Bendover Reforms
A Dormant Power Reawakens

Nearly a year has passed since the Great War effectively reduced Bendover from a Great Power to a minor player. However, the Empire Republic of Bendover was able to maintain recognition as a Great Power from Congressional Parliament up to the War of 2K1. After the conflict, Bendover was stripped of its Great Power status and the people confronted their country's new place in the political order and their harsh living conditions.

After the War of 2K1, the Emperor realized that cooperation with Marcusburg would be the only method to bring prosperity to his impoverished people. The Prime Chancellor accepted an invitation to become Finance Minister of Bendover and quickly implemented a program of modernization. While other nations rebuilt from the War of 2K1, Bendover underwent a transformation. Modern roads, lighted with electricity, were built. As well, sanitation and plumbing now reached every institution in the state. Jobs were provided through new government, military, retail, and sports entertainment positions. Meanwhile, trade quintupled between Bendover and the other members of the Platinum Nexus.

The program changed Bendover from a Third World backwater into an economic success story. With Bendover on its feet again, a number of reforms were ready to be implemented in the nation. After prolonged negotiation with the Prime Chancellor, the Emperor was given cautious approval.

On June 16, 2001, the Emperor of Bendover formally proposed a motion through the Bendover Council. The motion contained articles pertaining to political and military issues. A skeptical council rejected initiation of the motion. However, after negotiation with other members of the council, the Emperor was able to broker a deal in which he would propose pieces of the reform package to the Senate for ratification. The Council agreed.

The Senate overwhelmingly ratified the first motion of overhauling the Bendoveral political system. No longer would a bloated bureaucracy control Bendover. The Bendover Council, Senate, and the Embassies would be scrapped and replaced with one house, the "Machstag", in which a majority would be required to pass a motion enacted from the Emperor. A permanent Marcusburg representative sitting in the Machstag would possess the ability to veto any motion passed.

The second motion to transform the entire Bendover military into a Platinum Nexus defense force failed miserably. A revised motion to transform the military into a Platinum Nexus rapid action force passed. The passage of the motion does not translate into the formation of a Nexus rapid action force. Rather, it states that Bendover is willing to form one. Creation of such a force requires passage through the political apparatus of the Platinum Nexus. A vote is expected within the week. The Prime Chancellor has flown to Bendover to make a speech in the newly created Machstag on June 17.