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Re: Juglander Review
« Reply #180 on: October 21, 2022, 09:25:18 PM »

Juglander Review

Mktvartvelo: Supreme Court gives final ruling on same-sex marriage legal challenge




Mktvartvelo's Supreme Court has issued a new ruling, in which the court has assessed the constitutionality of the Fairness and Equality Act, passed by the National Assembly a few months ago. The ruling, which is legally a binding assessment which can not be appealed, has reviewed negatively a number of articles and clauses of the legislation, including the most well-known consequence of the law, as it is the legalization of same-sex marriage nationwide in the Unitary State of Mktvartvelo.

In their ruling, the Supreme Court's justices have rewritten 6 articles, suspended 2 and dictated the interpretation for 17 more, mostly those dealing with same-sex couples, positive discrimation and other policies aimed to improve inclusiveness and equality of opportunities, and disability and minorities protections.

The ruling was passed by a 10-4 majority, and it has highly critical not just with some of the articles and clauses but with the preamble, language, and reasoning of important sections of the act. "The legislators seem to have confused the purpose of the powers, rights, and duties granted to them and the institution they represent, and lose themselves in abstract and ideological justifications as if they were forced to find or discover new sources of legitimacy", argued the final ruling. "On the contrary, the own legislators seem to concede their own weakness", it continued in one of the most critical passages of the ruling, "when they try to move through loopholes even if they will later will return to perform as if they were legislators of a constituent assembly and not moving in a proper instutional framework".

The ruling judged that the legislation violated the Charter of Khisjvari in particular the article establishing that the state authorities shall take the religious beliefs of the Mktvartvelo's society into account and shall consequently maintain proper cooperation with the religious authorities. "This, of course, does not mean that religious authorities and their institutional representatives were granted a right of veto over the parliament and other state institutions", the ruling argued, "but the lawmakers went a stop beyond by ignoring altogether both the secular and religious jurisprudence as well as the official doctrine of the religious authorities which oversee the institutional, social, and personal framework of a clear majority of the society toward authorities, including executive, legislative and judiciary powers, have the duty to protect and serve".

"It is not between the rights and duties of the legislative power to discuss and establish the true nature of legal and social institution as marriage", the ruling later continues, "as that nature and purpose is well established through jurisprudence, tradition, custom, social life, and through the free choice and social relations of citizens every day". As a consequence, the Supreme Court definitively suspends and nullifies male same-sex marriage as a violation of the Charter of Khisjvari and the sources of Mktvartvelo's judiciary system, even in the form of non-religious civil marriage.  "It would be nothing but a legal and institutional dereliction to ignore that it is not between the rights [of the National Assembly] to determine the purpose of marriage, as this purpose is already well established".

In opposition to the final ruling, a dissenting opinion was issued, which have the support of three justices, arguing against the final ruling. "While the majority feels compelled to remind us the duties and limits of the power and responsibility that the Charter granted to the legislature -an assessment and principle that this opinion can only concurs-, it dares to enter toward a hermeneutical reasoning that it established the legal framework and duties to the judiciary, including the same institution that it created and which we have the privilege to serve, even to the head of state himself, who was himself the origin and source of the Charter itself".

The ruling has received rather mixed reactions, as neither suspended the legislation as a whole, as called the appeal to the court by legislators from the opposition that caused the ruling, nor affect the de facto establishment of female same-sex marriage in Mktvartvelo as consequence of the final assessment of the court, which has been ambiguously been received by pro-LGBT organizations. On the other hand, a government spokesperson has declared that "while disappointed...we respect and accept the final assessment of the [Supreme] Court".



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Re: Juglander Review
« Reply #181 on: October 22, 2022, 11:46:12 AM »

Juglander Review

Tour of Ardia: MKT-ZSD Asketyll Omdahl finishes sixth



Asketyll finished second in the Tour of Ardia last stage, a 17.4 individual time trial, thirty-four seconds behind the stage winner, Daitojin Naozumi Iga. He did not seem to pay the efforts of the previous day, when he won the last mountain stage after a far attack and leaving behind the riders from the breakaway. Omdahl showed that his improvements in other terrains have not affected his performance against the clock, not exactly a surprise given that Omdahl won the Jugland Individual Time-Trial Championship in 2020, at the age of 23.

His performance not only helped him to easily keep the sixth position in the general classification but he was close to climb to the fifth place, as he finished only eighteen seconds behind Djabidani Amechi Toplis, who lost more than minute to Omdahl, finishing almost two minutes behind the stage winner. Unexpectedly, it was not the only and main intrigue of the day, as Vadim Viktorov lost fifty seconds to Achkerinese Timothy Coulter, winning the Samantran rider the Tour of Ardia with a difference of fifty-nine seconds, the lowest difference between champion and runner-up since 2017.

Omdahl, who besides winning one stage and finishing for first time in the top ten in the Tour of Ardia also finished second in the Youth classification, is expected to have a well deserved rest and he will not travel with the rest of his team to Marseilles, rather finishing the season in the Tour of Maru.

After a season that the Juglander rider won one-day races such as Tour of Mdinare and Lacuna Classic, as well as finishing third in the Mundus Games Road Race, he also showed that he is able to have consistency in stage races, even more as he started this Tour of Ardia with the main role to assist Tariel Kapiani in the general classification.

This situation has led to new rumours about a possible depart from the Mktvartvelian team, MKT-ZSD. However, Omdahl seemed to not be concerned about those rumours. "I have another year of contract", he declared, "and I am happy what we have done and experienced this season, my best season in fact, since I am a professional. I hope to continue this path the rest of the season and, of course, the next season".




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Re: Juglander Review
« Reply #182 on: November 25, 2022, 11:35:34 PM »

Juglander Review

Mktvartvelo: Union calls for national strike in support of political reforms



The All-Mktvartvelian Labour Union (SMSK), one of the two largest unions in Mktvartvelo, have approved the call for a nationwide strike, a proposal backed by their General Secretary Merab Dekanozishvili but it was only officially approved in their last national conference, held earlier this week. A late intervention by Otar Basalaiashvili, a veteran union leader, helped to gain the support of some critics of the initiative in the union organization.

The national conference agreed a two-page manifesto in which they argue the reasons and aims of the announced two-day national strike: a reform in the collective bargaining system as well as approval of "civil rights legistation", as the manifesto described, particularly electoral and campaigning reform, legislation which was introduced by Bidzina Samkharadze's government and passed in the National Assembly but failed to get passed in the Council of State. While the national government has insisted in their hopes that new negotiations will be able to advance the aimed reforms, at least to some extent, so far those negotiations have been fruitless.

The announcement came as a surprise as political strikes are not legal in the Unitary State of Mktvartvelo. The last nationwide strike was actually held almost a century ago, in 1929, and even labour strikes required an established and relatively long administrative process. However, some have commented that the decision, if it were kept, it would put the national government in a rather uncomfortably position, forced to either suppress or contain those calling for reforms that the own government promoted and attempted to pass.

"Any political or social organization should be aware that social responsibility and respect to the law should be basic principles in their conduct...It should not be required to remind that no one is about the law, including the government", a government spokesperson declared". A liberal-leaning MP even described the proposal as a "political provocation".

