Le Jontadain

Delegates Debate New Constitution

2008-07-02T19:50:00.002-06:00

L'Unité - Delegates from the four groups involved in the Treaty of Ran met in L'Unité today to discuss a new constitution for Jonquiere-Tadoussac, and hopefully reunite the country after nearly three years of intense civil war.

Some of the groundwork had already been laid in the treaty. For example, the current provincial divisions were accepted on a provisional basis, and a new name for the country has been selected (the Consular Commonwealth of Jagera). On the table today was the key issue of government structure, seen as the most important issue for the unity of the country.

For each side, the form of government is important, as each sees a different model as right for Jagera. The Communistes are supporting an extremely decentralised mode, which will allow them the best ability to run their own territories as they see fit. The Démocratiques, having seen the failure of a decentralised confederacy, are fighting for a nigh-unitary state, in order to keep the decision making in the hands of the majority. The Royalistes seek the return of the old Constitutional Monarchy, and see the country as the territory of the King. Representatives of the Eeyo'Uch peoples of the eastern provinces don't care what type of government there is, as long as they have the right to govern themselves. The right mix of these is seen as key to the success of a lasting peace.

Also on the table is a proposal to make the subdivisions of the provinces permanent. Currently, the province of Lamontagne is split into the western "Chicoutimi" district and eastern "Estmont" districts, while Alma is broken into "Ouest", "Nord", and "Sud" districts, Jonquiere is split into
"Nord" and "Sud" districts, and both Côte-St-Jean and Translaurent are split into "Est" and "Ouest" districts. If this resolution passes, each subdivision would become independent, for a possible total of 14 provinces instead of the current eight. The proposal is contentious, but has strong backing from the Communistes, who stand to gain Alma du Ouest, and the Royalists, who hold Alma du Nord, Jonquiere du Nord, and Translaurent du Ouest.

At current, the peace seems to be holding. Though Jageran troops remain on standby throughout the country, most arms have been turned in, and violent incidents are at a lower level than before the war began.

Royalistes Sue For Peace

2008-06-23T22:07:00.000-06:00

War At An End

Acadière, Îles Jontadains - The Jontadain Civil War has come to an end this evening, as Démocratique forces have accepted cease fires and issued terms to their rivals. An air of calm covers the country for the first time in two years, as fighting subsides across the country.

Faced with a renewed Démocratique offensive, supported by the Jageran First and Second Armies, Roland Tadoux, self proclaimed King Roland XXXII and leader of the Royaliste forces, sued for peace from the overwhelming force of the attacking armies. The Démocratiques demanded an unconditional surrender, which they then received. The cease fire appears to have been accepted by all Royaliste troops. As of press time, Démocratique and Jageran forces are moving to occupy all formerly hostile areas.

The surrender comes on the heels of a cease fire signed with the Communiste rebels. Negotiations had been entered by the Jageran Military Government on June 17, and an official agreement reached June 21. Under the terms of this cease fire, Communiste forces retain political control over the province of Lamontagne until a more permanent arrangement can be reached. Due to the remaining strength of the Communistes, an unconditional surrender was not on the table.

Agreements have also been reached with the Eeyo'Uch peoples of Eastern Jonquiere-Tadoussac. These groups had taken control of their traditional territories partway into the conflict, and continued to hold them despite attempts to overpower them. A similar arrangement has been made as with the Communistes, again with the provision that the current treaty is temporary.

No word at this point as to whether Jageran forces will withdraw from Jontadain soil any time soon. Several commentators believe the new Jontadain officials will need to show strength to stop Jonquiere-Tadoussac from becoming a Jageran military outpost, like the nominally independent country of Njordheim.

Jageran/Démocratique Forces Begin Final Push Against Royalistes

2008-06-19T21:42:00.001-06:00

Cease Fire Reached With Communiste Forces

From the "Commonwealth Star"

Acadière, Îles Jontadains - Elements of the Jageran Ground Force stationed in Jonquiere-Tadoussac, along with their Démocratique allies, are beginning a major push, aimed at destroying the last bases of power for the Royaliste rebels of the country. This would bring the war within tangible distance of its end, as the Royalistes have been the main opposing force in this stage of the conflict.

