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Gentlemen,
I have served the country for many years, in parliament, government and army. I led the party, when it won our first elections. I was the head of our first government, which was able to save Belgium from conquest. I never was ambitious - this is why I supported another man as our chairman during last primaries. But I believe, that now our movement may need me again. Our task now is to cooperate with all rightist and moderate forces[, and guarantee the unity of the nation. I will be running for leadership of CCP.
- Jacques-Anne, Marquis de Beauffort
I have served the country for many years, in parliament, government and army. I led the party, when it won our first elections. I was the head of our first government, which was able to save Belgium from conquest. I never was ambitious - this is why I supported another man as our chairman during last primaries. But I believe, that now our movement may need me again. Our task now is to cooperate with all rightist and moderate forces[, and guarantee the unity of the nation. I will be running for leadership of CCP.
- Jacques-Anne, Marquis de Beauffort
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Blauvelt, irritated by the foreign presence in the military, applies for some leave with a few like-minded military friends. Before he leaves he casts his votes.
Military Proposal for the Advancement and Armament of the Navy of Belgium: Aye
Draft of the General Male Populous: Aye
((I am Agitating. Blauvelt is angry at non-native Belgians receiving what he sees as preferential treatment, so I suppose this could be best represented IG as a movement for a policy of Residency.))
Military Proposal for the Advancement and Armament of the Navy of Belgium: Aye
Draft of the General Male Populous: Aye
((I am Agitating. Blauvelt is angry at non-native Belgians receiving what he sees as preferential treatment, so I suppose this could be best represented IG as a movement for a policy of Residency.))
((Uh Tapscott, Residency is the policy for discriminating against the Flemish. Discriminating against foreigners is just Limited Citizenship.))
I shall be running for leadership of the National Democratic Party.
The National Democrats are almost a completely different party from even a mere five years ago. Our membership has more than tripled, and we are the vanguard of the forward-looking liberal movement. We have long stood for secularism and the "Mission to Civilize," as it has been called, and it is time to pursue them in vigor. If elected as chairman, I will bring to the table what we all have discussed and desired for so long - a constitutional amendment creating separation between church and state. I have served this nation for twenty years, fifteen of them in government. As Minister of Commerce in the de Graaf, Brabant and Daret administrations, my ministry has helped pursue free and effective economic governance. Our Minister of Justice, Willem Peeters, helped sponsor the first unanimously passed piece of legislation in Belgian history, and Minister of Education Olivier van Dyke has helped raise a generation of patriotic, intelligent and capable young Belgians, as evidenced by our rising numbers of soldiers and industrialists. We have proven ourselves effective in government, and as the founder of the party, I feel that I can lead it to further greatness.
I also have an internal voting procedure to propose, but will discuss the details later.
One other matter concerns me. The "March on Karlsruhle," as it has been called, has shown us that the people will not stand for the glacial pace of change the conservative and reactionaries permit - and furthermore, that such changes can be called for without violence and revolution. I know that many of you are staunchly loyal to the Crown, and the republican ideals of that movement is alienating. I, too, have served the King faithfully for fifteen years. We have spoken many times, and he is a good man. Be that as it may, I still am committed to my belief in the justness and effectiveness of a republican form of government, and thus, as Chairman, call upon my fellow National Democrats to consider a realignment in party policy to call for peaceful and non-revolutionary transition to a republic that secures the interests of the capitalist and working classes, free of reactionary influence. We have spoken about it for a long time. It is time, using the tools granted to us by our democratic state, to fight for it. Let's talk about this, gentlemen. We must remain on the vanguard of the liberal movement, and this change could be the best way to ensure that we are, and always shall remain, a party of the people.
In conclusion, I believe that I am the best candidate to lead the NDP. I have experience, having stood as a candidate for PM in a total of four elections. I have competence, managing the economy for fifteen years. I have principles that I have held fast to ever since the Convention, for which I believe I can command respect from our segment of the electorate. I encourage a healthy debate - I daresay I am even looking forward to it, as we are blessed with a wealth of talent within the party - but maintain the position that I am the best candidate for the NDP and Belgium's future.
Vote for liberty, justice, prosperity and self-defense! Vote National Democrat! Vote Savarin!