The other large union in the country, the Confederation of Workers and Independent Professionals, or MDPK, have expressed that they do not plan to support the general strike and they will abstain to support any political mobilization.



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Re: Juglander Review
« Reply #183 on: November 27, 2022, 09:34:59 AM »

Juglander Review

First same-sex marriages held in Mktvartvelo



A couple from Sachkhumi, became the first same-sex wedding officiated under the Order of Simartlea in the Unitary State of Mktvartvelo. While the details about the wedding remain private, it was described as a traditional ceremony according to an acquaintance of the couple. The first same-sex marriage was between two woman in Azavrelia, in a civil marriage, officiated two weeks earlier.

Same-sex marriage became a reality after the National Assembly passed the Fairness and Equality Act a few months ago. However, Mktvartvelo's Supreme Court that same-sex marriage was not constitutionally available, even in the form of civil marriages, for male same-sex couples.

The decision, which was regarded as highly controversial, has divided both the general population and the LGBT community in Mktvartvelo, between those who see it as a first step toward the right decision or a violation of the principle of equality for all.

"We're saddened by the ruling and we will continue to fight until marriage is a right for everyone, independently of their religion or gender", Temur Keburia, a veteran LGBT activist declared. "The fight toward both equality and freedom for everyone and toward to a truly secular state will be more inseparable than ever". While a minority in the community has called to reject to get married before full gender equality in the issue is achieved, as an act of protest, many female couples are preparing to officialize their couples in either civil or religious ceremonies.

Support for same-sex marriage has risen to a 52% according to a recent poll. On the other hand, opposition for same-sex marriage has been decreased from 39% to 14%, while those agreeing with the Supreme Court decision registered a 31%.

Despite this, many in the LGBT community, despite the first same-sex marriages being officiated, there will be still a long way before the community could break the barriers of discrimination they still face in the country. As a large majority of marriages in Mktvartvelo, particularly those who belong to the Order of Simartlea, are arranged marriages, not every family is likely to embrace the new legislation, forcing young women to break with their families in many cases.



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Re: Juglander Review
« Reply #184 on: December 01, 2022, 10:37:03 PM »

Juglander Review

Martvilisi club wins women's football league in Mktvartvelo



FC Martvilisi became the first champions of Mktvartvelo's women's football league, also known as KMPPL or KLIGA 1, after defeating FC Tsagedia by 2-3.

Defensive midfielder Natela Sotkivala became the unexpected hero of the day, after she scored one goal and two assistances against the modest club from Tsagedia.

With only one match day to the end of the season, FC Martvilisi proclaimed themselves champions as their lead increased to five points before the final week, after their main rivals, favourite Olimpi Azavrelia drew 0-0 in their derby match against FC Azavrelia.

Olimpi Azavrelia was the main favourite to conquest the title, as they had won the Mktvartvelo's Super Cup (recently renamed as Brzdmtsveli Cup) 12 times between 1989 and 2021, more than any other women's football club. Next weekend, the club from Azavrelia would have still a chance to win a title this season, as they will precisely play the Brzdmtsveli Cup final against FC Khashumi.

Although the title was decided, it is expected to be a quite tense match day, as four clubs will fight to avoid the other place that leads to relegation to second division, along FC Jvarisi, who lost yesterday against Orbi Baghdatsqaro by 1-0.





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Re: Juglander Review
« Reply #185 on: December 03, 2022, 12:23:30 PM »

Juglander Review

Supreme Court judge announces retirement


Justice Otar Komashvili, who joined the Mktvartvelo's Supreme Court in 2014, has announced his retirement due to health reasons.

Komashvili, 69, was due to retirement in late 2023. However, in a written statement, he has lamented that he has decided to resign for the well-being of the institution he declares "I am proud to serve and dedicate the best of my experience and knowledge". In the last five years, he had also served as Chairman of the Second Senate of the Supreme Court. Komashvili has also rumoured to have been a member of the controversial Mktvartvelian Brotherhood, a fact he has neither confirmed nor denied.

Komashvili was considered a conservative-leaning faction in the Supreme Court, and he endorsed the review which argued against important provision on the anti-discrimination and same-sex marriage legislation which finally saw important articles either suspended and rewritten, more importantly restricting same-sex marriage in Mktvartvelo to female couples. As Komashvili is one of the two justices directly nominated and appointed by the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers, it is expected that a more liberal-leaning justice may be appointed. However, it is not expected this would have an important impact in the court, which would still have a clear majority of conservative-leaning and moderate-leaning members.



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Re: Juglander Review
« Reply #186 on: December 04, 2022, 09:22:55 PM »

Juglander Review

Olimpi Azavrelia wins 2022 Brzdmtsveli Cup



Olimpi Azavrelia defeated FC Kashumi 2-1 to win the Brzdmtsveli Cup. The celebrations were preceded by a evenly-matched and tense match as the club from Azavrelia faced more opposition than expected from FC Kashumi, currently 7th in the Mktvartvelo's national league. The final was held in Ktsatskuri National Stadium.

Eter Guramashvili had scored the first goal for Olimpi Azavrelia in the first minutes in the match. Olimpi Azavrelia had control of the ball and many chances to score more goals during the first half. However, a rebound after a corner kick allowed FC Kashumi to equalize the score.

It was not until minute 79, when Juglander defender Ayami Shimura assisted Guramashvili to score the final goal which gave the title to Olimpi Azavrelia. The Mktvartvelian scored was also granted the MVP of the match.

After today final, Olimpi Azavrelia inscreases their lead in the history of the cup, the oldest in women's football in Mktvartvelo, as it was their 13th title, the first since the cup was renamed as Brzdmtsveli Cup.

It was also the first time that the winners were granted with a monetary prize, which was established close to $120,000. It is expected that the players will offer the title to their fans in the final league match next week, when Olimpi Azavrelia faces Orbi Baghdatsqaro.




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Re: Juglander Review
« Reply #187 on: December 06, 2022, 12:07:47 PM »
Juglander Review

Mezgvauri Azavrelia conquests Mktvartvelo's men's football league



Mezgvauri Azavrelia proclaimed the first champions of the MPPL, Mktvartvelo's football league. The club from Azavrelia were the favourite to win the first league title in men's football, as they only needed to draw at home against FC Locomotive Lagotsminda, a small club fighting to avoid relegation, having Mezgvauri Azavrelia a favourable goal average and goal difference against the closest rivals, FC Ketilshobili, who were two points behind before the start of the final match day.

However, Mazgvauri Azavrelia, while facing no obstacles to control the match, faced more problems than expected against Locomotive Lagotsminda overcrowded defense. Meanwhile, FC Ketilshobili had no problems to put pressure on their Azavrelia rivals, as they were able to score soon in their final match against FC Ninodekhi, which ended with a 3-0 win for the home team.

Both fear and tension could be felt in Mezgvauri Azavrelia stadium when FC Locomotive Lagotsminda striker's shot hit the goalpost at minute 81. The goal would have given the title to FC Ketilshobili as well as saving the club from Lagotsminda from relegation. Minutes before, Mezgvauri Azavrelia's captain Eldar Akhvlediani had missed the chance of scoring a penalty kick.

