NONAGAMA is still technically a democracy, but their civilization has essentially been ruined by the election of a marvelous speaker who convinced them to make some extremely unwise investments.  They are now indebted to Osoriots from one sector away, for a total amount that exceeds their gross planetary income for the next century or so.  Nevertheless, the architect of this economic catastrophe is still in office, and his personal finances do not seem to have been adversely affected.  His oratorical ability suffices to convince the Nonagamans that it's all someone else's fault, and everything will eventually turn out fine.