Quote from: Iason Taiwos on Yesterday at 05:56:16 PMFirstly, Istefan Pertgonest. Once my rival (during a Senate campaign), never really a friend (just never got to know him very well), but a Benitian/Belacostan worthy of every honor possible for his contributions to our province. He isn't very active on Witt anymore, but he is still around, and anytime he shows up, it feels like a big piece of our province has returned.

"Active" is one of those matters of definition, you know. I certainly don't post a lot, but I do visit Witt pretty much daily, with the Belacosta forum being one of a handful I always check for the new message indicator.

Stage 8 Chieti -> Fermo

Yesterdays stage featured a lot of attacking. A large break was formed halfway through the stage which contained the rider who would eventually go solo an win his second stage: Jonathan Narvaez (REX/VFL/MMM). Scaroni (REX/MMM) came in 6th. The GC didn't see major changes, except for Ciccone (ITW/BDC/CHX) who lost more than 6 minutes which likely puts him out of podium contention.

A good result for Talossaes Rexhital who take back the lead by scoring the most points of the day, but also for the Menceis, who climb to third. Cézembre Fieschā keep struggling and are now far behind the rest of the teams.

Standings after stage 8:

Pos	±		Team	Pts Ove	Pts Today
1st	(+2)		Els Talossaes Rexhital (REX)	2369	+471
2nd	(-1)		Cyclohexane (CHX)	2342	+140
3rd	(+2)		Maritiimi-Maxhestic Mençeis (MMM)	2181	+449
4th	(-2)		Team In The Wind (ITW)	1976	+70
5th	(+2)		Velociposse Florencia (VFL)	1938	+369
6th	(-2)		Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs (BDC)	1921	+143
7th	(-1)		Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS)	1846	+197
8th	(=)		Cézembre Fieschā (CFA)	1056	+100

Today starts out flat but ends with a 3rd category climb en route to a 1st category climb which is also the finish. Very much seems like a stage for the GC favourites.

PROPOSED AMENDMENT TWO: REMOVING THE COPPER-FASTENING OF THE PROVINCIAL SENÄTS

Right now, amending the provincial basis of the Senäts would require a referendum win in every province, making it the least amendable of any OrgLaw provisions, including the Covenant of Rights and Freedoms. This amendment would retain a 2/3 Senäts majority needed to make such changes under the existing section XII.I.

Amend OrgLaw XII.4 as follows:

QuoteProposed changes to this Organic Law that affect the representation of a province in the Senäts, or of the territory or equal sovereignty of a province, shall not take effect unless approved by a majority of participating voters in that province.

PROPOSED AMENDMENT ONE: ENSURING THE ORGANICITY OF PARTY LISTS

OrgLaw IV.2 to be amended as follows:

QuoteBased on the final results of the General Election, the Secretary of State shall calculate the apportionment of seats among the parties, hereinafter referred to as "party seats".

    1. The party seats shall total 200, or another number which may be set by law, with the provisos that any such change will not take effect until the next election following the passage of a calendar year; and that this number may never be less than twice the number of Senators minus one.
    2. Each party shall receive a percentage of party seats as equal as possible to its percentage of the popular vote, but each party shall receive a whole number of seats, and in turn, each party shall assign these seats to individuals, in accordance with law. Any seats which cannot be filled by a party in accordance with law shall be filled by the King according to his own best judgment, or left vacant.
 3. The Secretary of State shall employ whatever mathematical formulae and calculations in the apportionment of seats as are set by law, or, in the absence of such law, as will best reflect the intentions of this Organic Law. The Uppermost Cort shall be the final judge in case of mathematical disputes.
    4. Only registered political parties may obtain party seats. Parties which win votes but are not registered may not assume their seats in the Cosa until they register. The process to register a party shall be defined by law. The Secretary of State may request from all parties a registration fee, to be set by law, to cover the cost of the election. This fee shall be uniform for all parties.

OrgLaw IV.3 to be amended as follows:

QuoteIn the case of vacant party seats occurring between elections, the Secretary of State shall inform the King and the leader of whatever party held the vacant seat. The King shall appoint a replacement to each vacancy. If the seat belonged to a party with a functioning party leader, the King must appoint as a replacement whichever person shall be so designated by that party's leader under the same law that governs assignment of seats after an election. If there is no functioning party leader, or if the party leader refuses to designate a replacement, or if the seats are still vacant for any other reason the King shall appoint the replacement according to his own best judgment or otherwise leave the seats vacant.

