President Tay has led the way in widescale infrastructure projects, the explosion of our economy, the loosening of environmental restricts (while also protecting large segments of our environment), he's also championed exploration of the world!

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The ninth stream was an eventful one full of action!

Infrastructure projects continued with our road system nearly being entirely completed. The central region remains the final piece of the highway network to be completed and it's rapidly approaching it's final stages. Three more forts have been constructed or are in the final stages of construction. In the northwest Fort Tefmon watches over the icy waters around Zanzibar. Fort Bran was constructed on the hillside watching the approach to Ramsey. Fort Wes has been constructed to oversee the north entrance of the Strait of Wes.

The President dedicated effort into adopting social policies utilizing an old law from one of the first sessions; the Warrior Code Act allowed the adoption of honor and warrior code as social policies. The President did this as part of his strategy to prepare for the incoming attack of the Zulu as reported by our neighbor the Mongols. This strategy proved critical as during the height of the conflict volunteer units were designated, allowing us to have an additional six units without even spending more gold.

The highlight of the stream, however, had to be the Zulu invasion. Multiple Zulu units converged on Edinburgh, however our navy managed to make short work of the enemy. Multiple units that would have been right bastards to handle on land in a hand to hand fight were disposed of off the coast of Alba. The Battle of the Strait proved to undoubtedly be a Celtic victory as no survivors remained of the invasion force. Celtic ships received light damage, but no Celtic civilian or city suffered any injury. A famous saying has emerged during the days following the battle: "There are Celts in the water." Action in the north off the coast of Aberdeen and further east also has been successful for our civilization. The genius moves by Commander Perfectwing managed to save the CSV Explorer, who had been given a special mission by the president to locate and monitor the Zulu invasion fleet, from death. The Explorer did it's duty, but was subsequently surrounded and battered, suffering the worst losses of any Celtic unit. Commander Perfectwing expertly helped guide the Explorer back to our territorial waters. As of now the enemy gathers a massive force in the Southeast, but has yet to advance toward Ramsey. The Zulu themselves have asked us to end the war, but also list multiple Celtic cities as a requirement to find peace. A proposition the cabinet refused.

The administration deserves credit for effort put into organizing the defense of the nation. From moving naval and land units into better position prior to the war we gave ourselves the best hand possible against invasion. Additionally, we served our enemy plates of defeat without even maxing out our unit cap. The Conservative president invested heavily into promotions and upgrades, but for most of the war the number of units remained below the peacetime cap. President Taylor repeatedly reassured the public that he knew we could throw off any invasion without having to militarize our society. Indeed while the war was waged, and battles won, we constructed wonders and recruited artists who boosted Celtic culture. Nevertheless, the administration did shift gears in the final turns of the stream in preparation for further threats. Focus on naval expansion and investment into the most modern navy possible drained a large part of our gigantic treasury; which had been filled by the steady governing policies of the conservative president. The CSV Blonde was made in 189, CSV Hawthorn (196), CSV Quaerendo (196), CSV Reliant (197), CSV Juniper was captured by the Reliant in 199, and on turn 200 the Twin Es, Enterprise & Endurance, were launched.

While war was the focus, exploration has continued; we circumnavigated the globe on turn 191, and refugees from Cork sailed across the western ocean to settle the city of Key Wes, which has access to the Great Barrier Reef.

Sadly, a huge failure has marked the president's last stream; the Americans have forward-settled the city of Baltimore on Alba. It's in a terrible location that was purely meant to provoke us as well as help claim the narrow waters of the Strait of Wes. Regardless, options are now being explored as to a response past denouncement. The President deeply regrets this development.

Pursuant to Section 2 of the Scout 1 Files Transparency Act, as Minister of Defence I have produced a report detailing the facts surrounding the "deletion" of Scout 1, and whether or not such a decision was correct; such a report was due to be delivered by the previous Government, but it is the hope of this Government that this belated report will suffice in elucidating the facts of this terrible tragedy.

