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.
GUM Delegate Appointed
Following last week’s GUM Delegate Dismissal by Lord Andrew Creed, he announced last evening the appointment of former Austenasian Prime Minister, Lord John Gordon, as Austenasian Delegate to the Grand Unified Micronational. Creed made the announcement with the following statement: “As the deadline is running out, I have decided to name a new GUM delegate to serve until after the election, if I win it, of course. Please welcome Lord John Gordon as Austenasia’s Official Delegate.” He continued, stating he agreed with criticisers on the route Austenasia should have been taking in regards to the situation. “Whilst it is my full intention to withdraw from the GUM once the election has been won by myself, I do agree with some of my criticisers that this should not be done without a democratic mandate, which I believe I will be given post-election. Whilst I had good talks with the Acting Chairman, we came to an impasse that I do not believe, under the GUM’s current model, will be resolved. That is no fault of the Acting Chair, but rather the fault of the organisation he represents.” Creed continued, criticizing the GUM as an organization. “Unless the GUM reforms, and reforms quickly, it’s my firm belief it will die. I believe the GUM should reform it’s expulsion practises, for numerous reasons. It was my intention to withdraw our GUM delegates until after the election, as I do not believe that during an election, a time of uncertainty, that our nation should have any delegates that could vote against the interests of the upcoming premiership, and this is something that I intend to implement into law eventually – whether we remain in the GUM or not. Additionally, there are several bad faith individuals who are apart of the GUM, and are responsible for numerous harrassment campaigns against both minors, and adults, and should have been expelled long ago, who are still active participants in the organisation. The Acting Chair has assured me that the current matter will be addressed, and I hope the decision will be a no-nonsense approach to harrassment of any kind.” Lord Creed’s allegations against the GUM has taken a very serious and dark tone. It would come as no surprise now why Lord Creed has been so adamant that Austenasia sever ties to the organization. But the allegations have been brought to the attention of the former Chairman and current acting Chairman, Anthony Burauskis. Hopefully now, in light of the recent events, things will change within the organization for the benefit of all member states. Austenasia Notes Michael Simpson, KtC Lord of the Manor of Nether, Alias Lower Hardres In the Parish of Lower Hardres In the County of Kent
GUM Delegates Dismissed
On August 18, immediately after Lord Griffin, Austenasia’s Delegate to the Grand Unified Micronational, excused himself from the Quorum Chamber, he was dismissed by the Acting Prime Minister, Lord Andrew Creed. Lord Creed made the announcement in the following statement: “Within my power as Acting Prime Minister, I have recalled and dismissed all of the Austenasian delegates to the GUM. There will be no further appointments to the role until after the election, although my views on the GUM are quite clear, and will be a major part of my campaign, so that take as you will.” The news was then immediately relayed by Lord Creed to the Chair, Vice Chair, and Supreme Justice of the GUM. It was then confirmed by Acting Deputy Prime Minister, Shiro Mephistopheles, and Lord Griffin. Lord Griffin then declared the dismissal in the Quorum Chamber. Austenasia has been a member of the Grand Unified Micronational since June 4, 2016. Austenasia will now face a motion of expulsion from the GUM if they are without a Delegate for 14 days. It is Lord Creed’s intention to have Austenasia removed from the GUM altogether, if elected into office in the upcoming election. An altercation then took place in the GUM lobby between GUM members and Lord Creed. It resulted with Austenasia essentially burning it’s bridge with the GUM. Lord Creed then made the following statement to the nation: “As Acting Prime Minister, I have made the decision to dismiss all of Austenasia’s delegates, and based on the reaction in the lobby room, it is ultimately the right decision for our nation going forward. The organisation is not fit for purpose, and is rampant with bullying and harassment from several of it’s members. Austenasia does not wish to associate with any organisation that does not take harassment and bullying seriously, as I have been personally been made of several accounts from other members of how rampant this toxic culture within the organisation is, and witnessed it first-hand upon my announcement to them about our intentions. I will not be appointing any further delegates to the organisation, whether that means Austenasia is expelled or not.” Lord Creed was also removed from the GUM Discord Server. Despite this development, it should be noted that it was the wish of His Imperial Majesty, Jonathan I, for Austenasia to remain active within the GUM. Austenasia Notes
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.
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.
Treasury establishes precious metal investment account
An Act of Parliament was passed yesterday formally establishing the Precious Metals Account, an online investment account from which profit can be drawn from investing in precious metals such as gold, silver, and platinum. The Precious Metals Account (PMA) was initially set up by Lord Michael Simpson with a starting investment of $200 in precious metals. Lord Simpson, an experienced investor, has donated the account to the Austenasian Treasury. Profit generated by the account will now be available to fund “state expenditure and the public good”, in the words of yesterday’s legislation. For almost ten years now, Austenasia’s state income has come almost entirely from voluntary donations. Another source of income will now enable the Treasury to better budget for the funding of state projects.
