19th of July 2025

🗞️ The Shardiland Gazette

Official Bulletin of the Founding Process
19 July 2025 | Special Issue
"Five Pillars for the Republic in Formation"

1. Military and Defence Law Approved by the Founders

Today, the College of Founders of Shardiland took a major step in formalising the future structure of national security, with the adoption of the Military and Defence Law. Though Shardiland has not yet been formally established as a sovereign state, this law lays out the proposed structure for its future armed forces: the Ground Forces, Navy, Air Force, Submarine Forces, and Cyber Defence Units.

The law details strategic doctrines, command hierarchies, ethical codes, and the principle of strict civilian oversight. While these forces are not yet active, the framework now exists, ready to be implemented once the Republic is officially constituted and internationally recognised.

As one Founder said today:
“We are building the walls of a house that we do not yet own — but one day, we will walk through its doors as citizens.”

2. Law on Parliament Defines Future Legislative Body

The Law on Parliament, also adopted today by decree of the College of Founders, establishes the intended framework for Shardiland’s democratic legislature. Once national sovereignty is secured, Parliament will consist of 300 elected members, representing the full diversity of the Shardilandi people.

The law outlines the rules of parliamentary operation, legislative procedure, committee structures, and the protection of political freedoms. While elections cannot yet take place under current conditions, the legal structure is now in place — standing ready for democratic use when the time arrives.

A spokesperson for the Founders said:
“A Republic without a Parliament is a voice without breath. This law gives future citizens the right to speak, decide, and shape their laws.”

3. Provisional Government Statute Now Governing the Founding Phase

To ensure order and legitimacy during this pre-sovereign stage, the Statute of the Provisional Government has entered into force. It defines the institutional structure of governance during the transitional period led by the College of Founders.

The statute provides for a Prime Minister, a Council of Ministers, and a series of ministerial offices operating under a provisional legal order. It ensures transparency, internal regulation, and a roadmap for the transition from founding authority to constitutional governance.

While Shardiland does not yet possess legal status as a state, this statute allows its government-in-preparation to function with coherence and legal logic.

4. Code of Ethical Conduct Adopted for Officials in the Founding Government

The Code of Ethical Conduct, also enacted today, sets a standard of behaviour for all individuals exercising authority under the Founders. The code promotes honesty, impartiality, accountability, and civic respect.

Of particular significance is Article 23, which prohibits the mocking of accents or cultural traits in any official context — reinforcing the Founders’ belief in equality, inclusion, and dignity for all Shardilandis, regardless of origin.

Violations of the code, even during the pre-formation period, will be formally noted and addressed through internal disciplinary procedures.

As the Minister for Justice remarked:
“We are not only building a government — we are modelling the Republic we want to become.”

5. First Five Passports Symbolically Issued – Ailsa Craig Ceremony Held Informally

In a symbolic act of hope, the Provisional Government has issued the first five Shardiland passports to key contributors in the founding effort. These documents, bearing the seal of the future Republic and the national motto "Cogitamus ergo praevalemus", represent the spirit and ambition of the Shardilandi identity.

While Shardiland does not yet control any territory, including Ailsa Craig, the informal presentation ceremony was conducted remotely with participants gathered online and at privately owned venues, with the intention of one day holding such ceremonies on sovereign soil.

One recipient said:
“This passport is a promise. A piece of a country that doesn't exist yet — but will.”

🖋️ Editorial Reflection

The Republic of Shardiland is not yet a state — not recognised, not territorial, not sovereign. But what was once just a dream now has laws, institutions, and symbols. What was imagined is now being built.

These five actions — military planning, legislative structure, provisional governance, ethical order, and national identity — form the skeleton of a state in waiting. We are not yet there. But we know the way.

🕊️ Cogitamus ergo praevalemus
Long live Shardiland.