And in whatever form we push forward Ziu reform apart from this

It looks like we've got a critical mass of people here in favour of a candidate-based Cosa or at least an "open list" system.

Can I clarify, on this point, that this makes no sense without a much smaller Cosă than even the 20 we've already agreed on. Because a candidate-based system where candidates can get seats just by being on the ballot is undemocratic.

The problem is that under current law, the Cosă has to be at least twice the size of the Senäts, which means a 15 seat minimum. And that is too few. I would say a 9-seat Cosă would be ideal for this system. 11 seats, tops.

The system that Françal wants and Marcel also seems keen on will therefore need much deeper OrgLaw surgery than an MMP system.

That's fine if you guys want to keep discussing it here, but I think that it's perhaps too much to come to a consensus on in this Cosă. So, on the alternative, I'm going to propose a couple of OrgLaw amendments elsewhere which are necessary whether we change the voting system from 20-seat closed-party-list voting or not.

@Mic'haglh Autófil, O.Be @mximo Here is the draft which moves Florencia toward a system more in line with a blend of Fiova and Vuode. Provincial legislature includes all provincial citizens > that body appoints a two-person executive directorate. Elections and administration by a provincial SoS (Chancellor) and creates a one-person judicial review (Instrumental Conciliator).

2026 INSTRUMENT OF GOVERNMENT OF FLORENCIA

Preamble
We continue to be pioneers.
In 1982 a blind imperialist land grab brought under Talossan control the place which we now call Florencia. This land grab created one of our now-sister provinces, for which a constitution was ratified even though no Talossan yet lived within its boundaries.
In 1990 the first Talossan settled the southern canton of that province, which had been named Florencia in honor of the former Talossan head of state, Queen Florence. The settler found that the area was different from the northern half of the province, and was a place with a character all its own. Relationships developed with the local Cestours, and what had seemed to be a Talossan frontier six months earlier was now turning into a home. Things began to take root, and along with them came change.
In 1996 Florencians moved out of the shadow of our parent province and established the right to operate on our own terms. We struggled with dark forces that sought to upset the balance in the kingdom and leave a mark on our new homeland, but we prevailed.
In 2002 Florencia established a constitution that lasted all nine years through the many crises that our beloved province and kingdom had survived, separating our population from one another and devastating our local presence, but not our provincial pride.
In 2011 we adopted a new constitution, with heads held high and beliefs held strong, in order that we could continue to preserve life, liberty, and the safeguard of law.
In 2020 we wrought a new chapter in the history of our beloved province with a better government for our people.
Now, in 2026, we take a further step: recognising that the strength of Florencia has always resided not in offices or titles, but in the will and participation of her citizens, we reconstitute our province as a direct democracy, wherein the Curia of all citizens is the supreme authority under this new Instrument of Government.
Just as Talossa is more than the sum of its parts, so too does Florencia find an infinite diversity in infinite combinations.
¡Viva la Florencia!

Chapter I — The Province
Section 1. Style.
The style of this province is The Province of Florencia, or in Talossan, La Provincù Florencia.
Section 2. Territory.
The province consists of and claims provincial sovereignty over all such Talossan territory as follows: from the Milwaukee River along North Avenue to Prospect Avenue, then along Prospect Avenue southwest to Lafayette Street, then along Lafayette Street northwest to Farwell Avenue, then along Farwell Avenue southwest to Brady Street, then along Brady Street west to Warren Avenue, then along Warren Avenue north to, and then along, the footpath below Boylston Street leading to the foot bridge across the Milwaukee River.
Section 3. Claim.
All lands and islands man-made or naturally forming in Florencian territorial waters are irrevocably part of the provincial territory.
Section 4. Capitol.
The provincial capitol is the Landmark Building located on the corner of East Kenilworth and North Farwell Avenue, the home of a bar, a bowling alley, a corner shop and the Oriental Theatre.
When either the Paramount, a Senator for Florencia, or the Constable be an actual inhabitant within the territorial borders of Florencia, and during such inhabitation, the domicile of the first person so enumerated shall be considered the focal point of the province and be honored as the provincial capitol; and the domicile shall be known as the Manor of the street at which it stands, for example "Irving Manor".
Section 5. Language.
The recognized languages of Florencia are Talossan and English, but both French and Frenglish shall be respected and willingly promoted.
Section 6. Instrument of Governmental Primacy.
This Instrument of Government is and shall always be the ultimate law of the province of Florencia, subject only to the supremacy of the Organic Law of Talossa, and no law shall be enacted or enforced which contravenes them.
Section 7. Reservation of Right to Self-Determination
The Florencian people recognize their important place as a province of the Kingdom of Talossa. As a people, however, Florencians reserve their natural right to determine their own destiny through democratic methods.

