Interview with the Attorney General
On 15 November 2024, it was announced to the public by His Imperial Majesty, Aggelos I, that the vacant Attorney General position had been filled by H.E. The Rt. Hon. Sir Hugh McFarlane, KCA. Since 2016, McFarlane has served as Governing Commissioner of the Austenasian Crown Dependency, New South Scotland. It was only 4 days earlier that McFarlane was granted full Austenasian non-residential citizenship. The Times sat down with the new Attorney General to gauge his opinions on the goings-on and of future things to come. The interview with McFarlane went as follows: Q: “First off, the Times would like to congratulate you on your recent naturalization as non-residential citizen of Austenasia! After 8 years as Governing Commissioner of New South Scotland, what made you finally decide to become a fully naturalized citizen and get more involved in the government of Austenasia?” A: “Thank you for the question and your warm congratulations. I always somewhat assumed I held Austenasia citizenship and was simply focused on serving New South Scotland. It was only when I checked whether I could vote in the recent election that it was confirmed I did not hold citizenship. Q: “Your appointment to Attorney General comes as a pleasant surprise to most. What are your expectations for your tenure in office?” A: “That’s very kind. Prime Minister Creed has been clear that significant legislative and constitutional reforms are on the horizon. One of my roles as Attorney-General is to provide the Government with legal counsel. While I am yet to discuss the precise scope of these proposals with Cabinet, I plan to ensure they uphold and enhance democracy and the rule of law within Austenasia. Q: “A concern for some within the Empire could be the lack of activity from its elected and appointed officials. Can Austenasia count on you to remain an active member of government who is reachable at appropriate times during any given day?” A: “I can of course pledge to be as active as any official in the Empire should be. What’s more, I am confident that the Government’s term will see increased activity more broadly.” Q: “Is there any aspect of the government that you believe is not up to snuff and needs some revitalization?” A: “We’ll see what the judicial arrangement review digs up in terms of long term issues, but the Government itself has my confidence at this time.” We would like to thank the Attorney General for giving us his time on the matter and we would like to wish him and the rest of Cabinet all the best going forward. Elections announced Earlier today, His Imperial Majesty announced via Discord of the upcoming elections for the Diasporic List and the Towns of Caldari, Chalcedon, and Nahona. The elections are scheduled for 9 December 2024. Sir Hugh McFarlane has informed the Times that he will be standing for election in the Diasporic List.
Nationalisation of the Times
Last evening, it was announced by His Imperial Majesty, Aggelos I, that after nearly 12 years of operation, the Austenasian Times has been officially nationalised by the Government of Austenasia. The Emperor made the announcement with the release of the following statement: “Our Imperial Majesty hereby proclaims the Austenasian Times to be the national newspaper of the Empire of Austenasia, responsible for serving the Austenasian people through the provision of accurate and informative journalism. With the permission of its owner and creator, HSH Lord Jonathan, the Austenasian Times is hereby nationalised, to be the common property of the nation as a whole, and shall from henceforth be overseen by the Ministry for Culture. The Austenasian Times shall be directed by the Editor-in-Chief, which we hereby confirm to since 5 August 2024 have been Lord Mick Griffin, Baron of Glainamar. The Editor-in-Chief shall be appointed at the discretion of the Minister for Culture. The government will support and promote the Austenasian Times but have no direct control over its internal workings or structure and no right to intervene editorially. The Austenasian Times will be committed to due impartiality in regards to controversial subjects and political, social and commercial issues. Any views expressed by the Austenasian Times, whether explicit or implicit, will not necessarily reflect or define those of the Austenasian government” The Times welcomes this announcement, and is most proud. It is very fitting at this time as we will celebrate our 12th Anniversary on the 11th of this month. We would like to thank all parties involved who had a hand in making this happen. Going forward, the Times will strive to bring you the best, impartial, Austenasian news, as it happens. Lord Koff resigns, Cabinet Shuffled Shortly after the announcement made by His Imperial Majesty last evening, Prime Minister, Lord Andrew Creed, announced that the Minister for Culture, Lord Sander Koff, had resigned from his Cabinet position. He remains Representative of Oppidum Tubae. As a result, Cabinet was shuffled. The Prime Minister made the announcement with the following statement: “At 18:02 GMT, Lord Sander Koff announced his immediate resignation as Minister ofCulture. Shortly afterward, His Majesty, Emperor Aggelos I, issued an Imperial Edictplacing the newly nationalised Austenasian Times under the jurisdiction of theMinistry of Culture. Given the edict’s implications, filling this ministerial post hasnow become a matter of utmost national importance.I had already been considering a Cabinet reshuffle, so the timing of these events has,in some ways, worked out well.I hereby nominate the following members to my Cabinet, pending the Emperor’sapproval: • Lord Andrew Creed – Minister of Culture• Lord John Gordon – Home Secretary• HSH Lord Jonathan – Treasurer• Lord William Wilson – Chief Ambassador and Secretary-General• HIH Crown Prince Shiro – Minister of Defence I would also like to clarify that my appointment to the position of Minister of Cultureis not intended to involve direct control over the editorial independence of theAustenasian Times. Rather, the focus will be on overseeing the eventual hosting ofthe publication on the official austenasia.com website.This reshuffle aims to ensure the smooth running of government considering recentchanges and to further strengthen the Cabinet’s ability to serve the national interest.” The Times would like to wish Lord Koff the best at this time, and the best of luck to this new Cabinet.