According to Generalmajor Heiström, commander of the Jageran First Army, the attacks are aimed into the heart of remaining Royaliste territory, with a goal of no less than forcing a surrender of the rebel forces or destroying them in the process. Elements from the First and Second Armies, along with the Jontada Major Air Command, are to participate in the assault, aiming at the Royaliste headquarters of Île-de-Loup. "At the least, we can cut them in half," states Generalmajor Heiström.

In related news, the Jageran/Démocratique command has entered negotiations with the Communiste forces for a cease fire. There is no word yet on whether this will be accepted. Reports indicate the Communistes want control of at least one province, and autonomy to govern it almost as an independent protectorate.

Talks have also been entered with the indigenous Eeyo'Uch peoples residing in the east of the country. They had occupied the areas at the outbreak of the latest stage of the war, and are pressing for autonomous government in the area. Reports indicate the Jageran forces are amenable to this, but no word yet if the Démocratiques will accept it, and no official word has been given.

Jageran Aircraft Quietly Fly West

2008-05-20T18:43:00.002-06:00

Acadière - The quiet above the city of Acadière was broken roughly this morning, as the sonic booms from several Jageran supersonic aircraft rocked local buildings.

According to witness reports, three Jageran transport aircraft of the most advanced variety lifted off at about 0935 this morning, accompanied by a dozen fighter planes. After liftoff, the planes accelerated more quickly than normal, streaking quickly towards the west at extremely high altitudes. The sonic booms as the planes exceeded Mach 1 happened well within city limits, which reports suggest is normally against Jageran Aviation Codes, both military and civil.

As of yet, no word has been received as to why the planes took off. Military sources deny the event even happened. When pressed, Bakgeneral Heinrik Thrumann, of the Jageran Air Force Division, suggested, "There were to be some test flights taking place today; perhaps this is what was seen."

As of press time, the planes have not returned to base, leaving speculation open as to their true intentions, though some reliable forces suggest a strike against Communiste leadership in Chivaque.

MORE TO COME...

Jageran-Démocratique Forces Take City of Jonquière!

2008-05-11T19:54:00.003-06:00

Acadière - Following a major offensive Saturday, a Jageran-Démocratique force has taken control of the city of Jonquière today. Stemming from a week-long drive up the Transjontadain Highway, the successful forces entered the city on Saturday, and by 15:00 local time had driven the last of the rebel Royaliste forces out.

"This is the largest joint operation yet attempted, and it came off beautifully," stated Generalmajor Thorgeir Helström, commander of the Jageran Expeditionary Force. "Though largely untrained guerrillas, the Démocratique forces performed admirably alongside five crack divisions of Jageran troops. Together, the combination was too much for the Royaliste forces. We even managed to secure victory without undue damage to the city or surrounding infrastructure."

The fall of Jonquière is yet another in a string of defeats plaguing the Royaliste forces since the current twelve Jageran divisions landed in Jonquiere-Tadoussac on April 3. With this latest
event, the nominal capital of the Royaliste area has been pulled back to the small city of Île-de-Loup, in the Laurent River. Unfortunately, King Roland XXXII, leader of the Royaliste forces, is reported as successfully retreating to this new area, so resistance from the Royalistes
cannot be expected to end any time soon.

Meanwhile, the indigenous Eeyo'Uch groups currently controlling the province of Roberçal and southern Côte-St-Jean and Translaurent have reportedly entered into negotiations with the Jageran military government for autonomous control of their areas of control. These groups had taken the opportunity of the civil war to take possession of their local areas, and have resisted all attempted attacks by neighbouring Démocratique and Royaliste forces looking to bring their areas under their control. Current indications show the Jageran military government of Jonquiere-Tadoussac to be amenable to the proposals, but no official statement has yet been issued.

No word yet on how the events coming out of Ferveo will affect the actions of Jageran troops in Jonquiere-Tadoussac, as the government of Jagera puts its entire military on high alert and has rerouted several naval groups. Official reports state the Gugnir Carrier Group will remain in Jontadain waters for the time being, though it is expected its air coverage will be mainly restricted to the Jageran strongholds on the Îles Jontadains.