--
Military Proposal for the Advancement and Armament of the Navy of Belgium: Aye
Draft of the General Male Populous: Abstain
--
I also propose the following constitutional amendment.
Constitutional Ministries Amendment
1. Article V, Section I of the Constitution of Belgium shall be amended to read:
" Section 1.
The Executive Cabinet consists of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of War, the Minister of Justice, the Minister of Finance, the Minister of the Interior, the Minister of Commerce, and the Minister of Education. These ministers act on behalf of the Prime Minister, implement government policies, and serve as the executives for their respective ministries.
2. All other references to constitutionally mandated ministries shall be updated accordingly.
This amendment simply codifies what has been the de facto case for some time. As Minister of Commerce, the lack of explicit constitutional underpinning has sometimes inhibited our efforts while we are performing services equal in magnitude to those of the Finance Ministry. Under the current system, the entire Commerce Ministry could theoretically be folded back into the Finance Ministry, which would cause bureaucratic chaos at best and seriously harm our ability to ensure prosperity for all at worst. I have nothing but respect for Finance Minister de Espana, and indeed the other great Ministers of Finance I have worked with, but not even men as great as them could handle doing the jobs of two ministries at once! I certainly couldn't. This ensures the stability of the Commerce Ministry and prevents such situations from occurring. Similarly, the Education Ministry has proved itself an important office that the state has an interest in, and thus should be given the same constitutional backing.
The National Democrats are almost a completely different party from even a mere five years ago. Our membership has more than tripled, and we are the vanguard of the forward-looking liberal movement. We have long stood for secularism and the "Mission to Civilize," as it has been called, and it is time to pursue them in vigor. If elected as chairman, I will bring to the table what we all have discussed and desired for so long - a constitutional amendment creating separation between church and state. I have served this nation for twenty years, fifteen of them in government. As Minister of Commerce in the de Graaf, Brabant and Daret administrations, my ministry has helped pursue free and effective economic governance. Our Minister of Justice, Willem Peeters, helped sponsor the first unanimously passed piece of legislation in Belgian history, and Minister of Education Olivier van Dyke has helped raise a generation of patriotic, intelligent and capable young Belgians, as evidenced by our rising numbers of soldiers and industrialists. We have proven ourselves effective in government, and as the founder of the party, I feel that I can lead it to further greatness.
I also have an internal voting procedure to propose, but will discuss the details later.
One other matter concerns me. The "March on Karlsruhle," as it has been called, has shown us that the people will not stand for the glacial pace of change the conservative and reactionaries permit - and furthermore, that such changes can be called for without violence and revolution. I know that many of you are staunchly loyal to the Crown, and the republican ideals of that movement is alienating. I, too, have served the King faithfully for fifteen years. We have spoken many times, and he is a good man. Be that as it may, I still am committed to my belief in the justness and effectiveness of a republican form of government, and thus, as Chairman, call upon my fellow National Democrats to consider a realignment in party policy to call for peaceful and non-revolutionary transition to a republic that secures the interests of the capitalist and working classes, free of reactionary influence. We have spoken about it for a long time. It is time, using the tools granted to us by our democratic state, to fight for it. Let's talk about this, gentlemen. We must remain on the vanguard of the liberal movement, and this change could be the best way to ensure that we are, and always shall remain, a party of the people.
In conclusion, I believe that I am the best candidate to lead the NDP. I have experience, having stood as a candidate for PM in a total of four elections. I have competence, managing the economy for fifteen years. I have principles that I have held fast to ever since the Convention, for which I believe I can command respect from our segment of the electorate. I encourage a healthy debate - I daresay I am even looking forward to it, as we are blessed with a wealth of talent within the party - but maintain the position that I am the best candidate for the NDP and Belgium's future.
Vote for liberty, justice, prosperity and self-defense! Vote National Democrat! Vote Savarin!
--
Military Proposal for the Advancement and Armament of the Navy of Belgium: Aye
Draft of the General Male Populous: Abstain
--
I also propose the following constitutional amendment.
Constitutional Ministries Amendment
1. Article V, Section I of the Constitution of Belgium shall be amended to read:
" Section 1.
The Executive Cabinet consists of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of War, the Minister of Justice, the Minister of Finance, the Minister of the Interior, the Minister of Commerce, and the Minister of Education. These ministers act on behalf of the Prime Minister, implement government policies, and serve as the executives for their respective ministries.
