legal.

• Bestiality: Illegal.

• Birth control: Legal.

• Childcare: Daycare is both public and private.

• Concealed carry: Legal. Passing a gun proficiency exam, medical examination and having a clean criminal record.

• Death penalty: Illegal.

• Divorce: Legal.

• Double jeopardy: Allowed only in cases when there is new and compelling evidence against the accused.

• Drinking age: None. It is prohibited to sell or serve alcohol beverages of >1.2% ABV to any person under the age of 16 years. Violation is fined 251 to 1,000 francs.

• Driving age: Minimum driving age is 18; Supervised driving at 17.

• Education: Multilingual and consists of fundamental education, secondary education and higher education. Most schools are run by the state and are free. Attending school is obligatory from the ages of 4 to 16.

• Eminent domain: Legal for public purposes with fair compensation for property owners.

• Equal pay for equal work: Yes.

• Felony disenfranchisement: No.

• Flag desecration: Legal.

• Gambling age: 18.

• Gun purchase age: 18.

• Homosexuality in the military: Legal.

• Human cloning: Illegal.

• In vitro fertilization: Legal.

• Marriageable age: 18.

• Military conscription: No.

• Minimum wage: Yes.

• Parental leave: Parental leave can be taken in a variety of formats: a) 4 or 6 months' full-time leave, b) 8 or 12 months with 50% leave and 50% working, c) 4 months' leave split over a maximum period of 20 months, d) 1 day per week on leave for up to 20 months. The latter three options require the employer's approval. The first option is an absolute right and cannot be refused by the employer. Self-employed people are also fully entitled to parental leave.

• Polygamy: Illegal.

• Pornography: Legal. Pornography depicting individuals younger than 18 years is illegal.

• Prostitution: Legal. Trafficking, forcing people into prostitution and most forms of pimping are illegal. Licensed brothels, typically with a reception and leading to several studio apartments, are available.

• Public transport: All public transport (buses, trams, and trains) are free to use.

• Race: No laws.

• Same-sex marriage: Legal.

• School leaving age: 16.

• Sex reassignment surgery: Legal.

• Sex toys: Legal.

• Sexually transmitted diseases: Anyone who knowingly carries such an infection is required to disclose that information to any potential sexual partners; otherwise, consent by that partner to participate in sexual activity is considered invalid, and the carrier of the infection can be charged with sexual assault.

• Smoking age: 18.

• Sodomy laws: No, consensual sexual acts are legal.

• State ideology: No.

• Stem cell research: Legal.

• Taxation: Progressive tax system.

• Torture: Illegal.

• Trial by jury: No. All trials are conducted by qualified judges.

• Universal healthcare: Based on three fundamental principles: compulsory health insurance, free choice of healthcare provider for patients and compulsory compliance of providers in the set fixed costs for the services rendered. Citizens are covered by a healthcare system that provides medical, maternity and illness benefits and, for the elderly, attendance benefits. The extent of the coverage varies depending on the occupation of the individual. Those employed or receiving social security have full insurance coverage, and the self-employed and tradesmen are provided with both medical benefits and attendance benefits. That is all funded by taxes on citizens' incomes, payrolls and wages. However, the government covers the funding for maternity benefits as well as any other sector that needs additional funding.

• Voting age: 18, compulsory until the age of 75.

• Women's rights: Full Equality

• Working age: 16.

• Working week: 48 hrs (max).
« Last Edit: September 26, 2020, 09:40:37 AM by The Young Pope »

Offline The Young Pope

  • Global Superpower
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,346
    • View Profile
  • Your Nation: Republic of Québec
Re: Grand Duchy of Lionbourg
« Reply #4 on: September 21, 2020, 02:40:03 PM »
Grand Duke's Official Birthday/Lionbourgish National Day

Civil and Military Parade in Lionbourg City

The Grand Duke's Official Birthday, also known as Lionbourgish National Day is celebrated as the annual national holiday of Lionbourg. It is celebrated on 23 June, although this has never been the actual birthday of any ruler of Lionbourg. When the monarch of Lionbourg is female, it is known as the Grand Duchess' Official Birthday.

Proceedings of the Festivities

On the Eve of the National Holiday
- At the Grand-Ducal Palace in Lionbourg City around 4 pm a ceremonial changing of the guard takes place.

- The Grand-Ducal couple pays an official visit to a larger town in the country. Every year a different town is visited.

- The Grand-Ducal couple and the Hereditary Grand Duke pay an official visit to Rosenbourg, the country's largest city.

- In the evening, after the Grand Ducal family returns to Lionbourg City and is received at the Place Guillaume I or at the Golden Woman, there is a torchlight procession in the city, in which many clubs and associations from all over the country participate.

- Between 11 pm and midnight, a big fireworks display is traditionally held by the New Bridge and has been accompanied by music for a number of years.

- Concerts are held in many places of Lionbourg City during the evening.

Official Festivities on the National Day Itself

- A civil ceremony has been held at the Philharmonie since 2014.

- After that, 21 cannon shots are fired from Fetschenhaff field by the army.

- Around noon, a military and civilian troop parade takes place on New Avenue. In the past, this was a pure military parade, in which the Grand Duke inspects the troops as commander-in-chief of the army.

- In the afternoon, Te Deum will be held in Lionbourg City Cathedral.

- Local celebrations, special events and games are organized in the towns of the country on National Day by the local authorities.

