Quote from: Mximo Malt on Yesterday at 03:41:28 PMDo you intend for the Kingdom to sever diplomatic relations with America?


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No, I intend for the Kingdom to register its grave concern with the state of democracy in our neighboring nation.

Mximo you really have to stop stepping on rakes here. If you want people to not think you sympathize with fascists, racists, and antisemites then please do your research before associating yourself with personalities and sayings.

Whereases TBD:

Therefore, the Ziu of the Kingdom of Talossa enacts the following statutory change. El Lexhatx Section D.2.6.6 through D.2.6.6.3.1 which reads as follows:

Quote2.6.6 The Bureau for Humanitarian Aid and International Development (The Bureau) shall serve as the hub for the Kingdom of Talossa's support for disaster and poverty relief and other forms of humanitarian assistance, emergency response and the promotion of efforts towards socioeconomic development.
2.6.6.1 The Bureau shall operate under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Bureau shall be administered by an Administrator to be appointed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
2.6.6.2 The Bureau shall be funded by contributions from individuals, nonprofit organizations and where deemed appropriate by the Ziu, legislative appropriations.
2.6.6.3 The Administrator shall make every effort to ensure that Bureau's funds are donated to humanitarian organizations in a timely manner, and shall notify the public when outgoing donations are made. This notice shall include at least the amount, date, and beneficiary of the outgoing donation(s).
2.6.6.3.1 Other provisions of el Lexhatx notwithstanding, outgoing donations made with money contributed by private parties shall not require the approval of the Ziu.

is deleted in its entirety.

A new section, 1.8 is added under El Lexhatx Section C, to read as follows:

Quote1.8 The Bureau for Humanitarian Aid and International Development (The Bureau) shall serve as the hub for the Kingdom of Talossa's support for disaster and poverty relief and other forms of humanitarian assistance, emergency response and the promotion of efforts towards socio-economic development.
1.8.1 The Bureau shall operate under the auspices of the Royal Civil Service. The Bureau shall be administered by a Permanent Secretary for Humanitarian Aid and International Development to be appointed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
1.8.2 The Bureau shall be funded by contributions from individuals, nonprofit organizations and where deemed appropriate by the Ziu, legislative appropriations.
1.8.3 The Permanent Secretary for Humanitarian Aid and International Development shall make every effort to ensure that the Bureau's funds are donated to humanitarian organizations in a timely manner, and shall notify the public when outgoing donations are made. This notice shall include at least the amount, date, and beneficiary of the outgoing donation(s).
1.8.4 Other provisions of el Lexhatx notwithstanding, outgoing donations made with money contributed by private parties shall not require the approval of the Ziu.

Uréu q'estadra så:
Breneir Tzaracomprada (MC-Green)

Quote from: Mic'haglh Autófil, O.Be on December 17, 2025, 10:45:13 PMSince it's been mentioned more than once now, I should note that yes, I intend to pursue the Upper House of Review Amendment...

Glad to get confirmation you are moving forward with this.

The Green Party is thankful to the following for stepping up to serve the Kingdom in the Ziu:

Breneir Tzaracomprada - 20 seats
Francesco Manzella - 4 seats @Francesco Manzella
Muhammed Yasir - 4 seats @Muhammed Yasir

This has been one of the ugliest government formation periods I can recall. I am relieved we can finally move forward and see the URL conduct a vigorous opposition. Their shadow cabinet has been announced.

With great relief I observe we are nearing the end of this negotiation phase for the next government.

Now, I hope, there will be a focus on governing by the PA and IDT. And a focus on government accountability by the URL.

Quote from: King Txec on December 16, 2025, 03:05:23 PMI would support removing so-called advisory opinions but it would be useful if someone like the Chancellor or the Bar or some other lawyerly type was available to provide guidance in cases that don't rise to the high bar of the Cort pu Inalt.

-Txec R

I think this is a fantastic idea and I'm wondering if it might be achieved by internal government policy. Assuming the removal of the advisory opinion the alternative advice mechanism might not need additional legislation.

So this trailer just popped up today and when I tell you it is an alien movie directed by Steven Spielberg, you know it won't miss. It is called Disclosure Day and will be released in the US in June 2026:

Quote from: Baron Alexandreu Davinescu on December 16, 2025, 01:59:57 PMThis change would ensure that a lawsuit could be brought only when there was a live case or controversy. The court would only hear a case if there was some existing problem that they could solve, in other words. I think it's a problem because it makes the judiciary into an ad hoc legislature that is only presented with one side before making their ruling, rather than an adversarial process.

Such a change kind of seems like the opposite of what you were going for, which was expanding the advisory opinion role in which authorized people can just ask the court to rule about something that's not in front of them. So I'm very surprised to hear you say that.

You may find this hard to believe, Alexandreu, but I do find calm, logical arguments persuasive. You presented an alternative which persuaded me.

