Edge of Europe - A Belgian Interactive AAR

[Tapscott]

((His Majesty's Opposition eh? A fancy title I don't think I actually have enough people to form a cabinet, so it seems like an exercise in futility ))

 

[Otto of england]

((His Majesty's Opposition eh? A fancy title I don't think I actually have enough people to form a cabinet, so it seems like an exercise in futility ))

((Even with coalition members?))

 

[ThunderHawk3]

((His Majesty's Opposition eh? A fancy title I don't think I actually have enough people to form a cabinet, so it seems like an exercise in futility ))

((Well forming a Shadow Cabinet is entirely optional. If you don't want to, you don't have to. As one comedian said, a Shadow Cabinet is really just a bunch of people sitting around saying what they'd do if they'd gotten the jobs they wanted. But it may help you organize yourselves and get it out there.))

 

[Tapscott]

((Even with coalition members?))

((Well forming a Shadow Cabinet is entirely optional. If you don't want to, you don't have to. As one comedian said, a Shadow Cabinet is really just a bunch of people sitting around saying what they'd do if they'd gotten the jobs they wanted. But it may help you organize yourselves and get it out there.))

((Coalition members are just you and Jako right? Well if I include you two, I think I could form one.

That is one very wise comedian

Well, I may just form a shadow cabinet to make things interesting! If those involved with the CCP or BCU could PM on what position they would like, I would be rather grateful.))

 

[Scrapknight]

Gentlemen, today is a historic day for Belgium and the cause of liberty. We have just seen the first free, fair and universal elections in all of Europe. I congratulate Monseiur Van Brabant on this historic victory, and I thank each and every citizen of Belgium for participating in the democratic process. We have shown today that Belgium is a nation of liberty. May she remain so forever more. I will serve my nation to the best of my ability as Minister of Commerce, and look forward to working with everyone from Monseiur Brabant to Monseiur Delcroix who, like me, wishes to see Belgium stand triumphant as a shining beacon to all the powers of Europe.

I have no immediate instructions with regards to the ministry, especially as I believe that the government that restricts the economy the least runs the economy the best. I will consult with Monseiur Van Brabant and the other ministers ((over PM, please)) as to what else the country needs. However, I will say that we should look into purchasing clipper convoys and regular clothes as they become available in practical quantities. They will be necessary to outfit our armed forces and to provide our civilian population with the means to work productively. I also believe that we ought to pursue mutual free-trade agreements where possible with other nations, such as France and Great Britain, to increase our ties with them and to ensure our businesses and people have access to the raw materials we need. This, however, is as much under the jurisdiction of the Foreign Minister as it is under mine, and I shall consult with him accordingly.

Finally, a few words for my fellow National Democrats: You should be extremely proud of yourselves. We started the campaign season extremely late and managed to take as many seats as the Belgian Constitutional Union, an acknowledged major party. This proves that the NDP will continue to be a force for some time to come, and has great things in its future. We shall, as we always have, fight for liberty, justice, prosperity and self-defense. We will ensure this great nation of ours and our great liberal government remains true to the principles on which it was elected, and we shall do so while respecting the democratic process and our Moderate Liberal colleagues. Without them, this great victory for liberty could not have been possible. With that, gentlemen, let us take Belgium to new and greater heights!

 

[ThunderHawk3]

I will consult with Monseiur Van Brabant and the other ministers ((over PM, please)) as to what else the country needs.

((You might check in via Coldfront - a lot of the ministers are talking things over there.))

 

[Scrapknight]

((You might check in via Coldfront - a lot of the ministers are talking things over there.))

((Good idea. My wifi is slow as can be here, though, so it may be fairly infrequent. I will do my best.))

 

[Plutonium95]

I have been working with several others to try to develop our national budget. My reports show that by taxing everyone at a rate of 50% ((not effective tax)), except the upperclass who will be taxed at 25% to allow them to invest in businesses, will result in an average income average about 50£ a day. The current proposal puts our spending at a reasonable level and allows us to generate modest surplus. Most areas of government have been provided with funds to reach 30% of their maximum potential, allowing us to develop the nation while making sure our government does not go bankrupt. I am especially eager to hear from my fellow ministers about how their specific areas of the budget, but I want to hear from the deputies of the Lower House as well.

