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The great mistake of the Silesian chancellor is that he imagines republicanism and democracy as inherently violent ideologies that must be spread by the sword if they to are exist. In this regard, he differs little than the monarchist powers of Europe that feared and loathed both the French Revolution and our own.

Chancellor, why do you imagine that there is a minority of people who do not support democracy when it theoretically favors everybody? I will tell you; it is because these people are simply power-hungry, selfish and corrupt, who believe themselves strong enough to seize all the power for themselves. Democracy does not exist solely to protect the majority, as you seem to imagine it does; it is also the best mechanism to protect the weak from the strong. A dictator or a monarch is but one man, one man who through no mandate from the people may impose his will upon them all. Monarchs are not like you and I; they are plucked from amongst the ever constant and inbred noble houses of Europe. They neither know nor care for the struggles of the people and thus are unable to respond to them. How could such a man understand the concerns of the "twenty," as you put it, the worker, the farmer, the laborer, the poor and downtrodden? Not all presidents are perfect, but all monarchs are inherently flawed. Only through a republican democracy can the interests of those with the least economic and social power be preserved against those with the most. If you intend to make the argument to me that the moneyed and aristocratic interests in Danubia require the protection of a dictatorship, then you are little different than the reactionaries: greedy, short-sighted, and corrupt.

- Valentyn Sikorsky, Councillor for Lodomeria

Pan Sikorsky I think you are mistaken on what true democracy is, true democracy is inherently and always will be strictly a majority benefit and detriment to the minority. As in a true democracy, if the majority wanted the minority killed, they would die as not allowing this would be undemocratic since the majority willed it. So your statement is thus inherently flawed as if you installed a true republican democracy you would not only have the flaws of a republican government <mass partisanship, slow legislature, divisive, rich pretty much owning the country> but, you also will suffer from the weakness of a true democracy, minorities swinging from normal to oppressed as hell over night, poor long term legislation, impulse laws, etc. if a true Republican democracy existed here its safe to say we would all be catholic Italians or some such in a few years.

In a democratic monarchy on the other hand you have all the draw backs of democracy but, with all the pros of a monarchy <non partisan leader, ability to not be paralyzed by political division, thus quicker legislature and less divisive>. The ability of this democratic monarchy is that the Monarch being non partisan will be able to protect the minority by actively preventing legislation that would harm them.

Now, if you were not referring to true democracy then, the whole debate is pointless as I can not be sure to what degree your democracy is not true, compared to my own degree of not true democracy. As democracy, being a political thought and not a physical item can be mutated into many different formats, none of which are true democracy and it is a pointless and arbitrary debate on which permutation is closest.

- Krysztof Czarnowski
 
Councillor Sikorsky, I am somewhat baffled at your characterization of my supposed opinion that democracy and monarchy are forces that should be spread by the sword, when I was explicitly criticizing Deputy Mendel's own violence-laden philosophy regarding the spread of democracy and was, in fact, espousing a peaceful alternative that embraces both philosophies in equal measure. I can only conclude that you were not actually paying attention while I was speaking. Your reference to the French Revolution may likewise be perceived as somewhat tone-deaf in the wake of the current administration's extrajudicial murder of its political opposition in its own re-enactment of the Reign of Terror, and I would caution you to avoid such rhetoric in the public view so as to avoid further inflaming inter-group tensions.

The point I have endeavored to make, Councillor Sikorsky, is that democracy empowers the majority viewpoint over that of the minority, even if that majority is a slim one, and that elected leaders are beholden to those majorities to remain in power, thus ensuring that they will generally represent the majority and reject the minority regardless of principle. I believe that the current unrest is the result of the hard-right Danubian minority seeing the persecution and murder of its leadership and responding the only way it knows how, since democratic recourse is unavailable to a group permanently locked into electoral irrelevance. The current violence is the product of a flaw in the democratic process and the lack of representation that majoritarian democracy provides to minorities, not the product of your perceived character flaws in those individuals, which I believe to be lacking in any substantive evidence or even basic respect for your fellow citizens. While I do not agree with those who consider unrestrained chaotic democracy to be the sole viable solution to the Federation's problems, I do not seek to demonize or dehumanize them, merely to disagree with their position and provide an alternate viewpoint.

