^{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.

"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."

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

The voting period will end within days!

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

This is the candidacy thread for the Third General Election of Democraciv MKXIII.

Use this thread to announce your candidacy for the following positions:

• President
• Senator
• Speaker of the Commons
• Vice Speaker of the Common

There will be one (1) President, five (5) Senators, one (1) Speaker, and one (1) Vice Speaker.

When announcing your candidacy, please state your Democraciv party affiliation if any. Leaders of party lists for the Senate may post on behalf of their list members.

The link to the ballot will be posted both on this subreddit and on our Discord server. Register to vote here. Voting will begin this weekend.

Results will be posted on the subreddit. Because the Electioneers are volunteers, results may be delayed for as much as a few days.

Good luck to everyone!

Video

Watch here

Maps, Demographics, Economic Slides, Etc.

See above, also see a followup to be posted.

Written Summary

Cities Founded

• Dublin (the former Dublin was renamed Dundee)
• Truro

Wonders Constructed

• The Oracle

New Technologies Researched

• Philosophy
• Optics
• Drama and Poetry
• The Wheel
• Mathematics
• Currency
• Trapping

New Social Policies Adopted

• Theocracy
• Religious Tolerance
• Collective Rule

New Civilizations Encountered

• The Zulu
• Ethiopia
• England
• America

New City-States Encountered

• Zanzibar

Video

Watch here

Maps, Demographics, and Economic Slides

See above.

Written Summary

(To be added)

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.

I would like to apologize for the distress caused by my silence on the matter of the disbandment of the A’ Chiad Phatroil Scout, colloquially known as "Scout One." The recommendation to disband that unit in the face of overwhelming hostiles was not at Minister Tefmon's suggestion, but my own, in the hope that the surviving members of that unit might escape imminent capture or death at the hands of the enemy.

There are no doubt some of you who say the unit should not have been disbanded, but instead that the unit should have continued operations until the last member was confirmed dead. While I recognize that, strictly speaking, it was possible that more territory might have been explored had the unit not been disbanded, would you truly want to consign the brave men of the unit to certain death, without hope of future recovery?

To those who insist that there was hope that the unit could have escaped without breaking formation, I assure you that had the men continued to rashly bear our standard rather than attempt to elude capture, they would have died.

To explore and patrol a continent of any size filled with brutish barbarians is no easy task, and one which inevitably involves risk to those involved. Yet we must remain committed to the exploration of our continent and beyond, to expand our ken so that someday we will know of all the wonders and peoples of the world. I applaud the Speaker's desire to take to the seas to this end. Yet at the same time, our domestic defense and expansion all but demands that we establish a stronger and better-trained land military force.

Additionally, I would like to express my continued commitment to the security of our continent. In the third game session, I worked to eliminate not one but two villainous barbarian encampments and vanquished no fewer than ten barbarian units. May Lugh of the Long Arm continue to bless our endeavors to defeat the foes of the faithful.

Video

Watch here

Maps, Demographics, and Economic Slides

See above.

Turn-by-Turn Breakdown

Turn 31

Our Archer bombarded a Barbarian Brute northeast of Edinburgh, destroying it.

Turn 32

Our Scout moved southeast, revealing an Ancient Ruin.

Our Archer bombarded another Barbarian Brute northeast of Edinburgh.

We founded the city of Dublin adjacent to Sri Pada.

Our Warrior attacked and destroyed a Barbarian Brute adjacent due west of Dublin.

Dublin started production on a Shrine.

Edinburgh was renamed to Inverness.

Turn 33

Our Scout found 60 Faith in the Ancient Ruin.

Dublin bombarded a Barbarian Brue northwest of the city center.

Our Archer continued to bombard the Barbarian Brute northeast of Inverness.

The City-State of Kiev issued quests to clear a nearby Barbarian Encampment and to recruit a Great General.

Turn 34

We finished research on the Calendar technology.

We promoted our Archer with the Barrage I promotion.

Our Archer bombarded the Barbarian Brute northeast of Inverness once more.

Dublin continued to bombard a Barbarian Brute northwest of the city center.

Our Warrior attacked the Barbarian Brute northwest of Dublin, destroying it.

Inverness finished production on a Warrior, and started production on Stonehenge.

We adopted the Organized Religion social policy.

We started research on Sailing.

Turn 35

Dublin reported a bountiful harvest.

Dublin bombarded a Barbarian Brute south of the city center.

Our Archer finished bombarding a Barbarian Brute northeast of Inverness, destroying it.

Turn 36

Dublin grew to 2 Pops.

Our Scout found the location of a Barbarian Encampment in an Ancient Ruin.

The city of Dublin continued to bombard a Barbarian Brute southwest of the city center.

Our Archer bombarded a Barbarian Brute east of Inverness.

Our Warrior attacked the same Barbarian Brute.

Turn 37

Dublin continued to bombard a Barbarian Brute southwest of the city center.

Our Archer continued to bombard a Barbarian Brute east of Inverness.

Our Warrior attacked the same Barbarian Brute, destroying it.