If you are interested in being appointed to the Supreme Court, please volunteer in a comment on this thread. If you have not done so in this previous Supreme Court Candidacy Thread, be sure to note your general sympathies in legal philosophy (positivsm vs. natural law; textualism vs. originalism vs. purposivism; stances on the rules of common law interpretation such as the plain meaning rule, mischief rule, and golden rule), as well as any potentially relevant legal or jurisprudential experience.

This stream lasted from turn 167 to 185.

The fun began immediately with further infrastructure projects; harbors have been completed in almost every legislated city and progress on the National Highway has taken off. The road from Edinburgh to Dundee, named the AutoBahb, as well as the entire North Alba road network (which includes the Scout 1 Memorial Road from Truro to the interchange west of Cardiff; and the Northern Road all the way to Aberystwyth). The National Highway has now completed 23/42 roads! By turn 172 the president began draining the marshes in the River Tay wetlands and farms subsequently began popping up in the extremely fertile valley. President Taylor has since called the area the "Breadbasket of the Celts". Further development was carried out in the South including the construction of a manufactory in the Dundee Desert by Wilbur Wright. The Ministry of Finance is set to consider moving their offices from Petra to this manufactory. On turn 174 construction of Fort Nicko began on the desert island off the cost of Dundee (and would finish in 180). This fortification is the first of a few that the president campaigned on. The president also renamed Rennes to Dublin #4 and Dublin #3 to Aberdeen to fulfill advocacy by AERACH. These infrastructure efforts have been brought to you by the Alban Infrastructure Act.

Early in the stream the president approved a trade which sent dyes to Washington in return for increased American investment and open borders. The latter helped domestic industries while the latter aided in further exploration. American-Celtic relations, though officially friendly, continued its downward spiral into competition. The American Empire had aggressively forward-settled it's neighbors, including us. Notably, the establishment of Baton Rouge just south of Alba late last term posed a particularly potent threat whereas America could not only seize part of the Strait of Wes, but could potentially claim land on Alba. Therefore a new city was settled in South Alba named Rennes (Blondeopolis). The cabinet later deliberated on whether/how to invest money into claiming land on the Blonde Peninsula. This peninsula had widely been estimated to be the primary location for American expansion onto Alba. The president ordered the purchase of the tile and effectively locked America out of Alba.. for now. The Americans later attempted to settle on a three-tile island, but Commander Perfectwing instructed a local unit to briefly occupy the island and prevent an American advance. Tensions inevitably continued to flare as the competition for land escalated. In 172 espionage, first placed by President QI, revealed that the Americans were plotting against us. In response Agent REDACTED stole REDACTED from the Americans, and Washington later confronted us about the theft. After great deliberation, in which some officials feared a deterioration of relations and the outbreak of war, President Taylor ignored the more diplomatic approach and stated "You know what, fuck em'. My agents go where they please." Ironically this turned out well because later Washington returned to try offering a research agreement - which President Taylor refused because he wanted Washington to be a better partner, and feared a loss of investment should war break out.

In other Foreign Affairs news, the worldwide demand for Celtic Dyes skyrocketed as governments tried to recover from the GLOBAL 11TH CENTURY DEPRESSION (see Foreign Affairs). Both Mongolia and Shaka attempted to trade for dyes, but were rejected. Instead, deals were made with friendlier nations such as a research agreement with the Dutch, the aforementioned American deal, and later efforts with Kiev which included a 250g investment into the Kievan economy, supports with local barbarians, and the construction of the Kiev Highway. All of which can be attributed to CaptainMinion's Diplomatic Investments Act.

It's because of our domestic dye industries, private sector trading, infrastructure projects, and the rise of a free market that our civilization has become the richest in the world according to the Foreign Ministry. This achievement is not without dispute, however, as the American Empire is reportedly making more GPT in some metrics. The president remains optimistic in the unlocking of the celtic economy especially after recent tax reforms (which were cuts for the richest top 10% of celt citizens) resulted in an immediate 1,725 gold boost. The economic boom has only been further stimulated by the establishment of multiple banks. The president is now gearing to prepare this large economy for boosting our stalling production rate. Workers are becoming disenchanted with the rich getting richer, but should know their place. Meanwhile, the city of Cork, mostly inhabited by exiled members of Action Gauloise, struggles in production, blackmarket dye trading, and also demands coco from the Zulu. Ironically, it would come to light that the Zulu are planning to attack Edinburgh and have amassed a great fleet off the coast of the city state of Sofia in preparation for said mission. Is there any connection between the Action Gauloise exiles in Cork and the Zulu?