- The Grand Duke's Official Birthday/Luxembourgish National Day reception is held at Rohan Castle in the city of Saverne during the evening.

Grand Duke's Official Birthday/Lionbourgish National Day Reception

Rohan Castle where the annual Reception is held

The Grand Duke's Official Birthday/Lionbourgish National Day Reception is the annual event organised by the Grand Duke of Lionbourg at the Rohan Castle in Saverne. Invitations are sent to all members of parliament and other representatives of the national and municipal governments, the ambassadors to Lionbourg, representatives of NGOs, important business people, and people who distinguished themselves during the year in the arts, sports, sciences, and other fields.

It is customary that the press begins to speculate the names of the invitees to the Reception weeks in advance, along with the selection of gowns and possible partners for the guests. Especially female guests often order special gowns for the occasion from named designers. The broadcast from the Reception is very popular in Lionbourg. For example, in 2019 it was the most followed program on television, reaching 1.5 million viewers out of the population of 2.5 million.

Invitees
On average about 1,800 guests are invited to the Reception. Some are invited due to their status: yearly invites are sent to the members of the Council of Government, Members of parliament, Diplomats, bishops, chancellors and rectors of Lionbourgish Universities, generals and the most senior officials of the Judiciary. Former prime ministers and speakers of the parliament are also among regular invitees.

Each year approximately a third of the guests receive their first invite to the event. It has been a custom to invite the most prominent members of business and cultural life. In recent times the invitations were embedded with a microchip due to safety concerns, which includes the identification of the invitee according to the statement from the Grand Ducal court.

The dress code for the occasion is very festive in the spirit of White Tie event: the invitees are instructed to wear "tailcoat and dress suit". Medallions of Honor can be held in the original size. Men can use a dark suit - but not a tuxedo − instead of a tailcoat; for women the "evening dress" means a full length gown made from a festive material accompanied with jewellery. Artists have been given more leeway in following the dress code. Priests and officials of police and other branches arrive in the related festive suits.

Both men and women can dress in the traditional folk costume if they so choose. According to experts it is the best option for the occasion, as it fits the etiquette and also emphasises Lionbourg's national identity. The invitees to the  Reception are supposed to appear unless not able to participate.

The Ceremony
Traditionally all guests greet the Grand Duke personally when entering the event. The first guests - war veterans - enter from the first  entrance accompanied by the sounds of Marche du Lionbourg by Robert Allmend.

While the guests enter, cadets from the National Defence University stand in order with their swords. After the veterans have entered, the entrance order for guests from the first entrance is free and depends more on the order of arrival of the guests, which include members of parliament, athletes and representatives from the fields of arts, sciences and financial life.

After the first entrance is closed, the proceedings continue with the guests entering from the second entrance in the following order:

1. Bishops, headed by the Archbishop of Rosenbourg, belonging to the largest religious body of Lionbourg (Celestial Catholic Church of Lionbourg)
2. Generals
3. Presidents of the judiciary and representatives of the Prosecutor's office
4. Chancellors and rectors of Universities
5. Former Speakers of the Chamber of Deputies and former Prime Ministers
6. Council of Government in the order of protocol; Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, Minister of Foreign Affairs, etc.
7. Speaker and Deputy Speakers of the Parlaiment of Lionbourg, followed by the secretariat of the parliament
8. Diplomats in order by seniority, Ambassadors and representatives from international organisations

The recipe for the punch offered at the reception is a secret. After the guests have entered, in addition to salty snacks, regional dishes and wines, coffee is served followed by the dances which are traditionally started by the Grand Duke with guests joining in later on. The music is traditionally taken care by Orchestre Philharmonique du Lionbourg.

Offline The Young Pope

  • Global Superpower
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,346
    • View Profile
  • Your Nation: Republic of Québec
Re: Grand Duchy of Lionbourg
« Reply #5 on: September 21, 2020, 11:36:32 PM »
LIONBOURG ARMY

Founded: 1815
Headquarters:   Military Centre, Diekirch

Grand Duke: Henri-Alexander
Minister for Defence: Auguste Diederich
Chief of Defence: Brigadier General Jules Schumacher

The Lionbourg Army is the national military force of Lionbourg. It is tasked with defense of the country, as well as promoting Lionbourg's wider interests, supporting international peacekeeping efforts, and providing humanitarian aid. The army is under civilian control, with the grand duke as commander-in-chief. The minister for defence, oversees army operations. The professional head of the army is the Chief of Defence, who answers to the minister and holds the rank of general.

Lionbourg also provides information to its citizens in case of an emergency being part of the concept of total defense with pamphlets being sent home to all households. The publication contains information about how to act in a situation of national crisis and most notably, nuclear war. The pamphlets (titled "If the war comes") were distributed to all households from 1943 to 1961; after 1961 some of the information from the pamphlet was printed in every phone book until 1991. Since then the pamphlet has been renewed and distributed under the title "If the crisis or the war comes". The new pamphlet includes the well-known quote from the older ones (in case of enemy invasion): "Every statement that the resistance has ceased is false. Resistance shall be made all the time and in every situation. It depends on You - Your efforts, Your determination, Your will to survive."

LAND FORCE


March of the Lionbourg Land Force

As the oldest branch of the military of Lionbourg, its tasks are laid out in the Constitution: defend the territory of the Grand Duchy of Lionbourg and of its allies, protect and advance the international legal order and to support the (local) government in law enforcement, disaster relief and humanitarian aid, both nationally and internationally.