2. All other references to constitutionally mandated ministries shall be updated accordingly.
This amendment simply codifies what has been the de facto case for some time. As Minister of Commerce, the lack of explicit constitutional underpinning has sometimes inhibited our efforts while we are performing services equal in magnitude to those of the Finance Ministry. Under the current system, the entire Commerce Ministry could theoretically be folded back into the Finance Ministry, which would cause bureaucratic chaos at best and seriously harm our ability to ensure prosperity for all at worst. I have nothing but respect for Finance Minister de Espana, and indeed the other great Ministers of Finance I have worked with, but not even men as great as them could handle doing the jobs of two ministries at once! I certainly couldn't. This ensures the stability of the Commerce Ministry and prevents such situations from occurring. Similarly, the Education Ministry has proved itself an important office that the state has an interest in, and thus should be given the same constitutional backing.
Military Proposal for the Advancement and Armament of the Navy of Belgium: No
Draft of the General Male Populace: No
While I agree with the spirit of both propositions, they have been made hastily and without due care. The former would force us into the expense of several new and costly ships for our navy. The navy needs improvement but it must be done at a sensible pace and with consideration for the government's finances. The latter leaves several key points open. Would the elderly be removed from the draft pool or would we be forced to accommodate the invalid and infirm in our armed forces? Would a man be forced to contact the Ministry of War whenever he changes his permanent address? Would itinerant folk be exempt from this random draw? What is to stop a disproportionate number of men of one group, say the Flemish, being called up to service while another group gets off lightly? And what is wrong with the current system of mobilisation? As I understand it, we simply do not have the organisational capacity to run drafts larger than those currently allowed by law.
((Would the Draft proposal change our National Value to one that allows larger base drafts?))
I oppose any movement to expand the constitutionally-mandated Executive Cabinet. Should we change the Constitution every time we decide something is de facto? Should we mandate the wearing of hats while outdoors or the position of Armando Diaz as the Chief of Staff? Additionally, the Minister for Education liaises with private education providers, mainly the Church, and sets the stipend we pay to assist in the costs of education. As vital as this work is, see my previous and seemingly unheard exhortation of the government to encourage an expansion of education rather than investors, I do not feel that it is on a par with managing the armed forces or ensuring that the nation remains solvent.
Finally, I support the candidacy of my friend the Marquis de Beauffort and I am pleased to see his return to the arena of politics. He ably lead our nation through the dark hours of the Dutch invasion and, God willing, he will lead us through better times in the years ahead.
- Leopold Percival Willems-Hopegood
Draft of the General Male Populace: No
While I agree with the spirit of both propositions, they have been made hastily and without due care. The former would force us into the expense of several new and costly ships for our navy. The navy needs improvement but it must be done at a sensible pace and with consideration for the government's finances. The latter leaves several key points open. Would the elderly be removed from the draft pool or would we be forced to accommodate the invalid and infirm in our armed forces? Would a man be forced to contact the Ministry of War whenever he changes his permanent address? Would itinerant folk be exempt from this random draw? What is to stop a disproportionate number of men of one group, say the Flemish, being called up to service while another group gets off lightly? And what is wrong with the current system of mobilisation? As I understand it, we simply do not have the organisational capacity to run drafts larger than those currently allowed by law.
((Would the Draft proposal change our National Value to one that allows larger base drafts?))
I oppose any movement to expand the constitutionally-mandated Executive Cabinet. Should we change the Constitution every time we decide something is de facto? Should we mandate the wearing of hats while outdoors or the position of Armando Diaz as the Chief of Staff? Additionally, the Minister for Education liaises with private education providers, mainly the Church, and sets the stipend we pay to assist in the costs of education. As vital as this work is, see my previous and seemingly unheard exhortation of the government to encourage an expansion of education rather than investors, I do not feel that it is on a par with managing the armed forces or ensuring that the nation remains solvent.
Finally, I support the candidacy of my friend the Marquis de Beauffort and I am pleased to see his return to the arena of politics. He ably lead our nation through the dark hours of the Dutch invasion and, God willing, he will lead us through better times in the years ahead.
