Nieski Islands

Government of Nieski Islands
	Unitary presidential constitutional republic
Capital	Nieski
Head of state
• President of the Nieski Islands	Aleksandryna Bielińska
Legislature	Nieskian Assembly
Judiciary	Common Court; Court of Appeal; Supreme Court

History of Nieski Islands
Pre-state period	before 1615
• Sillimi Colonization	before 1344
• Velitic-Glynian Colonization	1344-1615
• Religious wars	1615-1630
Ecclesiastical states	1630-1810
• The State of the Order of Saint Alexandrine	1630-1710
• Principality of Nieski	1710-1810
Republican Era	1810-present
• Republic of Nieski	1810-1940
• Velitic occupation	1812-1935
• Nieski Islands	1940-present

Nieski Islands; Wyspy Nieskańskie
Flag	Coat of arms
	Loading map...
	Anthem:; Pieśń Wojów; Song of the Warriors
Capital	Nieski
Largest city	Nieski
Official languages	Velitic
• Regional languages	Sulitsillumkejle
Ethnic Groups	89.48% Nieskian; 6.86% Sulitsillimje; 3.66% others
Demonym	Nieskian
Government	Unitary presidential republic
• President of the Nieski Islands	Aleksandryna Bielińska
	Population
• Census (2022)	28 657

Nieski Islands (Velitic: Wyspy Nieskańskie; Sulitsillumkejle: Soadjiagearpmašasullot), is an archipelagic country in the northern part of West Uletha, situated in the Great North Sea, to the east of Silland, north of UL13c and Veliticia and west of Sapvuodma.

Nieski Islands is situated in an east part archipelago of the same name, comprises Drakobór, Warnima on which 90% of the population resides and ±2,000 skerries and smaller islands. Nieski Islands has a population of over 28 thousand, and is one of the smallest countries in the world. Its capital is Nieski, only town in the country.

Independent Nieski Islands derives directly from the structures of the Nieski diocese, which is a remnant of the abolished monastic state of Saint Alexandrine. Due to the size of the country and the lack of military structures, Nieski Islands is partially dependent on neighboring countries, their economies and protection.

Etymology

The name Nieski derives directly from the name Niska, which means something low, situated at a low altitude, or of small height. This name first appeared on a map by the cartographer Olgierd of Darbno in the 14th century and referred to a small Velitic whaling settlement, most likely unrelated to the current town of Nieski (archaeological research suggests that the settlement was located on the island of Czysznanica). The settlement of Niska did not play a significant role and likely existed for only a few decades. However, the map on which it was featured became an important element of contemporary science and knowledge about northern islands. The name on the map likely began to be associated with an archipelago north of the islands of Aleksandrynia and Kniań.

The slightly distorted form Nieski (in the plural form) first appeared in a letter to the Bishop of Darbno in 1578 and referred to two human settlements located on what is now the island of Warnima. It is believed that around 1650, the construction of a fort by the Knights of the Order of St. Alexandrine began in the vicinity of these settlements, which is now the present-day city of Nieski. This name has been used since the establishment of the fort.

In 1662, the Diocese of Nieski was established, which in 1710 was transformed into the Principality of Nieski — a precursor to the current state.

History

Pre-state period

Ecclesiastical states

Republican Era

1935-1940: Reform of the state after the end of the Velitic occupation

The withdrawal of Velitic troops from the Nieski Islands caused concern among the majority of the islands' inhabitants. There were fears of a potential breach of the peace treaty by Jemias and, due to the distance, a lack of quick intervention capability by Veliticia, which, by virtue of the treaty, had become the guarantor of the Nieski Islands' security. The long-standing wars and the granting of civil rights to the Sillimi population also contributed to the emergence of xenophobic attitudes among the Velitic residents of the islands, resulting in fears for the safety of the Sillimi people.

