Election Victory for the Royalists

Last week's election victory was a deciding moment for the Kingdom of Pooba. The nation has given its full support for the Royalist Party. The Royalists - sponsored by my very good self - swept into power, obtaining 10 out of 10 seats available for the first senate session. A firm confirmation of what I have achieved over the past five weeks since declaring independence.

Now, this election could be criticised by "some" due to the lack of political parties. Well, to be more precise, there was only one political party (yes, the Royalists). This was not down to any strict control of political thought, as has occurred in the past in totalitarian regimes. But perhaps more an expression of the close community within Pooba since our inception. In fact, such is the feeling that I am hailing this period 'The Era of Good Feelings'.

Of course, this election would be open to other critical stirrings about its legitimacy. But as enshrined in our constitution, all voters have the right to express their disapproval by ticking the 'None of the Above' box. And, if this box obtained more than 50% of the votes the election would have been immediately declared null and void. But this did not happen on the 1st of April: it was 100% endorsement of the Royalist Party and its leader, Lord Campion.

Enough of this negativity! What of the future, you may ask?

I have sat down with Lord Campion, newly entrusted in his position as Speaker of the Senate. I hope to work very closely with Campion about the reforms that we wish to make. As stated in the newly ratified constitution, the Senate does not have any direct legislative powers. However, it can propose domestic reform. The sphere of foreign policy and affairs stays with the monarch; although the Senate can vote against treaties, alliances and other entanglements if it chooses.

I'm sure our working relationship will be a fruitful one. As well as ratifying the constitution, the Senate has also agreed on my list of ministers. The Council of Ministers will meet up under my leadership whenever needed, and they currently consist of only Lord Stanley (Defence Minister). I am hoping that more positions will be filled in the weeks ahead.

Anyhow, it is time for the monarch's mid-day nap. I look forward to discussing more matters with you all in the near future. Ta ta, for now!

Poobian Foreign Policy

Over the past week your humbled and sometimes inebriated monarch has devised a foreign policy in which it is hoped the Kingdom of Pooba will spread its wings amongst the communities of the world.

I have often muttered the question: ‘But what is Poobian foreign policy?’ In essence, what should be the aim of Poobians on this planet: to conquer, to cajole, or to care? As such, I believe it is fitting to lay out such a plan to the people on the close of our first month of existence in a few simple steps:

 

1. To become an established member of the micronational community.

The micronational world is a large and diverse one, and it appears that there are many friends to make amongst its vast terrain. Already the Kingdom of Pooba has had the pleasure of some very good advice, but it is time to take such relationships a step further with official treaties of recognition and goodwill.

 

2. Build alliances with micronations who share the Poobian vision.

As many deluded scheming rulers, I had the fancy of constructing a powerful organisation between like-minded nations. However, it appears that this road has been travelled many times before with minimal gold at the end of the rainbow. As such, Pooba will take a different tact: the creation of alliances between the few nations who share its goals and values, as well as the application of joining existing organisations. The G.U.M. offers much hope in this direction – the Kingdom of Pooba will soon send off an application to join.

3. Build relationships with those in the macro world.

Landlocked as we are in within the English city of Plymouth, it is up to Pooba to establish relationships with those around us in the macro world. Of course, this king is not completely insane in believing that the mayor of the city, or local MPs will come around for tea and cucumber sandwiches at any point in the near future. However, doors must be knocked for the voice of Pooba to be heard!

 

4. The annexation of new territory.

The Kingdom of Pooba does not want to confine itself to one house: it wants and desires more territory. After the upcoming election I shall meet with my ministry and discuss our military might and expectations of new land.

Three simple steps, but with much work to do! It is down to Poobians to grow and thrive in order to survive, especially if we intend on existing a further month down the line.

The Signing of the Constitution

 

An important act in the short history of the Kingdom of Pooba has been achieved: the signing of our very first constitution. Ever since declaring independence from Great Britain on 1st March 2015 the central figures of our nation have discussed, debated, and delighted in the construction of a constitution that is fit for purpose. Furthermore, it is hoped that it will stand the test of time in the months ahead as Pooba continues to grow.

The constitution establishes the kingdom as a democratic monarchy. I, its deluded and magnificent head, retain a wide executive power. For example, I dictate foreign policy and hire and fire the council of ministers who arrange and draft legislation. However, elements of democracy are given room to breathe in the political system, particularly in the form of a Senate. This Senate is voted on once every four months, with the first election soon happening on 1st April 2015. The Senate can oppose legislation and act as a safety block on my tyrannical spells.

However, the democratic ideal is not constrained within the political system only. It holds great sway within our growing culture, providing avenues of discussion and debate continue into the future. Furthermore, our equal rights provisions are far and wide: it is up to Poobians everywhere to ensure that our record remains untarnished.

Such was the cause for celebration with the signing of the constitution that a great party was held last weekend (many Poobians are only just recovering from a week-long hangover). At this party other announcements were made, including the awarding of the Green Cross of Honour to myself and Prince Fred for our brave actions in the recent Battle of the Bins. Furthermore, new subjects were also introduced, including Lord Campion and Lord Stanley. I strongly believe that we will hear much more from these delightful individuals in the weeks ahead.

As for your king, I must retire back to the bedroom. I devoured one too many sherries last weekend during the celebrations. I hope to recover in time for the upcoming election, in which I am confident the loyal Royalists will come up trumps. In Pooba we trust!

The Battle of the Bins

Over the past 48 hours the Kingdom of Pooba has been in a state of emergency. I did not want to spill out the news before a successful conclusion had resolved this conflict. But allow me to start from the beginning.