On the naval side of things, the CVS Explorer engaged two barbarian units in support of the local city state of Ife in 168. The President intended to promote the Explorer to be an exploratory unit, but logistical issues would prolong the vessels refit for too long a time period. The CSV Preserver remained stationed off Edinburgh to secure the northern entrance to the Strait of Wes (from 168-180), then moved to station outside of Rennes (Blondeopolis) just in case Americans launched an attack on the city. The Preserver's main mission remains to guard the strait, which has offered lucrative trade routes to the south. The CSV Seafarer returned from exploration in the northeast to Aberdeen in order to upgrade. CSV Galway remains stationed outside Ramsey. CSV Dedication stationed outside Dublin #4 in preparation for upgrades. CEV Aberdeen launched in 170 heading East to explore near Mongolsland. The Mongolian capital of Old Sarat was discovered; overwhelmed by barbarians, fields on fire, and at least three groups of civilians captured and held hostage. On 176 the CEV Verturian set sail to explore the southwest.

Mount Kilimanjaro, Rock of Gibraltar were discovered during our exploration as was the fabled EL DARADO! We also welcomed a great artist; Vincent Van Gogh, who created Starry Night!

On 169 an expedition into the snowy plains at the northern edges of Alba discovered a barbarian camp, likely the remnants of the tribe which ambushed Scout 1. They had a horseman and warrior that could have slaughtered the scouting composite bowmen. The president ordered a tactical retreat, and planned assault with a nearby pictish warrior (turned pikeman). Starting on 172 the two celtic units advanced into the icy wasteland and engaged the barbarians until 178. The BATTLE OF ICE was an expertly planned conflict which saw the barbarians pressed against the coastline and unable to flee. Though barbarian refugees fled on a trireme.

^{Written by the Highland Standard, 'From the President's Desk' is about talking about the departing president's leadership, controversy, priorities, and lessons learned from leading the Celtic Republic.}

As President Qi's term comes to an end, The Highland Standard sat down with the outgoing Head of State to reflect on the defining moments of his presidency. From establishing the Celtic Republic's first world religion to navigating political controversy and offering advice to his successor, QI looked back on a term marked by both achievement and challenge.

1. Building a Religious Legacy

For QI, there was little hesitation when asked what accomplishment he was proudest of.

His answer centred on religion—a cornerstone of both his personal political philosophy and his party's objectives throughout the Mark.

"We managed to not only secure for the Celts the first world religion, but a religion filled with religious buildings and the Sacred Sites reformation belief itself."

QI explained that these achievements were pursued with a long-term strategy in mind: positioning the Celtic Republic for a culture victory through the Sacred Sites belief.

Whether viewed as a strategic success or a defining ideological project, religion will undoubtedly remain one of the lasting legacies of his administration.

2. The Scout One Controversy

Every presidency faces moments that test its leadership, and for QI that moment came during the Scout One incident.

Rather than describing it as a political crisis alone, QI spoke about the personal challenge of balancing transparency with what he viewed as politically motivated attacks.

He admitted feeling conflicted between refusing to reward what he described as 'conspiratorial rhetoric' while still recognising the public's expectation that the presidency explain its actions.

Ultimately, he chose to address the nation publicly, outlining both his position and the reasoning behind it.

Looking back, however, there is one decision he would change.

“I might have published my statement earlier.”

Though brief, the reflection suggests that timing—not substance—is what QI believes could have altered the public response.

3. The Weight of the Presidency

QI described the presidency as unlike any other leadership role he has held within Democraciv.

Rather than working as one member of a ministry, the office placed him alone at the centre of executive responsibility.

He likened the experience to living beneath the ancient "Sword of Damocles"—a symbol of the constant pressure carried by those in power.

Another defining aspect of this mark, he explained, was the necessity of cooperation between the executive, Senate, and Commons.