In general, I find your anti-monarchist argument to be earnest but laden with ad-hominem attacks and illogical assertions which to me are somewhat puzzling. I agree that a monarch would indeed be somewhat insulated from popular trends, which is why I have called for a constitutional monarch within a democratic system, serving as head of state but not head of government, but I do not agree that monarchs are indifferent to the suffering of their people, when the welfare of the nation in the modern era has a direct impact on the welfare of the monarchy. I believe that a constitutional monarch working in partnership with an elected executive would serve as the ideal team for combating the chronic instability and recklessness characteristic of recent Danubian government, not because I seek any special privileges for my social class or because I seek a return to absolutism. I challenge you to produce actual evidence that I am acting out of self-interest or greed, rather than simply espousing a philosophical perspective in which I wholeheartedly believe; if you cannot, then I ask that you refrain from baseless slander.


Heinrich Wilhelm Karl Freiherr von Reuss
Chancellor of Silesia
 
Brother monarchists

For too long we have been oppressed by radical fanatics like Mendel - who speak about democracy and yet want to take our right to express and advocate our views from us. For too long even the regional monarchies,were being tried to be forcefully destroyed, ignoring the will of our people. For too long, we, loyal citizens of the Federation, were discriminated and treated as second-class people. They call for swords and prisons, because they are afraid of the alternative point of view, expressed by our states, afraid of a honest and true debate, afraid that the people might choose another way than advocated by them.

It is time for us to stop making excusing for having our monarchies. It is time for us to act as if we lived in a free country and not a radical dictatorship and advocate our ideology on the national level. I ask all monarchists of the Danubian Federation to unite around His Imperial Highness Archduke Franz-Ferdinand and start a democratic campaign for installation of a constitutional Danubian Empire that would truly guarantee order, unity and peace in this country.

- Graf Peter von der Pahlen, Councillor for Silesia
 
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I find myself in agreement with Graf von der Pahlen's words, and as its foremost champion I naturally support the campaign for an Imperial restoration, but I believe that the establishment of a constitutional Empire is a long-term solution while we are faced with immediate and severe problems. As President Banik has admitted culpability for the crimes of the Presidential Commission and the Faberist Terror, as well as direct responsibility for the ongoing unrest in our nation, I believe that he is no longer a credible leader and that his call for the violent suppression of the unrest that he himself created may be perceived by the uprising to be little more than an attempt to submerge his crimes beneath an ocean of innocent blood. Any attempt to get those participating in the uprising to lay down their arms while promising forceful retribution is sadly doomed to failure, and damages the cause of peace and brotherhood, so long as the man calling for peace lacks proof of his good intentions and admits to evidence to the contrary.

As such, I call upon His Imperial and Royal Highness Franz Ferdinand, to whom I offer Silesian citizenship and a special commission, to enter into discussions with the leaders of the uprising, so that they may accept his word of honor regarding their fair treatment and clemency contingent upon their disarmament, and that he may provide legitimacy to the amnesty being offered by the Federal government. I believe that His Highness will bring much-lacking dignity and respect for human life to the government's efforts, and may therefore manage to alleviate or even halt the impending violence.


Heinrich Wilhelm Karl Freiherr von Reuss
Chancellor of Silesia
 
Franz had remained in Vienna after his speech, perhaps not the safest course of action in light of the majority of his support, stated at least, was from the state of Silesia; however, he was no coward, and would not leave what was once the home of his forefathers, and the seat of a glorious Empire, due to mere cries of treason spouted from anti-monarchists… though their calls for violence and persecution when he had done naught but call for peace was worrying; regardless of how he felt towards them or the matter, he was no fool, and was quick to expand the guard, largely from Silesians, to ensure that he would not be gunned down by some brazen fool with more luck than sense.

