CLASH at the Wrythe Public House!

Following the August 8 announcement of the upcoming General Election date and Lord Hunter Prater’s announcement to run for Prime Minister, a heated altercation took place in the Wrythe Public House between the two election candidates. Prater’s opponent, Lord Andrew Creed, responded to his statement expressing his excitement for the election and disagreeing with Prater’s statement on the Empire collapsing and the prospect of it lasting a hundred years. Prater made a grand response, which could have been taken for campaigning, essentially saying that Creed was wrong. Creed made a response, attempting to take the moral high ground by trying to de-escalate the situation by telling Prater to “leave the campaigning until the 4 weeks allocated to it”. Prater came back, guns-a-blazing, accusing Creed of attempting to limit his freedom of speech in the Public House. Creed, again responded and belittled Prater’s knowledge of Austenasian laws. Prater then accused Creed of speaking with condescendence and back-handed comments, going so far as to call him a “bully”. “You’ve got a lot to learn” was Creed response, who also brought up his superior micronational experience to Prater’s and then brought Prater’s maturity into question. Former Austenasian Prime Minister and current New Richmond Republic national, Vera Hewitt, was also in the Public House at the time and she weighed in on the situation. Hewitt suggested that Prater not pick fights and re-worded Creed’s early comment stating that Prater’s campaigning up that point was unconstitutional. She cited her extensive knowledge of the Constitution and previous experience as Prime Minister. From here an argument occurred between Prater and the team of Hewitt and Creed. Prater’s basis was that the pair were limiting his freedom of speech as an ordinary citizen, whereas Hewitt and Creed’s was that Prater’s campaigning was unconstitutional, saying he needed to wait for the allocated 4 weeks. Prater argued that he was in fact not campaigning and was simply expressing his displeasure for the current government. He even challenged them to charge him for his actions. Hewitt and Creed kept citing the Constitution without actually providing the evidence for their argument. They instead told Prater that he himself should read the constitution, to which Prater insisted they show him. Hewitt made a sharp comment saying the following to Prater: “You aren’t very bright and I hope for the Empire’s sake you lose by landslide.” It wasn’t until a few hours later where Lady Addison O’Halloran dug up the section of the Constitution that was being referred to in the argument. It reads as follows: “During the first of the three weeks between the order for a General Election and the actual election, any Representatives willing may apply to stand for election to run for the office of Prime Minister. The Monarch must choose at least two applicant Representatives, who from the point of being chosen until the General Election concludes shall hold the status of Candidates. The remaining four weeks may be spent by the Candidates campaigning to attempt to persuade the subjects of the Empire to vote for them.” It can be argued wether or not Prater’s statements could be considered campaigning or not, but that is a decision that would be best decided by a Judge. Either way you look at it, here at the Times, we believe that we are in for an exciting Campaign Trail leading up to this General Election and wish both candidates all the best.

Date set for General Election

For the second time this year, the Empire of Austenasia will hold a General Election to decide who will be the Empire’s new Prime Minister. Last month, Prime Minister Lord John Gordon resigned from his position, leaving Austenasia in a scramble to get things back in order and elect a new Prime Minister. Lord Andrew, Baron of Corinium Terentium, was immediately appointed Acting Prime Minister upon the resignation.  Lord Andrew pieced Parliament back together and began work to call for an election. Today Parliament has announced that the General Election will take place on 9 September 2024. Potential candidates have until 12 August 2024 to declare their intentions to run for office of the Prime Minister. It is expected that the Prince Regent, Aggelos I, will dissolve Parliament on that same day, with the election being held four weeks later. Lord Andrew has already announced that he will be running for Prime Minister. He previously ran against Lord John Gordon in the February 2024 election, which saw Lord Andrew receive 36.1% of the popular vote. Lord Hunter Prater, Duke of Dixie has announced that he will also be running for Prime Minister in the upcoming election. Lord Hunter Made the following statement:  “I declare my candidacy for Prime Minister. I wish to bring forth constitutional change that would shave off the majority of the useless or unfilled offices along with creating/combining offices in order to lessen the need for as many constantly active positions while also revitalizing the peerage system to give it true meaning. I see to pull the empire from the brink of collapse much as the statesmen of old Rome, however, I seek to instill a change that will set a foundation that will last 100 years. Let’s all come together for the betterment of the Empire!” At this time there are just two candidates for Prime Minister. Both candidates have previously held offices in Parliament and have been with Austenasia for a considerable time. Austenasia Notes On 24 July 2024, Austenasia’s very own, Lord Michael Simpson, Count of Occibrazos, who currently sits as Chancellor, was granted a new title by the Manorial Society of England and Wales. The titles shall read as follows: Michael Simpson KtC, Lord of the Manor of Goodson’s in the Parish of Hundred of Giltcross in the County of Norfolk The Times and Austenasia as a whole would like to congratulate Lord Simpson on this fantastic achievement.