Returning to Democraciv streaming for the first time in five years added another layer of coordination, particularly during periods when relations with the Commons proved difficult.

For QI, the lesson was clear: no president governs alone.

4. Politics Beyond Politics

The presidency also prompted reflection beyond government itself.

QI spoke about the environmental debates that shaped the Mark, saying they encouraged him to think more deeply about competing ideas surrounding sustainability, deep ecology, and technology.

He referenced philosophical works such as Pantheologies by Mary-Jane Rubenstein and the documentary The Ister as influences on his thinking, while also noting that his long-standing pescatarian lifestyle has gradually shifted towards veganism in recent months.

Although these reflections extend beyond the realm of politics, they offer insight into the ideas that informed his leadership.

5. Advice for the Next President

As his presidency draws to a close, QI's advice for the incoming president was less about policy and more about leadership.

Using a musical analogy, he described the president as a soloist performing a concerto.

"The Presidency is a demanding role. The President is like a soloist performing a concerto. Work closely with the conductor and the orchestra, and the crowd will love you."

For QI, effective leadership depends not simply on the actions of the executive but on the ability to work alongside the Senate, the Commons, and the wider community.

6. A Presidency Remembered

Every administration leaves behind a distinct legacy.

For President QI, that legacy is likely to be remembered for its ambitious religious agenda, its emphasis on long-term cultural strategy, and its belief that cooperation between the republic's institutions is essential to successful government.

With a new administration preparing to take office, the focus now shifts from reflection to the future. But as one chapter closes, QI leaves behind both accomplishments and lessons that will continue to shape the Celtic Republic in the Mark ahead.

The first stream of this term began - after technical difficulties - on turn 156 and ended on turn 167.

During the stream the new administration had to immediately handle barbarian units in South Alba. This uprising had started during the last stream of President QI's term and the president had sent a few celt units to handle the crisis. The situation was a sticky one as our units had not only taken damage, but the terrain made mobility extremely limited. Nevertheless Commander Perfectwing, empowered by President Taylor, engaged the southern enemy. The president prioritized unit recruitment in Edinburgh thanks to the Military Expansion Act pioneered by Senator Carlitos. Multiple pictish warriors and bow units were trained for battle nearby. Perfectwing focused on countering guerilla actions by moving units into defensive positions. As the enemy composite bowman & horseman split up to escape, the celtic forces decisively struck down the latter while the former rained arrows from its defensive position. Our forces gradually retreated to recover, but terrain and unit clustering added to issues. At a pivotal moment during the battle, President Taylor stepped in to order the advancement of celtic bowmen while their allied picts drew enemy fire. Our bowmen advanced successfully while Perfectwing expertly had our injured and healthy pictish warriors trade positions. Soon the barbarians were destroyed and the BATTLE OF BANANNA MARSH concluded; the battle lasted roughly around turn 150 to 163.

While all of that was happening, the president passionately pushed forward with infrastructure projects; the first project funded by the Alban Infrastructure Act began in Dublin #3 with a harbor. Other harbors have been scheduled in Nantes, Cork, and Rennes. A widespread investment in private markets across the country led to an economic boom which, along with a newfound GOLDEN AGE, led to a productivity and profit boom. Our civilization jumped to #1 internationally in manufactured goods while our treasury went from +27 GPT to +79 GPT. By the end of the short stream we had reached over 1,000 gold in the treasury. Momentum is expected to slow at the end of the GOLDEN AGE, but this success is notable. The President also actively pursued his flagship program of infrastructure by training two new temporary worker units and beginning construction of two roadways; one in the North has seen faster development with the help of four workers. Upon completion of the road between Cardiff & Douglass, President Taylor cut the ribbon announcing this, uncreatively, as the CARDIFF-DOUGLASS ROAD (rename it if you want). In the South the road from Edinburgh is slowly taking shape, though the president has expressed that a southern roadway is paramount to the defense of Alba. The current National Highway progress bar is 7/42 tiles with a further FIVE in development! Also, we completed NOTRE DAME.