His aides and retainers, a handful of elderly men who his father had dispatched with him, had advised he remain indoors, shut away from his people, his brothers and citizens who even now were cast aside by the ruling class, abandoned whilst dreams of crushing rebellions and buildings new cities captivated the minds of Congressmen and politicians who sought to aggrandise themselves; he had thus far listened, but it was a bitter task, being hidden away from those who needed leadership and support…

He could write treatises and argue the case for monarchy, as his partisans had taken to doing, Freiherr von Reuss with particular panache and eloquence, but that would do nothing to help anyone, nor would his involvement in this needless discourse serve to aid his position anymore; his greatest strength was impartiality, not gaining temporary victories in the republic of letters. Besides, he had written to this Banik figure, pleading with him to negotiate with the rebel leaders to prevent more blood being shed… thus far, he had received no answer, and he feared that the only forthcoming would be the sound of shot and volley outside the city echoing off the walls of St Stephen’s.

He had, however, entered into a fruitful discourse with Freiherr von Reuss, whom he had met some years ago, though their interactions had never been intimate; this situation had forged a friendship at least, Franz thought as he skimmed through various letters absently. Unlike some of his supporters, and sadly most of his opponents, the Silesian had all the signs of moderation and pragmatism needed to lead in these days, and had enough wit about him to use both with care and skilled rhetoric.

His mind turned again, towards the people of Vienna, men and women whom he had never met before, and still did not know; he wondered if they thought well of him, or if they too plotted his death… perhaps they would seek to imprison him as they had done to his uncle, and drive him to death through sheer boredom… his aides had almost seen to that thus far…

An aide walked in, paper in hand; Franz chose not to react, though he did glance up from his own letter briefly.


“Your Majesty,” they had long since been calling him by that title, though it still felt… hollow, “Chancellor Reuss has issued a proclamation, offering you Silesian citizenship and asking for you to participate in discussions with the rebel leaders.”

Franz jumped up from his seat at once and ordered a carriage readied immediately; sitting around, like some helpless child, or this President, would do nothing to prove his worth… working to save lives and bringing peace to the nation would.
 
SulejmanDelvina_zps134afd99.jpg

Name: Çelo Buzi

Born: January 2nd, 1836

Place of birth: Tepelenë, Albania

Position: Regent of Albania

Bio: Çelo was born in 1836, during which time his father was fighting in a series of Albanian revolts. Most of his childhood was spent with his uncle, much like his brother Zenel. Unlike his brother, Çelo studied economics rather than military strategy. It was because of this study that Çelo was able to successful build his fortune by making investments in the modernization of Albania’s economy. With the arrest of his brother and his subsequent abdication, Çelo was selected to be Aleksander’s regent until he came of age.
 
the pardoning of everyone the Commission has wrongly imprisoned

((Since the Commission never had powers to convict anyone of anything, am I just to assume anyone who appeared before the Commission prior to conviction is to be set free?))
 
This is all totally absurd. Our nation was founded on opposing monarchy. The Revolution of 1848 is the foundation of the national character, no matter how much reactionaries might try to reverse it. The Danubian Federation indisputably is and shall remain a democratic republic. A federal monarchy is totally out of the question, and Mr. Hapsburg has no legitimacy to do anything of import whatsoever, whether it be "negotiating" peace with one side only or attempting to rule and lord over us as a tyrant as his ancestors did. Federal monarchy is off the table and I refuse to give the idea any more undeserved legitimacy by discussing it further.

The Hungarian absorption of the Romanian Provinces: No
The Education Expansion and Elaboration Act: Yes
The Sickness Insurance and Welfare Act: Yes

RUF
 
This is all totally absurd. Our nation was founded on opposing monarchy. The Revolution of 1848 is the foundation of the national character, no matter how much reactionaries might try to reverse it. The Danubian Federation indisputably is and shall remain a democratic republic. A federal monarchy is totally out of the question, and Mr. Hapsburg has no legitimacy to do anything of import whatsoever, whether it be "negotiating" peace with one side only or attempting to rule and lord over us as a tyrant as his ancestors did. Federal monarchy is off the table and I refuse to give the idea any more undeserved legitimacy by discussing it further.

