News from the Balkans

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QUARANTINE ENDED
July 15th, 1950
Yesterday, our glorious Conducător Nicolae Iolanda held a rally at Bran Castle, announcing good news to the people of Romania and the world at large. The quarantine is over, life in Romania will return at last. With the USSR and Third Reich both gone, Romania is not only free of disease, but also of the political giants that brought her so much misery in the past two decades. The jubilation of the crowd gave clear indication that the people are ready for Legionary Romania to pave the way to a bright new future.
His Eminence King Michael the First also delivered a speech, denouncing the atrocities committed by both the Nazis and the Soviet's. When asked of Romania's future, he said
"The shadow is lifted. I see Romanians- all Romanians- united to face a new global climate. There are many challenges yet to come, but I have faith in Romania, and faith in God- we will face them together."

Reminder: Food rations will continue until the end of August. Textiles will remain under strict rationing while shortages remain.

[Niobium2]

MOLDOVAN ULTIMATUM
October 20th, 1950
Conducător Nicolae Iolanda has at last brought precipitating tension with Moldova to a head, demanding the reintegration of Moldova into the Kingdom of Romania. With military and civilian pressure mounting, it seems unlikely that Moldova will remain independent. Iolanda has issued the statement:
"If not by the overwhelming will of the Moldovan people, then, by the just and powerful hand of the Romanian military. Romanians everywhere must, and will, be reunited."

WORK BEGINS IN PlOIEȘTI
It is no secret that Alfred Gerstenberg, famed Luftwaffe General, built one of the heaviest and best integrated air-defense networks in Europe. Unfortunately, these extensive defenses were largely demolished during soviet occupancy. Gerstenberg himself has been lost, presumed dead at the hands of the plague or the soviets. His plans, however, have been recovered. With this oversight taken care of, Romanian engineers estimate that the rebuilding of the defensive network should be completed within a year.

'NEW'-S.A OPENS EMBASSY IN BUCHAREST
The United States of Asia, a glorious resurgent republic in the former territory of Iran, have been given a large, three-story building in downtown Bucharest to house ambassadors to Romania. The Kingdom intends to shortly open a similar embassy in their new capital, the Golden Coast. Relations with this fledgling nation look promising, and it is possible a meeting between leaders could be planned.

Reminder: Beware of Rats! Report pests to your local government office. Only YOU can prevent disease.

Glupy's Gulag
This week: Glupy in the Everglades.

[Niobium2]

WAR DECLARED
January 30 1953
It has been three years since Conducător Nicolae Iolanda dispatched his Ultimatum to the Moldovan Government- to no response. Unwilling to risk quarantine violation and a resurgence of German Flu, efforts towards reuniting our Moldovan brethren were moved forward slowly, with utmost care. However, following extensive surveying operations, it was at last possible to deliver the ultimatum. Further compounding this misfortune, the Moldovan government has chosen to cling to its illegitimate power. With no fear of further contamination, and all Romania behind him, Iolanda has declared a state of war against Chairman Musicescu and his corrupt government.

MURGESCU UNVEILS 4-YEAR PLAN
Earlier this week, the Minister of Economy Costin Murgescu unveiled to the government instructions for the long-term integration of Romanian agrarian, industrial, and military infrastructure. One section of the ambitious plan involves the construction of a modern railroad network centered in Bucharest, that will be overseen by the central government and allow for efficient transport throughout the entire country. Notable is the inclusion of further lines into neighboring states, suggesting Iolanda may have ambitions beyond Moldova.

WORK FINISHED IN PlOIEȘTI
What was to be a one-year revitalization of the Ploiești anti-air defenses quickly became mired in management complications and setbacks. Still, almost three years later Romanian engineers have confirmed that the network is not only fully operational, but greatly expanded in its capabilities, thanks to modern technology from the United States of Asia. General Atanasiu said of the construction,
"Romania's enemies will send their bombers to hurt us where it counts. In turn, we'll send them crashing to the ground!"