However, both teams failed to score, and the match ended with a goalless match. Joy and celebration erupted from both the local team on the field and the fans in the stadium. On the other hand, while a draw away against the powerful club from Azavrelia would have been a great result, the players from Locomotive Lagotsminda were devastated, as this result left them last in the classification and relegated to the second division. A win would had been enough for the club from Lagotsminda, as both their rivals FC Abakha and FC Sachkhumi had lost their matches that evening. However, as disappointing their first season may have been, it is expected that they will return soon to the elite with such a spirit they showed on the field.

Pos   Club                       Points    W    D    L     Goals for  Goals against   
1Mezgvauri Azavrelia6920956922
2 FC Ketilshobili6921676331
3Saburtalo Martvilisi 6720774723
4Merani Khashumi 6419785129
5FC Azavrelia57176114536
6Tsiteli Raindi Abakha55167113026
7FC Dedoplisaghi461113103633
8Mglebi Jvarumi441111123736
9Olimpi Azavrelia441111123740
10FC Tsnumi41125172432
11Merani Baghdatsqaro411011132743
12Mamatsi Zugdilisi401010142833
13FC Ktsatskuri38814122339
14FC Duruji Tsakha36812143146
15FC Ninodekhi3396192236
16FC Sachkhumi32711162947
17FC Abakha3187193349
18FC Locomotive Lagotsminda                   3079181445


Along FC Locomotive Lagotsminda, FC Abakha was relegated to Mktvartvelo's Second Division, while FC Sachkhumi will face an extra playoff to avoid relegation.

Mezgvauri Azavrelia will have next week a chance to win a second title this season, as they will face FC Azavrelia in the Sakhelmtsi Cup.






« Last Edit: December 06, 2022, 12:34:58 PM by paralipomena »

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Re: Juglander Review
« Reply #188 on: December 11, 2022, 06:22:11 PM »
Juglander Review

Mezgvauri Azavrelia wins Mktvartvelo's men's football cup



Mezgvauri Azavrelia defeated Azavrelia FC 3-2 to win the Sakhelmtsi Cup, the most important annual knockout competition in Mktvartvelo in men's football, winning what some has described as "the first double", as last week Mezgvauri Azavrelia won the men's league as well.

Mezgvauri Azavrelia took the lead early, although Azavrelia was able to overcome the results with goals before and immediately after the half time. However, Azavrelia FC resistance was finally defeated between minutes 59 and 66, when Kvalheim and Melkadze scored for Mezgvauri Azavrelia, unleashing the joy of the fans. Mezgvauri Azavrelia team had many chances to score another goal to increase their lead but it was unable to so. Azavrelia FC had their chance in the final minutes, when they sieged their rival goal with constant long passes, but Mezgvauri defenders were able to keep their rivals at bay to win the title.

The final, which was held in Ktsatskuri, was a tense match but both teams showed sportmanship at the end of the match, with Azavrelia FC players congratulating, even if disappointed, their rivals. However, riot police was required to intervene in the surroundings of the stadium, as fans from both teams crashed, resulting in minor property damages.



Jugland: Local elections offer a changing political landscape

Local elections in Jugland, which elected mayors and council representatives in Jugland's 18 regional districts, have left a feeling of uncertainty about the political landscape of the Coft Aranye territory, six months before the 2023 legislative and governorate election.

It is expected that only 5 of 18 incumbent mayors will be reelected, the lowest number since 2010. The election results supposed a serious blow for the Constitutional Party, the leading political party in Jugland since its formation in 2002, as only two of six Constitutional Party incumbent mayors were reelected, their lowest number ever, as the moderate party struggled to remain as the fourth most voted political party nationwide.

The Progressive Liberal Party was the most voted political party, and their candidates obtained important victories in Fjellstadt, Mjodde, and Midtenstadt, as well as becoming for first time the political party with most local representatives in a local election. However, the result was slightly disappointing for them, as their share of the vote was quite lower than polls had suggested.

The National Democratic Party was the second most voted political party, although their poor result both outside Albrektberg metropolitan area and in non-majority Csletian districts left them with only 2-3 mayor candidates elected. In contrast, the Green Party obtained their best result in a local election, finishing close to the Constitutional Party but, more importantly, likely obtaining three mayors.

The Reiwa Party, which was close to surpass for first time the Constitutional Party had a bitter result, although the surge of the Betse coalition, a political platform created only four months ago from former Reiwa members left them with a likely loss of three mayors, from 4 to 1. Meanwhile, the separatist Freedom Party, while doubling their votes, lost their only mayor in Midtenstadt, after their incumbent mayor lost against a Progressive Liberal Party candidate.












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Re: Juglander Review
« Reply #189 on: December 25, 2022, 11:38:25 AM »

Juglander Review

Defector Reiwa party candidate elected in Nishikaigan



Nishikaigan council confirmed one of the surprises of the recent local elections in Jugland, as they elected Shimura Akane as mayor, who had defeated expectations being the largest voted candidate in Nishikaigan district, over her rivals from the Progressive Liberal Party and the Freedom Party. Nishikaigan is one of the twelve Albrektberg metropolitan districts, with about 220,000 inhabitants in the last census.

Shimura, 54, had obtained a 29% of the vote. Under Juglander law, a mayor candidate needs to obtain at least a 35% of the vote to be directly elected, leaving the decision to the local council if that threshold is not achieved. However, Shimura achieved to become mayor of Nishikaigan due to the support of representatives from Freedom Party, a libertarian and separatist political party.

Shimura was previously a leading member of the Reiwa Party, serving as local representative, the Legislative Assembly (twice, from 2008 to 2010, and again from 2014 to 2022) as even as Juglander representative in Mktvartvelo's National Assembly from 2010 to 2013. She was long rumoured to be a governorate or even aspiring deputy leader of the Reiwa Party. However, earlier this year, she announced her resignation from the Reiwa party, mentioning "important policy and pragmatic differences" with the party leadership.

She was candidate for the Betse ("Alternative") Coalition, an organization launched only a few months ago, which candidates were all independent candidates belonging to the Yamato-minority as Shimura, who was considered the de facto leader of the coalition, and the only candidate who was the most voted candidate in a district (with former mayor Asamura Ryutaro who was second in Fukugen district). The platform of the new coalition included both center-right and center-left positions, with support for "true right of self-determination" for the Gulf of Safraen territory, but mostly focused on local issues. However, after their positive results this election, many expect that the Betse coalition will attempt to repeat this success in the next year election.




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Re: Juglander Review
« Reply #190 on: December 29, 2022, 10:36:05 PM »

Juglander Review

Workers stage controversial general strike in Mktvartvelo



Schools and transport were disrupted as workers and union activists participated in a two-day general strike called by the All-Mktvartvelian Labour Union (SMSK), the second largest union organization in the Unitary State of Mktvartvelo.

The unprecedented general strike was not legally sanctioned, which has put the national government in a complicated situation. The organizers of the general strike issued a twelve-point manifesto in which called to implement several pending civil and political reforms that the new national government has promoted or tried to pass in the parliament, including electoral and campaign reforms. The national government seemed to avoid a nationwide strategy against the strike. In some towns, police tried to avoid any disruption in transport and business, with hundreds of arrest through the country. However, in other cities, police simply identified activists, particularly as they attempted to close business or blocked streets and squares, aiming to bring them to court but without interferring in the mobilization or appear in disrupted companies by the strike. Opposition lawmakers have strongly criticized this mode of action in cities like Azavrelia, Martvilisi, or Lagotsminda, accusing the government of failing to act and committing a breach of trust in favour of the organizers of the strike, which government spokespeople have strongly denied as well.