- Leopold Percival Willems-Hopegood
((Ahawk, I meant to withdraw the Naval one. Sorry if that wasn't clear.))
I will be formally withdrawing my bill for the Armament of the Navy, because it should never have been proposed to Parliament in the first place.
In other news, I, Armando Diaz, will be running for leadership of the CCP. It is my belief that the military must be expanded, the economy secured by the government, and for the government to work with the liberals. I hope to serve the people in this role, and if I am elected, I will resign from the military and allow His Majesty to appoint a new Chief of Staff.
- Field Marshall Armando Diaz
I will be formally withdrawing my bill for the Armament of the Navy, because it should never have been proposed to Parliament in the first place.
In other news, I, Armando Diaz, will be running for leadership of the CCP. It is my belief that the military must be expanded, the economy secured by the government, and for the government to work with the liberals. I hope to serve the people in this role, and if I am elected, I will resign from the military and allow His Majesty to appoint a new Chief of Staff.
- Field Marshall Armando Diaz
Military Proposal for the Advancement and Armament of the Navy of Belgium: Yes
Draft of the General Male Populace: Yes
Draft of the General Male Populace: Yes
Military Proposal for the Advancement and Armament of the navy of Belgium: Aye
Draft of the General Male Populace: Nay An obvious attempt to use the poor working class lads of Flandern as cannon fodder.
Draft of the General Male Populace: Nay An obvious attempt to use the poor working class lads of Flandern as cannon fodder.
Lebeau approaches the podium in the center of the Catholic Crown Party Convention Hall, he offers a faint smile as he looks around.
Gentlemen,
I have served this party since the eighteen-thirties, and I cannot express my pride at doing so. It has been a most glorious time to serve this party and ensure that its values are spread throughout Belgium. I was elected your Chair in eighteen fifty-one, and though we did not win the elections as I had hoped...it was a hard fought one and we came out as the strongest party by far, nearly winning a majority in our own right. After the elections, you may have noticed I was not as active in the chambers of Parliament as I should have been, but you must all realize, I am an old man. It is not often that men are able to live to be seventy-four...but I have made it thus far. I do sincerely thank you all for being with me in my career, but as I you must all know by now, I have decided to officially retire from politics. I shall remain in this party until my dying breath, but the rest I can do no longer.
Thank you all once again.
Lebeau, now with the help of an aide, walks off the podium and proceeds to exit the room.
Name: Field Marshal Aurélien Valentin Lebeau
Date of Birth: 7 April 1813
Date of Death: 12 June 1866 (aged 53)
Place of Birth: Mons
Position(s):
Deputy Chief of the General Staff (1856-1857)
Commander of the Second Division (1856-1864)
Chief of the Generall Staff (1857-1864)
Governor of Benin (1860-1864)
Deputy Prime Minister (1864-1865)
Minister of War (1864-1865)
Regent (1865-1866)
Nationality: Walloon
Born to the brother of Théodore Jules Lebeau, Aurélien experienced tragedy very early on in life when his father succumbed to illness. His mother, unable to work, found herself subsidized by her brother-in-law who would frequently visit the farm to spend time with the young Aurélien. In 1830, when the Revolution broke out, he grabbed a rifle and aided the revolutionaries in fighting the Dutch. He proved a capable soldier and leader of men and found great joy fighting against the Dutch, and after the Revolution was won in 1833, he asked his uncle to subsidize studies at the Royal Military Academy in Woolwich, to which he agreed. Aurélien studied at the Academy from 1833 to 1838, excelling in studies of military history and tactics. After his departure from the Academy, Aurélien returned to Belgium and joined the Army, hoping to fill the gap left behind after the coup the previous year. Throughout the decade he served in the General Staff, helping to coordinate the deployment of forces and design defensive plans in case of a new Dutch invasion. The invasion came in 1848, and with it, Aurélien was drafted to serve in the battlefield, specifically in the First Division under the Field Marshal. He proved himself capable in directing platoons across the battlefield and was well regarded by his fellow officers. After the war he returned to his post in the General Staff, and has remained in service there.