Last Floating Fortress leaving for Jagera

2008-05-07T20:12:00.003-06:00

Acadière - Jonquiere-Tadoussac's last floating fortress is departing Jontadain waters on a course for the Jageran port of Colisin.

According to reports, the FBJ Bonaventure is being prepared for the long, transoceanic passage through the Fervean archipelago and around Eisophca and several Schnauzer countries. According to Amiral Fritz Költz, commanding officer of the Jageran South Battle Fleet, "The FBJ Bonaventure is being moved to a Jageran port to help protect it from rebel sabotage, as well as for the first part of what we hope will be a long and beneficial technological and cultural exchange between Jagera and Jonquiere-Tadoussac."

The vessel is planned to leave along with approximately two-thirds of Jageran vessels currently in Jontadain waters, including the aircraft carrier JAS Niðhogg. The exact date and route of the voyage is secret, owing to military protocol.

Royaliste and Communiste forces are using the departure of the Bonaventure as a rallying point, stating this shows citizens "what Jagera's true motives are. Instead of trying to save the great citizens of Jonquiere-Tadoussac, they steal whatever they can at the first opportunity!" The statement was punctuated by a joint strike towards Tadoussac, which was easily repelled by a Jageran-Démocratique joint force.

Other concerns have been raised due to the probable proximity of any proposed route to Ferveo's Exordium Island, where a mysterious object has recently been discovered.

At its height, the Jontadain navy boasted five floating fortresses. The FBJ Roi Roland XXVI and FBJ Impérmiable were destroyed in their respective harbours of Acadière and Baie-Jaïm at the start of the Civil War, while the Démocratique controlled FBJ Forteresse-Boyante was destroyed by Communiste sabotage in December 2005, and the Communiste-held FBJ Île-en-Fer (renamed Prolétariat by the Communistes) was sunk on April 25, 2008.

Jagera Occupies Jonquiere-Tadoussac

2008-05-07T19:30:00.003-06:00

Acadière, Îles Jontadains - Seeking to free Jonquiere-Tadoussac from the grip of civil war, troops from the Commonwealth of Jagera have landed to suppress the fighting.

As of midnight on April 2, Jageran troops first came ashore on the Îles Jontadain, securing first the Petit-Île at the behest of the Démocratique troops occupying it, later landing at Acadière on the Grand-Île by noon on April 3. The troops first joined battle on April 6, when troops came ashore at the Démocratique-held city of Tadoussac and threw back besieging Royaliste forces. Casualties were light on both sides, as the Jageran forces were both better trained and better armed than the opposing force. Since that point, Jageran forces have managed to quell fighting throughout the provinces of Tadoussac and Côte-St-Jean, as well as the city of L'Unité and the bordering portions of La Montagne, Alma, and Translaurent.

"We have high hopes of the entire country liberated by the end of summer," quoted Generalmajor Thorgeir Heiström of the Jageran Expeditionary Force. "Our troops are proceeding according to schedule, and we believe the rebel bases of support to be crumbling. More details than this, I cannot give."

Currently, the Jageran Ministry of Defence has declared Acadière as the provisional capital of Jonquiere-Tadoussac, and have instituted Generalmajor Heiström as military governor. There is no elected government. At time of press, the Royalistes hold the north of the provinces of Jonquière, Alma, and Translaurent, and have installed King Roland XXXII as the nominal leader of the country from a capital of Jonquière. The ACJT hold western Alma and nearly all of La Montagne, and have proclaimed a military dictatorship of the proletariat centred around Chivaque.

Meanwhile, the Jageran South Battle Fleet, headed by the aircraft carriers JAS Niðhogg and JAS Gugnir, disabled and sunk the Communiste controlled Floating Fortress FBJ Prolétariat with assistance from the Démocratique flotilla led by FBJ Bonaventure. Stated Amiral Fritz Költz, commander of the Jageran fleet, "The sinking of the Île-en-Fer [former name of the Prolétariat] means the last rebel naval forces on the Jontadain coast have been neutralized. Our work is finished."