-Michel Daret, Minister of Finance

 

[Noco19]

Although I did not vote for the Moderate Liberal Party, my congratulations to them. I can only pray that the good Lord guides your actions, and Belgium prospers from it.

Regarding recent sentiment on Prime Minister van Brabant's cabinet choices, I too find the exclusion of Mijnheer Loewen rather odd. He always seemed to me a prominent man within your Liberal circles, but it is the Prime Minister's choice to make. The men he did pick seem able enough though, from a non-ideological viewpoint anyway.

I hope I am afforded the opportunity to work alongside Archbishop Delcroix in organizing what, surprising little, conservative strength we can muster to accurately represent tradition and God in Belgium.

- Bishop van Buskirk

 

[Marschalk]

I congratulate Prime Minister Van Brabant on his victory. We know that he is a moderate man and supporter of constitutional monarchy, and are sure, that he intends to serve His Majesty well. Some of the appointments are rather worrying, but I hope, that he will be able to pursue a moderate course, based on compromise and wisdom.

Sadly enough, the Conservatives were not able to act as a united front during this election. I am sure, that they will become stronger in the future, and will develop as a political force.

I must say that I have decided to join the military once again, and have sent my application to His Majesty the King. I wish to be useful, to serve my country and the Throne – instead of only participating in constant political bickering.

- Charles, Prince de Ligne

 

[Harpsichord]

((Can military be members of parties and vote? I don't remember))

 

[Belgiumruler]

I am happy our Party has won, and congrats to van Brabant ((Flemish is different from dutch here, in Dutch it would be Van Brabant, but in flemish it is van Brabant, van Gent,...)). I am sure he will do his job well.

- signed by: Jos de Leeuw

 

[Davout]

((His Majesty's Opposition eh? A fancy title I don't think I actually have enough people to form a cabinet, so it seems like an exercise in futility ))

((Does this mean you are going to start wearing red speedos? Maybe you could lift popularity by turning back the boats.))

M. Daret, that appears to be a very prudent budget given our new nation's limited means. We must encourage the creation of new industry and finance which expand our economy and in turn swell our coffers in the future.

 

[NikoHoI3]

I congratulate my own party, the PLM on their election victory and I, also send my congratulations to our First Prime Minister Mr. van Brabant. I am glad now that the Liberals have a super majority in Parliament we may be able to extend freedoms and liberties to all citizens of Belgium: rich or poor. We can bring freedom, prosperity and liberty to all Belgians.

Christian Lacroix, Liberal Revolutionary

 

[Marschalk]

I congratulate my own party, the PLM on their election victory and I, also send my congratulations to our First Prime Minister Mr. van Brabant. I am glad now that the Liberals have a super majority in Parliament we may be able to extend freedoms and liberties to all citizens of Belgium: rich or poor. We can bring freedom, prosperity and liberty to all Belgians.

Christian Lacroix, Liberal Revolutionary

Good sir, may I ask you - why are you still calling yourself a "revolutionary"? The revolution is over, and now we have a stable regime, a constitutional monarchy, to which each citizen must be loyal. Surely, you do not want another revolution, and do not wish to bring the throne down, in order to "extend" all these liberties you were talking about? That would have been a treasonous and criminal act.

- Charles, Prince de Ligne

 

[NikoHoI3]

Good sir, may I ask you - why are you still calling yourself a "revolutionary"? The revolution is over, and now we have a stable regime, a constitutional monarchy, to which each citizen must be loyal. Surely, you do not want another revolution, and do not wish to bring the throne down, in order to "extend" all these liberties you were talking about? That would have been a treasonous and criminal act.