Two days ago I was taking out the royal rubbish and opened up the back gate on the border of Pooba Prime to the back-lane that is British territory. On inspecting the green recycle bin I saw an array of rubbish and a distinct white bin-liner (the royal bin-liners of the kingdom are black and green, in accordance with our flag). It appeared that this rubbish was from our next door neighbour. An act of war?

His royal highness sounded the alarm and declared a state of emergency. As Pooba has yet to organise an army, it called for help from local militia on Pooba Prime. Prince Fred was called into action to sniff around the area and offer advice. The resulting action was taking out the British rubbish and putting it at the door of the neighbour.

Satisfied with this outcome, Prince Fred was stationed on the border to maintain a careful eye over any new actions. For the remainder of the day the bins were left free from harassment.

One day ago in the morning hours, Prince Fred sounded the alarm. It turns out that he was in pursuit of a cat (perhaps a British cat, we do not know, reports are unclear on this matter). Your most fearless king grabbed his slippers and shield and ran into the melee of battle. On reaching the borderland he inspected the recycling bin: no refuse from neighbouring states. However, a neighbouring bin had been located beside our day.

Gallantly, and with assistance from Prince Fred, I was able to push the bin away from the borderlands. In doing so space was cleared for Poobian trade to recommence. On returning to the kingdom, loyal subjects cheered the actions of both king and prince. That very night a banquet was held in their honour to declare a great victory over the Battle of the Bins. Whilst at the dinner, his royal highness awarded both himself and Prince Fred the Green Cross of Honour.

The state of emergency has now come to an end. The borderland is demilitarised and the back-lane is free from bloodshed and war. But a strong message has been sent out by the Kingdom of Pooba: cross us at your peril.

Constitutional Pains

It has been a long few days, dear subjects of the Kingdom of Pooba. Your humble king has been hard at work heading up the drafting of our first ever constitution. In taking on this mammoth task, I have enlisted the support of some of the finest minds from Pooba Prime: men and women of intellect, and canines full of enthusiasm. But a long road lies ahead of us.

However, your royal highness thought it fit to update you of certain plans on the road ahead:

1. This constitution points towards the road to greater democracy for Pooba
Yes, there was initially the opportunity to rule by autocratic might. However, this would never help Pooba's interests in the future. A partnership between the royal house and the people is needed in the hope that more subjects/citizens/friends/comrades will join us.

2. Elections are imminent!
The first General Election is pencilled in for 1st April 2015 (yes, April Fool's Day - how very fitting). As head of state for this country I will not simply step aside and let others do the talking, as other monarchs might do (I'm looking at you, Liz II). As such, a Royalist Party is in the works. Of course, Pooba is open for any party of any persuasion. Which leads me onto the next point...

3. Freedom is guaranteed
Political and personal freedoms will be defended under the constitution. A poobian will be provided a high number of "rights".

4. There is no official religion
Following on from my former point, religious freedom is also guaranteed. As a madcap ruler, however, I can make no promises that I will not - at some later date - create my own cult, erm...religion, I mean.

5. The finality of a constitution will not end the progress of our nation
There are plenty of schemes and plans on the road ahead, as well as new laws to draft and create. This constitution is not a final stopping point, but rather the springboard for greater success.

Anyhow, dear subjects, I must return to the royal chamber to read over the latest draft of the article regarding egg and spoon races. This one promises to be a tricky one, best put the coffee on.

The Very First Thirty Day Plan

Today I addressed the forum in Pooba Prime in order to deliver an address on the future of our homeland. Having been instrumental in the founding of the Kingdom of Pooba just a handful of days ago, it was time to set down a plan of action for the upcoming thirty days. And so here it is, the very first Thirty Day Plan:

Hello ladies, gentlemen, comrades and four-legged friends,

I, your most magnificent and unwise king, have been working tirelessly in constructing a plan in which our young nation will take over the month of March. I am calling it the First Thirty Day Plan, in the anticipation that it will be so great that it will be the first of many more to come.

Having taken advice from other micronations on the interweb-sphere, there are some key areas that need immediate attention if Pooba is to survive beyond the course of a week.

Step 1: Create and agree on a constitution. Your king anticipates that this will be a masterwork of equality and agreement. This must set down in stone the power of my (enlightened!) tyrannical rule, as well as look out for every one of citizens. Furthermore, the constitution should actually define what a citizen is to be!! Is it for only those who live in Pooba Prime, or for other folk from across this planet?

Step 2: Create a website in order to provide a web presence and a forum in which citizens can come together to argue, laugh and cry.

Step 3: Agree on a national flag and associated emblems. The current wavy blue lines are not entirely to his royal’s tastes.

Step 4: Write, play and sing our nation’s anthem. Or, alternatively, hum a few words to a separate song.

Step 5: Claim more land. Like all monarchs, I am greedy and wish for more than simply Pooba Prime itself. In fact, what of our ambitions for world domination? A policy, of sorts, must be written down for future reference.

In tackling each of these steps, your humble king will work tirelessly to establish the Kingdom of Pooba amongst the many other proud micronations on this globe. Put your faith in your dear leader, and surely the fruits of our labour will shortly follow.

Now, to the boardroom – much work is to be done!!

1 Day after Founding Day...

1 day after Founding Day and the micronation of the Kingdom of Pooba remains in existence. This is a mighty claim to make, seeing as how many of the micronations that form crumble into dust within hours, rather than years.

But, we all want more than 1 day. How about a week, at least?

In that spirit I have been rather busy in setting up a provisional website and taking the royal fingers to the Twitter-sphere. After 1 day the account now has 4 followers: yes, dear followers, the house of Pooba is rising in the world of social media.

All of these are small simple steps on the road to becoming a powerhouse state. As for now, Poobians must be content in simply overpowering the sounds of the neighbours hoovering.