The Jontadain Civil War began in August 2005 due to failed royal elections and threats from the Armée Communiste du Jonquiere-Tadoussac. Many-sided fighting has continued until this point, with an interlude of a Consular Confederacy supported by Baranxtu from February through May of 2006. The Consular Confederacy failed, and fighting between the Démocratique, Royaliste, and ACJT factions continues to this day.

Le Jontadain Publishes Again!

2008-05-07T19:15:00.005-06:00

Acadière, Îles Jontadains - Yes, dear readers, we have returned! After 2 years, Le Jontadain is finally back in production. Though we are currently publishing out of our makeshift press headquarters in the Îles Jontadains, our readers should not be concerned for the quality of our newspaper, either in the printing or in the reporting. Le Jontadain will be held to the same standards as ever!

Though our great nation has seen many changes in the face of the Civil War, with the loss of Chicoutimi to Baranxtu, Arvida to Gerainia, and Île Québec to Ferveo, Le Jontadain will not falter. With the aid of the peace-keepers from Jagera, we will soon return to our offices in Jonquière itself, and reestablish our full glory. Avec la renaissance, tous deviendra un!

We would like to close this editorial by mourning the death of our previous editor. Yves Proulx was a grand man, one who could spin a story like no other, and keep everyone entranced from the first syllable to the last breath. Sadly, he was killed in the Royaliste attack on Jonquière in September, 2006. He will be missed.

Valérie Brossard,
Rédactrice en chef (Editor), Le Jontadain

Jonquiere-Tadoussac Creates Orders of Merit

2006-04-20T19:18:00.000-06:00

L'Unité - The federal government today unveiled a scheme of honours to be bestowed upon citizens for extraordinary accomplishments. Known as Orders of Merit, these will take the form of awards to worthy citizens and non-citizens who have played a major role in Jontadain society.

"Previously, there had been the granting of royal titles available to recognize citizens for their deeds," explains Consul Lise Garimaou, chairperson of the committee that created the system. "The Consular Council felt this was no longer appropriate, as the character of the country has changed dramatically since that system was implemented. Rather, a system of honours bestowed by the government as all the citizens is better related to our current political situation."

The committee decided on five types of awards to be bestowed by the government: the Order of the High Consul, the Order of Jonquiere-Tadoussac, the Jontadain Democratic Medal, the Order of Unity, and Seal and Medal of Valour. Each of these is to have four levels, "Honourable", "Distinguished", "First Class", and "Exemplary", to mark the degree of importance of the award. Each level of award will also include a second part, whether a cash award, the granting of a title, or military promotion.

The Order of the High Consul will be granted by the High Consul for lifetime contributions to the country. It is largely intended for civil servants, though it can be given to others, as well, and will be granted at the retirement age. It is to include a pension stipend, which will be awarded over several years. This is the only award that cannot be granted to non-residents of the country.

The Order of Jonquiere-Tadoussac is bestowed upon those who have made significant contributions to the culture and way of life of Jonquiere-Tadoussac. This normally includes artists, writers and designers, but may also include architects, scientists and engineers. It recognizes a significant impact upon the people of Jonquiere-Tadoussac and their definition of themselves, their neighbours and their country. It will include a cash award.

The Jontadain Democratic Order is bestowed upon all current and former members of federal and provincial governments in Jonquiere-Tadoussac. It will also be granted retroactively to members of the old royal governments, as well as heads of state of other countries in the International Democratic Union. It includes the right to use the level of award granted as a title.

The Order of Unity recognizes a conspicuous deed on the part of a person or government to safeguard peace or unity in Jonquiere-Tadoussac. This includes efforts to prevent war, encourage unity of the provinces, or improve the situations of minorities in the country. It is the highest honour the government can bestow upon one of its citizens. The Order of Unity is an exception among the Orders of Merit, in that any of its levels may be bestowed upon a non-citizen. This is to recognize that the strongest efforts to defuse situations and prevent conflict can come from abroad, with neutral mediators. It is accompanied by a cash award.

The Seal of Valour and Medal of Valour are awarded for acts of conspicuous bravery and gallantry during times of war or civil unrest. They are awarded in wars both on Jontadain soil and abroad, though they are only bestowed for actions that directly impact the war effort. The Seal of Valour is bestowed upon civilians, and is seen as a mark of character. The Medal of Valour is bestowed upon military and civil security personnel (police, fire, etc.), and is the highest honour that can be awarded. It is accompanied by a cash award for civilians and a promotion for military personnel.