A positive role in improving neighborly relations was played by the then Head of State, Walery Lissański. Hailing from Lissa (a settlement predominantly inhabited by the Sillimi), Lissański was well-versed in the local language and held in high regard by the local population. Prior to the granting of civil rights to the Sillimi, Lissański was considered an ambassador for their cause in the capital. Following the departure of Velitic forces from the islands, he endeavored to build positive diplomatic relations with the government of Jemias, making two visits to their capital. During the People's Assembly in 1935, Lissański publicly declared the initiation of a five-year period for the adjustment of Nieski law to the terms of the peace treaty, including the full and equal integration of the Sillimi population into the public life of the state.

Another issue arising from the departure of Velitic troops from the islands was a brief food and economic crisis. The military presence had facilitated trade between the islands and the continent, benefiting the inhabitants of the Republic of Nieski. The disruption of these long-standing supply chains adversely affected the Nieski economy, particularly by dangerously interrupting the food supply chain. Within two years, the Nieski government managed to stabilize the situation by increasing the state's food self-sufficiency (which had previously been minimal) and by entering into new trade agreements with countries in the Great North Sea basin. However, challenges remained, including significant increases in food prices, rising inflation, and public debt.

In 1936, a new administrative unit known as the Lissa District was established, carved out from parts of the Lugidynia District and islands that had previously been outside any local government jurisdiction. The seat of the Lissa District’s administration was located in Lissa. The creation of this new territorial unit was part of the implementation of the requirements imposed on the Republic of Nieski by the peace treaty. The Lissa District was predominantly inhabited by the Sillimi people, who constituted 83% of the population. It had the same level of self-governance as other districts, with the distinguishing feature of full bilingualism. In the same year, the authorities of the newly formed district, along with those of other districts and the city of Nieski, began issuing identity cards to residents of Sillimi origin.

The introduction of equal rights for the Sillimi population renewed the debate on granting electoral rights to women. Until June 1936, women, regardless of their origin, were prohibited from running for public office or participating in the People's Assembly. In response to this situation, a small-scale feminist demonstration was held in Nieski in June 1936. Although the event was modest in scale, it resonated widely within the conservative Nieski society and prompted the government to consider expanding the state reform to modernize the archaic system of governance on the islands.

The main proponent of the changes was Marcin Karczyński, Head of the Department of Internal Affairs, who proposed the adoption of a new constitution modeled on the fundamental laws of Southern Uletha countries. Karczyński advocated not only for granting women both passive and active electoral rights but also for the establishment of a parliament, shifting the system from direct democracy to a representative system. His proposals were endorsed by Walery Lissański, although conservative members of the ruling elite described them as a threat to democracy and Nieski tradition. During the People's Assembly in 1937, a Constitutional Commission was established with the goal of drafting a new constitution for the state. The commission included representatives from the government, the city of Nieski, all districts, and settlement units. Legal experts and foreign observers from Veliticia and Jemias were also invited to participate in the process.

The draft constitution, known as the Law (Prawo), was publicly presented in the spring of 1938. The document encompassed the main demands of the liberal faction, including the principle of equal treatment regardless of nationality, gender, or religion. The constitution proposed the establishment of a unicameral parliament and the office of the president at the head of the government. It also included a proposal to change the name of the state from the Republic of Nieski to the Nieski Islands, which was explained as a matter of marketing. The most significant controversy arose from the proposal to abolish the People's Assembly. However, proponents of the new law assured that the system of direct democracy would still be maintained at the local level. After minor adjustments, the draft constitution was reintroduced at the People's Assembly in 1939, where it received majority approval. The new constitution was scheduled to come into effect in May 1940, following the first parliamentary and presidential elections in the state's history.

Government and politics

The political system of Nieski Islands is based on a constitution that has been in effect since May 1, 1940. It is a state with a presidential system, in which the legislative and executive powers are clearly separated. The country does not have formal political parties, which affects the organization and participation of citizens in public life.