Constitutional Crisis! PM Resigns

The new era of the Empire of Austenasia is off to a rocky start since the regency of Emperor Jonathon I in May of this year. Since then Chief Ambassador, Lord Hunter Prater, and Prime Minister, Lord John Gordon have both resigned from their positions, leaving the Government in a mad scramble to regain control of a turbulent situation. On July 22, Lord John Gordon announced via Discord that he was resigning from his position as Prime Minister, which he was elected to in February of this year. Following his announcement, Gordon appointed Lady Addison O’Halloran, Representative of Blue Ridge, as Acting Prime Minister, on the understanding that Lord Andrew had also resigned. After a week of radio silence, the situation was brought to the attention of Deputy Prime Minister, Lord Andrew of Corinium Terentium. Lord Andrew, who at the time, sat as speaker of Parliament , stated that according the Austenasian Constitution, he was lawfully Acting Prime Minister upon the resignation of Lord Gordon, and that Gordon’s appointment of O’Halloran was unconstitutional. Lord Andrew made the following statement via Discord: “The appointment of Addison as Acting Prime Minister is unlawful, and any ‘official acts’ done during her ‘Premiership’ are null and void.  The succession of the Prime Minister is a settled fact, and cannot be altered by royal degree alone. As Deputy Prime Minister, I am the lawful acting Prime Minister, and was immediately upon the Prime Minister’s resignation.  Addison is not to be considered “Prime Minister”, acting or otherwise, until they have won the general election.” Lady O’Halloran immediately followed up stating she had not had any knowledge of the appointment until that moment. Shortly after, it was confirmed by the Prince Regent, Aggelos I, that Lord Andrew was indeed Acting Prime Minister. Lord Andrew made it known that he intends to call for an election as early as possible, citing that Parliament requires a replacement speaker before that can happen. He also announced that he will be running for Prime Minister in the upcoming election. Palasian Independence Following Lord John Gordon’s resignation as Prime Minister, on July 25, Gordon announced that the Austenasian town of Palasia and its march, Caldari, would be separating from Austenasia as they declare their independence. Gordon made the following speech: “Palasians, Austenasians, Peoples of the world, I make this speech in both sad and jubilant circumstances, sadness because the chapter of being part of Austenasia has come to an end but jubilant because we can finally forge ahead and make our own history and decisions. I do, with the permission and acceptance of the Palasian people declare independence from the Empire of Austenasia and announce the creation of the Palasian Transitional Council to oversee Palasia during the time of a fully independent nation called the Republic of Palasia. The Palasian Transitional Council’s job shall be to oversee the day to day running of a Transitional Government and the creation of a constitution and functioning government system. The first meeting of the PTC which shall set out the form of governance Palasia shall take, its Administrative structure and national symbols shall commence on the 1st August 2024. We shall endeavour to publish our declaration of independence after the first meeting thus beginning a new age in Palasia. We thank Austenasia for being our home for the last 14 years and we hope close relations with the Empire will commence in a timely fashion. Thank you John Gordon President of the Palasian Transitional Council” Palasia and Caldari have been a part of Austenasia since 2013 and 2014 respectively, making them some of the longest standing settlements in Austenasia history. Austenasia and the Times would like to wish Lord Gordon and Palasia all the best in the future. Austenasia Notes