Granting of these orders will be done through committees for each, which will both select individuals and review nominations for their chosen award. Should a person be selected for the award, they will receive it from the High Consul during the yearly ceremony.

IDUnews

Île Québec to Pursue UN Membership

2006-04-19T09:37:00.002-06:00

Lévis, Île Québec - Only weeks after taking office, the government of Île Québec has given their approval to a campaign proposal to apply for UN membership. The ruling Indépendence Île Québec party had promised the move as part of the platform in the recent colonial elections, and this move had been seen as central in their stunning victory over the opposing parties.

Passed through the Colonial Council on early Monday afternoon, the plan would see Île Québec making a request to the UN for recognition as a sovereign state, followed quickly by an application for full UN membership. "It's time Île Québec took its proper place in the world," said government spokesperson Jacques Huébert. "If the UN will grant us recognition as a sovereign power, the federal government will have no choice but to confirm us as such, and thereby grant us full independence." The decision has been popular with party supporters, who see the IÎQ as fulfilling the mandate they were given by the people. Approval has risen from 41 percent during the election to 51 percent almost overnight.

Notwithstanding its popularity in some corners, the decision has sparked widespread controversy about the nature of Île Québec and its place in the Consular Confederation. While hardline sovereigntists stand by the plan, moderates decry the move as illegal and dangerous, threatening the status of Île Québec. Camille Tremblay, leader of the oppostion Parti Social Démocratique d'Île Québec, stated, "This type of move only encourages the federal government to revoke the special status recently afforded our island, and instead move it back to an authoritarian government." In L'Unité, High Consul Katryne Roland said in a statement, "We do not and cannot support the actions of Île Québec. Not only do these show a complete disregard for the legal position of Île Québec in the Confederation, but they are also a grave insult to every Jontadain."

Observers see the move as calculated to gain attention for the Colonial Council and their goals, but say it is not expected to succeed. "The United Nations understands Île Québec as a territory of Jonquiere-Tadoussac, one of its members," notes political scientist Gérard Dumont. "To accord it status as an idependent power, or to grant it full membership, would not only challenge the sovereignty of JT, but also would open the door for tens of thousands of regions in thousands of member states to attempt the same trick. The IÎQ want international press and attention, which this bid is sure to bring. They cannot rationally expect it to succeed."

According to the plan, a formal request for UN recognition will be submitted on April 21, with an application for full membership to be made on April 28, regardless of the success of the first request.

IDUnews

L'Unité Facing Housing Crunch

2006-04-06T21:04:00.000-06:00

L'Unité - Government officials are scrambling to find places to live and work as the city of L'Unité is overrun by bureaucrats and administrators. The city, chosen as the new federal capital of Jonquiere-Tadoussac in 2006, has experienced a massive population boom as a corollary of its new status.

The humble city of 100 000 nearly doubled in size during the Jontadain Civil War, when it was the headquarters of the Démocratiques faction. It has since more than doubled again since January, to nearly 545 000. The relocation of the federal government, along with most of its archives, personnel, and departments, is mostly blamed for the sudden explosion, though increasing numbers of service and construction sector jobs are pushing population numbers ever higher.

The situation has led to a near 0 percent vacancy rate, with housing prices jumping nearly 100 percent between January and April. This situation is mirrored in every town and village within a fifty-kilometre radius, as government employees snap up every available property and housing unit. Homelessness is as high as 10 percent, as rental properties raise their rent by as much as 200 percent, and previous tenants are unable to pay the new rates.

The federal and municipal governments are both taking steps to remedy the problem. The federal government is offering tax subsidies to construction companies working in the area, as well as bringing in temporary housing units for some of its employees. The municipal government, meanwhile, has converted several community centres and schools into mass dormatories, and is rezoning large amounts of land to be converted from low to high-density residential property.

The problem is duplicated in commercial space, as the federal government appropriates all available office space for its various departments. Still, offices are crowded, and only the highest ranking officials can expect to have any office to themselves. Several defunct properties are being converted into office towers for the bureaucracy, but that project is unfortunately years from completion.