Legislative power is exercised by a unicameral parliament, the Nieskian Assembly, consisting of 20 members elected from single-member districts for a five-year term. Executive power is concentrated in the hands of the president, who also serves as the head of government. The president is elected in direct elections for an eight-year term, with the possibility of seeking re-election.

The judiciary in Nieski Islands comprises the Common Court, the Court of Appeals, and the Supreme Court, which handle civil, criminal, and administrative cases within the framework of the applicable law.

Executive Power - President of the Nieski Islands and the State Council

The executive power in the Nieski Islands is organized around the President of the Nieski Islands (Prezydent Wysp Nieskańskich), who stands at the head of the State Council (Rada Państwa). The President is elected for a term of eight years and may run for re-election after the first term. The age requirement for presidential candidates is 35 years. The President has a range of powers, which include managing domestic and foreign policy and representing the country on the international stage. As part of these competencies, the President makes decisions regarding the functioning of the government, including appointing and dismissing heads of departments (with the approval of the majority of the Nieskian Assembly). The State Council supports the President in implementing government policy by analyzing social and economic needs and formulating appropriate recommendations.

The State Council, acting as an advisory body to the President, plays a key role in monitoring the President's actions, ensuring that his decisions align with the interests of society. The responsibility of the departments for various aspects of public life allows the President to undertake coordinated actions in social, economic, and international policy. The State Council consists of the heads of departments: the Department of Internal Affairs, responsible for internal security, public administration, and crisis management; the Department of Foreign Affairs, dealing with foreign policy, diplomacy, and international relations; the Department of Economy and Development, focusing on economic development, trade, investments, and support for local enterprises; the Department of Health, responsible for public health protection, healthcare systems, and health programs; and the Department of Education and Culture, dealing with the education system, curricula, and support for culture and local initiatives.

The President has the right of legislative initiative, meaning he can propose new laws or amendments to existing ones. Presidential proposals must be considered by the Nieskian Assembly. The President also has the power of veto, which he can apply to resolutions of the Nieskian Assembly, which in turn can override the veto with a qualified majority of votes (2/3 of the full composition).

In the event of a violation of the law, treason, or the commission of other serious crimes by the President, it is possible to initiate impeachment proceedings. The initiative in this matter belongs to the Nieskian Assembly, which decides to refer the case to the Supreme Court. Specific grounds are required to initiate the proceedings.

In the case of a vacancy in the office of the President, for example, due to his removal, death, or resignation, the succession procedure is clearly defined. In the first instance, the duties of the President are taken over by the head of the department designated by the outgoing President; subsequently, succession occurs according to the age of the heads of departments (the duties of the President are assumed by the oldest person). This mechanism ensures a smooth transition of power and administrative stability. The designated head of department serves as the acting President until the new President is sworn in.

The residence of the President of the Nieski Islands is the Bieliński Palace in Nieski.

Legislative Power - Nieskian Assembly

Parliament building in Nieski

The legislative power in Nieski Islands is represented by the Nieskian Assembly, which plays a crucial role in the law-making process. This parliament consists of 20 members elected in single-member electoral districts for a five-year term. The age requirement for candidates to the Nieskian Assembly is 25 years. The Constitution of Nieski Islands does not provide for the existence of political parties or formal factions in the parliament, which promotes the independence of members and direct citizen engagement in legislative processes.

The Nieskian Assembly plays a key role in the legislative process. Its responsibilities include passing new laws and amending existing legal provisions. Members of the Assembly have the right to legislative initiative, meaning they can propose new draft laws, which are then considered by the entire Assembly. The legislative process also includes debates and votes, which are essential for the adoption of laws. Once a law is passed, it is sent to the President of Nieski Islands, who has the option to exercise the veto power. The Nieskian Assembly also has the ability to override the President's veto, requiring a qualified majority of votes (2/3 of the votes).

The Nieskian Assembly has the authority to make changes to the state budget, influencing the allocation of public funds. Reviewing and approving the budget are key aspects of the Assembly's activities, which aim to ensure the balanced economic development of the country. The Assembly also has oversight powers over the executive branch. Members have the right to ask questions and submit inquiries regarding the actions of the President and department heads. This oversight is intended to ensure transparency and accountability in the operations of government bodies.