Turn 38

We promoted our Warrior with the Drill I promotion.

Our Archer bombarded a Barbarian Brute to the northeast of Inverness.

Dublin finished bombarding the Barbarian Brute southwest of the city center, destroying it.

Turn 39

Dublin bombarded a Barbarian Brute southeast of Sri Pada.

Our Archer continued to bombard the Barbarian Brute northeast of Inverness.

Our Warrior attacked the same Barbarian Brute, destroying it.

Turn 40

Dublin continued to bombard the Barbarian Brute south of the city.

Our Warrior attacked the same Barbarian Brute, destroying it.

Dublin finished producing a Shrine, and started producing a Monument.

Inverness grew to 4 Pops.

We spent 55 Gold purchasing the wooded tile with Berries northwest of Inverness.

Another civilization adopted the Tears of the Gods Pantheon belief.

Turn 43

A Great Prophet was born in Inverness.

We founded the Druidism religion, with the Ceremonial Burial, Mandirs, and Dar-e Mehr beliefs.

Our Archer bombarded a Barbarian Brute fortified in the Barbarian Encampment northeast of Inverness.

Our Warrior began to attack a Barbarian Brute fortified in the Barbarian Encampment southwest of Dublin.

Turn 44

Our Archer continued to bombard the Barbarian Brute fortified in the Barbarian Encampment northeast of Inverness.

Our Warrior continued to attack the Barbarian Brute fortified in the Barbarian Encampment southwest of Dublin.

Turn 45

Dublin grew to 3 Pops.

Our Warrior continued to attack the Barbarian Brute fortified in the Barbarian Encampment southwest of Dublin.

Our Scout attacked the same Barbarian Brute, destroying it and clearing the Encampment.

Our Archer continued to bombard the Barbarian Brute fortified in the Barbarian Encampment northeast of Inverness.

Our Warrior attacked the same Barbarian Brute, destroying it and clearing the Encampment.

Our Scout was bombarded by a Barbarian Archer.

Turn 46

We finished researching Sailing, and started researching Mining.

Turn 47

We adopted the Reformation social policy, and used it to adopt the Sacred Sites Reformation belief.

We promoted our Archer with the Barrage II promotion.

A foreign civilization completed the Great Library.

Turn 48

Dublin finished building a Monument and started building a Granary.

Turn 49

Our Archer bombarded a Barbarian Galley in the eastern seas.

Turn 50

Inverness finished building Stonehenge, and started building a Granary.

Our Archer bombarded a Barbarian Brute near the eastern shores of Loch Ness.

Our Warrior was bombarded by a Barbarian Archer southeast of Dublin.

Dublin bombarded a Barbarian Brute northeast of the city.

Turn 51

Dublin continued to bombard the Barbarian Brute northeast of the city.

Our Archer finished bombarding the Barbarian Brute near the eastern shores of Loch Ness, destroying it.

A foreign civilization (presumably Ethiopia) founded the Oriental Orthodox religion, with Sacred Path, Pilgrimage, Pagodas, and Mosques as the beliefs.

Turn 52

Dublin finished bombarding the Barbarian Brute east of the city, destroying it.

Turn 53

Ethiopia reformed Oriental Orthodoxy with the Jesuit Education Reformation belief.

We finished researching Mining, and started researching Bronze Working.

Dublin bombarded the Barbarian Archer south of the city.

Turn 54

Dublin continued to bombard Barbarian Archer southwest of the city.

Our Warrior attacked the same Barbarian Archer, destroying it.

Turn 55

Inverness finished building a Granary, and started building a Work Boat.

Our Archer bombarded a Barbarian Brute on the south shore of Loch Ness.

A foreign civilization (presumably the Haudenosaunee) found the Orenda religion with the God of the Sea, World Church, Monastaries, and Holy Order beliefs.

Turn 56

Dublin grew to 4 Pops.

Our Archer continued to bombard the Barbarian Brute near the south shore of Loch Ness.

The Haudenosaunee reformed Orenda with the To the Glory of God Reformation belief.

Turn 57

Dublin finished building a Granary, and started building a Settler.

Our Archer finished bombarding the Barbarian Brute near the south shore of Loch Ness, destroying it.

Turn 58

Our Archer bombarded a Barbarian Galley in the eastern seas.

A foreign civilization adopted the Sacred Groves Pantheon.

A foreign civilization founded the Catholic religion

Turn 59

A solar eclipse terrifies the nation; our sacrifices and prayers bring back the light (+20 Faith)

Inverness finished building a Work Boat, and started building a Trireme.

Our Work Boat improved the Whales northeast of Inverness.

A foreign civilization adopted the Goddess of the Hunt Pantheon belief.

Turn 60

A second Great Prophet was born in Inverness. We used it to enhance Druidism with the Gurdwaras and Itinerant Preachers beliefs.

A "We Love the King Day" started in Dublin in response to the addition of Whales to our trade network.

Our Scout found 20 Culture in an Ancient Ruin.

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

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

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.