Reminder: Loose tongues sink our ships! Don't gossip when your brother's life is on the line!

[Niobium2]

SIMA GRANTED FURTHER POWERS
January 2nd, 1956
Frustrated by prolonged conflict with Moldova and growing dissatisfaction with the Legionary Government, Iolanda yesterday passed the "Secure and Sanitary State Act", under which the zealous Câini de Fier is granted additional powers to "Ensure the domestic unity and foreign competence of Romania". The head of the group, Horia Sima, has unveiled sweeping reforms that aim to nearly double Romanian military strength in a single year. Additionally, squads of Sima's militia have taken to the streets, vigilant against elements that would seek to threaten Romania's interests.

EASTERN WAR DRAGS ON
As military movements in Moldova remain stunted by resistance, war support has fallen dramatically among government officials. Constantin Moraru has criticized the Legionary government for its hard-handed invasion, calling for a white peace to be signed with Chairman Musicescu. His sentiment has met with significant support, with many forlorn over another Christmas passed without our troops at home. The Conducător gave a stirring speech opposing the idea, calling for strength to restore Romania and cautioning against enemies intent on exploiting any weakness, but despite this dissatisfaction with the eastern war continues to grow.

UNREST IN BUCHAREST
Days after Christmas, chaos broke out on the snowy streets outside the Palace of Parliament. Members of the National Peasants' Party were exiting a meeting when drunken legionaries began throwing snowballs and jeering at the small group. Tension rose when an empty bottle was hurled at the group, who began brawling with the legionaries. Passing civilians joined in the fray, many beating and kicking the legionaries. Minutes later, armed militants of the Câini de Fier arrived on the scene, firing into the air to bring the situation under control. By the night's end, one legionary and three civilians were dead, and over three dozen had been placed under arrest by the militants.

Reminder: Those suspected of harboring anti-Romanian elements are now liable to unannounced raids by the Legionary government. Don't endanger yourself or your family- Cooperate!

OOC: Romania is constructing:
Ground:
3 pts Armored
8 pts Artillery
7 pts Infantry
3 pts Mechanized
2 pts Militia
Air:
4 pts Fighters
Sea:
1 pt Heavy Waships
1 pt Light Warships
Repairing 1 pt Light Warships
2 pts Medium Warships

Additionally, the popularity of Legionary Romania has fallen 8% to 40%, while the popularity of the National Peasants' Party has risen 6% to 43%, and the PCR has risen 2% to 17%. Crackdowns are beginning on the latter two parties.

[Niobium2]

VICTORY IN MOLDOVA
August 21, 1957
This morning at 11:56 AM, the last remnant of the Moldovan military was destroyed by the seventeenth mechanized division under Horia Sima. Moldova, now completely occupied, has been at last annexed unconditionally into the Kingdom of Romania. The five-year Moldovan War is finished, with Romania emerging finally triumphant. The war has wreaked terrible destruction throughout the whole of Bessarabia, and indeed less than a million native Moldovans remain, overwhelmingly women and children, as almost every able bodied man was conscripted and killed in the fanatical resistance. Iolanda has announced a policy of Reconstrucţie, whereby the conquered land will be divided among willing Romanian nationals, who will assist in the rebuilding of the destroyed industry and agriculture of the region.

PROTESTS GROW IN SIZE
As the war with Moldova wound down, citizens everywhere have been taking to the streets, demanding the reinstatement of national elections. Certain elements have even been advocating that the government be tried for crimes against peace. Iolanda has denounced these sentiments, particularly (and unsurprisingly) the latter. The Câini de Fier has also grown hugely as counter demonstrates look to harry these protesters wherever they are found. Several violent riots have been broken out and contained, and tension seems to be at an all time high.

WORK UNDERWAY FOR WINTER OLYMPICS
Following Romania's exceptional performance at the recent Olympic games, the country has been nominated to host the next round of competitions, the winter Olympics, in the snowy Carpathians in two years time. The proposed facilities are significant in scope, and will give Romania the chance to demonstrate its industry and spirit to the world.