Quote from: Baron Alexandreu Davinescu on December 16, 2025, 01:30:02 PMAdvisory opinions should be minimized as much as possible.  In many countries, they are used as a method of ad hoc lawmaking.  I'd prefer advisory opinions be removed completely, and instead use a "case or controversy" standard.

Removing the advisory opinion entirely is an option I had not considered and I would support if it means creating the new approach you describe. I will edit the current proposal to that effect now.

Whereas, the Kingdom of Talossa is founded upon an open and pluralistic society, the rule of law, free and fair elections, and the peaceful transfer of power, and has for decades held these principles to be non-negotiable foundations of legitimate government, and

Whereas, the United States of America has historically claimed a leading role among democratic nations, frequently positioning itself as a standard-bearer, external judge of democratic practice abroad and "leader of the free world," and

Whereas, in recent years the United States has exhibited patterns of democratic backsliding increasingly associated with illiberal and hybrid regimes such as Hungary or Turkiye, including sustained attacks on the legitimacy of electoral outcomes, efforts to weaken or intimidate independent courts and civil servants, the politicization of law enforcement, the normalization of disinformation as a political tool, attempts to delegitimize and/or control independent media, the demonization of groups on society's periphery, and hostility toward traditional allied nations and international institutions, and

Whereas, these developments stand in marked contrast to norms observed in many peer nations, including those with fewer resources, less global influence and historical struggles with democratic consolidation, yet which continue to safeguard electoral integrity, institutional independence, and public trust, and

Whereas, the erosion of democratic standards within a state that exercises outsized cultural, economic, and political influence carries consequences far beyond its borders, emboldening anti-democratic actors and undermining an international order based on rules and right rather than might.

Therefore, be it resolved, that the Ziu of the Kingdom of Talossa formally registers its grave concern regarding democratic backsliding in the United States and rejects claims that government without the consent of the governed is an acceptable or inevitable feature of a healthy community of nations, and

Be it further resolved, that the Ziu of the Kingdom of Talossa affirms that a government's legitimacy derives not from a monopoly of violence, power within a given territory, or historical prestige, but from consistent adherence to constitutional limits, respect for electoral outcomes, and the independence of democratic institutions, and

Be it finally resolved, that the Kingdom of Talossa calls upon the United States, as it has called upon others, to meet the standards it has long demanded of the international community, and to undertake the necessary civic, legal, and institutional renewal required to restore democratic credibility at home and abroad.

Uréu q'estadra så
Breneir Tzaracomprada (MC-Green)

Based on the haranguing posts from the URL co-leader to the PA one concludes that perhaps the big party arrangement is not finding support among the PA membership? ^{No surprise there...} If that is the case I look forward to seeing who the URL will be posting as their shadow cabinet and to some lively terpelaziuns.

Quote from: Miestră Schivă, UrN-GC on December 15, 2025, 07:22:14 PMDuring the last Cosa, a certain Cabinet minister was approached with an offer to join the main opposition party.  Hardball politics, but not outside the bounds of acceptable conduct!

👀

Quote from: Sir Ian Plätschisch on December 15, 2025, 06:44:40 PMI strongly caution against this.

While I have never been in support of advisory opinions, I do see the logic in the case of executive officials such as the Seneschal, the King, and (most especially) the Secretary of State. If someone must make a decision in the course of their duties, and they are truly concerned that decision will be challenged (causing a huge headache), I get why advance guidance is appreciated.

The same does not apply to any old MZ who just wants to humor their curiosity in the absence of a live controversy.

Do you support allowing the A-X to seek an advisory opinion?

Quote from: Miestră Schivă, UrN-GC on December 15, 2025, 05:49:24 PMHere's a suggested extra provision:

The Túischac'h shall have full powers to suspend an MC from Cosa debates for contempt of the Túischac'h or of the chamber. For a first offense, this shall have a maximum term of 7 days; for subsequent offences, for the rest of the Cosa term.

As the previous Túischac'h was pretty much bullied out of his role by an acknowledged sex pest, his absence could have been prevented if he'd been given the chance to silence that unruly customer.

A great idea, Miestra. I have added a version of your suggestion as I do not agree with giving the Túischac'h the ability to permanently restrict an elected representative's participation in the Cosa.

Whereas, during the previous Cosă term there was an unexpected and continuing absence in the Office of the Túischac'h, and

Whereas, in the words of one then-MC this absence "...made maintaining order in an already chaotic legislature even more difficult," and

Whereas, this unfortunate situation highlights the need for some ability to replace a (purposeful or not) absent Cosă speaker for the sake of maintaining legislative order.