Austenasia remembers Ned Gunderson
It was announced yesterday to the people of Austenasia that Edward “Ned” Gunderson, a former Austenasian who served as the Empire’s seventh Deputy Prime Minister, had passed away on 6 October 2024. It came as a shock to all when HSH Lord Jonathan announced to the Austenasian public via Discord, on Monday, that Ned Gunderson a former Austenasian official had passed away earlier this month at the age of 23. The news had been made public by his family, with close friends then alerting micronational social media. Lord Jonathan, who served as Emperor during Gunderson’s time in office, made the following announcement via Discord: “I regret to announce that the former Lord Edward Gunderson, once Count of New Grémmia, passed away earlier this month on October 6th. Lord Gunderson joined Austenasia in April 2019 alongside the Town of Dragovina, as its Representative. He served as Deputy Prime Minister, Home Secretary, and Speaker of the House from February to May 2020, during the brief premiership of Prince Dionisiy. During the high point of the 2020 political crisis, Lord Gunderson announced the secession of Dragovina from the Empire due to his dissatisfaction with the extent of proposed constitutional reforms, ultimately triggering the resignation of Prince Dionisiy a few days later. Although Edward therefore leaves behind a controversial legacy in Austenasian history, there can be no doubt that he brought a level of enthusiasm, engagement, and imagination to his positions in government which has rarely been matched.” Lord John Gordon – Gunderson’s successor as Deputy PM – also paid tribute, recalling that “he certainly made Austenasia a lively place”, and stating that “he will be missed”. Ned’s micronational career was not limited to Austenasia. He was also a figure in other nations such as Abelden, Krasnocoria, and Montescano. Gunderson was also appointed as Knight of the Order of the Bullmastiff in Austenasia, in 2019. The Time would like to express our utmost condolences to Ned’s family and friends at this time.
Upcoming Referendum Poll Results
On Saturday 5 October, the Austenasian Times conducted a public opinion poll on the Austenasian Discord server to see how the public felt about Prime Minister, Lord Andrew Creed’s announcement regarding an upcoming referendum on the allowance of self-ID and gay marriage. The poll asked the following question: “Would you vote in favour of an amendment to allow self-ID and gay marriage?” “Yes” Or “No” The poll had 11 participants with 82% (9) voting in favour of the amendment and 18% (2) voting against it. The Times would like to acknowledge that various participants in the poll were not Austenasian citizens and that the poll was merely to gauge public opinion on the subject. We asked Prime Minister Creed how he felt about the result and he responded with the following: “It’s a pleasant surprise, to be sure. But I am conscious that the poll was only seen and voted on by a small handful of the Austenasian population, so the results of it, whilst promising, might not be the results we see when the referendum is held.” There is currently no date set for the referendum. Austenasia Notes
Shiro named as new Heir
A new Line of Succession was today confirmed by the Senate, with Shiro Mephistopheles installed as the new Heir. The now Crown Prince Shiro – one of this year’s Consuls – has led the Senate since April, and previously served both in Parliament and in Cabinet. Upon the ascension of Emperor Aggelos I this Sunday, His Imperial Majesty’s first Imperial Decree called on the Senate to confirm a new Line of Succession. Prior to this confirmation, Lord Michael Simpson was technically Heir for several days, having been second in line before the new Emperor’s ascension. However, he had previously made it clear that he would not wish to accept the Throne unless entirely necessarily. Another reason to form a new Line of Succession comes from discussion in the top levels of government regarding prospective constitutional amendments. One of these amendments, which will likely be proposed before the end of the year, would remove the requirement for the Monarch to be a practicing Christian, replacing it with a requirement for the Monarch to respect the national religion rather than to necessarily adhere to it. Assuming that this amendment passes, the eligibility criteria for Monarch will significantly widen, and so some dignitaries previously not included have been considered by the Senate. The new Line of Succession now stands thus: The Senate has been empowered to make changes to the Line of Succession – with the Monarch’s approval – since 2020. This function was previously exercised by Parliament itself.