Reminder: The hot summer is not over yet! Drink water and wear a hat to keep off the sun!

[Niobium2]

PLOIEȘTI HOLDS
August 1, 1958
The valiant men of northern Romania have brought to a halt a democratic advance on the town of Ploiești, and the valuable oil fields there. General Radu Băldescu commanded a stirring defense despite overwhelming odds. Atanasiu and his traitors, following their orchestration of the assassination of our beloved Conducător Nicolae Iolanda, and their cowardly attempt to execute the brave members of government loyal to Romania, have been frustrated by a wall of valor and steel. Onwards, men of Romania, to victory!

WEREWOLF ATTACKS MOUNTAIN VILLAGE
The bloody massacre of a policeman has left the remote village of Vălenii de Munte shaken, as of last Tuesday. A fascist patrol encountered the remains of the man, one Adrian Grigorcea, strewn across the road in a manner both violent and garish. Local villagers are in a state of panic, as many have reported strange noises and sights in the past few weeks. According to the village authorities, these signs clearly point to a werewolf running loose among the Carpathians. A frenzied hunt has begun for the cursed creature, while citizens have been advised to not travel alone or at night.

PLAGUE RESURGENCE IN PRYAMOBALKA
Fascist soldiers entered the town of Pryamobalka on Thursday to a scene of utmost terror and dread - many signs of the German Flu mark the utter desolation of the isolated village. Captain Florin Popa immediately reported the incident and placed his squadron under quarantine, while measures are being taken to lock down the area. It is uncertain if the dreaded plague has actually returned, but no chances will be taken. Conducător Horia Sima has even attempted to contact the Democratic command to discuss the situation, although we hold little hope they will heed the warning.

Reminder: Conscript! Every true Romanian is duty bound to purge the democratic traitors from Romanian soil!

[Niobium2]

ATANASIU WINS ELECTION
PCR SECURES 16 SEATS, CHRISTIAN ALLIANCE FALLS SHORT OF MAJORITY
May 17th, 1961
Romania's first open election has been called, with snap candidates from across the country wrestling to put their parties on the map. The Christian Alliance, led by Vasile Atanasiu, was predicted to win the most seats, but only secured 43 of the 45 seats they hoped for. The opposing Worker's Union fared even worse; while Ion Iliescu had hopes of overtaking the Christian Alliance, his party only won 37 seats. The clear winner of this election was the Romanian Communist Party, gaining 6 seats from their projected 10 to take third place, which could make them kingmaker in the coming term. The Loyalists suffered slight losses, while the PGAP unexpectedly surged, tying with the Loyalists with 6 seats each. Only one independent secured a seat, an oddball eccentric called Ana-Maria Doinan, who won the central Prahova region on a platform of investigating the strange "August Terror of Whispers" that gripped the town of Vălenii de Munte during the recent war.

MOLDOVA TO HOLD REFERENDUM
By an agreement of the five nations who helped topple the destructive regime of the tyrant Horia Sima, the Moldovan region will have agency to decide upon its own fate via a referendum. This process will be overseen by representatives of Romania, Victoria, Korea, China, and the Socialist Republics of America. King Michael, recently reinstated nominally to his former title, commented on his support for the plan. "Ultimately, the mistakes Romania made under the leadership of Iolanda must be answered for. The Moldovan people should have the right to determine their own path forward, although I hope our brethren will see our two Romanian speaking regions can only prosper through further unity."

4-YEAR PLAN ANNOUNCED FOR RECONSTRUCTION OF TRANSYLVANIA
The PCR, Christian Alliance, and Worker's Union compromised on a moderately socialist 4-year reconstruction plan, aimed to restore Romanian industry and defensive capability. As well as rebuilding heavily damaged factories and infrastructure, the plan lays out the construction of 600,000 affordable, modern housing units in Romanian urban centers, along with investment into an electric and gas network to bring modern amenities to rural areas. Four state of the art coal-fired power plants are to be built to provide the necessary electrical production. In a highly experimental setup, these plants will be owned by the worker who run them. If such a setup proves successful, the model may be further exported to other sectors of Romanian government industry.

