Overview Series: Flourentína
The city has a vibrant blend of Meridian and Wakokan culture. Picture: the Blossom Pass, a small park in the city.
Flourentína Leased Territory, Meridia - Welcome to our Overview Series, where we pick certain areas of Meridia and describe them factually.
Flourentína is a leased island territory under Meridian control. Immediately east of Wakoku, this was once an uninhabited island before Meridia and Wakoku mutually leased territories on the other's country to facilitate their attempts on trade in their respective target regions.
People and Culture
Settled by mainly Wakokan and Meridian peoples, the city is majority Wakokan, albeit barely, with 50% of the citizenry identifying as such. 40% are ethnic Meridians descended from migrants original to, of course, Meridia, and the other 10% are a plethora of other groups, from international expats, historical immigrant communities that are neither Wakokan or Meridian, or Meridian minority groups who either moved recently, or fled discrimination from times now long gone. The few interracial descent of the city may identify with one group sometimes, but the vast majority pick "Mixed".
The leased territory boasts a population of 200,000 people, with a vibrant culture that has been the result of a mix from the ethnic groups that populate the island. The populace is mostly bilingual, with a vast majority of civilians knowing both Meridian and Wakokan since childhood. Indeed, for the Meridian population, the dialect of Meridian that they speak has been influenced by the Wakokan language over time, giving the locals slang or full-fledged, accepted words not found anywhere else in Meridian territory, and that have roots on mainly Wakokan vocabulary.
Meridians from Flourentína drink Wakokan or Meridian tea recipes as a staple beverage; mainland Meridians instead drink coffee daily
The traditions from both cultures have seeped in the other. Meridians, over the years, began to drink tea and hold the Wakokan tea ceremony, but they adapted the latter and transformed it into a "tea party" sort of gathering with friends and family. Cultural researchers speculate that this particular custom had roots when Meridians became more open and less racist, and, crucially for their children who had Wakokan friends, began to learn from their Wakokan neighbours, either in their early childhood, or in adulthood.
This is one example of cultural blending. Here is another, but for the Wakokans.
The Meridian recipes of the iconic baguette are not only consumed by Meridians, but by Wakokans in Flourentína as part of their daily breakfast, or sometimes even as a snack.
Unlike the Meridians, Wakokans did not mix at the same rate as their counterparts due to their fierce pride on their traditions and culture, and because of the close distance they were from Wakoku. Still, some Meridian concepts did slip in, like the Meridian recipes of the baguette.
Most residents eat this Meridian pastry daily, either at breakfast, or even as a snack of some sort. This includes the Wakokans, who, along with their traditional cuisine, have included this type of bread into their morning routine. This can also be attributed to inter-cultural contact, experts say, especially when Meridian children may have invited Wakokan friends for sleepovers or just to eat breakfast, or shared it in their school snacks. Meridian and Wakokan adults sharing this baked good at cafés and restaurants may also have significantly contributed to this feature in the Wakokan society residing in the city.
There are other examples: Meridian-Wakokan mixed cafés, which serve a concoction of various dishes, both the few domestic that exist and those belonging to their respective cultures; non-Wakokans also seeing the cherry blossom as a prized symbol, although it is more of a "city pride" characteristic; a local temple of the Valianist religion was built in the Wakokan style of architecture, as a way to signify the Wakokan presence in the island and its society, as well as for the few Wakokans that converted; local laws and infrastucture (like the subway or the school system) were built in the Meridian style, with bilingual accomodations, of course; non-Wakokans sometimes practice Wakokan martial arts; parks and many gardens are in the Meridian style, with some Wakokan influences or plants; streets having mostly Meridian names; among others.
Politics and Administration
As Flourentína is technically a leased territory, it does not participate in national elections. However, all residents regardless of ethnic background have Meridian citizenship, and the city is highly autonomous.
Governor-General: Annelís Lacantére
Named to her position in 2010, Annelís Lacantére is expected to be the territory's last Governor-General.
The role of Governor-General was powerful in the past. They effectively ruled the city on Meridia's behalf. But, with increasing democratic freedoms being granted and as Meridia had near-instantaneous communicative access to the city due to advances in technology, this office is now more as a direct enforcer of Meridia's will in the island. However, Meridia only intervienes sporadically, only getting involved if it is absolutely necessary, or to implement national legislation to the leased territory, most of which do not automatically apply.
An example of this was when Meridia restricted the death penalty to serial rapists and serial murderers in extreme circumstances, but Flourentína had a differing version of capital punishment on its local penal code, which was allowed to exist as long as Meridia did not object to it. The one who signed that order from the mainland was the Governor-General of the time.
The Governor-General is the one who also signs all the laws passed by the local legislature, but this is mere protocol, as it is extremely rare for the Governor-General to veto any bills.
The current Governor-General is Annelís Lacantére, a former Democratic Cabinet member appointed in 2010. She succeeded Giorgé Ultramáre, a former Republican Senator who resigned due to old age. Governor-Generals can be sacked by the central government back at Florenzei, but this has not happened in a long time. It is a gentleman's agreement between political parties in Meridia and the city to not heavily politicize the position, so as to maintain stability and order, and to not politicize the city proper.