Type: Land force
Role: Land warfare
Size: 3,650 Soldiers / 890 Reservists

Commander: Brigadier General Jules Schumacher

Pistol:- FN Five-seven
PDW/SMG:- FN P90 or FN SCAR-SC
Assault Rifle:- FN SCAR-L or FN F2000
Shotgun:- FN SLP
Light Support Weapon:- FN Minimi
Marksman Rifle:- FN SCAR-H TPR
Sniper Rifle:- FN Ballista
MANPADS:- Type 91 Hand Arrow
ATW:- Spike
Grenade Launcher:- Milkor MGL

10 x Katanga Main Battle Tank
10 x Kruger Armoured Vehicle
10 x Masaai Infantry Fighting Vehicle
65 x Serengeti Armoured Car
48 x Barbary Mobility Vehicle
5 x Cape Self Propelled Howitzer
3 x Transvaal Mobile Defence Weapon

AIR AND SPACE FORCE


March of the Lionbourg Air and Space Force

Established in 1909 as part of the ground force and in 1934 as an independent service, the Lionbourg Air and Space Force operates from several fixed bases but its personnel are also trained to carry out air operations from temporary highway airstrips. In case of crisis or war, several stretches of road are specially prepared for this option. In 2020, it assumed its current name in recognition of the increasing importance of the space domain.

Type: Air and space force
Role: Aerial and space warfare
Size: 980 men / 360 Reservists

Commander: Colonel Arnold Dieschbourg

7 x F-18 Mosquito Multi-Role Fighter
4 x C-400 Dragonfly Transport Aircraft
4 x C-130 Cicada Tactical Transport
12 x H-53 Aphid Helicopter
10 x T-50 Mantis Light Fighter / Trainer
3 x C-24 Antilon Officer Transport / VIP Transport

SPECIAL FORCES GROUP


March of the Lionbourger Special Forces Group

Established as a small operations/fast response force in 2000 as a direct descendant of the 1st Company of Special Reconnaissance Teams (ESR) (1961-1994), then of the Long Range Recce Patrol (LRRP) platoon (1994-2000), members of the elite Special Forces Group are selected from all the components of the Lionbourg Army. In order to join the Special Forces Group, one must have at least three years' experience in the military.

Type: Special force
Role: Special operations
Size: 380 men

Commander: Lieutenant Colonel René Marx

4 x Masaai Infantry Fighting Vehicle
8 x Cougar Armoured Car
2 x C-130 Cicada Tactical Transport
3 x  H-53 Aphid Helicopter
15 x Jackal Mobility Vehicle
20 x Cheetah Response Vehicle

TRAINING

1. The selection phase
Consists of a selection week, where candidates are tested on their physical condition, map reading ability, general military knowledge, and shooting techniques. A psychological evaluation is also performed. This is followed by a one-week specialized training program, which focuses on reaching the basic level necessary for beginning the actual stage. While many topics are covered, map reading and shooting techniques are emphasized. Finally, there is a one-week ‘Identification of Military material’ (IM) course.

2. Basic training
An extensive physical and mentally challenging training program lasting approximately 6 months. Aside from technical skills and military knowledge, candidates must meet high standards regarding initiative and motivation. During this phase, candidates are taught basic skills necessary for surviving hostile environments. The basic training consists of 3 phases: An Orientation, Technical, and Tactical phase, each about 2 months in duration. After successful completion of the basic training, candidates may be called an operator, although certification is not given until the end of the evaluation phase. The Orientation phase is physically intense, and mainly individual period. The emphasis during this phase is map reading and the ability to work independently and alone. The orientation phase is concluded with the ‘Tenderfeet’. An individual map reading exercise of more than 100 km within 48 hours. Some of the areas covered during this phase are:

Navigation and orientation
Recognition and identification of military materials
Specific Special Forces Tactics
Shooting skills
Survival skills
Transmission/IT
Physical training with the emphasis on endurance and resistance
Medical techniques
Close combat

The Technical phase is when the basic skills of an SF operator are taught. Some of the skills covered are:

Radio equipment and procedures
Amphibious insertion techniques
Advanced shooting techniques
Advanced combat medical techniques and procedures
Military theory and tactics

The tactical phase consists of realistic exercises in which all aspects of possible missions are confronted. During this phase, candidates are exposed to severe mental and physical stress. This period is considered the actual stage or Q-course. The future operator learns to work behind enemy lines while being pursued by an opposing force (OPFOR). This phase emphasizes team dynamics, therefore all candidate are evaluated in each function within the team.

The criteria:

All candidates must achieve 80% proficiency in all tests in order to complete each phase. Failure to meet these standards will result in sanctions or elimination. Honesty and loyalty are important to them. Therefore, any candidate that is caught cheating will be returned to unit and is barred from ever enrolling for candidacy. A candidate that must stop due to medical reasons may enroll the following year, but the stage at which he may re-enter is determined by a committee within the SFG.

3. The complementary education
This phase lasts for a period of 12 months. During this phase operators are given advanced training courses in areas such as High Altitude free fall (HA), Aidman, SOFAFR (Special Operation Forces Advanced First Responder), Détachement d'Agents de Sécurité (DAS), Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat (SFAUC), TSE/TEO (Tactical site Exploitation), TACP (Tactical Air Controller Party), Landing Point Commander etc. Candidates that have not completed the Commando A and Para A qualification must do so in order to function as a Special Forces operator.