The organized also called for legal changes on the collective bargaining agreements, judiciary reform, as well as, maybe not without some irony, to constitutionally grant the unconditional right to strike. Through demonstration and rallies organized through the country, protestors and activists also called for higher wages and more investment in education and healthcare. The organizers have called the first day of strike as a "strong success" but expect a higher turnout tomorrow. The national government has disagreed with such appraisal, declaring that they were minor disruptions in the national economy outside the transportation and education sectors, arguing that electric consumption nationwide barely experienced a minor decrease. The government also warned about serious legal consequences against all those involved in breaking the law, although it seems the government strategy is to leave to the courts that decision, which would be predictably ruled by local and regional courts, despite rumours that police had the authority to arrest organizers once the mobilization had started.

The Confederation of Workers and Independent Professionals (MDPK), largest union in Mktvartvelo, did not participate in the general strike and even officially advised their members to not join them, considering it a violation of the labour code. However, the MDPK leadership finally decided against to take any disciplinary action against members who joined the mobilization or participated in the strike. It has been widely reported that many MDPK members joined the demonstratiosn in many cities and even decided not to attend to their jobs. However, the MDPK leadership earlier assessed that most of their members did not really joined the strike, judging the general turnout in key industrial sectors.

A small demonstration was called in Albrektberg, which was attended by local unions and political organizations, in which SMSK representatives addressed attendants about their demands. The demonstration ended without incidents.





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Re: Juglander Review
« Reply #191 on: December 31, 2022, 07:53:41 PM »

Juglander Review

Sports: Seo Hye-mi joins Jugland's Kommuna Ladies



Djabidjani rider Seo Hye-mi has announced that she will join Jugland-based Kommuna Ladies cycling team next season, which had been rumoured for weeks.

The young sprinter was one of the main surprises in the Mundus women's cycling peloton last season. While she had not significant results outside her home country before 2021, she ended in the top ten in three Mundus Cycling Cup races in 2022 and, more importantly, winning two stages as well as the points classification in the Tour of Ardia.

The rider will sign for Kommuna Ladies for a three-year contract, as she confirmed in a statement in social media.

"These years at DEK Yeoseong-Fanm have been wonderful and they have helped me to grow both as a rider and a person", Seo Hye-mi wrote. "However, I have decided that it was time to a new challenge. While I'm leaving many friends behind, whom I am so grateful, I am at the same time extremely happy to join a hugely prestigious team. It is a honour that they put their trust in me, and I am eager to get to know my teammates to fight for every race we'll be in during the new season. I will do my best so the team can continue with their successful path while I desire the best for all those who were my teammates and friends in these last happy years".

Kommuna Ladies confirmed the announcement and it is expected that she will join the team in their first training camp next week. While it has not been confirmed when the new rider will make her debut with her new team, it is expected that she will focus on the Mundus Cycling Cup events.



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Re: Juglander Review
« Reply #192 on: January 25, 2023, 12:52:09 AM »

Juglander Review

Social justice protests expand in Mktvartvelo



A wave of protests have expanded to at least fifteen large cities in Mktvartvelo. The movement, known as "Tsvlileba Tsvlilebistvis" (literally meaning "Change For a Change"), has gained the support of thousands of supporter, particularly being active in universities around the country. While the movement originally gathered on demanding electoral reform and higher investment in education, the protests soon started to focus on other relates issues such as costs of living, education reform, social housing, secularism, and even demands relating to the social and power structure in the Unitary State of Mktvartvelo.

The movement was started over a month ago by Tsisana, a young student from Azavrelia, who after participating in the two-day general strike called by the union SMSK, decided to camp in one central square in Azavrelia. She slept for several days in her tent, in which she hung a small banner with several demands or proposals. Such unusual act of protests, which at first only gathered a few friends and curious passersby, gained attention when three days later she started a hunger strike which was covered by the local media. In the coming days, other protesters, mostly young people, joined Tsisana with their own tents. They organized a public assembly in which they agreed in a list of demands which was posted online. A similar protests was imitated in other cities, including Ktsatskuri, but it was only a month ago when the movement started to gather widespread attention, after a large demonstration was organized in Azavrelia which gathered thousands of people. Last week, the movement launched a nationwide "protest day" which, according the organizators, gathered more than 4 million people nationwide.

While there have been other political and social protest movements in Mktvartvelo in recent decades, this new movement has gathered people from different social, economic, and even religious backgrounds which has happened much more rarely in the country. Although the movement was received coldly by most of written media, the protesters were able to spread their message through television and social media.

The protests seem to have increasingly put Bidzina Samkharadze's government in a complicated position, with national elections being held in about a month. Initially, the protests gained understanding, if not mild sympathy, from some pro-government lawmakers and members of the government as Minister Nino Shalikashvili who praised youth people who are not afraid to make sound their voices peacefully "even when I may disagree with their methods and the feasibility of their demands". However, as time goes by, the protests have gained a more critical and negative portrayal and opinion from both politicians and the media. So far, the Prime Minister himself has avoided to openly address the issue beyond a recent declaration that "the government respect the freedom of expression and assembly of all citizens" during a recent parliamentary debate. However, as long as the noise in the streets continue, the prospects of the government may be looming, despite some attented legislative reforms were close to some of the initial demands of the protestors, as Mktvartvelo's voters will go to the polls in a few weeks.



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Re: Juglander Review
« Reply #193 on: March 06, 2023, 12:54:24 AM »
Juglander Review

Mktvartvelo welcomes the New Year



Mktvartvelo celebrated New Year, following a week of celebrations. Despite the cold weather, the Gardamavali, last five days of the year, gathered crowds in Mktvartvelo's main cities. While the event is mostly religious, local authorities also organized concerts and cultural events. As it is convention, Brzdmtsveli Ketevan gave the traditional New Year speech on television as head of state.

Despite some mention to the youth and modernization, which probably left the same amount of hope and disappointment of those of every political spectrum, her speech did not bring many surprises and went as unnoticed as previous years, even if, as some commentator has commented, it was the longest New Year speech since 2009. Still, it was not likely that the speech was an important topic of discussion in most homes in Mktvartvelo, as the nation prepared to celebrate entering the year 2679 in the Mktvartvelian calendar.

It is not likely that the New Year speech will gain as many words of attention in the national media, however, as the Brzdmtsveli's agenda during the first days of the Gardamavali, in the festivity known as Saqurebsi, in which the Mktvartvelo's head state visited a shrine in which it was revealed that she gave offerings to her great-great-grandmather, Tamara I, who ruled as Brzdmtsveli in the late 19th century, who is deemed as controversial by some in Mktvartvelo. However, the Office of the Brzdmtsveli avoided to discuss such controversy, declaring that it was a personal, private, and familiar celebration, free from any political meaning.








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Re: Juglander Review
« Reply #194 on: March 08, 2023, 07:28:20 PM »

Juglander Review

Mktvartvelo and Achkaerin to sign new Cooperation Agreement




The Unitary State of Mktvartvelo is expected to sign a Cooperation Agreement with the Empire of Achkaerin, the first one of this kind, in a coming diplomatic visit to the northern nation.