Emperor Jonathan I announces Regency

To the Empire and to the world, my greetings. When I founded Austenasia with my family over fifteen years ago, I could never have imagined how our little country would one day prosper. It has been a joy to watch this community we started grow right around the world, with people from all sorts of places and backgrounds taking a real interest in helping Austenasia to flourish. I served under our first three Emperors as Prime Minister, and since 2013 I have ruled as Emperor myself. Austenasia has been a huge part of my life for over fifteen years. However, as I approach my thirtieth birthday, it has become clear to me that, although I have spent half my life on helping to lead the Empire, I no longer have the time to dedicate to it that I once did. Other aspects of my life require my attention and my dedication, and I cannot demand loyalty from subjects to a Throne the holder of which will only ever have a decreasing amount of time to give to them. Austenasia began as a small, family project when I was thirteen, and it has far outgrown my wildest hopes for it. However, after several months of deep thought, I am certain in my conviction that it is time for my leadership to come to an end. Although I had considered abdication, I cannot bring myself yet to sever completely the ties between myself and the country I have loved and governed for so long, or to disappoint so profoundly those who have asked me to reconsider. Rather, I shall remain as titular Monarch, in name only, providing a continued link to the House of Austen and proof of my endorsement of the new Heir, Aggelos, to serve as Prince Regent. Aggelos of Imvrassia has been an Austenasian for nearly seven years, has served in Parliament on two non-consecutive occasions, and has over a decade of experience as constitutional monarch of Imvrassia. He has been appointed as Prince Regent by the Senate with my full and sincere backing, to rule as effective head of state. With the support of the Prime Minister, and with the members of the new Line of Succession able to serve as Counsellors of State if necessary, I am sure he will do a wonderful job. His Imperial and Majestic Highness – as he shall be known in Austenasia, in deference to his Imvrassian throne – takes on the powers of the Austenasian Throne in their full. They are his to wield as they were mine, effective as of 10:00 UTC today. Prince Regent Aggelos will need the support and respect of the Empire to fulfil this calling, and I ask all Austenasians and all our friends from abroad to give him our full support as he takes on this great responsibility. He has my full support and I trust the future is safe in his hands. To all those who I have come to know through my time in office in Austenasia, I thank you for your friendship, and for the horizons that have been opened. May God bless you all, and God save the Empire!

New land claims annexed from UK and Canada

Saturday 13th April saw further territorial expansion for the Empire of Austenasia, with two new sites being claimed. The first, Garelsh, is comprised of the garden of a residential property in Marlow, in the British county of Buckinghamshire. Garelsh has been annexed as a Territory, with its owner, the now Lord Oscar Owens, appointed its Baron and Governor. This marks the first expansion of Austenasia within the British Isles for roughly five years. The second of the weekend’s annexations saw the new Territory of Glainamar gain an exclave, namely a woodland cabin situated roughly 7 miles to the west of the main territory. This cabin, which is next to a pond, was built in the late 1970s by the family of Lord Griffin, Governor of Glainamar. The new addition will be known as the Glain Interior.

Line of Succession overhauled

The Senate has voted to completely overhaul the Line of Succession to the Throne, replacing the previous list of the Emperor’s relatives with a list of five trusted statesmen. This dramatic change was made at the behest of Emperor Jonathan I himself. The beginning of the year saw several members of the Line of Succession removed on the basis that they would be unlikely to accept the Throne and hard to contact at short notice. Today’s more radical change has been implemented on the grounds of the same principle, on the understanding that none of those previously in line to the Throne were interested in actually ascending it in anything more than name should they be called upon to do so. Five individuals were put forward by the Emperor and, after discussion in the Senate, confirmed as a new Line of Succession, namely: The Constitution requires a reigning Monarch of Austenasia to be a Christian, a requirement fulfilled by all the members of the new Line of Succession except for Adam I. The previous heir, the Emperor’s sister, will now be known once more as Princess Caroline rather than as Crown Princess. Were he not already titled as an emperor, Aggelos would have assumed the title Crown Prince as the new Heir to the Throne. Those in the Line of Succession are not only to be called upon should the Throne become empty, but are also able to take on responsibilities such as being appointed a Counsellor of State to assist the Monarch. This change marks a move towards a more realistic approach to the Empire’s long-term future, with an active and committed future Monarch more likely to be found among those already dedicated to Austenasia than among relatives of Jonathan I, most of whom are aunts and cousins who are not even Austenasian.

New territory annexed from Canada

An Imperial Decree passed earlier today annexed a new territory to the Empire after its landowner claimed it for Austenasia. Glainamar, the new claim, consists of a large plot of land within the garden of a neighbouring house, lived in by its now governor, Lord Mick Griffin, and his family. The property as a whole has been owned by Lord Griffin’s family since 1954. Lord Griffin is the legal owner of this section of the property, and is seeking to commence construction of a residence for himself on the land in 2026. At present, however, the land is uninhabited, and so has been claimed as a Territory. Glainamar is bordered by the Canadian town of Carbonear, in Newfoundland.