The Commando A Qualification Takes place in the commando-training center (CE Cdo). During the 4-week program, candidates are trained in rock, amphibious and commando techniques in order to cope with difficult terrains and circumstances, by day and night.

The Para A Qualification Is given in the Para training center (CE Para). The four-week program consists of one week ground training and three weeks of static line jumping from both balloons and airplanes (automatic opening).

Free-fall High Altitude (HA) This 5-week program takes place at the Para training center (CE Para). Basic free fall skills are learned during the first two weeks. During the last three weeks, candidates learn to jump during the night with equipment used during tactical deployment. These jumps are executed from a maximal height of 12,000 feet. After successful completion of this training program, the candidates receive their Special Forces Operator certification. From that moment on, they absorbed into an existing operational team and may be deployed on missions. This is the beginning of the functional training. Depending on insertion specialty, operators are given advanced training and courses. New operators are given specialized tasks within the teams (sniper, communication specialist, medic or breacher).

4. Functional training
Free fall Very High Altitude (VHA): This is a 3-week course and requires completion of the HA course. This program takes place at the Para training centre (CE Para). This course specializes in infiltration via parachute. These jumps are executed from a maximum of 30,000 feet using oxygen masks.

Combat Diver: This 5- to 8-month training program takes place at the diving school. Here candidates learn to dive using compressed air, non-autonomous diving, re-breathers with pure oxygen and nitrogen-oxygen mix.

Instructor or Assistant Instructor Commando (O/HuO Cdo): This is an 8-week training program given at the Commando training centre (CE Cdo). It consists of a 4-week course and a 4-week training program where candidates learn to make installations with ropes and cables to cross vertical, horizontal, and wet obstacles. Candidates are also taught how to quickly and safely install many types of installations such as, climbing ropes, rope ladders, ferries, and death rides. They are also instructed in the evacuation of injured individuals in rocky and difficult terrain.

Lead Climber: This 5-week training program teaches candidates to independently negotiate mountainous terrain on rocks, snow, and ice. They are taught to make trails to support combat units as well as assist in crossings. They are technical advisors on missions in mountainous environments. Three weeks of training take place at the Commando training centre (CE Cdo) and two weeks take place at Mt. Gorgon;

Training as an Operator of the Special Forces is an ongoing process. Operators are always involved with the maintenance of their skills and the development of new ones. This is a fundamental part of an operators life.

In real situations, the Special Forces have to perform reconnaissance and surveillance missions in small groups deep into enemy territory, enact small offensive actions to arrest or free people, or to sabotage or impound materials. They are also trained to gain intelligence disguised as a civilian.

CAPABILITIES

Ground mobility capabilities

Basic capabilities for all operators regardless of insertion specialty: Capable of navigating and operating on foot as well as on vehicles in all kinds of terrain (desert, jungle, arctic, mountains). Vehicles: SFG operators have the skills, knowledge and training necessary for operating diverse vehicles. Tactical procedures for mobilization and combat situations are routinely practiced.

- Tactical combat vehicles capable of traversing difficult terrain, with relatively large firepower, and heavy load bearing capacity can be advantageous during SR (Special Reconnaissance) missions. These attributes allow operators to be relatively independent in possible deployment areas.
- Specialized armoured vehicles used to provide security to VIPs and VVIPs in high-risk territories requires the use of specific adapted procedures. Operating in civilian environments presents unique challenges to team members. These types of assignments are possible during DAS (Détachement d’Agence de sécurité) i.e. body guarding missions, as well as CPT (Close Protection Team) missions.
- Training to become a DAS agent requires successful completion of a specialized driving course. Some of the skills covered in this program are offensive and defensive driving techniques, off-road driving, as well as drift and braking techniques.

Mountain:

- Infiltration and exfiltration in mountainous terrains in summer as well as in winter conditions. This requires experience and knowledge of orientation, meteorology, and mountaineering skills. This type of environment, with often-harsh winter conditions, requires training with specialized equipment as well as tactical skills and knowledge about communication possibilities and limitations specific to mountain terrains. Traversing on skis during the night with heavy loads is not unusual for an SF operator.
- Execution of SR, MA en DA missions as described in the main tasks of the unit. These missions must be executed regardless of terrain and weather conditions. Every team member must earn a commando badge from the Commando Training Center. With this as a base, extra training in rock climbing, rappelling, and traversing over difficult terrain in tactical situations are essential.
- Tactical Urban Climbing (TUC) is a specialized training program where advanced skills necessary for climbing and rappelling on buildings are learned.

Advanced Mountain capabilities Only for members of a Mountain team:

- Execution of missions in high altitudes where extensive technical knowledge and training are required. All team members are trained as commando instructors and each team has at least two lead climbers with knowledge of meteorology, avalanches, orientation, technical equipment, rope techniques, and ice climbing. These skills make it possible to access remote areas. A high level of skiing is essential for mobility and deployment in high altitudes. To achieve and maintain this, each year these members spent several weeks in the mountains

Mountain team members can be deployed as reinforcements or as technical support to other teams on missions, training, and exercises in the mountains or TUC situations. The mountain team members have access to different courses abroad such as skiing courses in AUT and FRA, different summer and winter rescue courses.