The Assembly meets regularly, and its sessions are public, allowing citizens and the media to have insight into legislative processes. The transparency of the proceedings is essential for maintaining public trust and ensuring that the decisions made by the Assembly reflect the will of the residents of Nieski Islands.

List of Heads of State

Prince-Bishops of Nieski (1710-1810)

1710–1725 - Michał Wołcza
1725–1732 - Jaromir Lubomir Miednicy
1732–1749 - Kazimierz Łęczyna
1749–1750 - Gerrit van der Zandenbosch
1750–1761 - Radogost Ogrodzieniec
1761–1777 - Dobromir Zarancki
1777–1781 - Adam Branicz
1781–1785 - Żegota Tarnowicz
1785–1810 - Leon Vettarini del Valle

Chiefs of the Nieski Republic (1810-1940)

1810-1812 - Gabriel Siemiński
1812-1820 - Klemens Bogusławski
1820-1828 - Eligiusz Wilford
1828-1832 - Stanisław Bieliński starszy
1832-1852 - Stanisław Bieliński młodszy
1852-1867 - Florian Lissański
1867-1876 - Romuald Sulla
1876-1878 - Aleksander Horynicki
1878-1899 - Feliks Czarnikiewicz
1899-1905 - Wojciech Mokrogórski
1905-1917 - Leopold Krummholz
1917-1921 - Wojciech Mokrogórski
1921-1940 - Walery Lissański

Presidents od the Nieski Islands (1940-)

1940-1942 - Walery Lissański (elected in 1940, resigned)
1942 - Jakub Kołodziej (acting president)
1942-1950 - Marcin Karczyński (elected in 1942)
1950-1966 - Igor Jaroszowski (elected in 1950 and 1958)
1966-1979 - Stanisław Kłobucznicki (elected in 1966 and 1974, died while in office)
1979 - Siemowit Wareński (acting president)
1979-1995 - Emil Buż (elected in 1979 and 1987)
1995-2003 - Maryna Läkje (elected in 1995)
2003-2019 - Borzywoj Kłobucznicki (elected in 2003 and 2011)
2019-incumbent - Aleksandryna Bielińska (elected in 2019)

Administrative divisions

Administrative unit		Administrative seat	Population
Coat of Arms	Name	Administrative seat	Population Count	% of Population
City (Gród):
	City of Nieski^∈^⊾ Gród Nieski	-	15 761	55.0%
Districts (Cyrkuły):
	Aleksandrynia District^∈^⊾ Cyrkuł aleksandryński	Aleksandrynia Nieskańska	1 976	6.9%
CoA	Lissa District Cyrkuł lissański	Lissa	2 913	10.2%
CoA	Lugidynia District Cyrkuł lugidyński	Lugidynia	3 184	11.1%
CoA	Warnima District Cyrkuł warnimski	Nieski	4 823	16.8%

Geography

Skerries in the Nieski Islands

The Nieski Islands are located in the western part of the Great North Sea, to the east of Silland, north of UL13c and Veliticia and west of Sapvuodma. They consist of a cluster of over ±2,000 islands and skerries, but only around dozen of them are inhabited.

The surface of the islands is generally rocky, with red and pink granite peppered with quartz crystals predominating. The soil is thin, stripped away by retreating glaciers at the end of the most recent ice age. The islands' topography varies significantly from one landmass to another. While some islands are relatively flat and feature fertile plains, others have more undulating terrain with elevated ridges and small hills. Due to its coastal location, the Nieski Islands boast an intricate network of fjords, inlets, and sheltered bays, contributing to the overall complexity of their topography. The coastlines are jagged and indented.

The highest elevation of the Nieski Islands is Mount Kostuch located on the island of Holsztuna, reaching an altitude of approximately 112 meters above sea level.