Lord John Gordon elected Prime Minister

Lord John Gordon, Viscount of Thetford, has been elected the seventh Prime Minister of the Empire of Austenasia, with 60.6% of the vote. His rival candidate, Lord Andrew Creed, received 36.1% of the vote, whereas an option to Abstain – which, if it gained a majority, would have forced fresh elections – received 3.3% of the vote. This translates to thirty seven and twenty two votes respectively from the sixty one Austenasian subjects who voted yesterday. With one hundred and eight of Austenasia’s population eligible to vote, this was a 56.5% turnout. Lord Andrew Creed has been appointed Deputy Prime Minister by Lord Gordon. Both Lord Gordon and Lord Creed have a long history in Austenasia. Lord Gordon is the longest continually serving Representative, having represented Palasia in Parliament since July 2013, whereas Lord Creed is the longest serving Governor, having administered Corinium Terentium since December 2013. Lord John Gordon is the first former Prime Minister to resume the office, having also served from June 2020 to September 2021. This was a term feted for its political and cultural prosperity, the memory of which no doubt helped in his election. Lord Gordon – who held office as Speaker during the previous government – is also known for his sense of humour, leading the effort to have baked beans declared Austenasia’s national dish in reference to an in-joke on the national Discord server, and adopting as his campaign portrait a photo with a highly edited hairstyle. Lord Gordon’s campaign promised organising projects for Austenasians to work on to promote engagement with national life, an active approach to foreign affairs, promotion of Austenasia’s Roman heritage, and exploring initiatives to involve Austenasia with UN-related international bodies as some other small nations have done.

Constitutional amendments passed in referendum

The Third Amendment to the Austenasian Constitution of 2011 has been approved in referendum, with a majority of Austenasia’s subjects now having voted in support for the proposed changes. The precise voting figures will be confirmed tomorrow morning, alongside the results of the ongoing election for Prime Minister. However, the proposed amendments will now definitely pass, as the threshold has now been reached of over half of all Austenasian voters in support of them. The Third Amendment consists of two parts. The first reforms parliamentary representation of non-residential subjects to a STV-based proportional list system, whereas the second is a combination of relatively minor reforms primarily related to titulature and the functioning of the Senate and the Counsellors of State system, as well as the correction of some spelling and wording mistakes. The Third Amendment will officially enter into force on Empress Day, 27 February 2024. The current Representatives for non-residential subjects will remain in office as such until an election is called for their seats. The First Amendment was made in September 2015, and the Second in January 2018. UPDATE 13 FEBRUARY 08:40 – Total turnout for the referendum was 57.4%. However, both parts of the Amendment gained massive support, with 90.3% voting for the first and 96.8% for the second.

Lord Wilson gives final speech as PM

Lord William Wilson, Duke of Taysha earlier today gave a farewell speech as outgoing Prime Minister. Lord Wilson, who is not standing for re-election in today’s ongoing general election, gave the speech in an online group call on Discord attended by other Representatives and dignitaries. At the conclusion of his speech, His Imperial Majesty the Emperor thanked him for his time in office as Prime Minister and for his contributions to the nation. Fellow Austenasians, More than two years ago, I embarked on a journey with you – a journey to strive together with the objective of making our nation more robust and vibrant than before. As I stand before you today, my time as your Prime Minister draws to a close. It is with some sorrow and regret that I depart, but moreso than these, I depart with a profound sense of gratitude for the opportunity to serve this remarkable nation. Upon recollection, I find that the causes for my withdrawal, my unwillingness to seek re-election, have not been evident nor explicit. Now is the best time to let these causes be known clearly. For the past half-year, I have begun my tenure at University, with my studies withholding, the time I have spent in the dealings of government and with the representation of my native Nahona decreased to the point of rendering my duties unexecutable. Concurrently, my time has been taken up by what I consider to be my new priority. It is with some shame that I recognize that my time here should have ended before beginning this new chapter. One of my guiding principles is that of responsibility, the very principle leading me to bid you farewell now rather than later. I feel a responsibility to our Empire that compelled me to leadership in the summer of 2021 and a calling to guide our government for the next two years. It is with the same sense of responsibility that I chose to seek to earn a commission to become an officer in the United States Army. My values have not changed, my loyalties have not changed, but to whom I should dedicate more and more of my time to in the commencement of those values and loyalties have. The time spent as your Prime Minister makes Austenasia a part of me, and a part which I love deeply. Any regret I feel is not that I wish I had not done this at all, but that I wish I had done better for our nation. To my successor, I offer these words of wisdom: lead with courage, govern with compassion, and always remember that the true measure of a leader lies not in the power they wield, but in the lives they touch and the hearts they inspire. And to the citizens of Austenasia, I say this: continue to cherish the principles that bind us together as one nation, one people. For in the end, it is not the titles we hold or the offices we occupy that define us, but the legacy we leave behind and the values we uphold. Thank you, my fellow Austenasians, for the privilege of serving as your Prime Minister. May God bless you, and may God bless the Empire of Austenasia.