Air insertion and extraction capabilities

Basic Air insertion and extraction capabilities for all operators regardless of insertion specialty:

- Rotary wing (Helicopter): Fast-rope, spy-rig, rappel and touch and go are the most common means of insertion for Special Operation Forces. Helicopters offer many advantages. They can be used in many weather conditions, limited landing zones, CASEVAC (Casualty Evacuation), are highly maneuverable and can be used for extra firepower.
- Fixed wing, fast landing attack.
- Static line parachuting up to 1,000 feet
- Free-fall: (up to 15,000 ft), both HAHO (High Altitude - High Opening) and HALO (High Altitude - Low Opening). This insertion method offers tactical advantages because it provides a large action radius and flexibility.

Advanced Air Insertion Only for members of an air team: The members of an air team are rigorously trained in parachute navigation, precision landings and executing tactical jumps in addition to helicopter handling capacities.

- Very High Altitude free fall (VHA): approximately 25000 Ft. Requires an additional medical profile because the crew and the jumpers rely on special equipment to provide oxygen during the flight. This type of deployment, from thin air, has distinct tactical advantages. The high dropping altitude enables operators to infiltrate long distances very discreetly.

Amphibious capabilities

Basic amphibious capabilities for all operators, regardless of insertion specialty: During the Q course, all candidates are taught basic skills in surface water maneuvering. The exercises are designed, using tactical scenarios, to develop the SF candidates’ skills in using specialized equipment, procedures, and techniques. As an operational team member, these skills are further developed.

- River crossing: Crossing streams and/or rivers using only what is at-hand.
- Surface infiltration: Swimming over long distances using flippers, diving masks, snorkels and neoprene suits. Sensitive equipment can be taken along in watertight bags.
- Kayak: Light and collapsible kayaks for tactical infiltration over long distances.
- Semi-rigid rubber boats: Allow rapid movement over long distances and allow teams to navigate against tides.
- RHIB (Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boat): high-performance and high-capacity boats that allow very fast movement for anti-piracy, boarding, anti-drug operations and Maritime Interdiction Operations.

Advanced amphibious capabilities: Only for members of a Sea team: Sea teams are trained as combat divers and can be deployed as such. The 8-month diving course teaches diving techniques such as compressed air, non-autonomous, oxy and nitrox mix. Deployment of combat divers:

- Tactical diving using a re-breather. This technique allows a team to maneuver without being detected. For reconnaissance and sabotage missions.
- Divers can be deployed to support other teams by carrying out beach, harbour and close target reconnaissances, providing security as well as supporting boarding operations where amphibious activities are performed by non-sea team members.
- Underwater tasks (e.g. sabotage, demolition).

THE PRIMARY TASKS OF THE UNIT

Special operations are military activities conducted by specially designated, organized, selected, trained and equipped forces using unconventional techniques and modes of employment. These activities may be conducted across the full range of military activities to achieve the objective. Politico-military considerations may require discreet or covert techniques and the acceptance of a degree of political, military, or physical risk not associated with conventional operations.

Special Reconnaissance (SR)
SR is an activity conducted by SOF to support the collection of a commander's Priority Intelligence Requirements (PIR) by employing unique capabilities. These activities may vary widely, from traditional 'eyes on target' surveillance in high risk environments to other actions that may include, but are not limited to: human intelligence (HUMINT) collection, close target reconnaissance or the employment of ISR assets.

Direct Action (DA)
DA is a precise offensive operation conducted by SOF which is limited in scope and duration in order to seize, destroy, disrupt, capture, exploit, recover, or damage high value or high payoff targets. DA differs from conventional offensive actions in the level of risk, techniques employed and the degree of precision utilized to achieve a specific effect.

Military assistance (MA)
MA is a broad range of activities that support and influence critical friendly assets through training, advising, mentoring, or the conduct of combined operations. The range of MA is thus considerable, and includes, but is not limited to, capability building of friendly security forces, engagement with local, regional, and national leadership or organizations and civic actions supporting and influencing the local population. SOF conduct MA within their field of expertise.
« Last Edit: October 06, 2020, 12:37:55 PM by The Young Pope »

Offline The Young Pope

  • Global Superpower
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,346
    • View Profile
  • Your Nation: Republic of Québec
Re: Grand Duchy of Lionbourg
« Reply #6 on: September 25, 2020, 11:53:56 PM »
Prime Minister and Council of Government of Lionbourg

Hôtel de Bourgogne, 4, rue de la Congrégation, Lionbourg City: Official residence of the Prime Minister and meeting place of the Council of Government