Both nations would have agreed to lower tariffs on a number of goods and sectors, as well as establishing incentives if they employ a pertentage of local workers.

The agreement would also cover the introduction of an education exchange program for students of both nations, as well as a compromise to promote the culture and the arts through exchange of exhibitions and agreements with artists and cultural institutions.

The agreement is aimed to improve and increase trade and investment between both nations, according to government sources. However, some experts are skeptical if it will have an important economic impact in most sectors.

Notwithstanding, the agreement will be the first official treaty signed with a foreign government since Bidzina Samkharadze was appointed as Prime Minister.




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Re: Juglander Review
« Reply #195 on: March 09, 2023, 11:42:54 PM »

Juglander Review

[Sports] Proposal of united national teams faces opposition in Albrektberg



As Mktvartvelo athletes continue with a historical performance in the ongoing Winter Games, an unexpected controversy arose regarding the status of national teams in sports.

The controversy started after Merab Arakishvili, Minister of Sports and Civic Education of the Unitary State of Mktvartvelo, participated in a public conference on education and sports in Khashumi. Arakishvili, himself a former professional athlete, congratulated the success of Mktvartvelian athletes in Weltor Extension. He also explained carefully for the first time the recent process of consolidation of professionalism in sports in Mktvartvelo.

The Minister recalled the success of the last Azavrelia Summer Mundus Games, the passion of the fans and the competitive spirit of the athletes in every sport and competition. He also declared that he was pleased to see the enthusiasm of Mktvartvelian citizens from Jugland participate and attend the games, both in the events hosted in Juglander soil and in Azavrelia and other cities in mainland Mktvartvelo. "It was not exactly a surprise for me, of course", he explained, "but it was a pleasant and satisfying experience that to see citizens to both sides, despite the athletes being separated in two different federations, to enjoy and express like one".

Arakishvili also noted the increasing cooperation between sports federation from Mktvartvelo and Jugland. Finally, the minister expressed his wish, which he did not confirm that was either communicated in official negotiations nor government policy, that sports federations and authorities of Mktvartvelo and Jugland would eventually merge so every athlete from the Unitary of State of Mktvartvelo would compete under one and only flag.

Arakishvili's words have been rather met with strong opposition in Albrektberg. Emmeline Kolseth, Jugland's Secretary of Culture and Sports in the State Governorate, has denied that such proposal of merger, one may say absorption, was addressed in discussions with the national government, and that the territory authorities have any plan or will to do so. Kolseth had met the minister only a few weeks ago, in which -along with representatives of football federations of Jugland and Mktvartvelo, they officially presented a new five-match tournament in which clubs from both leagues will participate at the beginning of the new season.

"I can not see such day coming", Secretary Kolseth declared, "even if we are always willing to discuss any reasonable proposal, no matter how unrealistic it can be. It is not something that sports bodies have considered, I am certain, and it is the first time that I heard about it. For that reason, with all due respect, I have nothing more to say about this question".

Kolseth's position has been endorsed by other members of the State Governorate, with the only exception of Secretary Nestani Baramidze, who has declared that "there is nothing wrong to discuss privately and amicably any proposal that may be brought to the table", while assuring that such proposal has not been previously discussed in State Governorate's meetings.







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Re: Juglander Review
« Reply #196 on: March 10, 2023, 07:38:21 PM »

Juglander Review

Sports: Four Men's Jugland Cup semifinalists decided



FK Albrektberg and SK Hamarrland know already their possible rivals for the Juglander Cup semifinals.

Again, not exactly brilliant but effective match for AC Albrektberg, the third football club in the city of Albrektberg, as they defeated 0-1 SK Hunnund, which currently plays in the Second Division, the same result that the first leg match. SK Hunnud was not able to repeat the feat of SK Hammarland and become a second Second Division club in the Juglander Cup semifinals, something that has not happned in fifteen years.

AC Albrektberg was able to score early, taking advantage by a mistake by their rival's defense, in the 24 minute. While both teams had more chances, particularly when SK Hunnund introduced more offensive tactics in the second half, the result did not move and AC Albrektberg reached their first semifinals in eleven years.

In the other match of the night, FK Sandberg, despite their poor season in the league, where they are currently fourth, already twenty-three points behidn the top club in the league, FK Albrektberg, showed their best version in the Juglander Cup once again, and will continue to try defending their title as reigning Juglander Cup 2022 champions.

Both teams met in EMAC Albrektberg home stadium, two weeks after FK Sandberg defeated the club from Albrektberg by 1-0 (the same result than their only league match so far this season, in early January). EMAC Albrektberg took control of the ball quite early -a situation which, let it all be said, FK Sandberg (and particularly their manager) are not too uncomfortable-, having the team from Albrektberg some important changes to break the draw.

The goal would not wait, as EMAC Albrektberg scored after knocking the ball into the net after a shot by a teammate was rejected by the goalpost. The goal did not change much the attitude of the away team, and although they would have some changes to equalize the scoreboard through several counter-attacks, it was EMAC Albrektberg which had more obvious and important changes to score a second goal.

The result, however, did not move until the  77 minute, when a crossing by right winger Erik Junichi was accidentally pushed against his own goal by an EMAC Albrektberg defender. With a favourable score once again, FK Sandberg would move back in the field. Still, EMAC Albrektberg would have a few more changes to score a second goal, but failed to do so, allowing the club from Sandberg to advance this round.

After an unfortunate start of the season, EMAC Albrektberg had consolidated their second place in the Juglander league with a 6-1 win against SK Stromendalen last weekend. However, their strikers were not effective enough in the remaining minutes against FK Sandberg crowded defensive system, which seems to have turned their own bęte noire, particularly in the Juglander Cup as FK Sandberg defeated the club from Albrektberg in the final the previous season.

The drawing for the next round is expected to take place in two weeks. The semifinals matches will take place in the first and third weeks of next April.



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Re: Juglander Review
« Reply #197 on: March 13, 2023, 04:53:32 PM »
Juglander Review

Mktvartvelo: Uncertainty after legislative election results in polarized parliament



Mktvartvelo's legislative election has given a disappointing result for Prime Minister Bidzina Samkharadze's government. After three legislative elections in which the conservative majority had lost seats, conservative-leaning candidates are expected to take about 41 of the 120 seats in play in the election, leaving the National Assembly with 159 Liberal-leaning MPs and 158 Conservative-leaning MPs.

It was however MPs aligned with the so-called Moderate voting block who faced more challenges, with only five of their incumbent representatives being reelected, their worst performance in an election circle in more than two decades, although they will remain the third largest voting block in the National Assembly. On the other hand, twenty-six candidates which have been described as members of the Nationalist camp are expected to be elected, consolidating as the fourth largest voting block in the parliament. Although still a minority, with 68 of 599 MPs, they are expected to increase their influence regarding Prime Minister Bidzina Samkharadze's administration.

Although far from sharing unitary views, the number of left-leaning representatives also experienced an increase, with 11-12 candidates expected to have been elected this weekend, increasing their number in the National Assembly up to 52 members. Between them, one of the surprises of the night was the election of a candidate in one of Azavrelia districts, Eter Vazhkania, a 30-year old who had had a prominent role in the recent wave of protests, and whose campagin, mostly ignored by local media until the last days of the campaign, was mostly focused in social media and a few interventions in protests and social events.

