The Ministry of War is again under intense scrutiny after it emerged that right-wing factions within the Armed Forces attempted a coup.

In a speech to the nation His Imperial Majesty the Emperor revealed that the Imperial Cabinet had discovered a plot by rogue military elements, right-wing paramilitary groups and “outside influences” to attack Parliament and install a new First Consul regardless of the democractic choice of the people.

The announcement made sense of heightened security around the Empire, especially in Geneva where troops were deployed on the streets. The rogue elements have not been publically yet but it is thought that they involved a wide cross section of the Imperial Armed Forces. The “outside influences” referenced in the speech are still not known according to sources in the secret services.

The involvement of the military in Imperial politics brings new questions about the management of the Ministry of War. Only a few months ago, General Patrick McMahon, commanding officer of the Royal Luthorian Corps, was arrested and tried for complicity in the murder of Professor Evette Cousteau through his involvement in the right-wing group Protectors of the Old Guard. Only yesterday, Minister of War Jean Carmichael dismissed rumours of a power grab as “ludicrous”. Now with his re-appointment for the Minister of War role under new First Consul Alejandro Castillo about to come before Parliament, many in the public are wanting their MPs to ask serious questions over his record in that office.