Family
Wife: Catherine Lebeau (b. 1823, d. 1903)
Children:
Philip Auguste Lebeau (b. 1850)
Alice Catherine Lebeau (b. 1860)
Gentlemen,
I have served this party since the eighteen-thirties, and I cannot express my pride at doing so. It has been a most glorious time to serve this party and ensure that its values are spread throughout Belgium. I was elected your Chair in eighteen fifty-one, and though we did not win the elections as I had hoped...it was a hard fought one and we came out as the strongest party by far, nearly winning a majority in our own right. After the elections, you may have noticed I was not as active in the chambers of Parliament as I should have been, but you must all realize, I am an old man. It is not often that men are able to live to be seventy-four...but I have made it thus far. I do sincerely thank you all for being with me in my career, but as I you must all know by now, I have decided to officially retire from politics. I shall remain in this party until my dying breath, but the rest I can do no longer.
Thank you all once again.
Lebeau, now with the help of an aide, walks off the podium and proceeds to exit the room.
_____________________________________
Name: Field Marshal Aurélien Valentin Lebeau
Date of Birth: 7 April 1813
Date of Death: 12 June 1866 (aged 53)
Place of Birth: Mons
Position(s):
Deputy Chief of the General Staff (1856-1857)
Commander of the Second Division (1856-1864)
Chief of the Generall Staff (1857-1864)
Governor of Benin (1860-1864)
Deputy Prime Minister (1864-1865)
Minister of War (1864-1865)
Regent (1865-1866)
Nationality: Walloon
Born to the brother of Théodore Jules Lebeau, Aurélien experienced tragedy very early on in life when his father succumbed to illness. His mother, unable to work, found herself subsidized by her brother-in-law who would frequently visit the farm to spend time with the young Aurélien. In 1830, when the Revolution broke out, he grabbed a rifle and aided the revolutionaries in fighting the Dutch. He proved a capable soldier and leader of men and found great joy fighting against the Dutch, and after the Revolution was won in 1833, he asked his uncle to subsidize studies at the Royal Military Academy in Woolwich, to which he agreed. Aurélien studied at the Academy from 1833 to 1838, excelling in studies of military history and tactics. After his departure from the Academy, Aurélien returned to Belgium and joined the Army, hoping to fill the gap left behind after the coup the previous year. Throughout the decade he served in the General Staff, helping to coordinate the deployment of forces and design defensive plans in case of a new Dutch invasion. The invasion came in 1848, and with it, Aurélien was drafted to serve in the battlefield, specifically in the First Division under the Field Marshal. He proved himself capable in directing platoons across the battlefield and was well regarded by his fellow officers. After the war he returned to his post in the General Staff, and has remained in service there.
Family
Wife: Catherine Lebeau (b. 1823, d. 1903)
Children:
Philip Auguste Lebeau (b. 1850)
Alice Catherine Lebeau (b. 1860)
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Vanderhoof, a pep in his step and whistling a jolly old tune (even at the ripe age of 69), returns from a brief stroll around the Parliament Building
Draft: Aye
I support M. de Graaf in his bid for leadership
Hearing that a new park was built nearby, Vanderhoof stands up and leaves to take another walk, telling a rather confused guard on his way out how much he loves his job.
Draft: Aye
I support M. de Graaf in his bid for leadership
Hearing that a new park was built nearby, Vanderhoof stands up and leaves to take another walk, telling a rather confused guard on his way out how much he loves his job.
Name: Willem Goossens
Born: Brugge in 1818.
Position: Deputy for Brugge
Party: CUP
Background: Willem's father was an artisan who specialized in making shoes. Willem not wanting to follow his father's career joined the Belgian Army in 1836. He served loyaly against the coup and in the war against the Dutch. He left the military prior to the recent elections and ran for the CUP. Willem is a moderate conservative, loyal to the crown and a strong supporter of the military.
((will update will portrait later))
Military Proposal for the Advancement and Armament of the Navy of Belgium: No
Draft of the General Male Populace: No
Born: Brugge in 1818.
Position: Deputy for Brugge
Party: CUP
Background: Willem's father was an artisan who specialized in making shoes. Willem not wanting to follow his father's career joined the Belgian Army in 1836. He served loyaly against the coup and in the war against the Dutch. He left the military prior to the recent elections and ran for the CUP. Willem is a moderate conservative, loyal to the crown and a strong supporter of the military.