"For too long, many voices, particularly the youth, have been ignored in this country", she declared to a group of supporters. "Now, they will be forced to listen to us, and we will not stop until we start moving toward real change and equality for all of us!". Vazkhania, who has promised that she will be in the National Assembly for only one term, indicated that she was only able to cast a vote this year, when she was elected to the parliament. "All burdens and obstacle shall be immediately removed", she promised, "we have had enough".





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Re: Juglander Review
« Reply #198 on: March 19, 2023, 02:23:23 PM »
Juglander Review

Mktvartvelo: Kintsurashvili reelected as Speaker of the National Assembly



Ramaz Kintsurashvili was reelected as Speaker of the National Assembly, after defeating conservative candidate Irakli Bneladze by 403 to 192 votes in the fourth session of the National Assembly.

A former government minister from 2008 to 2015, Kintusarshvili belongs to the moderate faction of the National Assembly. Kintsurashvili has declared that "it will be a honour to continue this role a second time".

While Kintsurashvili was the favourite to win the reelection from the members of the National Assembly, he received the support of most pro-government MPs, particularly the liberal-leaning candidate withdrew her candidacy in the third session of the National Assembly. Kintsurashvili has promised to continue working with the Prime Minister and the rest of members of the National Assembly toward a constructive relation between the executive and legislative powers.

As it is customary, he is expected to be received by Brzdmtsveli Ketevan next week.




Weltor Extension Games: Jugland wins gold in Curling


Although Jugland was not able to repeat their medal in the Mixed category, Jugland obtained their second golden medal in these games in Curling Men's category, after defeating Lymm by 8-5 in the last day of the games. After extracting vengeance over Achkaerin in the quarter finals and defeating the unexpected Preoria, the Juglander team was able to defeat Lymm with relative superiority. The feat could not be paired with another medal in the women's category, however, as Jugland finished fourth after being defeated in the match for the bronze medal.

After the Curling men's golden medal, the Juglander delegation has concluded the games with a total of eleven medals, two of them of gold, considerably improving the results last year.








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Re: Juglander Review
« Reply #199 on: March 20, 2023, 10:47:47 PM »

Juglander Review

Mktvartvelo: Brzdmtsveli Ketevan to donate state lands to the Order of Simartlea




The Office of the Brzdmtsveli Ketevan of Mktvartvelo has announced the donation of a terrain belonging to the Mtsvanegoraki Forest, nearby the Shoreuli Sakhli Palace, one of the official residences of the head of state in Ktsatskuri, capital city of the Unitary State of Mktvartvelo, to the Order of Simartlea.

The terrain, which has an area of around 20 ha., while officially in lands of a natural park, it was granted in 1969 as lands under the personal property of the Brzdmtsveli and his family. Since then, it was effectively used as a hunting ground for the personal use of the Brzdmtsveli, but it went out of use in the mid 2010s after the health of Brzdmtsveli Tamaz IV worsened.

The Order of Simartlea, largest religion in Mktvartvelo, has publicly expressed gratitude to Mktvartvelo's head of state, confirming that the aim is to build two religious temples, a lecture center, as well as a residency owned by the Order. According to a source close to the Brzdmtsveli, such project has the approval of the Brzdmtsveli herself, as she would be happy to avoid disrupting the calm and life of the nearest temples, as well as the citizens who attend those services, as it has happened in certain ocassions.

While the decision has received a general praise, and certain indifference, there could be read criticism by some left-leaning politicians as well as media commentators, declaring that the decision may be seen as a violation of the principle of separation of church and state, even if such principle is not legally and constitutionally articulated.

Shukitsminda Foundation, which is managed by the Order of Simartlea, will be in the charge of the project, which will have an estimated cost of $1.8 million.




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Re: Juglander Review
« Reply #200 on: March 21, 2023, 04:08:24 PM »

Juglander Review

Mktvartvelo: Prime Minister announces government reshuffle




Prime Minister Bidzina Samkharadze has announced today a reshuffle of the national government. The announcement came as a surprise, as the government will face an important day tomorrow, as the National Assembly will elect two members for the Council of State and the final reading of the Tolerance Act, which removes most restrictions on religious organizations, after the reviews and amends proposed in the Council of State.

One of the surprises was the replacement of Lasha Katsarava as Minister of Foreign Affairs, about only a year after being appointed. Katsarava was personally involved with many of the government initiatives in foreign policy, including negotiations with Achkaerin. He was rumoured to have a good personal relation with the Prime Minister and there were not recent rumours against him leaving the government. Prime Minister Samkharadze has publicly thanked Katsarava for "his flawless service to the nation all these months".

Vazha Virsaladze, whose brother has been serving as Mayor of Azavrelia since 2022, has also been promoted as Minister of International Trade and Cooperation.





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Re: Juglander Review
« Reply #201 on: March 23, 2023, 10:49:28 PM »
Juglander Review

Sports: Hadewynda Salonen wins Lacuna Classic



Hadewynda Salonen (Kommuna Ladies) defeated Daitojinese Haida Toki and Achkaerin's Sammy Lawson to win the Lacuna Classic, in her first professional win since she joined the Jugland-based cycling team in 2021.

While she may not be one of the contenders to win the race, Salonen and her teammates Sygnir Mydland and Fryda Andersen were between the group of barely more than ten riders ahead in the final fifty kilometres in the race. As they entered their final location, hostilities began and the group started to drop riders one after another. In the final kilometres, the group was reduced to six riders, following a long attack by Andersen, who rode in solitary for almost six kilometres. After veteran Fryda Andersen was caught, the victory was decided in a group sprint, in which Salonen surprised her rivals with a powerful final sprint.

"It was indeed a tough but incredible day", Salonen declared after her win. "The year did not start great for us but I feel we were magnificient today. After Andersen's attack, I just tried to recover and wait for the best. At first, I was only thinking about to resist, to be honest. But I knew soon, after Fryda was caught,  that I could have my chance, and I showed it as best I could. I couldn't be more happy than now, almost a dream came true".

Salonen's win was the first victory for Kommuna Ladies in the Mundus Cycling Cup this season. The team will certainly try to repeat their luck and success next week, as the team will ride at home in the Albrektberg Classic.



« Last Edit: March 24, 2023, 07:12:18 PM by paralipomena »

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Re: Juglander Review
« Reply #202 on: March 24, 2023, 06:59:54 PM »

Juglander Review

Mktvartvelo: Brzdmtsveli vetoes religious reform



Brzdmtsveli Ketevan, head of state of the Unitary State of Mktvartvelo, has issued her first veto since her election as coronation as head of state. While legally it is a rejection to promulgate a law and sending it back to the National Assembly, it is the first time a Mktvartvelo's head of state has vetoed legislation from the parliament since 2004, when Brzdmtsveli Tamaz rejected a reform of the territorial administration following pressure by leading members of the Council of State, governors, and local assemblies.

The Brzdmtsveli rejected to promulgate the Tolerance Act, which was passed by the National Assembly by 308 votes for and 284 against earlier this week. The legislation was passed after its final draft was send back from the Council of State, where the final text with certain amends was passed by a simple majority after a few months of negotiations and discussions.