Chapter II — Symbols
Section 1. Flag.
The provincial flag of Florencia is a banner in dimensions five by the hoist to eight by the fly, and is so blazoned as follows: Azure a Florentine fleurs-de-lis Or in chief three barrulets of the same.
Section 2. Seal.
The provincial seal of Florencia is so blazoned as follows: On an oblong disc Azure a Florentine fleurs-de-lis all within a bordure Or inscribed with in chief the word "FLORENCIA" and in base the phrase "1996 XVII" Azure.
Section 3. Anthem.
The provincial anthem is the song "Built A Little Empire" by They Might Be Giants. The same is and shall serve as a reminder of the origins of Florencia.
Section 4. Motto.
The provincial motto shall be Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations.

Chapter III — The Curia (Provincial Legislature)
Section 1. Supreme Authority.
Supreme authority in Florencia rests with all citizens of the province to be known in their collectivity as the Curia. All debates and votes of the Curia are public, except in cases involving national or provincial security or sensitive personal information. Unless otherwise stated in this Instrument of Government, the Curia may set its own rules for making decisions, including a quorum for any decisions.
Section 2. Chair of the Curia.
The Curia shall be chaired by a Moderator, elected by the body from among its members. The Moderator shall preside over debates, maintain order, and give effect to the decisions of the Curia. The Moderator may be removed by a simple majority vote of the Curia at any time. The term of the Moderator shall be concurrent with each session of the Curia. A Moderator may be reelected indefinitely.
Section 3. Participation.
Every citizen of Florencia, as determined by the Organic Law and other laws of Talossa, is a member of the Curia and shall have one equal vote on any question before it, unless this Instrument of Government provides otherwise.
Section 4. Legislative Power.
Provincial law consists of, in order of precedence: the Organic Law of the Kingdom of Talossa; the laws of the Ziu except in matters reserved to the provinces; this Instrument of Government; the laws passed by the Curia; decisions of the Instrumental Conciliator; and Curial Orders issued by the Directory. Curial Orders may be overturned by a simple majority vote of the Curia.
Section 5. Right of Initiative & Recall.
Any citizen of Florencia may introduce a legislative proposal before the Curia, including the recall of provincial officers. The Curia may set rules governing the process for introduction, debate, and the setting of deadlines for votes on any proposal.

Chapter IV — The Constable
Section 1. Role.
The Sovereign of Talossa is represented in the province and attends to provincial affairs through a Constable, or in Talossan, Cunstavál, who shall be appointed in accordance with the Organic Law.
Section 2. Vacancy.
If the office of the Constable becomes vacant or generally unattended, the Directory shall petition without delay that the Sovereign appoint a new Constable and shall repeat this petition so often as may be necessary to effectuate the appointment. The Sovereign shall assume all powers and duties of the Constable whenever there is a vacancy in the office of the Constable.
Section 3. Promulgation.
The Constable shall promulgate all laws passed by the Curia. If the Constable (or Sovereign when there is a vacancy in the office of Constable) should fail to act upon a passed law within seven (7) calendar days of its presentation, it shall take effect without promulgation. If the Constable should veto a law, they shall return it to the Curia with objections in writing. The Curia may override a veto of the Constable by passing the law, in exact matching form, again in the term immediately following the Constable's disapproval.