First Minister: Tadamori Matsuzawa
Flourentína has, for the most part, inherited the parliamentary system of Meridia. Tadamori Matsuzawa is a Wakokan politician from the centre-right Blossom Party, elected by the local legislature as First Minister.
The First Minister is the one who really rules Flourentína. Holding a role resembling a Head of Government, the First Minister and their Cabinet comprise the Executive of this city.
As the local legislature serves a five-year term, the First Minister is at the mercy of it. The First Minister, however, has a term limit of ten years, independent of the incumbent legislature's tenure.
The current First Minister is Tadamori Matsuzawa, a Wakokan Flourentinan of the centre-right Blossom Party, which is the local affiliate of the Republicans back home in Meridia. Despite being so, it is by all means independent, and just essentially sharing this historical origin as a branch of the Republicans.
The Governor-General can remove the First Minister if Meridia consents or requests it, but that has never been invoked since the position's creation in 1976.
Legislature: Assembly of Flourentína
The Assembly of Flourentína is composed of 71 lawmakers elected by Proportional Representation, the system Meridia uses to elect the Delegates of the Nation, a chamber of its Congress.
The Assembly of Flourentína is the legislative body of the city. Created in 1919, the Assembly has since legislated in domestic issues, and it received more powers during the 1976 reforms.
Currently, the Assembly of Flourentína has the following composition:
Government Coalition
- Blossom Party* (25) (Centre-Right)
- Flourentína Revival (8) (Right-Wing)
- Libertarian Party (5) (Libertarian)
Opposition
- Progressive Party (16) (Centre-Left)
- Liberal Democrats (10) (Centre to Centre-Left)
- Socialist Party (4) (Left-Wing)
- Eternal Destiny (2) (Big tent, Meridian Sovereignty over Flourentína)
- Flourentína First (1) (Big tent, Flourentinan Independence)
The Assembly appoints the First Minister and approves their Cabinet. The Speaker of the Assembly is Albérto Caletezía, of the Blossom Party, and the two Vice Speakers are Yuto Satoshi, of the Progressive Party, and Isabéle Yuriko, from Flourentína Revival.
Justice: High Territorial Court of Flourentína
The High Territorial Court of Flourentína is the highest court in the city, below national-grade courts.
The High Territorial Court of Flourentína was shaped from the necessity to establish a formal legal system in 1846. It is the highest court in the city, ruling from appeals to various minour cases to requests for a constitutional interpretation of any law in place on the territory.
Its 7 High Territorial Judges are appointed by the Assembly via a two-thirds majority vote, and they must be approved by the Governor-General. This means that Meridia must consent, as the Governor-General is, by all practical means, Meridia's enforcer.
These days Meridia greenlights the local picks, and has only interfiered recently in 2007, when Congress objected to the nomination of a judge who was previously convicted of tax evasion when he lived in the mainland.
The court uses Meridia's own version of the judicial process, another example of Meridia's legacy here. However, all persons related to the law - lawyers, prosecutors, judges, police officers, etc. - are now studying the Wakokan legal system in addition to its laws, should Wakoku refuse to allow Flourentína's legal system to continue after the handover in 2020, and instead alter it to its own.
Languages: Meridian and Wakokan
Both Meridian and Wakokan are the official languages of the city, with other recognized minority languages including Faranze, Ossitanian, Parthenian, and Sartorian
By local law, both Meridian and Wakokan are the official languages of Flourentína, along with a plethora of minority languages which are recognized due to their usage by historical migrant groups that are not Meridian or Wakokan. These include Faranze, Ossitanian, Parthenian, and Sartorian, and the government is required to offer assistance in these languages as well.
Meridian and Wakokan, however, have far more usage, and this is ensured by law. Any organization - apartments, companies, restaurants, media, etc. - are required to offer both Meridian and Wakokan versions of their products, labels, signs, etc., unless they can't display more than one language properly (like with radio broadcasts), if they are cultural centres, or if they are meant to focus on a certain foreign population or theme (like consulates, foreign restaurants and such).
Further, to get any government position or public sector job, you must know both Meridian and Wakokan. If, for example, your party plans for you to occupy one of their seats in the Assembly but you don't know Meridian, an automatic disqualification instantly follows.
Media
Television
There are four main private channels in Flourentína: Flourentína Broadcasting Corporation (FBC), National Meridian Television, Flourentinan branch (NMT-FL), Skyline TV (STV), and Central Capital Station, Flourentinan branch (CCS-FL). The local government's state-run channel is the Public Flourentinan Broadcasting Service (PFBS), and Meridia's state-run Public Meridian Television (PMT) also is on air.
Citizens can get a variety of other channels by subscribing to TV companies, most of which are Meridian or local in origin. Due to the city mandating the use of both Meridian and Wakokan, Meridian packages differ from the mainland, installing translators into their products in order to translate from either Meridian to Wakokan or viceversa. Most do not use it, however, as people do not care to select the subtitles.