The legislation would have removed most legal restrictions on religious organizations, including authorizations on the construction of temples or celebrations on the public space by foreign religions, as well as repealing and reducing sanctions for what the law describes as "unlawful or aggressive preaching of foreign or unrecognized cults".

In her address in which she explained and addressed her decision, Brzdmtsveli Ketevan declared "it is my duty and responsibility to ponder carefully every legislation or legal sanction sent to my desk, not through ideological or personal conviction, or by the nature of its most immediate and direct effect, but particularly in behalf of the interests of each citizen and the nation as a whole...After considering these circumstances, and while as a society we should not be afraid of changes and progress, rather the contrary, it is my responsibility to give a chance, both to the executive and legislative, as well as the public opinion, for a proper consideration and dialogue about the changes this legislation bring forward, which we could have already witnessed that, even if unwillingly and unexpectedly, has brought division and tension both to the chambers of the people's representatives and the society as a whole".

While the Order of Simartlea rarely involves in political affairs or discussions, the move was praised by conservative media and the Association of Retired Magistrates, while left-leaning representatives has criticized the failure of the legislation to become law as a set back in secular reform in the country.

The national government has the option to immediately reintroduce the act, in which case it will require a minimum of 400 votes (which considering the circumstances, it seems rather unlikely), or introduce a new version of the legislation, after negotiations with either the National Assembly leadership or parliamentary representatives, in a month time.




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Re: Juglander Review
« Reply #203 on: March 25, 2023, 09:03:56 AM »

Juglander Review

Juglander political parties hold their primaries




The Progressive Liberal Party, the National Democratic Party, the Green Party, and the Reiwa Party hold their primaries this weekend, in which they will elect candidates to the State Governorate and the Legislative Assembly in the coming elections.

Next week, the Constitutional Party and the Christian Independent Party will hold their own, while the Freedom Party will select their candidates through a congress to be held in Sandberg the same weekend.

While politics in Jugland are more characterized for consensus and agreement than zero-sum competition, the coming elections are expected to be consequential for the future of Jugland, even beyond than the 4-year term that voters will be called to vote for this Spring.





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Re: Juglander Review
« Reply #204 on: April 09, 2023, 11:23:40 AM »

Juglander Review

Sports: Young Juglander rider repeats stage win in Ashina Tour



Kalevi Tammivaara won his second stage win in the Ashina Grand Tour, held in the Empire of Daito, after once again showing the fastest rider in the last metres in a group of eleven riders, similarly to the day before when he was the strongest rider in another breakaway that surprised the peloton.

The Juglander rider gained a reputation in the continental junior circuit as one of the promising young sprinters. A year ago, he won his first professional win as he won the Gazapkhuli Grand Prix, a one-day race held in Mktvartvelo. This season, he joined the MKTkom cycling team, in which he was expected to play a secondary role to assist more vetaran riders, such as Ramaz Gamkrelidze and Givi Sopromadze, who showed last season a good performance in one-day races. However, the 22-year old Juglander rider has showed a great condition as he won the Ozurkha GP and a stage win in the Tour of SAmkhreti, earlier in February and, more recently, finishing sixth in the Lacuna Classic.

Tammivaara declared to be "greatly joyful" after repeating victory yesterday. "I knew I could have a chance and I'm so happy to prove that I was able to prove it", he declared. "This wouldn't have been possible without the help of my teammates, particularly Shalva [Kvachantiradze]". After his win, Tammivaara takes an early lead in the points classification, as well as taking the general classification jersey. "This is of course a nice thing", he declared, "although it was not exactly on mind when I aimed for the stage...Tomorrow will be a quite tough day, I am not sure about my forces about the energy we wasted these days, but I will try my best. In any case, I'm hoping more changes will come during the next days or I'll try my best to help my teammates to obtain another win for our team".

 

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Re: Juglander Review
« Reply #205 on: April 14, 2023, 10:50:50 PM »
Juglander Review

Mktvartvelo to increase military spending



Prime Minister Bidzina Samkharadze has announced that the new national budget will see a further increase in defense spending. While the exact number has not been officially given so far, it is expected that the increase does not include the 50 billion increase announced last year. The government expects that the national budget will be successfully passed in the coming weeks.

Samkharadze's government seems to have relinquished the idea of passing a reform of the citizenship and residency legislation though, at least until next year. There have been a number of rumours and leaks about drafts and negotiations that the national government and key pro-government members of the parliament had discussed to deal with the long-discussed problems of Mktvartvelo-born residents without citizenship. It is estimated that there are about 4,361,680 people who were born in Mktvartvelo and who lack important rights such as voting rights and government employment, despite that in many cases, they may be descendants of Mktvartvelo's born residents from several generations. They are commonly referred as "nakhevratsarieli" and they are considered effectively stateless, facing obstacles to reenter the country or retain their de facto legal right to live and work in the country if they leave the country, even for a short period of time.

The reform was one of the key legislative projects of Samkharadze's administration. However, it seems that the government has changed his mind and it will not try to advance and submit a legislation relative to this issue for the time being, focusing in other legislative priorities.





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Re: Juglander Review
« Reply #206 on: April 17, 2023, 08:44:25 PM »
Juglander Review

Sports: Lars Aaltonen wins stage race in Daito



Lars Aaltonen became the first Juglander rider to win the Ashina Grand Tour.

The final stage, won by Achkaerinese Timothy Coulter, was tougher than expected, as a number of top contenders in the general classification had joined the breakaway. Still, the margin in the general classification gained in the previous two stages was enough to keep the leader jersey without much problem in the final kilometres. It was the first win in a stage race for the Juglander rider since he became professional. The AABL 25-year old rider showed a consistency through the tour, even finishing third in the queen stage, despite the lack of kilometres against the clock. Aaltonen also won the Youth classification.

Juglander Kalevi Tammivaara, who had previously won the second and third stages, finished second in the stage, winning the Points classification as well.



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Re: Juglander Review
« Reply #207 on: April 21, 2023, 08:23:47 PM »

Juglander Review

Mktvartvelo: Parliament reform passed



Mktvartvelo's National Assembly has passed the Financial and Parliamentary Regulations Act, by a 320-264 vote.

The legislation will introduce important changes in the financial rules on campaign donations of candidates at both local and national level, as well as removing most restrictions on parliamentary activity, including the establishment of parliamentary groups.

The legislation includes many changes proposed in both Electoral Commission Act and the Voting Reform Act, which failed to be approved and passed by the Council of State, the Upper House of Mktvartvelo's parliament. Prime Minister Bidzina Samkharadze's government hopes that the legislation, which was passed by a longer margin, will advance in the Upper House and become law.

The legislation has received a considerably amount of criticism from conservative lawmakers and right-leaning media, who have argued that the changes will corrupt the nature of the role of elected officials and the spirit of parliamentary activity. However, the law found criticism from those who could have expectedly welcome the changes, and in many cases supported the above mentioned failed legislation, for their lack of equalization and expansion of voting rights.

MP Eter Vazhkania, who was actually one of the few left-leaning members of the parliament to vote against the law, argued that the legislation will be remembered as "nothing as dead letter...as it will serve more to freeze the chance to advance rights to bring actual change". Other critics have pointed that the legislation fails to modify the balance between the executive and the legislative, far from strengthening the parliament, such as breaking the monopoly of the government to submit legislation into the parliament.

