Nouvelles d'Union Fédérales
Broadcasting from Paris, District of France, European Union
"Bonjour et Bienvenue. We greet you this morning, at 9:01 on February 2 2004 with news from across the European Union and around the world. The big story this morning, is the oncoming Presidential election set for March the 1st and the resignation of Chancellor Jose Zapatero, so that he might take part in the election."
"So far, the Conservative Party, Social Democrat Party, the European Progressive Party and the European League For Action have all announced a candidate for the election. While the Socialist Party of Europe has announced that it will not be presenting a Presidential candidate at this time, given their leader's recent hospitalization, the European National Front has announced that it is lending it's support to the European League for Action. The European Independence Movement has once again boycotted the Presidential elections."
Incumbent and Presidential Candidate Horst Kohler, seen here attending a Conservative Party press conference while in the presence of the German Senatorial Flag.
"From the Conservative Party, incumbent President Horst Kohler is once more up for election as his Presidency now faces a strong opposition from the left-leaning Senate, that has called recent foreign policy moves 'irreconcilable' and that they are in danger of 'skirting constitutional violations'. Firing back, President Kohler has called Social Democrat candidate Jose Zapatero 'unfit' for the Presidency and warned that Zapatero would shy away from international responsibilities and issues to focus on his approval ratings and intervening in the Senate. Zapatero has yet to respond directly to these statements, but said that he will 'talk to the people, not to his opponents. Most analysts agree that the aging President will announce his retirement if he is not re-elected.'"
"As of yet, Candidate Kohler has announced that if he is re-elected, then he will take a more active role in the politics of the Senate, and will push for increased economic development at home, divert funds away from the Euro Star and Infrastructure Project in Iberia to lower student university fees, while continuing the European Union's new interventionist policy in Europe, while maintaining a negotiating and peacekeeping policy abroad. He also announced that he would provide a significant increase in African aid, while pushing more funds into the modernization of the Armed Forces. He did not, however, comment on any possible enlargement of the current Force."
"When questioned about the European role in the Balkans, and his plans for the currently European administered territories, Candidate Kohler announced that he was willing to hold a referendum to determine whether the people of Montenegro and Kosovo wished to unite with Serbia to form a new era of prosperity under European guidance and tutelage."
Candidate and Former Chancellor Jose Zapatero. Pictured here with the Spanish Senatorial Flag in view.
"From the Social Democrat Party, Senator and recently resigned Chancellor, Jose Luis Zapatero, is also making his bid for the Presidency after a term of leadership in the Senate as Chancellor. Having spearheaded the highly successful and ongoing campaign to extend the Euro-Star and the European Highway Transportation Network into and across Iberia, both the Party and Zapatero announced that he would be ready to take on bigger challenges, at home and abroad. He has also announced that he will remain outside of Senatorial politics as he said the 'clear role of the President is to look beyond our shores, and not focus on the home front.' This come's in stark contrast to the position of the Conservative Party candidate. Most analysts agree that after years in politics, a tenure as Chancellor and now a Presidential bid, Zapatero will refuse to run for re-election in the next Senate race, retiring from politics."
"Meanwhile, Zapatero has announced that he will push for the modernization of the Armed Forces, but at a slower pace than his competitors suggest to save funds that can be diverted to domestic needs and tax breaks. He also called on the Progressive candidate to join forces with his campaign to form a united Left of Center front against Horst Kohler's Conservatives and the League for Action. When questioned on Foreign Policy, Zapatero was quick to distance himself from the Interventionist stance and said that 'Europe's role is to be a mediating power, a negotiator. Force is the method of past regimes, and past dynasty's. Civil talk and negotiation is the method of the future.'"
"When questioned on the Balkans, Zapatero was quick to declare that he would ensure independence for Kosovo, Montenegro and Serbia, decrying any idea or thought of an 'unlawful' union between the states."
Candidate and Senator Clement Perrot. Pictured here in the headquarters for the European Progressive Party in Brussels.