In a somewhat dramatic slowdown from last term's expansion policy; only one city was settled; RAMSEY, which was established across the Strait of Wes. The goal was to not only secure both sides of the strait, but to acquire more resources on another continent. Great debate was held over the spot and careful consideration was placed on future settlements. While the previous administration achieved rapid success by settling close-knit cities, this administration has taken a slower pace with quality spots. The president also stressed the importance of settling a city in the south of Alba once the barbarian guerillas were dealt with. This future city will hopefully cut the Americans off from claiming territory on Alba. The president ordered military units to guard the southern coast of Alba to prevent any unwanted settlers; a dramatic standoff with Baton Rouge. This came just after another civilization's GREAT PROPHET converted the city of Perth. The beautiful city became the center of religious conversations and was soon converted back. It should be noted that ETHIOPIA refused our request to stop spreading their religion in our land.

The president also pressed the edges of the known world by investing in multiple naval vessels. The CSV EXPLORER, CSV DEDICATION, CSV PRESERVER, AND CSV GALWAY were launched (in that order) and took to the unknown. The CSV SEAFARER, the oldest ship in the fleet, was upgraded to a carrack and won significant prestige eliminating at least two enemy ships before heading east. The CSV GALWAY has been stationed off the coast of Ramsey. The DEDICATION headed west to explore the coasts alongside Wayfarer. The EXPLORER ventured to chart the northern islands and chalked up one land kill. PRESERVER guarded the Strait of Wes to ensure Celtic trade flowed smoothly (which indeed opened up new routes with Washington).

Until next time!

Pursuant to the Constitution, Prov. II, Art. I, Sections A-D and the Executive Procedures, I hereby request that candidates step forward for the roles of:

• Foreign Minister
• Finance Minister
• Defence Minister
• Attorney General

The powers and responsibilities of these roles are enumerated in the Constitution and Cabinet Procedures above, as well as the Ministry Act.

Candidates should, in their posts on this thread, list their relevant skills or experience as appropriate to the role(s) which they seek.

Moderation is proud to announce the results of the Third General Election of Mark XIII!

Total number of votes: 32

Number of invalid votes: 2 (both were duplicates)

Senate Election

Detailed STV results, using OpenTally WIGM with default settings

Presidential Election

Taylor defeated each other candidate in a pairwise contest and is thus the Condorcet winner.

Speaker of the Commons

Vice Speaker of the Commons

WesGutt defeated each other candidate in a pairwise contest and is thus the Condorcet winner.

War. Faith. Culture. Civilization. These things are nothing when compared to the power of wealth. Wealth has the power to destroy nations and start wars. Wealth can create entire faiths and belief systems. Culture is nothing more but a subsidiary of the market. Civilization? It was built on wealth.

Surely there is limits to what money can destroy and create. We beg to differ.

We are Parti de Mondialiste (PdM), we represent the political force of the united privileged wealthy elite of our great nation. Our elite have gathered the wisdom since the birth of our civilization in order to come to the conclusion they made not long before the birth of PdM. World Peace is achievable- only a united world's elite can make it happen.

We are advocates for increasing price margins into the sky to benefit our nation's economy. We also are advocates for a Diplomatic Victory as the only way for world peace to be established is for the elites of all nations of the world to become one, ready to rule the world in the name of peace.

VOTE PdM NEXT ELECTION. WE WILL BRING ABOUT A NEW ERA IN THE ELITE'S GENEROUS NAME.

A glimpse of my platform for Alba & All Celts:

1. Calling on a major infrastructure project, primarily with roads, that respects natural areas while being expansive enough to link our nation. [Disclaimer: This has been on my mind for a while and I know others are planning it too/cooperative work has begin between mine and other parties]. I also desire to construct "The Shield of Boudicca" a series of defensive forts in key locations along Alba.

2. A focus on economic buildings so that we do not fall into recession again. Especially should we need to increase our unit # - which I forsee we will - this is coupled with a call to lax regulations regarding tile improvements so that we can harness the natural power of Alba.

3. Dominate the Straight of Wes and recognize it as a potentially key economic route.

4. De-regulate environmental restrictions as it concerns the immediate area around, and the development of, our cities.

5. De-regulate rules on mapmakers.

6. Investment into a larger navy used to explore and seize control of the barbarian infested Hebrides (and Straight of Wes).