The Emperor catches Covid-19
His Imperial Majesty the Emperor and his parents have tested positive for the Covid-19 coronavirus, developing cold-like symptoms. Emperor Jonathan I tested positive for the disease on the morning of Sunday 27th February, after starting to feel unwell the previous evening. The Emperor continues to display cold-like symptoms, and Emperor Mother Margaret has also tested positive for the virus. Emperor Father Terry had tested positive a few days previously, and was likewise displaying cold-like symptoms, but has now recovered. Wrythe had previously been free of the virus since the start of the pandemic. His Imperial Majesty continues to conduct governmental business, and has not stopped working on his duties as Monarch. However, given – in his own words – “any unforeseen developments regarding the ongoing crisis in Ukraine may require a robust and immediate response from the Throne”, Jonathan I has appointed two Counsellors of State to exercise some of his powers if necessary should he be unavailable while resting or should his condition worsen. Counsellors of State are dignitaries who the Emperor can authorise to exercise various of his duties and powers as Monarch in case of short-term unavailability or incapacity. The Prime Minister, Lord William Wilson, has been authorised “to exercise all military functions of the Throne and any duty or power of such related to the administration or command of the Austenasian Armed Forces”. Furthermore, in an emergency, Lord Wilson and fellow Counsellor of State Lord Michael Simpson have been given the authority to jointly give Imperial Consent to an Act of Parliament on the Emperor’s behalf should such be considered urgently necessary. The appointment of Lord Wilson and Lord Simpson as Counsellors of State will last until the end of March, unless otherwise shortened or extended by the Emperor.
Claims established in China and Arizona
An Act of Parliament passed yesterday evening has founded two new Crown Dependencies after their landowners contacted the government with requests to join Austenasia. A rural property in China’s Hunan province has been annexed as Shuhan, and four plots of land in Navajo County, Arizona have been annexed as Navurania. Shuhan is home to Juntao Yang and his mother. Mr Yang has been appointed Governing Commissioner of Shuhan, to administer it with the title of Duke. Mr Yang serves as Austenasia’s unaccredited Ambassador to China. His family can trace its descent from the rulers of one of the so-called Three Kingdoms of third century China, Shu Han, in honour of which the new territory has been named. Although the annexation legislation was passed at 11pm UTC on 15 February, this was already 16 February in China, and as such the latter date will be considered Shuhan’s date of foundation. The second new claim, Navurania, is composed of four plots of uninhabited land in a location best known for the mining of uranium and rare earth minerals. The plots comprising Navurania are owned by Lord Michael Simpson, one of Austenasia’s most prolific purchasers and claimers of land. However, as governor of four territories already – Florencium Carolina, Elliessium Colorandum, Golcondiaurum, and Rubrum Beryllium – and Representative of Procyon, it was decided not to add to his workload of territorial administration. Lord Simpson’s grandson has therefore been appointed Governing Commissioner of Navurania, adopting for said purpose the official pseudonym of Winston Churchill Jr. for privacy reasons.
Land from gemstone-rich area claimed for Austenasia
A 1.44 acre property in Utah was annexed to the Empire of Austenasia today after being claimed by its landowner, Lord Michael Simpson. The property, which has been named Rubrum Beryllium, is uninhabited. The land is situated in a district where discoveries of red beryl – also known as bixbite or red emerald – have been made. Red beryl is a very rare gemstone of high value. It is hoped for a prospecting mission to take place in the near future. Should any red beryl be found in Rubrum Beryllium itself, it would be of great financial benefit to the Empire. Lord Simpson is one of the Empire’s leading landowners. He has previously claimed three other territories – Florencium Carolina, Elliessium Colorandum, and Golcondiarum – for Austenasia, all of which he owns and administers as Governor.
Large new Territory brings hope of gold deposits
Golcondiaurum, an 80.44 acre uninhabited piece of land bordered by Nevada, was annexed as an Austenasian Territory on Sunday 24th. The new Territory was claimed for the Empire by its owner, Lord Michael Simpson. Lord Simpson has been appointed Governor of Golcondiaurum. He already serves as Governor of Florencium Carolina and of Elliessium Colorandum, two other uninhabited areas of land also owned and claimed by him. The annexation of Golcondiaurum is of particular interest due to the high possibility of gold deposits on the land. Geological surveys and soil testing to ascertain whether such gold deposits are present have been planned by Lord Simpson for the near future.