Lord Wilson Resigns after Absence

Thursday February 27th saw an Act of Parliament passed which dissolved the Towns of Nahona and North Nahona following the resignation of Lord William Wilson from politics. Lord Wilson, who served as Prime Minister from September 2021 to February 2024, did not stand in last year’s February general election, taking a step back from government due to increasing time constraints from other commitments. Although he remained in Parliament, his levels of interaction steadily decreased over the course of 2024, with Lord Wilson last responding to messages late last year. An e-mail set to send automatically if not cancelled was received several days ago, informing the government that if they were reading it, he wished to resign and have the claims he founded dissolved. The Territory of Jackson and the Campo de Jonatán March have therefore also been ceded. As Prime Minister, Lord Wilson served a successful term which saw the country’s population hitting a record peak of 150 with a naturalisation drive, as well as the subsequent implementation of parliamentary representation for non-residential subjects. He took an active and outgoing approach to foreign relations, becoming the first Prime Minister since the then Crown Prince Jonathan to embark on a state visit, overseeing “windows” whereby the Foreign Office would consider applications for diplomatic relations, and personally acting to improve and maintain ties with the Holy Roman Empire, Dracul, New Virginia, and others. Domestically, Lord Wilson chaired online Cabinet meetings far more frequently than his predecessors, at one point seeing a meeting each week when historically Cabinet had simply met as and when required. This activity in government led to such initiatives as the aforementioned expansion and democratic reform, as well as the foundation of the Imperial University, the creation of an investment account in precious metals, and other governmental projects. Austenasia Notes

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 Musgrave, 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 Musgrave – 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.

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.

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.

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.

New Year sees Line of Succession shortened

New Year’s Day has seen the Senate of Austenasia pass a resolution shortening the Line of Succession, in addition to Lord Wilson appointing his last annual consuls as Prime Minister. The Senate is a body of experienced “elder statesmen” responsible for keeping the Monarch to account, and was given the power by Parliament in 2020 to approve changes to the Line of Succession. The senatorial resolution, passed earlier today, has significantly shortened the number of people in the Line of Succession from twenty down to twelve. It was considered that those removed – mostly paternal cousins of Emperor Jonathan I – were not only extremely unlikely to accept the Throne should they be offered it, but also would be difficult to contact at short notice. In a situation whereby the Throne falls vacant and the Heir (for whatever reason) refuses it, each member of the Line of Succession is to be given the chance to accept the Throne in turn. This resolution thereby removes the legal obligation for a future government to waste time tracking down relatives of the Imperial Family who would almost certainly refuse the Throne anyway, at a time when a swift and orderly transfer of power would be of paramount importance. The resolution has also issued clarification on some confusing language in the Constitution, with the effect that the maternal relatives of the Emperor have now been placed before the Empress and her family in the Line of Succession. However, due to the Line having been so shortened, all remaining in it now hold higher positions than they did previously. In other news, the outgoing Prime Minister, Lord William Wilson – who has confirmed he will not be running in next month’s general election, and also reigns as King in Gradonia – has appointed himself as one of this year’s two consuls, and kept in place one of 2023’s, Shiro Mephistopheles, as the second. 2024 will therefore be known as the year of the consulship of Villelmus Rex and Shiro Mephistopheles. A Prime Minister appointing themselves as a consul is not unusual or irregular. Of the four previous Prime Ministers to have appointed consuls, three appointed themselves as one of the consuls for a year.

Fifteen years of independence celebrated

The Empire of Austenasia yesterday celebrated Independence Day, marking fifteen years since the Declaration of Independence was sent in September 2008. Independence Day is celebrated annually on the third Saturday in September. An special commemorative Act of Parliament passed yesterday – the two hundredth of the current reign – extended the public holiday to Wednesday 20th, the actual anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. To mark the occasion, a broadcast has been published by Lord William Wilson, the Prime Minister, reflecting on ideas of identity and legacy, praising the Empire’s governmental system, and encouraging Austenasians to play a role in the civic and cultural life of the nation. Lord Wilson used the broadcast to reveal that he will not be running in next year’s general election. In the capital city, Wrythe, Emperor Jonathan I hosted the Reylan emperor Taeglan I and King Calum I of the Grove for a semi-formal diplomatic reception. Both monarchs hold the rank of Caesar. Wrythe Public Park also saw a time capsule buried to commemorate the occasion. This replaced an earlier capsule buried in 2012, which was unearthed and opened, with its contents to be studied by the Imperial Geographical Society. Celebrations will continue until Wednesday 20th, when an honours list will be released by the Throne.

Foreign Office opens window for diplomacy requests

The Foreign Office has announced that up until the end of August, requests for diplomatic relations will be considered. Since 2014, the Foreign Office has maintained a policy of refusing to consider requests for diplomacy due to the sheer volume usually received, instead reaching out on its own initiative to request formal ties with nations in which it is interested. This policy was temporarily lifted for two weeks last July at the proposal of Lord William Wilson, the Prime Minister, as part of a wider “summer of diplomacy” in 2022 that also saw a state visit and various treaty signings. As a direct result of last year’s application window, the Empire entered into mutual recognition with Avalonia, the Gymnasium State, New Athens, Revalia, Salanda, and Snagov. A formal treaty has since been signed with Revalia, and discussions opened regarding treaties with the Gymnasium State and Snagov. A form has been published for the use of foreign governments interested in applying for diplomatic relations with Austenasia.

Results announced for Division elections

Results have been announced for yesterday’s election, the first for the new Divisions recently established for non-residential subjects. Three of the four Divisions had only a single candidate stand. Turnout in these Divisions was, as expected, accordingly quite low, although voters did have the option to vote for an abstention, which – should the majority of votes be cast for it – cause that specific election to be re-run with new candidates. However, the three Divisions with a single candidate all saw said candidate win comfortably. Lord Andrew Musgrave has been elected for the Britain and Ireland Division, Professor Sir Sanjib Bhattacharya for the Asia Division, and Sir Isaiah Burdette for the New World Division. Lord Musgrave received 100% of the vote, and both Professor Bhattacharya and Sir Isaiah received 80%. Many eyes were on the election for the Europe and Africa Division, which had three candidates standing; a record for a local election. With a turnout of 68.75% (11 out of 16 eligible voters), Dr Kalin Yanev narrowly won with 5 votes, with his opponents Nitan Kumar and Clemens Schumann receiving 4 and 2 respectively. The four newly elected Representatives take office today. Although, constitutionally speaking, new elections do not now have to take place for up to five years, the Prime Minister Lord William has stated he would prefer elections to take place much more frequently in Divisions so as to encourage political engagement and ensure democratic mandates.

Consuls appointed for 2023

Lord William Wilson, Duke of Taysha, yesterday as Prime Minister appointed the two Consuls for 2023. Annually appointed to a yearly term, the Consuls are Austenasia’s highest judicial authorities, responsible for sentencing convicted criminals. In following ancient Roman practice, they also give their names to the year. This year’s Consuls have been announced as Shiro Mephistopheles and Sir Anthony Clark. Mephistopheles previously served as Minister of Defence from 2018-19, and was recently elected Chairman of the Grand Unified Micronational. Sir Anthony has served as Attorney-General since 2020, and also holds office as Governing Commissioner of Amerdansk. Both became Austenasian nationals on the same day, 6 August 2018. Consular years are named in Latin; 2023 is therefore the year of the consulship of Lucinus Mephistopheles and Antonius Clericii Eques.