((will update will portrait later))
Military Proposal for the Advancement and Armament of the Navy of Belgium: No
Draft of the General Male Populace: No
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Age is getting to me. I have decided to retire. The delegates of Vlaamse Beweging's Convention has already appointed my son as my replacement in Parliament and as my successor as Chairman of Vlaamse Beweging.
New character!!
baron Dingeman van Cock
born: 1809
place of birth: Diksmuide, Western Flandern
biography: Former officer of the Belgian armed forces (a Major) who fought in all Belgian wars and before Belgian independence he served in the Dutch army, but joined the rebels during the Belgian War of Independence. He recently resigned from the armed forces, partly due to age and little chances for promotion, and partly because his father's age and deteriorating health, which prompted him to join Vlaamse Beweging, and was quickly appointed his father's successor. As his father he is passionate about Flemish rights and the survival of Flemish culture and language. He is even proud of having a simple "peasant name" which his fellow officers always made fun of him for, but he always answer that there are few more truly Flemish names than those used by the peasant class.
New character!!
baron Dingeman van Cock
born: 1809
place of birth: Diksmuide, Western Flandern
biography: Former officer of the Belgian armed forces (a Major) who fought in all Belgian wars and before Belgian independence he served in the Dutch army, but joined the rebels during the Belgian War of Independence. He recently resigned from the armed forces, partly due to age and little chances for promotion, and partly because his father's age and deteriorating health, which prompted him to join Vlaamse Beweging, and was quickly appointed his father's successor. As his father he is passionate about Flemish rights and the survival of Flemish culture and language. He is even proud of having a simple "peasant name" which his fellow officers always made fun of him for, but he always answer that there are few more truly Flemish names than those used by the peasant class.
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Military Proposal for the Advancement and Armament of the Navy of Belgium: I understand that this has been withdrawn; had it not been, my vote would have been NO
Draft of the General Male Populace: No
I support M. Savarin in his bid for re-election to the post of Chairman of the NDP
Maarten Hendrickx, Deputy for Mons
Draft of the General Male Populace: No
I support M. Savarin in his bid for re-election to the post of Chairman of the NDP
Maarten Hendrickx, Deputy for Mons
The Conservative and Unionist Party
It gives me great pleasure to announce that the Conservative and Unionist Party of the Kingdom of Belgium, an organisation dedicated to safeguarding the rights we hold dear and the nation we love, will be joining the Catholic Crown Party for the forthcoming primaries and elections, in spite of our past differences. We simply feel that the extremists that would destroy our state are too strong within the governing coalition to be allowed to remain in the privileged position they now enjoy. This government has by no means been a failure, and many important milestones have been reached, but I still feel that there is much to be achieved; something I do not believe can be done in the best interests of the nation while men plotting the downfall of our Head of State are in government. Indeed, during my own tenure as Minister of War, I have seen first hand the administrative nightmare that is the Ministry and the constitutional maze that is its responsibility - I hope to announce a small amount of legislation once the new Parliament is convened which will improve the efficiency and clarity of the entire system, and I understand both the Prime Minister and the leader of His Majesty's Most Loyal Opposition will be supportive regardless of who is in power when that time comes.
The party once again stands on the principles of interventionism to protect our businesses, protectionism to protect our trade, pluralism to protect our rights, full-citizenship to protect our people and has a pro-military stance to protect our nation.
For our unity, for our dignity, for our nation: Onward.
I fully support the Tertiary Minister's decision to back our Conservative brethren. I hope, that given the extended support the CUP has acquired in the past few years, we will be able to bring sense into the coalition in those fields where the CCP has historically been lacking. Pro-military should be as far as we go.
- Josef P. de Ruyter, CUP member
- Josef P. de Ruyter, CUP member
I will be running for the leadership of the NDP. While I have only been in this party for five years, I feel that I could do well for it as its leader.
The NDP has always been seen by many as a radical republican party, but this is simply not true. Some members like myself and Mijnheer van Dyke are supporters of the King and the continuation of our current system of government. I feel that as the leader of this party I can help shed that image, to show how truly diverse the party is, and to show people that we do not in fact wish to overthrow the King and institute a republic. I have also had experience within the MLP, having been a member of it for over 15 years. I will be better able to promote stronger relations between our two parties, to bring about a much more united left. We must be united if we wish to ensure that the liberals prevail in the next election.
