Inaction of the Speaker Crippling Parliament

Felix Cavendish, speaker for the Imperial Parliament, is by his inaction preventing the democratically elected institutions of the Empire from functioning. Two bills are still waiting to have their debate started, one of which has been on hold since April 29th this year, the other since May 2nd.

The Path to Provincehood Act and the Private Forums Access Act 2007 are currently sitting in the government's debating chamber with the Prime Minister, Jose Frias, surely growing impatient to the Parliaments forced inaction. In both instances the Prime Minister has been left asking "Is this debate open?" Questions must be asked as to why the Speaker is taking no action, or why in his absense, there is no one substituting his position.

It is the feeling of this writer that not only do politicians have a duty to speed up the governmental processes in Alexandria, but the speaker too has a very important role to play in combatting inaction.

The Dauphin Ups the Ante, Followed by King John of Novasolum

HIH Prince Enrique Portela has responded to the recent claims of King John of Novasolum and the Earl of Rambai over the matter of the naval action nearly taken against the Novasolan royal yacht Wattle. The Daupin has defended the legitimacy of the actions of the Alexandrian Navy during a brief visit to the former Kingdom of Rambai, now a protectorate of Novasolum. He said

"Perhaps if you had contacted proper authorites of such a thing, everything would have been different now, wouldnt it? Good day."

King John responded by releasing a statement detailing the exact nature of the altercation. He challenged the Prince's knowledge of maritime law before explaining the actions of the Wattle that were taken to avoid conflict. He also made clear that the Wattle was unarmed and manned by only 11 crew members.

The Novalsolans have definately painted themselves as being the unwitting victims in this incident, but the Alexandrian Royal Family continue to claim that the action taken was perfectly normal for this type of situation. With no hint of an apology from either side, and with Alexandrian paranoia running high, the war of words looks set to continue.

Frias Must Wake-Up the Legislature

Geneva, Alexandria. To the casual observer of Alexandrian politics the passing of the resolution to formally announce the formation of a conservative government can't come a moment too soon. The pace of legislative life in our Empire is currently resembling the pace of life that any two-toed sloth can be found enjoying in any zoo worldwide.

Jose Frias, the Prime Minister, presented a dynamic front prior to the election during campaigning, but now must be seen to push the government into action. Similarly Frias must be seen to take action against absenteeism in the parliament and lead by example by pushing through legislation promised to voters.

For the casual observer the wait goes on, but hopefully inaction will be combatted before the parliamentary seat gather dust and cobwebs.

Alexandria "Fail to heed warnings"

Vrancsia, Alexandria. The Alexandrian Navy have been accused by the King of Novasolum of "failing to respond to warning signals" as his Royal Yacht passed by Alexandria last week. King John was en route for the Kingdom of Rambai to formally oversee the handing over of sovereignty from the King of Rambai to Novasolum. King John claims his ship was forced to re-route after the captain saw Alexandria vessels moving to intercept the Wattle.

The location of Rambai makes it a key stategic acquisition for Novasolum providing a northern lookout over the bulk of Alexandria and the water in-between. There has been no official press release into the incident by the Alexandrian Navy, but their continued silence will not serve well to dispell any tension in the region.