Reminder: The Ministry of Justice has promised an 8,000 - 20,000 Leu reward for Information leading to the capture of officers involved in perpetuating war crimes.

OOC: For Year 1 of the 4 year plan (To be finished at the end of 1962), Romania is doing the following:

Repairing 10 points damaged Industry
Building 5 points Industry

Repairing:
1 pt Artillery
2 pts Mot. Inf
1 pt Mech. Inf
1 pt Fighters
1 pt Bombers
1 pt Coastal Warships
1 pt Light Warships

Building:
2 pts Armoured
3 pts Artillery
3 pts Mot. Inf
2 pts Bombers
3 pts Fighters

Starting:
1 pt Heavy Warships (1/2)
1 pt Conventional Submarines (1/2)

[Niobium2]

RECONSTRUCTION FACES DELAYS
VANISHING FUNDS RAISE QUESTIONS
April 7th, 1962
Reporters have flocked to Bucharest to witness ongoing civil gridlock as parliament investigates delays in Romania's four-year reconstruction plan. Although MPs are placing emphasis on different inefficiencies in the current plan, corruption and misappropriation of funds are chiefly blamed for severely hampered efforts. The Worker's Union has introduced legislation to launch an investigation of project managers, which is expected to pass with full support from the PCR. Atanasiu, in response to questions about possible slip-ups in the Christian Alliance's plan, would only state that "All efforts are being made to find those responsible." Meanwhile, protests have been held in many urban centers, calling for greater transparency, along with direct, independent investigations into the Vălenii de Munte conspiracy. With these delays, it is expected that the first year's expected progress will not be finished until December, adding an additional year to the plan's time-frame.

CLUJ TRIALS COME TO AN END
Two former military officers were tried for crimes against humanity and peace earlier today, resulting in one acquittal and one life imprisonment. With these concluded, the Romanian civil war trials are completed. In total, ninety-two members of the National Legionary Front were tried, of which seventy-seven were found guilty. Nineteen members, including the notorious Florian Marinescu, were sentenced to death by firing squad, while the others received prison sentences of varying length. Several members of the Front, expected to have fled the country, were tried in absentia. Although the trials are officially over, the hunt continues to find these elements and deliver them to justice.

FOREIGN INTERVENTION IN WEST TURKEY, FRANCE
The military forces of Victoria and Romania have jointly conducted an occupancy of Istanbul, in response to a West-Turkish coup that threatened to close the vital Bosporus straight. On top of vast economic necessity, this move was also necessary to continue supplying the Romanian volunteers in France. The Korean headed United Nations Defense Force, or UNDF, has assembled this team of international peacekeepers in a move to prevent total war from descending on the french states.

ATANASIU IMPLICATED IN SCANDAL?
While the investigation of the August Terror of Whispers moves forward, a key witness has implicated Prime Minister Vasile Atanasiu in certain criminal wartime activities during interrogation. Atanasiu has categorically denied any knowledge of the events, and many expect that this is merely a deranged ex-soldier, or a smear campaign conducted against the Christian Alliance. Nevertheless, the questionable proceedings opened by MP Ana-Maria Doinan continue, largely in private rooms sealed from media or governmental scrutiny.

Reminder: With successful West Turkish intervention, trade routes are open once again. Goods shortages are expected to disappear in the next few weeks.


OOC: For Year 2 of the 4 year plan (To be finished at the end of 1963), Romania is doing the following:

Building 6 points Industry

Repairing:
1 pt Medium Warships
1 pt Armor
1 pt Fighters

Building:
2 pts Armoured
3 pts Artillery
5 pts Mot. Inf
3 pts Mech. Inf
3 pts Fighters
1 pt Light Warships

Starting:
1 pt Fleet Carriers (1/3)
1 pt Medium Warships (1/2)

Finishing:
1 pt Heavy Warships (2/2)
1 pt Conventional Submarines (2/2)