Geiger Resigns; Hilger Seen as Likely Successor

Monday, 20 April 2009

Greifenberg Press Agency (GPA)

GREIFENBERG – Head of Government Michael Geiger has resigned after receiving word that HRH Grand Duke Paul no longer had confidence in his ability to govern the micronation. According to unofficial sources, Geiger’s departure now paves the way for his deputy, State Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Hilger, to be declared the new Head of Government. Geiger tendered his resignation to HRH Grand Duke Paul earlier today.

Geiger has been blamed for the recent scandal involving former State Minister of Economic Affairs, Paul Kellett, who was dismissed from his post earlier this month over his involvement in sending out false emails in an effort to undermine Greifenberg's relations with the Republic of Molossia. Critics of Geiger’s past handling of internal dissent among government ministers have placed Geiger, who was appointed head of government in 2005, on the defensive since Kellett’s involvement in the incident was first discovered. Initially refusing to step down, he caved in to mounting pressure when it was reported that another, as yet unnamed, micronation was believed to be behind Killett’s actions. Shortly after last Tuesday’s statement by Martin Foor, State Secretary for the Interior,  that Kellett was believed to have been cooperating with another micronation when he gained unauthorized access to the official email account of HRH Grand Duke Paul, an ever-increasing number of government ministers began quietly urging Geiger to resign. Yesterday, Geiger met with HRH Grand Duke Paul and shortly thereafter he announced he would resign today. Geiger has denied any wrongdoing in the so-called “Kellett Affair,” but indicated that under the circumstances, he did not foresee  that he would play any role in a new government following his resignation.

While the degree to which individuals associated with another micronation were involved in the “Kellett Affair” remains unclear, Hilger stated that involvement by another micronational government, if proved, would be a "clear provocation that would necessitate an appropriate response.”