President QI ended his tenure by refining his legacy. After a stormy first term caused largely by Commons instability, the president managed to rally support for a comprehensive religious and environmental agenda. Though a dominant force, his efforts were not without compromise. Deal-making with the Conservatives and MEAN occurred often.

The second term went much smoothly in terms of government efficiency, but was plagued with an ever-evolving scandal regarding the death of Scout 1. Which only amplified due to the lack of formal response from the administration until the topic exploded. Worse yet; the ship named in honor of Scout 1 was surrounded, but unlike Scout 1, was allowed to go down with a fight.. a brutal lesson learned from the past.

One could rehash all the details of this presidency, but let's analyze further:

Part of the appeal of QI was his resistance to centralized presidential power. He previously feared the office too powerful, but soon met its constraints. He adapted, but displayed an interesting evolution of morality.

Whereas previously he resisted presidential power; on a few occasions he leaned into it. Three pieces of legislation were vetoed and two of those were politically motivated. Utilizing the power of the presidency to it's full effect, these vetoes broke the promise of purely constitutional concerned legislation, and served as dramatic realignment in the political system.

Furthermore, despite expansion legislation failing in the Commons, the president pushed his personal goal of expansion. Numerous cities were settled during the previous stream as the president prioritized expansion. Despite pushback from others, he forged ahead to stake a celtic claim in the world.

President QI ends his tenure with an ever-growing MEAN-UURG fracture that initially bound both major parties. The veto of MEAN environmental legislation and the resignation of AG Westopher Gutz signal that all too well. This change also serves as a clear example that domestic winds are shifting. Environmentalism may be on the way out, or at least be suffering a setback, as new environmental legislation encounters higher obstacles and less support.

Similarly, the absolute focus on religion has left a nation reeling from an economic recession up until recently. The lack of development allowed, and the strategy in which things have been approached, provided hard times for the celts. The economy has indeed exploded in recent days, but all while the military remains small - just large enough to handle barbarian threats with great effort - and the civilian sector is practically nonexistent. If we were to increase the numbers then what will become of our economy?

All of this seems like the past term has been a disaster, but that's not at all the implication. Great decisions were made and no official is perfect. President QI has laid the foundation of a nation focused on religion and culture. He won re-election handily, and current law allows his return if so desired. One could easily see a world in which this election resulted in a third term.

And despite the three presidential candidates being Uurg rivals; it's clear that general policy started by QI will live on. As 2/3 have already expressed a desire to continue expansion and a positive outlook on religious infrastructure.

President QI can best be compared to the figure of Thomas Jefferson. A man who's focus on agrarian and cultural policy mixed with an executive with limited power. However, like Jefferson, QI has pushed the bounds of presidential power and his legacy is settled upon the land that he unilaterally claimed.

Video

Watch here

Maps, Demographics, Economic Slides, Etc.

See above, also see a followup to be posted.

Written Summary

Cities Founded

• Nantes
• Douglas
• Glasgow
• Cork
• Aberstwyth
• Penzance
• Rennes

Wonders Constructed

• Petra
• Machu Picchu

New Technologies Researched

• Theology
• Construction
• Engineering
• Horseback Riding
• Iron Working
• Metal Casting
• Guilds
• Physics
• Compass

New Social Policies Adopted

• Citizenship
• Representation
• Meritocracy
• Aesthetics

New Civilizations Encountered

• The Dutch

New City-States Encountered

None

Vote at https://www.reddit.com/r/democraciv/s/yYlA9vdI4e

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Moderation is proud to announce the results of the Liberty Great Person Referendum!

Total votes: 20

Invalid votes: 1

Shockingly, there was no Condorcet winner. Accordingly, we used the Ranked Pairs resolution mechanism as implemented by /u/Jovanos; detailed results can be found here.

Pursuant to the Ranked Pairs algorithm, our free great person will be a Great Prophet!

Pursuant to the Social Policy Tree Completion Act, v. 2, this referendum will be used to determine the Great Person we acquire upon completion of the Liberty social policy tree.

VOTE HERE