While the government received support for most pro-government and liberal-leaning members of the parliament, it still received criticism and opposition by some of them, who argued that even as a limited legislation, it was watered down, such as increasing the required number of MPs to form a parliamentary group from 10 to 25 MPs.

The legislation establishes that the law will be implemented in two stages. The first stage, one month after the legislation becomes law as signed by the Brzdmtsveli (Mktvartvelo's head of state), will allow the establishment of parliamentary groups. No restrictions on the activity and participation of non-aligned MPs will be in effect between that time and new legislative election. The second stage of the implementation will be implemented after the next year national legislative election.

In the case of by-elections before that date, changes on financial campaign will not be available and still sanctioned. Some critics have insisted in the inconsistency of this attempt of compromise, as after the second stage of implementation, and a few years after that, most members would have been elected by the current legislation and be affected by the new legislation up, in some cases, 4/5 time during their term.

However, despite these alleged contradictions and limitations, the Mktvartvelo's government and a majority of their supporters in the parliament, hopes that the legislation will put an end to some feel that it was a number of anachronic regulations and bring a permanent change on the campaigning and election of parliamentary candidates and political activity.



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Re: Juglander Review
« Reply #208 on: April 25, 2023, 09:51:09 PM »
Juglander Review

Elections in Jugland: An end of an era



"Accord for Jugland" (unofficially called "Antaakodo", an acronym formed by the word "accord" in the two official languages in the Juglander territory), a political coalition led by banker Theudbald Salovaara, has defied all expectations, becoming the second most voted political organization in today elections in Jugland, and winning three representatives in the State Governorate.

Juglander voters had been called to elect their 101 members of the Legislative Assembly (Juglander unicameral parliament, the most important legislative body in the Free Autonomous Territory of Jugland), and their nine members of the State Governorate, the executive council that serves as government and collective leadership for the whole Juglander territory. Six of the members of the State Governorate are elected in local constituencies, while the other three are elected in nationwide ethnic-based constituencies. Salovaara's coalition broke all expectations by, beside his own election in Albrektberg's first state constituency, they also obtained a victory in Midstemsdal constituency combined with Nestani Baramidze's reelection in the ethnic Mktvartveli constituency.

Theudbald Salovaara, 66, a retired banker, whose only previous political experience was a short-lived experience as independent lawmaker in the Legislative Assembly from 2004 to 2007, had not had a huge impact when he announced in late December his intention to run for office for a second time. However, the terrain seemed ripe for change, as it can be realized by the fact that ony four of State Governorate's representatives achieved reelection, something without precedent since the 2010 election.

Salovaara's coalition run in a centrist and pro-business political platform which may not sound unconventional in Jugland’s political spectrum. However, it was his alliance with Nestami Baramidze’s Solidarity political party which gained more concern and criticism. The Solidarity party which support comes mostly from the Mktvartveli ethnic minority and has supported closer ties with the Unitary State of Mktvartvelo. Salovaara assured that they enter in talks with different political organizations and the reason of the alliance was mostly because it was the partner they found more common ground. However, the revelation during the campaign that Salovaara’s daughter heads a hedge fund based in Azavrelia, led to accusations about the coalition having ties with Ktsatskuri, an allegation that Salovaara himself strongly denied.

On the opposite side, as the losers of the night, we certainly find the National Democratic Party and the Reiwa party, which for the first time they will not have a representative in the State Governorate. Whilte the result was disappointed for the National Democratic Party, it was far from being disastrous, as it was the most voted political party in eleven constituencies, being the fourth most voted political parties. Secretary Lars Midtvedt, who had a disappointed result in the Midstemdal state constituency finishing third, announced his resignation as leader of the National Democratic Party. In the case of the Reiwa party, they were defeated by Shimura Akane whose Betse  Coalition gained an additional State Governorate seat in Albrektberg.

Meanwhile, Gottwyna Waldys Wassmo was reelected in the Sandberg state constituency, and it will be the only representative in the State Governorate from the Constitutional Party, which until this election it was the dominant political force in Juglander politics. A new era may have begun with uncertain consequences.

For first time, two ethnic Mktvartveli will be part of the State Governorate, while there will be two ethnic Yamato after the last two elections, in which Takashi Hirano was the only representative of hi ethnicity, the second largest in Jugland. The distribution of departmants for every Secretary, as well as the main two positions of the State Governorate, are expected to be decided through the week, through the mediation of the incumbent Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.

New composition of the State Governorate for 2023-2027:
NameConstituencyPolitical party
Theudbald SalovaaraAlbrektberg metropolitan areaAccord for Jugland
Grimwaldyna NygaardAlbrektberg metropolitan areaProgressive Liberal Party
Matsuyama RyosukeAlbrektberg metropolitan areaBetse Coalition
Tatuna Mzhavanadze MidstemsdalAccord for Jugland
Gottwyna Waldys WassmoSandbergConstitutional Party
Emmeline KolsethNordheimGreen Party
Edda StordalenCsletian ethnic constituencyProgressive Liberal Party
Shimura Akane Yamato ethnic constituencyBetse Coalition
Nestani BaramidzeMktvartveli ethnic constituencyAccord for Jugland-Solidarity


« Last Edit: October 28, 2023, 11:55:54 PM by paralipomena »

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Re: Juglander Review
« Reply #209 on: May 07, 2023, 08:47:38 AM »
Juglander Review

Secretary Grimwaldyna Nygaard announced as head of the State Governorate in new Juglander cabinet



Grimwaldyna Nygaard, who has served as Vice-President of the State Governorate since 2019, has been announced as President of the State Governorate, the highest political office in Jugland, under the new State Governorate agreement. While the Presidency is a mostly symbolical position, as the State Governorate operates as a collective government, Nygaard will be the first woman and the youngest person to hold that position.

As well as officially heading the State Governorate meetings, Nygaard will also hold the position of Secretary of Administrative Affairs, charged with personally leading communications with the Legislative Assembly, the local assemblies and local governments as well as, more importantly, with Mktvartvelo's national government and ministries. Nygaard, as leader of the Progressive Liberal Party, she will be accompanied in the government by Edda Stordalen, who will be Secretary of Economic Affairs.

Theudbald Salovaara was announced as Vice-President of the State Governorate, second time that position will be held by a Secretary in his first term in the State Governorate, as well as being appointed as Secretary of the Treasury. Members of Salovaara's coalition will also head the Department of Transportation and Communication and the Department of Labour.

The two representatives from the Betse Coalition will be held the positions of Secretary of Home Affairs and Justice and Secretary of Culture and Sports. While they campaigned demanding "the right of self-determination for Jugland", Nygaard declared that any sovereignty referendum or constitutional change will not be in the agenda of the State Governorate for the new term. "We, of course", she clarified, "we will be ready to listen to the proposals from the Legislative Assembly, but our efforts will be focused in continue to work for the best interests of the citizens of Jugland through dialogue and cooperation".

Emmeline Kolseth, from the Green Party will hold the position of Secretary of Education and Science while the only Constitutional Party member of the government, Mrs. Astrup-Wassmo will be held the position of Secretary of Health and Social Policy.