Chapter V — The Directory (Provincial Executive)
Section 1. The Directory.
Executive power in Florencia is exercised by a permanent administrative committee, to be known as the Directory. The Directory shall consist of two members who must be residents of the province, elected at large by all citizens of the province, by a vote conducted under the principles of proportional representation. Additional details of the electoral method shall be established by law.
Section 2. The Paramount.
The Directory shall designate one of the pair as Chair, who shall be given the honourable title of Paramount. The Paramount shall represent the Directory before the Curia and before the Constable, and shall co-sign Curial Orders on behalf of the Directory. The Director designated as Paramount serves continuously until resignation from the Directory, removal, or declaration of vacancy by the Curia.
Section 3. Elections.
Elections for the Directory shall occur simultaneously with every national Cosă election, or earlier in case of a Vote of Confidence or the Curia or Chancellor declaring a vacancy in the Directory. In these latter cases, the Chancellor may choose a date for an earlier election, or failing that, one may be set by resolution of the Curia.
Section 4. Supremacy of the Curia.
On any issue where the Directory and the Curia conflict, the will of the Curia shall prevail.
Section 5. Ministers.
The Directory may delegate any executive powers to Provincial Ministers. The Ministers are nominated by the Directory and confirmed by the Constable. The Ministers are collectively and individually responsible to and may be dismissed by the Directory or the Curia. The Directory and Ministers are collectively known as "the Instrumentality".
Section 6. Senators for Florencia.
Florencia shall have equal and fair representation in the Senate of Talossa, in accordance with those procedures or qualifications determined by the Organic Law or other laws of Talossa. No person shall be so elected, nor continue to serve as a Senator for Florencia, who is not a bona fide citizen and a qualified resident thereof.

Chapter VI — The Instrumental Conciliator (Provincial Judiciary)
Section 1. Role.
Judicial power, including jurisdiction over any dispute relevant to this Instrument of Government, is exercised by an Instrumental Conciliator, nominated by the Constable and approved by the Curia, as and when necessary. Decisions of the Instrumental Conciliator may be appealed to Kingdom Courts. The Instrumental Conciliator serves indefinitely until resignation or recall by the Curia.

Chapter VII — The Chancellor
Section 1. Role.
All elections and maintenance of provincial administrative (governmental and electoral) records are conducted by a Chancellor, nominated and confirmed by the Curia. The Chancellor serves indefinitely until resignation, recall, or declaration of a vacancy by the Curia. The Chancellor, as the administrator of provincial elections, is not eligible to hold another provincial political office simultaneously.

Chapter VIII — General Provisions for Provincial Officials
Section 1. Absence.
Any officer empowered by this Instrument of Government shall be considered absent if they fail to confirm their presence to the Curia within seven (7) calendar days of being called upon to do so by any Curia member.
Section 2. Removal.
All officers empowered by this Instrument of Government may be removed by the Curia by means of a Vote of Confidence, which shall require a simple majority to succeed. The Directory may be subject to a Vote of Confidence only collectively, not as individuals.
Section 3. Vacancies.
An officer empowered by this Instrument of Government, including members of the Directory, shall have vacated their office if they resign, relocate to residency in another province, lose their Talossan citizenship, are removed by a Vote of Confidence by the Curia, or are absent within the meaning of Section 1 above for thirty days or more.
3.1 If a vacancy arises in the Directory, the remaining members may co-opt any citizen to the vacant role, subject to ratification of their choice by the Curia. If two or more vacancies arise simultaneously, the Chancellor shall declare the Directory to be vacant and call an election.
3.2 If a vacancy arises in any other office created under this Instrument of Government, the Directory may appoint an Acting holder of that office, who shall function until confirmed or replaced by the Curia.

Chapter IX — Amendments
Section 1. Amendment by the Curia.
This Instrument of Government may be amended in whole or in part by a resolution of the Curia limited to that purpose. In order to pass, such a resolution shall earn the affirmative votes of at least two-thirds of the participating members of the Curia.
Amendments shall take effect after due promulgation by the Constable at a prescribed time and shall become part of this Instrument of Government.
Section 2. Amendment by Referendum.
This Instrument of Government may also be amended in whole or in part, or a new Instrument of Government altogether proposed, by a referendum of the province, which shall be called by a resolution of the Curia limited to that purpose and prescribing the proposed amendment.
If the Curia passes such a resolution, the amendment shall be presented in referendum to all citizens of the province, each of whom shall have one equal vote. The amendment shall take effect if a majority of all bona fide citizens approve, or if two-thirds of those participating approve, whichever is the lesser threshold satisfied.