Radio
Flourentína has several radio stations dedicated to both AM and FM frequencies. Often, AM stations focus on news and politics, whilst FM stations specialize in music or religious teachings.
Station Legend:
M: Meridian
W: Wakokan
X: Mixed
Some AM stations of relevance include:
- Public Flourentinan Broadcasting Service, Meridian (PFBS-M, 600)
- Public Flourentinan Broadcasting Service, Wakokan (PFBS-W, 650)
- Flourentína Broadcasting Corporation, Meridian (FBC-M, 710)
- Flourentína Broadcasting Corporation, Wakokan (FBC-W, 760)
- Whirlwind Radio (WP-M, 840)
- One News Station (ON-W, 900)
- Island Radio (IR-M, 1120)
- Newsclub Broadcasting Station (NBS-X, 1300)
Some FM stations of note are the following:
- Frequency Radio (FR-M, 90.1)
- Musical Note Foundation (MNF, 93.3) (MNF does not have an official language, as its broadcasting is classical music, which is often lyricless)
- Popular Melody Station (PMS-W, 96.5)
- Hit It! (HI-X, 99.2)
- Valianity Central (VC-M, 100.7)
- National DJ (NDJ-M, 101.4)
- Melodies of Flourentína (MF-X, 103.8)
- Wakokan Music Station (WMS-W, 105.9)
Newspapers
There are many papers in the city, some from the mainland, some local big ones, and many small providers of news in paper.
Key papers include:
- The Meridian Journal, Flourentinan branch
- The Republic, Flourentinan branch
- The National Post, Flourentinan branch
- Toshi Shinbun
- The Flourentinan Insider
- The Blossom Chronicle
- Shorui Shinbun
- The Island Herald
- Azuma Shinbun
Economy
Due to being one of the main tools of Meridia's attempt at trade in the East in the past, Flourentína has been big on trade since its inception. With low, attractive taxes and a free market-style economy, the city depends on the following industries:
Major:
- Finance (Attractive taxes and an excellent fiscal climate makes it a good investment, especially for Meridian companies and banks doing business in the East)
- Shipping (Flourentína has a superb port, and Meridian ships trading in the East prefer it as a rest-stop or delivery centre for the rest of the area)
- Tourism
- Gambling
- Other Services
- Real Estate
- Retail
- Restaurants
- Hospitaliary
Minor:
- Fishing
- Media Industries
- Public Sector
- Manufacturing
- Construction
- Scientific Research
Timeline (So Far) (OOC: Might add more)
1820 - Meridia and Wakoku lease territory in each other's borders, the "Eastern Wakoku Island Territory" is established.
1834 - The growing city is granted the name of "Flourentína", inspired by the cherry blossoms that were brought in from Wakoku or that already existed there.
1820-1921 - In order to boost manpower, Meridia accepts both colonists from the mainland and refugees from Wakoku.
1825-1843 - Meridia's first dictatorship under the Republic. Flourentína is not affected much, other than increased suppression of dissent.
1843 - Dictatorship ends, civil liberties improved.
1919 - Flourentína obtains limited democratic freedoms and a local legislature under the Flourentína Legislature Act.
1920 - Lease renovated by Wakoku.
1928-1935 - Meridia's second dictatorship driven by a hysteria over the Sacuri established. Military rule, Meridian and Wakokan religions alike are subjected to espionage, dissent is suppressed, but not so much that Wakoku would get infuriated. Due to the more lax efforts compared to the rest of the mainland, Meridian intellectuals flee to the city, forging Flourentinan sentiment into a stubborn resistance against military rule, and sparking a dramatic increase of the then-current cultural mixing, especially amongst the intellectual classes, as the new migrants are less racist or "exclusionary".
1935 - Second dictatorship ends, Flourentína celebrates. Restored civil liberties encourages further cultural blending.
1970-1973 - Maurelíano's dictatorship in full swing. This encourages ethnic minorites in the mainland to immigrate to Flourentína, increasing the non-Meridian and non-Wakokan population substantially. Tales of their hardship make the city a hotbed of political dissent.
1973 - When Maurelíano decides to exterminate the traditions and languages of minorities, this targets the very same minorities who fled, as well as the Wakokan population to a lesser degree. Riots engulf the city, and the military garrison, along with sympathetic locals, rebels against the autocratic regime, restoring civil liberties in full as a renegade territory. Just a week after this event, the military junta put in place after a coup that dethroned Maurelíano agrees to respect the city's rights, in fear of a Wakokan seizure.
1973-1975 - Military junta leaves the island alone for the most part.
1975 - Military junta resigns due to increased pressure for a return to democracy. Flourentína is not affected much, other that the new government considers granting more self-governance to the territory.
1976 - Meridia grants Flourentína the high autonomy it enjoys today, and it extends Meridian citizenship to most Wakokans, who were previously only granted a special Flourentinan citizenship due to not having any blood coming from the mainland.
2019 - New elections will occur, and it is expected that this election will focus on what to do about the handover in 2020.