Unionist committee releases rules for legislative election fight
The committee in charge of setting up the process to nominate the Union Party’s prime ministerial candidate for June’s legislative elections has published its rules for the contest. In a surprise move the party leader, Bartek Bagdat, has automatically qualified to stand as the nominee, unless challenged by another candidate who must secure at least 35% of the Unionist caucus’ backing to force a contest. Janoslav Csoňka, a state minister from Preaisk, the most likely challenger to Bagdat, who forced the party to develop rules for a nomination battle by threatening to challenge the leader last year, has said he was “disappointed, but not surprised” by the decision and was “exploring all options so that there would be a real contest” to decide the nominee. If a run-off vote between two candidates is required, the rules state that the eventual nominee would need to secure 55% of the caucus. Sources close to Mr Csoňka have today said that he intends to appeal the decision, but was also close to reaching both thresholds. A party spokesperson commented that it was “important to show stability” and that the rules would ensure the eventual nominee had “the full backing of the party caucus”.
Polascianan cities mull bid to host global music show in 2024
Polascianan Television (PTV) has issued a notification to several city administrations about submitting a potential bid to host Global Festival – the worldwide music contest – after the country secured an historic result coming second at the recent edition of the show in Salaam (Jurzan). In a leaked document seen by The Union, PTV has requested expressions of interest from major cities including Karasciena, Ukhyny, Kiasè and Arvi – although it is thought that only the first two have the facilities required to successfully submit a proposal to the World Media Commission (WMC) who oversee the production of the contest. Karasciena’s 35,000 capacity Sevruk Arena had previously hosted Gala – a Gallian cultural festival as part of World Celebration and a precursor to the modern contest – in 2009, and is seen as the favourite to lead any formal Polascianan bid. The coastal of Kiasè, and former World Games winter series host city Ukhyny are seen as potential outsiders for the opportunity. The WMC have yet to publicly announce any process for the 2024 show, but are expected to release details in the coming days as the international body meets in Brandon (United Republic), the host of the 2023 contest which will take place later this year in December. The 2022 contest was won by the Free States who are also expected to bid to host the contest next year.
Serbin to publish Kadikistan investigation in deflection tactic
The government is to publish a key intelligence report which includes counsel records from the former Lukyanov administration – but has been accused of doing so to try and deflect from its own failure to release the long-awaited investigation into the 2020 New Years Day border bombings. The papers are likely to shine a light on negotiations conducted with Kadikistan in 2009 which have been under intense political scrutiny since coming to light in 2016. Former Coalition prime minister’s, Koruin Gruaman, Marina Yanaka and Ludvig Fedorov, all resisted calls for a full and frank investigation at the time, fearing such moves could prompt a political response from the Union Party. Now, Prime Minister Serbin, according to close sources, feels that publishing key records in the run up to the legislative elections may help put political heat back on the opposition. “He is looking for any way to make the findings of the terror bombing report look remotely palatable to people, and feels whipping up an age old scandal like this will help” said one insider commenting on the news that the reports would be released earlier today. Whilst no further details have been announced, it is expected that the Prime Minister will make a statement regarding the planned publication in the coming days.