The Hungarian absorption of the Romanian Provinces: No
The Education Expansion and Elaboration Act: Yes
The Sickness Insurance and Welfare Act: Yes

RUF

If the people would will so, Mr Mendel, Danubia will become a federal monarchy and discussing different ideas and deciding their outcome by voting, rather than "putting them off the table", is what true democracy is about. We would do our best to energetically advocate our course and I am sure that, with time, more and more people would see the inadequacies and weaknesses of the current behemoth of a federal republic, deciding to prefer the more effective and advanced form of government.

And I must say that His Imperial Highness the Archduke coming as a figure of peace and unity is indeed a sign of the new age coming. I only hope to see the day when the nation would present him with the crown of the Emperor - but yet his service to the cause of peace is already commendable.

- Graf Peter von der Pahlen, Councillor for Siliesia
 
A small and deranged but vocal minority constantly and irrationally squawking that Mr. Hapsburg is a unifying figure does not make it so. You may adore him for some strange reason, but I do not care what some random foreigner says or does just because he has a famous last name, and neither do most of the people in the Federation, since the Danubian national character is founded upon the federal republic. Mr. Hapsburg has done nothing to earn anyone's respect, any more than any other man. He may be trying to achieve peace, in his mind, but he is doing it wrong, and anyway I would rather have peace through victory, and I would rather save democracy than have peace.
 
A small and deranged but vocal minority constantly and irrationally squawking that Mr. Hapsburg is a unifying figure does not make it so. You may adore him for some strange reason, but I do not care what some random foreigner says or does just because he has a famous last name, and neither do most of the people in the Federation, since the Danubian national character is founded upon the federal republic. Mr. Hapsburg has done nothing to earn anyone's respect, any more than any other man. He may be trying to achieve peace, in his mind, but he is doing it wrong, and anyway I would rather have peace through victory, and I would rather save democracy than have peace.

If the people want a king, who are we to deny them one? If they want change then our duties must make those changes to better the society. King or not, we still have a duty to the people to change the government to how they feel it should be like in a sensible sense.

-Alp Mustafa
 
No such change will ever be necessary because the people of Danubia will never want or accept a monarchy.

You should not speak for the people of Danubia.
 
((Character is GM Approved))

AWzFKy0.jpg
Name: Frederick Leopold
Date of Birth: August 25th, 1855
Place of Birth: Vienna Austria
Culture: South German
Position: Leader of the Reactionary Rebellion
Bio: Born the son of a deposed Austrian Noble, Frederick grew up a reactionary. Frederick was a rising star in the DPU, until Faber's commission came steamrolling in. Faber had Frederick's entire family arrested for charges of supporting Lilic. Frederick escaped, and began preparing a revolt to deal with the commission. When it fell, Frederick turned his attention to the government, for suppressing Reactionary rights like they were non-human. Frederick's plot against the government spread across the country like wildfire, and soon over one million reactionaries fed up with the corrupt government were ready to rebel. When Faber was executed, they knew the communists would rebel for this act, so Frederick decided to strike first.

The Federation has become too corrupt over the past 40 years, and I will not let the people suffer anymore because of it!

Our demands are simple for the government:
I. Removal of Lukas Banik from the Presidency.
II. Removal of Socialists and Communists from the congress.
III. Installation of Francis Ferdinand as rightful Emperor of Austria
IV. Old Constitution declared void and a new constitution shall be a constitutional monarchy with powers similar to those outlined in Basic Outline for the Presidential and Parliamentary Structure as proposed to the Constitutional Convention ((This))
 
No such change will ever be necessary because the people of Danubia will never want or accept a monarchy.

That is a lie unless you don't consider Silesians and Albanians people.

- Krysztof Czarnowski
 
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