- Charles, Prince de Ligne

Sir, as all Conservatives you overreact to my liberal views and what I "call myself". I was a liberal revolutionary, I still am but that does not mean that I will revolt against our current Liberal government. I am a proud revolutionary, who fought the conservative Dutch for our independence and freedom. I am now a politician that fights for liberal ideals in a non-violent way, as in through legislation. If it makes you feel more comfortable, I will cease calling myself a revolutionary.

Christian Lacroix, Liberal MP for Liège

 

[Marschalk]

Sir, as all Conservatives you overreact to my liberal views and what I "call myself". I was a liberal revolutionary, I still am but that does not mean that I will revolt against our current Liberal government. I am a proud revolutionary, who fought the conservative Dutch for our independence and freedom. I am now a politician that fights for liberal ideals in a non-violent way, as in through legislation. If it makes you feel more comfortable, I will cease calling myself a revolutionary.

Christian Lacroix, Liberal MP for Liège

It is interesting, that you emphasize that you will not revolt "against the current Liberal government" and that you fought "conservative" Dutch government. Does it mean, that you fought the Dutch, mainly because they had conservative views, not because they discriminated our people? And does that mean, that if, after the new elections, a Conservative or even Reactionary government is formed, you will consider revolting against it?

However, yes, sir, it will make me more comfortable. We do not need revolutions now, that is against the law - and, if you use keep using this moniker, it can give people false ideas about your position.

- Charles, Prince de Ligne

 

[theAhawk]

It is interesting, that you emphasize that you will not revolt "against the current Liberal government" and that you fought "conservative" Dutch government. Does it mean, that you fought the Dutch, mainly because they had conservative views, not because they discriminated our people? And does that mean, that if, after the new elections, a Conservative or even Reactionary government is formed, you will consider revolting against it?

However, yes, sir, it will make me more comfortable. We do not need revolutions now, that is against the law - and, if you use keep using this moniker, it can give people false ideas about your position.

- Charles, Prince de Ligne

Forgive me for the intrusion, sir, but are revolutions not by their very nature against the law and was it not that the Belgian revolution was innately illegal under the Dutch code of laws?

 

[NikoHoI3]

It is interesting, that you emphasize that you will not revolt "against the current Liberal government" and that you fought "conservative" Dutch government. Does it mean, that you fought the Dutch, mainly because they had conservative views, not because they discriminated our people? And does that mean, that if, after the new elections, a Conservative or even Reactionary government is formed, you will consider revolting against it?

However, yes, sir, it will make me more comfortable. We do not need revolutions now, that is against the law - and, if you use keep using this moniker, it can give people false ideas about your position.

- Charles, Prince de Ligne

I am a Liberal. I fought the Dutch and I also fought the Conservative ideology of their government. I fought the Dutch mainly because they discriminated against our people, and that Belgians could have a nation of personal freedoms and liberties. So, that Belgians could vote fairly, allow their voices to be heard and to gain all other basic liberties all people should be allowed.

You, Sir are too paranoid of liberals. If their was a Conservative or Reactionary government I would work hard in the Opposition to stop their legislation to pass though this Chamber. Not revolt against them because I do not like them, which I don't. I represent the people of Belgium, the people of my constituency and I do what the people who elect me want me to do. Because I am here to represent them.

Christian Lacroix, Liberal MP for Liège

 

[Marschalk]

Forgive me for the intrusion, sir, but are revolutions not by their very nature against the law and was it not that the Belgian revolution was innately illegal under the Dutch code of laws?

It was. But then we did not have a legitimate regime, that was entitled to rule our people. In reality the Dutch rulers were usurpers, and Congress of Vienna acted against the law, giving them our lands. The Orange-Nassau kings and princes have never been our sovereigns, we have always been a part of the Holy Roman Empire, and answered only to Habsburgs. Then French revolutionaries conquered us, and when we were liberated, other countries have decided to give us another overlord. They did not think about legitimacy - they only wanted to compensate some of the countries for their territorial losses. Why, they even wanted to give us to Prussia first!

So, the Dutch monarchs were not our true rulers. But now we have an elected King, we are free - and a revolution would be a criminal act now.

- Charles, Prince de Ligne