The Prime Minister of Lionbourg is the head of the government of Lionbourg, and the most powerful person in Lionbourg politics. The political importance of the Grand Duke has decreased over time, whereas the position of Prime Minister has gradually become more important. Besides coordinating government policies, the Prime Minister is responsible for the proper execution of the coalition agreement. He or she also presides at meetings of the Council of Government and manages conflicts of competencies between the ministers. In addition, the Prime Minister represents the government coalition in public, both at home and abroad. It is the Prime Minister who maintains contact with the Grand Duke and presents the government policy statement in the Parliament. He or she can also ask Parliament for a vote of confidence, which can even lead to the government's resignation in the case of a constructive vote of no confidence. Unless the Prime Minister resigns because of a personal matter, the whole government resigns when he or she resigns. The Prime Minister also represents Lionbourg in the various international organisations, alongside the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The day after the national elections, the incumbent Prime Minister offers the resignation of his government to the Grand Duke. The Grand Duke then asks the resigning government to continue as a caretaker government until a new government is formed. The Grand Duke then consults a number of prominent politicians in order to ascertain the different possibilities of forming a government. He usually consults the President of the Chamber of Deputies, the most important political parties, and other people of political and socio-economic importance. After the consultations, the Grand Duke appoints an informateur who is in charge of collecting information from the different political parties about their demands for formation of a new government. After these consultations, the informateur reports to the Grand Duke so that the Grand Duke can find a suitable formateur, who is responsible for forming the government. Usually, it is the formateur of the national government who then becomes Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister is appointed by the Grand Duke, alongside the other ministers and secretaries of state of the national government. As the head of government, they are the first to be appointed. Per the Constitution, the Grand Duke's actions are only valid with the countersignature of a minister. For this reason, the outgoing Prime Minister countersigns the Act of Appointment of the new Prime Minister, and the new Prime Minister countersigns the Act of Resignation of the resigning Prime Minister. Although the Prime Minister is almost always the political leader of his party and a member of the Chamber of Deputies, he is required to give up his seat for the duration of his tenure, as Lionbourg ministers are not allowed to be members of parliament.

The Council of Government of Lionbourg consists of the Prime Minister and a number of ministers. It meets on a weekly basis to discuss bills to propose to the Chamber of Deputies. It is obliged to deliberate as a group on matters to be submitted to the Grand Duke. Its decisions are taken by a majority of votes. In case of an even split, the Prime Minister has the casting vote. All members of the government are responsible for every decision taken by the Council of Government which they agreed with. However, if a minister who makes their disagreement known in the minutes of a Council of Government meeting, they may be freed from their responsibility. Typically, a good deal of effort is put into reaching relative consensus on any decision.

List of Ministers
Céline Lentz (DP)Prime Minister, Minister of State
Minister for Communications and Media
Minister for Religious Affairs
Minister for Digitalisation
Minister for Administrative Reform
Thierry Rewenig (LSAP)Deputy Prime Minister
Minister of Sport
Minister of Labour, Employment and the Social and Solidarity Economy
Auguste Diederich (DG)Deputy Prime Minister
Minister of Defence
Minister for Mobility and Public Works
Henry Rabinger (LSAP)Minister of Foreign and Ardian Affairs
Minister of Immigration and Asylum
Georges Wolff (LSAP)Minister of Agriculture, Viticulture and Rural Development
Minister of Social Security
Jean-Pierre Reuter (DP)Minister of Finance
Daniel Kilburg (DP)Minister of Education, Children and Youth
Minister for Higher Education and Research
Catherine Scholtes (DP)Minister for Family Affairs and Integration
Minister for the Greater Region
Lina Trausch (DG)Minister for the Environment, Climate and Sustainable Development
Joseph Weiler (DP)Minister for the Civil Service
Minister for Relations with Parliament
Minister Delegate for Digitalisation
Minister Delegate for Administrative Reform 
Fernand Calmes (DG)Minister for Energy
Minister for Spatial Planning 
Josiane Majerus (LSAP)Minister for Consumer Protection
Minister of Health
Minister Delegate of Social Security 
Iréne Kahnt (DG)Minister for Culture
Minister of Justice
Gisèle Kieffer (LSAP)Minister for Home Affairs
Minister of Equality between Women and Men
Xavier Joris (DP)Minister for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
Minister for Tourism
Sylvain Meyers (DG)Minister for Housing
Minister for Internal Security
France Becker (LSAP)Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs
Minister of the Economy

Chamber of Deputies

Hôtel de la Chambre, Krautmaart, Lionbourg City (Meeting place)

The Chamber of Deputies (Lionbourgish: D'Chamber, French: Chambre des Députés, German: Abgeordnetenkammer, Italian: Camera dei Deputati), abbreviated to the Chamber, is the unicameral national legislature of Lionbourg. Krautmaart (French: Marché aux herbes, English: "Herb Market") is sometimes used as a metonym for the Chamber, after the square on which the Hôtel de la Chambre (Lionbourgish: Chambergebai, English: "Hall of the Chamber of Deputies") is located.

The Chamber is made up of 145 seats. Deputies are elected to serve five-year terms by proportional representation in multi-seat constituencies. Voters may vote for as many candidates as the constituency elects deputies. All laws must be passed by the Chamber. Each bill must be submitted to two votes in the Chamber, with an interval of at least three months between the votes, for it to become law. Laws are passed by absolute majority, provided that a quorum of half of the deputies is present.