Years ago, after the debacle with ESB and his fake Talossan citizens, Vitxalmour Conductour and I came up with an idea that was basically a parody of the Kentucky Colonels thing... the Noble Order of the Corncob. (One of Eiric's fake citizens was a character named Benedict (can't for the life of me recall the last name) who's CoA had a corncob on it. For some reason, that inspired this dumb idea.)) The Order would exist to honor citizens of (then) Benito who had contributed significantly to the province.
Well, I've decided to revive this idea, and would like to announce that we've selected a few Belacostans to be honored as "Kernels" in this society. They are free to reject the honor, and I wouldn't blame them.
Firstly, Istefan Pertgonest. Once my rival (during a Senate campaign), never really a friend (just never got to know him very well), but a Benitian/Belacostan worthy of every honor possible for his contributions to our province. He isn't very active on Witt anymore, but he is still around, and anytime he shows up, it feels like a big piece of our province has returned.
Secondly, Sir Lüc. Lüc has been the most prominent representative of Belacosta for a long time. He has done a fine job. He also spurred the creation of the Cjovani subculture. (Which he may possibly regret.) (Da Schir Day is a holiday in our calendar.) Nothing further needs to be said about Lüc, everyone knows how cool he is.
Third, and lastly, Mic'haglh Autófil. A newer member of Belacosta, he's done more than enough to earn membership in this elite society. His contributions to both Belacosta and Talossa in general makes me ashamed at how lame my own contributions have been.
We welcome these fine gentlemen to the Noble Order of the Corncob. They may now add "NOC" at the end of their names. (That's "Noble Order Corncob".)
There is a logo and a full constitution for this Order available to members, if they desire to look at it. There are no obligations or weird things you have to do as a member. It is honorary, and you are free to accept it or reject it as you will.

Stage 7 Formia -> Blockhaus

Verdicts from first GC stage: Vingegaard (BDC/CFA/CHX/GHS/ITW/MMM) predictably on top. Gall (REX/VFL) surprisingly close just 13" behind (it was generally feared that other riders might drop 1' or more). Pellizzari (CFA/CHX/MMM/VFL) managed to hang with Vingegaard the longest, but ultimately finished 1' behind, in a trio with Hindley (BDC/GHS) and non-TCAT O'Connor.

More delayed, at +1'40" and over, Ciccone (BDC/CHX/ITW), Gee-West (REX), Storer (GHS/REX/VFL) and Arensman (BDC/GHS/ITW/VFL), but this is still good news for their ambitions of finishing top3/5 in the final standings. Less good news for other potential GC top 10 candidates like Bernal (BDC/ITW), Mas, Rubio (CFA), Cepeda (MMM) and Zana (CFA/CHX), all variously delayed by 3 to almost 6 minutes.

GHST gets the daily win thanks to placing all six of their GC riders in the top 16 (4 in top 10, plus Harper and Piganzoli). BDC and CHX round off the podium, with the latter retaining the top spot.

Pos	±		Team	Pts Ove	Pts Today
1st	(=)		Cyclohexane (CHX)	2202	+625
2nd	(+1)		Team In The Wind (ITW)	1906	+480
3rd	(-1)		Els Talossaes Rexhital (REX)	1898	+410
4th	(+1)		Cézembre Caçeirs dals Mailintzarăs (BDC)	1778	+656
5th	(-1)		Maritiimi-Maxhestic Mençeis (MMM)	1732	+502
6th	(+1)		Gordon Hiatus Support Team (GHS)	1649	+749
7th	(-1)		Velociposse Florencia (VFL)	1569	+547
8th	(=)		Cézembre Fieschā (CFA)	956	+459

Today, a stage that seems tailor made for an interesting breakaway, with a second half peppered with hard and relatively short climbs. Might be a great occasion for those teams with a couple of top tier stage hunters to score 200-300 unanswered points over everyone else.

Quote from: Marïă Caçeir on May 15, 2026, 01:46:17 PMThis was so fun to read thank you for sharing!

Thank you for reading! Glad you liked it.

This was so fun to read thank you for sharing!