Juglander Review

[paralipomena]

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.

[paralipomena]

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.

[paralipomena]

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.

[paralipomena]

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 bête 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.

[paralipomena]

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".

[paralipomena]

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.

[paralipomena]

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.

[paralipomena]

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.