A deputy can only enter into office after having taken the oath of office, in all of the four official languages in Lionbourg: Lionbourgish, French, German and Italian. The oath of office is as follows: "I swear to observe the Constitution". (Lionbourgish: Ech schwieren d'Verfassung ze beobachten, French: Je jure d'observer la Constitution, German: Ich schwöre, die Verfassung zu befolgen, Italian: Giuro di osservare la Costituzione)



Type: Unicameral
Founded: 1815
President: Alphonse Sax (DP)

POLITICAL PARTIES

Christian Social People's Party (Opposition)

Leader: Alexandre Weiler
Founded: 1944
Headquarters: 4 rue de l'Eau Lionbourg City
Youth wing: Christian Social Youth
Political Position: Centre to Centre-right
Ideology: Christian democracy, Conservatism, Pro-Internationalism, Liberal conservatism
Seats in the Chamber: 49/145

Democratic Party (Government)

Leader: PM Céline Lentz
Founded: 1955
Headquarters:   9 rue du St. Esprit, L-1475 Lionbourg City
Newspaper: Léiwebuerger Journal
Youth wing: Democratic and Liberal Youth
Political Position: Centre to Centre-right
Ideology: Liberalism, Conservative liberalism, Social liberalism, Pro-Internationalism
Seats in the Chamber: 29/145

Lionbourg Socialist Workers' Party (Government)

Leader: Thierry Rewenig
Founded: 1902
Headquarters:   68 rue de Gasperich Lionbourg City
Youth wing: Lionbourg Socialist Youth
Political Position: Centre-left
Ideology: Social democracy, Progressivism, Pro-Internationalism
Seats in the Chamber: 24/145

The Greens (Government)

Leader: Auguste Diederich & Lina Trausch
Founded: 1983
Headquarters:   3 rue du Fossé L-1536 Lionbourg City
Youth wing: Young Greens
Political Position: Centre-left
Ideology: Green Politics, Pro-Internationalism
Seats in the Chamber: 21/145

Alternative Democratic Reform Party (Opposition)

Leader: Ralph Schneider
Founded: 1987
Headquarters:   22 rue de l'eau L-1449 Lionbourg City
Youth wing: ADRenalin
Political Position: Right-wing to Far-right
Ideology: Conservatism, Right-wing populism, National conservatism, Economic liberalism, Soft Internationaloscepticism
Seats in the Chamber: 12/145

Pirate Party Lionbourg (Opposition)

Leader: Gaston Thyes & Frédérique Molitor
Founded: 2009
Headquarters:   1a rue de Lionbourg L-8184 Kopstal (Koplescht)
Youth wing: ADRenalin
Political Position: Syncretism
Ideology: Pirate politics, Direct democracy, Copyright reform, Government transparency
Seats in the Chamber: 5/145

The Left (Opposition)

Leader: Collective leadership (National Coordination)
Founded: 1999
Headquarters:   5 rue Aldringen Lionbourg City
Youth wing: Young Left
Political Position: Left-wing
Ideology: Democratic Socialism, Soft Internationaloscepticism
Seats in the Chamber: 5/145

Council of State

Hôtel du Conseil d'État 5, rue Sigefroi L-2536, Lionbourg City (Meeting place)

The Council of State (Lionbourgish: Staatsrot, French: Conseil d'État, German: Staatsrat, Italian: Consiglio di Stato) is an institution in Lionbourg that advises the national legislature, the Chamber of Deputies. Until 1 January 1997, it was also the country's supreme administrative court, but this function was ceded to the newly created Administrative Tribunal and Administrative Court.

The Council of State is composed of twenty-one councillors, who are appointed by the Grand Duke. Of these, at least eleven must hold doctorates in law. Neither number applies to members of the Grand Ducal Family, who may be appointed as additional members of the Council. Membership is restricted to Lionbourgian nationals, who are resident in the Grand Duchy, are in possession of their full civil and political rights, and are at least 30 years old. The final restriction does not apply to the heir to the Grand Duchy, who may be appointed as soon as he or she is granted that title.
« Last Edit: October 05, 2020, 05:46:31 PM by The Young Pope »

Offline The Young Pope

  • Global Superpower
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,346
    • View Profile
  • Your Nation: Republic of Québec
Re: Grand Duchy of Lionbourg
« Reply #7 on: September 26, 2020, 10:27:50 AM »
e-Lionbourg

e-Lionbourg refers to a movement by the government of Lionbourg to facilitate citizen interactions with the state through the use of electronic solutions. E-services created under this initiative include i-Voting, e-Tax Board, e-Business, e-Banking, e-Ticket, e-School, University via internet, the e-Governance Academy, as well as the release of several mobile applications.

e-Residency
Lionbourg became one of the first countries to offer electronic residency to people from outside the country, a step that the Lionbourg government terms as "moving towards the idea of a country without borders." Under this program, non-residents can apply to have a smart ID card issued to them by the state, providing the same access to Lionbourg's various electronic services that a physical resident would be given. Use of the card for authentication with these services requires a four digit pin code. The card, in conjunction with a separate pin code, also allows e-residents to digitally sign documents over the internet.

While e-residency provides access to these services, it does not grant physical residency, the right to enter the country, or the ability to use the smart ID card as physical identification or as a travel document.

Technology
The data for e-Lionbourg is not stored centrally, but instead uses a data platform run by the government called X-Road to link information from local hosts. The system is backed up on servers in NAN, which is governed with the same protections afforded for a diplomatic mission. The system is designed to allow the government of Lionbourg to function even in the event of an foreign invasion.

Individuals are able to access all e-Lionbourg data about themselves, and all queries to the system are logged.

Functions
Lionbourg paramedics have access to an e-ambulance app, which - via X-Road - allows medical personnel immediate access to patient medical records. The system is also used for telemedicine.

e-Lionbourg enabled electronic voting via the i-voting app, which used an I.D.-card-based system to cast ballots remotely. In 2014, approximately one-third of all votes were cast using the app.