Therefore, be it enacted by the Ziu of the Kingdom of Talossa, that Article H, Section 4.4 of El Lexhatx, which currently reads as:

Quote4.4. The Cosă shall elect the Túischac'h as follows.
4.4.1. Should the position of Túischac'h be vacant and a majority of Cosă seats be filled, any Member of the Cosă may either nominate one eligible person for the office of Túischac'h, or second such a nomination made by another Member of the Cosă.
4.4.2. Members of the Cosă may not nominate or second multiple different nominees.
4.4.3. Should the Secretary of State determine that an eligible person has been nominated and seconded by members currently representing an absolute majority of seats in the Cosă, the Secretary of State shall declare the person to be duly elected as Túischac'h, to serve until the Dissolution of the current Cosă.

Is amended to add an additional section as 4.4.4 to read as follows:

Quote4.4.4. Upon receipt of a petition declaring the Office of Túischac'h vacant from members of the Cosă representing an absolute majority the Secretary of State shall declare a vacancy in the Office of Túischac'h.

And 4.4.5 is also added as follows:

Quote4.4.5 The Túischac'h shall have full powers to suspend an MC from Cosa debates for Contempt of the Cosa. For a first offense, this shall have a maximum term of 1 day, for a second and subsequent offenses, this shall have a maximum of seven (7) days.

Uréu q'estadra så
Breneir Tzaracomprada (MC-Green)

Whereas, presently the King, Seneschal, and Secretary of State can request an advisory opinion from the Cort pü Inalt, and

Whereas, presently the Government's chief legal advisor, the Avocat-Xheneral, nor the principal originators of legislation-members of the Ziu, can request an an advisory opinion from the Cort pü Inalt, and

Whereas, by removing this advisory opinion we can adopt a preferable "case or controvery" approach to legislative consultation rather than using them as "ad-hoc lawmaking."

Therefore, be it enacted by the Ziu of the Kingdom of Talossa, that Article VIII, Section 6 of the Organic Law, which currently reads as:

QuoteUntil such time as inferior corts are established, a Judge may sit as a nisi prius cort in all civil and criminal matters.

No decision or order issued by an inferior cort or nisi prius cort shall bind a coordinate cort.

The decisions or orders of the Cort pü Inalt shall bind all lower corts according to the doctrine of stare decisis provided that that the panel was composed of no less than three Judges after necessary recusal. The Cort pü Inalt may, as it deems appropriate, issue decisions or orders that are non-binding provided that it explicitly states that intention in the decision or order.

A nisi prius cort or an inferior cort deviating from binding precedent must state so with clarity and refer the matter for appellate review.

Notwithstanding any contrary proscription, the King, the Secretary of State, or the Seneschal may refer an issue to the Cort pü Inalt for an advisory opinion provided that any such panel reviewing the position is composed of no less than three Judges after any necessary recusal, there lacks a live case or controversy that would otherwise determine the issue, and there is a reasonably need for resolution of the question.

A matter arising under the Covenants of Rights and Freedoms is appealable as of right to the Cort pü Inalt. In all other instances, the Cort pü Inalt may not be compelled to exercise its appellate authority. However, when declining to do so, the Cort pü Inalt must issue an order declaring such, and no such declaration shall be deemed as the Cort pü Inalt adopting or setting as binding precedent the appealed from decision or order.

The Cort pü Inalt, and any other cort existing under this article, shall interpret all matters through the lens of the Covenants of Rights and Freedoms.

Any Judge that is a named party in a matter shall recuse himself or herself from hearing any and all parts of the matter.

Is amended to read as follows:

QuoteUntil such time as inferior corts are established, a Judge may sit as a nisi prius cort in all civil and criminal matters.

No decision or order issued by an inferior cort or nisi prius cort shall bind a coordinate cort.

The decisions or orders of the Cort pü Inalt shall bind all lower corts according to the doctrine of stare decisis provided that that the panel was composed of no less than three Judges after necessary recusal. The Cort pü Inalt may, as it deems appropriate, issue decisions or orders that are non-binding provided that it explicitly states that intention in the decision or order.

A nisi prius cort or an inferior cort deviating from binding precedent must state so with clarity and refer the matter for appellate review.

A matter arising under the Covenants of Rights and Freedoms is appealable as of right to the Cort pü Inalt. In all other instances, the Cort pü Inalt may not be compelled to exercise its appellate authority. However, when declining to do so, the Cort pü Inalt must issue an order declaring such, and no such declaration shall be deemed as the Cort pü Inalt adopting or setting as binding precedent the appealed from decision or order.

The Cort pü Inalt, and any other cort existing under this article, shall interpret all matters through the lens of the Covenants of Rights and Freedoms.

Any Judge that is a named party in a matter shall recuse himself or herself from hearing any and all parts of the matter.

Uréu q'estadra så
Breneir Tzaracomprada (MC-Green)

@Sir Lüc
10 American buckaroos have been sent to @xpb by Zelle for payment of the Green Party fee. If you might publicly confirm receipt, Mister Burgermister? Zelle confirmation number is 6BE17ZQ7.

Chances seem to be inching higher...Greens stand ready. :)