Creed Apologies, Announces Referendums
Earlier this evening, Prime Minister, Lord Andrew Creed publicly apologized to New Richmond nationalist and former Austenasian Prime Minister, Vera Hewitt and GUM Vice Chair, Newton von Uberquie following a dispute that took place in the Wrythe Public House on 29 September. He made the apology as follows: “I would like to offer my most sincere apologies to Vera Hewitt, former Prime Minister of Austenasia, and to Newton von Uberquie, former Chair of the Grand Unified Micronational and current Vice Chair. Although we do have our differences, I want to say on a personal level, that I respect both of you as micronationalists. Vera was one of the most influential Prime Ministers Austenasia has ever seen, and our nation owes a great debt to her that we will never be able to repay. The language and behaviour displayed by myself was unbecoming of a Prime Minister. Whilst we all have our differences, politically and personally, I think it’s important for there to be civility amongst us.” Prime Minister Creed also made a very important announcement on his intention to hold referendums in the near future. “I’d also like to take this opportunity to announce my intention to hold referendums on both marriage equality and the right to self-identification.” It is well known that Lord Creed identifies himself as a gay man, and that Austenasia is home to several citizens who identify themselves as members of the LGBTQ+ community. Lord Creed would like to give Austenasians the chance to vote upon two separate referendums, marriage equality and the right to self-ID.
Celebrating the Reign of Emperor Jonathan I of Austenasia
Join us and hundreds of Austenasians and micronationalists the world over, in celebrating the reign of Jonathan I, 4th Emperor and founder of the Empire of Austenasia. Jonathan first founded Austenasia along with his family on 20 September 2008. His reign as 4th Emperor of Austenasia began when he ascended to the throne on 20 January 2013, upon the abdication of Emperor Declan I. Jonathan built Austenasia from the ground up, taking the nation from a hometown subject to a global sensation in the micronational community. Jonathan was responsible for annexing most all of Austenasia’s Towns, Marches, Territories, and Crown Dependencies. He guided Austenasia through the micronational community, establishing foreign relations with countless micronations, as well as gaining lifelong friends in the process. In 2014 Jonathan became the owner of MicroWiki and was the lead administrator up until 2024. He worked to keep things in order and establish MicroWiki as the site it is today. Jonathan was also a responsible party in the the re-establishment of the Grand Unified Micronational, which up until recently, Austenasia was a member of. He also sat as chair of the organization six times. In 2022, Jonathan married the love of his life, Princess Hannah of Wildflower Meadows. From then, she became his Empress Consort. In 2024, Jonathan announced his regency as he wished to step back from public life. The regency ended on 29 September 2024, when Jonathan abdicated the throne. Jonathan’s reign saw a total of seven different Prime Ministers, starting with Lord Marshal William and ending with Lord Andrew Creed. We asked Prime Minister Lord Andrew Creed how he felt, he responded with the following: “I remember quite vividly when Jonathan became the Emperor, I was 13 at the time, and it was an incredible shock to me because I had actually assumed he was already the Emperor. Throughout Jonathan’s reign, he’s guided the nation through prosperity and steered the ship dutifully. On a personal level, he’s a friend. He took me under his wing and mentored me, and has always had my back. It’ll take some adjusting to the fact he is no longer our sovereign, but he’ll always have our respect and a place at the table; if he ever wants it.” Not a single person can deny the massive impact that Jonathan has had on Austenasia and micronationalism as a whole. Thanks to him, Austenasia will go down in history with the greats, such as Sealand and Molossia. As for Jonathan himself, he is one who truly deserves the respect of any and all who consider themselves a micronationalist. Jonathan, the now Lord Jonathan, Duke of Sweetpea Valley, has stepped down from public life in Austenasia. He will enjoy a quiet life with his family where he is an amateur historian, journalist, playwright and actor. I’m sure we can all agree that Jonathan and his family deserve nothing but the best going forward. All the best to you! Long Live the Emperor and Long Live Austenasia!