The project aims to provide personal genetic information service sponsored by the state. It aims to minimise and prevent future ailments for those whose genes make them extra prone to conditions like adult-onset diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The government plans to provide lifestyle advice based on the DNA for 200,000 of its 2.5 million citizens.

Offline The Young Pope

  • Global Superpower
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,346
    • View Profile
  • Your Nation: Republic of Québec
Re: Grand Duchy of Lionbourg
« Reply #8 on: October 05, 2020, 07:36:40 PM »
Lionbourg Cuisine

Lionbourg's cuisine reflects the country's position between the Latin and Germanic countries, influenced by the cuisines of neighbouring A.S.A and New Derusmia. Recently, it has been influenced by the country's many Armenian immigrants. Most traditional, everyday Lionbourg dishes are of peasant origin. Despite that, Lionbourg food is synonymous with conviviality, the dishes are substantial and served in generous portions and it has one of the richest national kitchens in Ardia.

Lionbourg has many delicacies. In addition to French-style pâtisseries, cake and fruit pies, lots of local pastries include the Bretzel, a Lent speciality; Quetscheflued, a zwetschge tart; verwurelt Gedanken or Verwurelter, small sugar-coated doughnuts; Äppelklatzen, apples en croûte; Kougelhopf, yeast based cake with raisins; German-style cheesecake (called fromage blanc tart); Mont-Blanc; Knödel, bread balls with various ingredients such as apricot, plum or chestnut; Strudel, layered pastry; Kaiserschmarrn, fluffy pancake with raisin and sugar; and Streusel, crumb cake. The festivities of the year's end involve the production of a great variety of biscuits and small cakes called bredala, as well as pain d'épices (gingerbread) which are baked around Christmas time and manala (a brioche in the shape of a little guy) which are traditionally baked for Saint Nicholas Day (on the 6th of December). Lionbourg's cheese specialties include Kachkéis or Cancoillotte, a soft cheese spread.

Fish from the local rivers such as trout, pike, and crayfish are the basis for dishes such as F'rell am Rèisleck (trout in Riesling sauce), Hiecht mat Kraiderzooss (pike in green sauce) and Kriibsen (crayfish), usually prepared in a Riesling sauce. Another favourite is Fritür or Friture de la Sansretour, small fried fish from the River Sansretour, accompanied by a local white wine.

Meat dishes include cold Éisleker Ham, from the mountainous north of the country, first marinated for a couple of weeks and then smoked for several days, as well as Speck (dry-cured, lightly smoked ham). It is usually served thinly sliced with chipped potatoes and salad. One of the most traditional of all Lionbourg meat dishes is Judd mat Gaardebounen, smoked collar of pork with broad beans. The pork is soaked overnight, then boiled with vegetables and spices. Served in copious slices together with the beans and boiled potatoes, it is considered to be a national dish of Lionbourg. Another gastronomic symbol of the country is undoubtedly the Choucroute, a local variety of Sauerkraut. To make it, the cabbage is finely shredded, layered with salt and juniper and left to ferment in wooden barrels. Sauerkraut can be served with poultry, pork, sausage or even fish. Traditionally it is served with pork, Rosenbourg sausage or frankfurters, bacon, smoked pork or smoked Morteau or Montbéliard sausages or a selection of pork products. Served alongside are often steamed potatoes.

A most famous dish is the Baeckeoffe, made from potatoes, vegetables, as well as three different meat (pork, lamb and beef). Everything is cooked together in the oven in a terrine with white wine and herbs during several hours. Hong am Rèisleck/Coq au Riesling, consists of browned chicken pieces simmered in white wine with vegetables, spices and mushrooms. Huesenziwwi or Civet de lièvre is a jugged hare dish served during the hunting season. Herrengröstl consists of potatoes, beef, onions and speck. Fleischschnacka is made from cooked meat stuffing (usually the remainders of pot-au-feu), eggs, onions, parsley, salt, pepper rolled in a fresh egg pasta. Cordon bleu is a dish of meat wrapped around cheese (or with cheese filling), then breaded and pan-fried or deep-fried.

Other dishes include liver dumplings (quenelle) with sauerkraut and boiled potatoes, Träipen (black pudding) with apple sauce, Bauerntoast (toasted local rye-bread stuffed with speck and cheese), sausages with mashed potatoes, sauerkraut and horseradish, green bean soup (Bouneschlupp), Schlutzkrapfen (a kind of dumpling with spinach or other ingredients), Spätzle (a kind of spinach dumpling), Flammekueche (thin crusted pizza with a mixture of crème fraîche and fromage blanc, bacon strips and onions); Vol-au-vent (small hollow case of puff pastry with various fillings); Gromperekichelcher (spiced potato pancake with chopped onions and parsley, then deep-fried); Gulaschsuppe (meat and vegetable soup usually seasoned with paprika and other spices); and Pizza. Lionbourg is also well known for its foie gras made since the 17th century.


Judd mat Gaardebounen served with boiled potatoes and Diekirch beer/Bouneschlupp is considered to be a Lionbourgish national dish


Träipen, sometimes treipen, is the Lionbourg variant of black pudding/Quetschentaart, a Lionbourg specialty


Cervelas à l'lionbourgois (Lionbourger cervalas)/Tarte flambée lionbourgois (Flammekueche)


Fleischschnacka/Gendarme ("Policeman"), also known as Landjäger, a traditional smoked sausage made with beef and pork sold at a Christmas market


Plate of Speck/Specknödel soup