"From the European Progressive Party, Senator Clement Perrot of Luxembourg has been put forth as the Candidate for the Party. A relative unknown before the announcement, it came as little surprise to the people of Luxembourg who described him as energetic, idealistic, determined and intelligent. His record of governing Luxembourg has been notably well performed. Income has risen in the area, and crime has fallen under his election. Given this recent promotion in Party politics to be put forth as a Presidential candidate, many analysts are now suggesting that even if his Presidential bid fails, he will still be a party and political heavyweight."
"Perrot is already making a bit of a storm in Paris, refusing any notion of a merger with the Social Democrats for their folding to the demands of the Pro-War faction in the Serbian Intervention, while at the same time pledging to be a more domestically involved President, even raising the idea of a Constitutional 'clarification' on the President's domestic role in the European Union. Nonetheless however, one of the clear issues raised by Clement Perrot, remains the armed forces. In what came as something of a surprise over their Anti-War stance in the Serbian Intervention, Clement Perrot has promised to raise the Armed Forces to their rightful status of the premier force in technology and innovation in the world, with forces ready for deployment across the globe to react to military and non-military crisis where they may arise."
"Meanwhile, he has voiced some support for a military intervention in the Middle East, and Africa should a peaceful settlement fail in the event of a major and destructive conflict. In an odd turn around however, he has also voiced support for a strong interventionist policy within Europe, insisting that the Union 'look after it's own backyard.'"
"In a clear departure from past regimes however, he is also signalling much greater willingness to reconcile and achieve a rapprochement with the Coalition of Nations, while working for a unique and special partnership with Britain as a member of the EU. He has also voiced strong support to work for the integration of further states into the European Union."
"In the Balkans, Senator Perrot voiced his clear support for a Sovereign Serbia, Montenegro and Kosovo. Generally, he has also indicated a clear desire to rebuild old partnerships and to build new friendships across the world."
Candidate and Senator Vasanta de Lyons. Pictured here at a recent Party gathering.
"From the European League for Action, Senator Vasanta de Lyons has been nominated to the position of President of the European Union. While relatively unknown by the general populace, his name has been mentioned behind the doors of the party as a rising star. Noted as an intelligent and charismatic individual, he is loved by the people of Lyons and has decimated their rising crime rates after a public action program that he developed and lead, and through rousing speeches before the people. He has been nicknamed the 'Duke of Lyons' by some in the local media. Analysts agree that even if he does not win election, a long career awaits him in the highest levels of party and Senate politics."
"Vasanta was quick to let his views be known in the race as he called for the expansion of both the Air and Land forces in the revelations for the Armed Forces following the mission into the Balkans, a mission which he heavily supported. At the same time however, he also called for a reasonable expansion of the navy in line with European interests, and for the total modernization of all European forces. He also called for the expansion of the European Union through diplomacy. On the International front, he has called for improved relations with India and with far eastern allies such as Japan and South Korea. He is also reported to have a taken a clear interventionist stance, stating that 'Being a Great Power comes with responsibilities, and it is Europe's obligation, and the world's expectation, that we will fulfill such responsibilities.'"
"On the domestic front however, Vasanta too sought Constitution Clarification of the President's role, and was quick to point out that he would support the continued programs within Iberia, and expand industrial production to cover more of the less industrialized areas of the Union such as Southern France and East Germany."
"In the Balkans, Vasanta has adopted an uncommon solution to what some are calling the Balkan dilemma. Under the watchful eye of Europe to avoid Serbian dominance and equality throughout the renewed state, Vasanta has announced that he and his party are in support of a proposal to create a new Yugoslavia, strong enough to bring renewed prosperity and security to the citizens within it's borders."
"Only time will tell which candidate has swayed the voters, and who will be the next President of the European Union."
"My name is Reynold de Burgundy, and that's the latest out of the Election. We will keep you updated as the campaign progresses, and will get back to you with other stories from the European Union and around the world after break. "
_________________________________
Alright, now here we have the party platforms. Please vote on who you would like to be elected President. I will be glad to answer any questions you have. Choose wisely 