BREAKING: Jonathan I Abdicates, Aggelos I is Emperor of Austenasia
Announced on 29 September, 2024, His Imperial Majesty, Jonathan I, Emperor of Austenasia has abdicated the throne. Immediately following this, the Prince Regent, Aggelos I, had ascended to the throne as the Fifth Emperor of Austenasia. Aggelos’ ascension has now ended the Regency which began on 30 April of this year. Jonathan I had been in power as Emperor since 20 January 2013, his 11 year reign has now ended. The details of the abdication and ascension can be found in the following Imperial Decree signed earlier today in Imvrassia. https://docs.google.com/document/d/14kuDAMyw_uvreRmaLVS5B9NbAPEd9zc763ufo3M1B8o/edit It is clear from here on out, Austenasia has entered a new era. The future may be uncertain, but the hearts of her people remain unwavered. We wish Jonathan all the best in his retirement. Long Live the Emperor! Long Live Austenasia!
Creed Victorious in General Election
The results for the September 2024 General Election are in; Lord Andrew Creed is the new Prime Minister of Austenasia. The voting results are as follows: Creed:1 – Wrythe4 – Nahona5 – North Nahona2 – Caldari1 – Blue Ridge2 – Procyon10 – Nonresidentials25 – Total O’Halloran:1 – Wrythe1 – Nahona3 – Blue Ridge3 – Nonresidentials8 – Total Lord Creed is victorious with 75.75% of the total vote, beating out Lady O’Halloran in every region, except O’Halloran’s home town, Blue Ridge and the Capital, Wrythe, where they tied. The Times would like to congratulate Lord Creed on his victory and we look forward to a bright and productive future from his government.
Austenasia to Withdraw from GUM
Acting Prime Minister, Lord Andrew Creed, announced this evening via Discord that Austenasia would be withdrawing from the Grand Unified Micronational, effective 12:00 AM BST. Lord Creed made the announcement with the following statement: “Hello, everyone. After a lengthy discussion with the Emperor, and with consultation of the Regent, Austenasia will be withdrawing from the Grand Unified Micronational, effective midnight tonight (British Summer Time). This decision has not been made lightly. After careful thought and reflection, it is clear that the circumstances have become too concerning to ignore. The events that have unfolded, particularly the conduct of the Chair and Vice-Chair, have highlighted deeply troubling issues that can no longer be overlooked. Rather than engaging in a fair and respectful contest of ideas, these leaders have resorted to attacking their opposition candidate, Pio, with false and malicious accusations. The baseless claim that Pio is a fascist is nothing more than a deliberate attempt to assassinate his character—an unacceptable tactic used to discredit him for political gain. Such behaviour undermines the core principles of fairness and integrity that the organisation should stand for. As someone who has long voiced concerns about the direction of the GUM, I cannot remain silent any longer. Under the leadership of Henry Clemens, I have no confidence that these issues will be properly addressed. Clemens’ handling of this election campaign has revealed a troubling disregard for the serious concerns of bullying and harassment. His own conduct throughout this period casts doubt on whether the values of decency and respect are still being upheld within the organisation. By ignoring or enabling such behaviour, Clemens and his leadership are fostering a toxic environment where those in power can act without accountability. It is also deeply disheartening to see how far the organisation has strayed from its original mission. It no longer resembles the body that Jonathan fought so hard to build. Until meaningful change occurs, I cannot in good conscience continue to support an organisation that has allowed such behaviour to persist unchecked.” Austenasia has been a member of the GUM since October 2009. His Imperial Majesty, Jonathan I, was the brainchild of Austenasia’s involvement with the organization. In light of recent events which have been previously reported by the Times, Austenasia simply cannot come to terms with the GUM as an organization. The Times hopes that the GUM will resolves its issues in Austenasia’s absence, so that the two parties may establish a working relationship in the future; but for now it will not be possible. Austenasia Notes