Projections put the population of the city leveling off at around 600 000 towards the end of August. Adequate housing, on the other hand, isn't predicted to be available for all until the summer of 2008, and office space for all the government's various departments isn't expected until the winter of 2011.

IDUnews

Arvida, Île Québec Swept By Regional Parties

2006-04-06T18:17:00.000-06:00

Mont Vidé, Arvida - Regional parties dominated in the recent local elections for both Arvida and Île Québec, winning as much as 60 percent of the popular vote in each. The votes come as each of the two regions sets up their first autonomous governments and attempts to take control over local matters. Both of the two areas received partial independence from Jonquiere-Tadoussac in the aftermath of the Jontadain Civil War, ending their status as royal territories.

In Arvida, the centrist Action Démoratique Arvidain, a local chapter of the Action Démocratique Jontadain, won a majority government over the protectorate's parilamentary governing system, taking 25 of the parliament's 65 seats. "I am very happy with our election results," said party leader Prime Minister Yves Daignault. "The people of Arvida have shown they are ready to continue with the progressive steps we've taken over the past few years, and that they aren't rushing into any rash decisions." The ADA ran on a platform of continued devolution of powers for the protectorate from Jonquiere-Tadoussac, as well as ensuring the economic welfare of Arvidains.

The statements of Prime Minister Daignault may be coming early, though, as the party only won 35 percent of the popular vote. Their closest competitor, with 32 percent, is the Arvida Integrale party, which took 20 seats. Based in the region, the party's platform advocated reintegration of the protectorate as a full province of Jonquiere-Tadoussac, largely undoing what changes had been made in previous years. "Arvidains are no different than other Jontadains, and the current system does not recognize that," stated party leader Orion Corbeau. "Instead, we are forced to create our own system, our own government services, and our own infrastructure, with no help from the federal government. It's ludicrous, and it's high time we stop this 'devolution' nonsense."

Early prospects put the ADA as securing a hold on power, being able to form a coalition with the Parti conservateur économique on its local economy support stance. With the PCÉ's 12 seats, this would put the coalition at 37 of the parliament's 65 seats; enough to form a stable majority. Also winning seats in the election was the Parti social démocratique du Jonquiere-Tadoussac, with the remaining 8 representatives.

Île Québec Awash With Sovereigntists
Electoral Results in Île Québec were not so friendly to the Jontadain federal government. Though early polls put the local SDJT chapter in the lead, the sovereigntist Indépendence Île Québec won an absolute majority in the Colonial Council at the end of the night. Pushing for full, rapid independence from Jonquiere-Tadoussac, the IÎQ was seen as a fringe party that might win a few seats in the Council. Instead, they are sending 29 consuls out of the 45 constituencies. The island also elects 25 seats by proportional representation, 10 of which were won by the IÎQ with 41 percent of the vote. Under the Consular system, the council elected Gabrielle Duroi as Colonial Consul, the head of government for the island. "This victory marks a turning point in the Québécois struggle for freedom," Duroi said in a statement. "The island stood up and demanded change from the government."

The IÎQ garnered some controversy during their campaign through their promise that, if elected, they would seek UN membership and recognition of Île Québec as an independent state. Though this was widely criticized as unrealistic, destabilizing, and illegal, it is believed to have gained some last minute support for the party, both from hardline nationalists and those who believe such a stunt is necessary for increased autonomy for the island.

In opposition is the regional arm of the SDJT, the Parti Social Démocratique d'Île Québec. The STÎQ finished with only 19 seats out of the total 60, a great disappointment to its supporters. "I had hoped the island would vote for progressive change," lamented party leader Camille Tremblay. "Instead, we will have to wait through several IÎQ blunders, such as a failed UN stunt, before they realize which party truly represents their interests."

Rounding out the Colonial Council is the Action Démocratique Québécois, with the remaining two consular positions, both allocated through proportional representation. Though some point to this as an example of fringe parties winning seats without the necessary credibility, most are cheering it as an example of the success of proportional representation. "The system works; those who voted for the minority are represented. That goes far towards solving any form of democratic deficit in my view," notes political scientist Dr. Fernand Desriches.

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