La Gazzetta di Messelia

Senate Authorises Deployment to Akarus
Marta Pezzaloni

Debate on the Senate Floor

Messelia. Yesterday evening the Senate voted 241-167 in favour of the Arctic Military Assistance Act (AMAA), following a fierce debate regarding the wider foreign policy implications of the measure.

The AMAA authorises the First Councillor to direct the deployment of the 15,000 troops from Sartorian Armed Forces for a maximum of 60 days outside the jurisdiction of the Artemian Union (AU), requiring that a report be provided to the Senate Military Committee on the purpose of the deployment and the planned schedule for withdrawal. Reports from our sister newspaper, The Byzantium Herald, confirm that a sizeable proportion of the force is already awaiting orders at Marcus VII Joint Base, in Byzantium, under the command of Admiral Elisa Sordi.

While there was little doubt that the Act would eventually be passed, many were surprised at the cost that passage extracted. Amid fierce opposition from the ruling Green Coalition, First Councillor Elena Bergamaschi turned to the opposition Merchant Rights Association (ADM). Led by senator Mario Salucci, the ADM controls 96 votes of its own, as well as 37 votes from Avanti and the National Renewal Movement, two smaller opposition parties. Following extensive maneuvering, including adding a provision that the Armed Forces would not assist in any offensive operations, the Privy Council obtained the additional support of the Liberal Party, the Socialist Party and 41 votes from the Alliance for Sustainable Development (ASS).

While the Council won the vote, this has left deep divisions within the Green Coalition, with the Social Progress Party/Youth Movement and a majority of the ASS having voted against deployment, arguing that Sartoria would be dragged into a prolonged offensive war against Nolvik. Second Councillor Scola contended that this would not be the case, promising that the Council would limit the deployment to assisting Akarus in repelling the Nolvish Invasion and restoring order to already occupied areas. In spite of this commitment, several Green senators have criticised the willingness of the Council to rely on opposition votes, calling into question Scola's leadership and the wisdom of selecting Luciana Bergamaschi as First Councillor. There have been no responses from the Palazzo Malzo, beyond standard remarks that the deployment would be ordered at some point this weekend.