We must moderate our military policy. We must promote a less aggressive policy, and seek to maintain a strong military that we can use to defend ourselves from those who wish to harm us but that we do not wish to use aggressively expand our nation. It is paramount that we seek to attract the votes of those who have been deterred by certain aspects of this party if we wish to maintain our status as a major force within Belgian politics. We must stand strong in our commitment of a more secular Belgium. While we may not be able to remove the state religion, we can still try remove religious influence from within the elected government, to ensure a government that all people are comfortable with and that ensures true toleration of all religions within this land.
Now, I must say that I do not have as much experience within the government as Mijnheer Savarin, but this does not mean that I cannot effectively lead the NDP. I have experience within both the government and within the Chamber of Deputies and I have provided a key part of our Constitution. Give me the opportunity, and I can bring this party to greatness. We are the most liberal party out there. We stand for the true ideals of freedom and liberty, of the free market and free trade, and of ensuring that all Belgians are able to participate in our government. We must continue to do this and we will, regardless of who becomes the leader of this party.
I am the best candidate because I can provide this party with new ideas. I do not doubt that Mijnheer Savarin could continue to lead this party, as he has for the past twenty years. I still believe that Mijnheer Savarin is a valuable member of this party, and would ensure that he maintains a place within the government should the liberals emerge triumphant again within the election. Mijnheer Savarin is a good friend of mine, and I have no doubts that he could continue to lead this party should he be re-elected once again as its leader. However, I feel that this party needs a new leader, someone who can continue to see it grow while also bringing a new energy to this party. Mijnheer Savarin's leadership has brought us to this point, and now it is time to for someone else to lead this party into the future. I hope that this party continues to grow and prosper, no matter who wins.
~ Willem Loewen, Deputy for Antwerp
The NDP has always been seen by many as a radical republican party, but this is simply not true. Some members like myself and Mijnheer van Dyke are supporters of the King and the continuation of our current system of government. I feel that as the leader of this party I can help shed that image, to show how truly diverse the party is, and to show people that we do not in fact wish to overthrow the King and institute a republic. I have also had experience within the MLP, having been a member of it for over 15 years. I will be better able to promote stronger relations between our two parties, to bring about a much more united left. We must be united if we wish to ensure that the liberals prevail in the next election.
We must moderate our military policy. We must promote a less aggressive policy, and seek to maintain a strong military that we can use to defend ourselves from those who wish to harm us but that we do not wish to use aggressively expand our nation. It is paramount that we seek to attract the votes of those who have been deterred by certain aspects of this party if we wish to maintain our status as a major force within Belgian politics. We must stand strong in our commitment of a more secular Belgium. While we may not be able to remove the state religion, we can still try remove religious influence from within the elected government, to ensure a government that all people are comfortable with and that ensures true toleration of all religions within this land.
Now, I must say that I do not have as much experience within the government as Mijnheer Savarin, but this does not mean that I cannot effectively lead the NDP. I have experience within both the government and within the Chamber of Deputies and I have provided a key part of our Constitution. Give me the opportunity, and I can bring this party to greatness. We are the most liberal party out there. We stand for the true ideals of freedom and liberty, of the free market and free trade, and of ensuring that all Belgians are able to participate in our government. We must continue to do this and we will, regardless of who becomes the leader of this party.
I am the best candidate because I can provide this party with new ideas. I do not doubt that Mijnheer Savarin could continue to lead this party, as he has for the past twenty years. I still believe that Mijnheer Savarin is a valuable member of this party, and would ensure that he maintains a place within the government should the liberals emerge triumphant again within the election. Mijnheer Savarin is a good friend of mine, and I have no doubts that he could continue to lead this party should he be re-elected once again as its leader. However, I feel that this party needs a new leader, someone who can continue to see it grow while also bringing a new energy to this party. Mijnheer Savarin's leadership has brought us to this point, and now it is time to for someone else to lead this party into the future. I hope that this party continues to grow and prosper, no matter who wins.
~ Willem Loewen, Deputy for Antwerp
Draft of the General Male Populace: Abstain
I intend to continue to support Mr. de Graaf in the upcoming Primaries. His commitment to keeping Belgium out of wars, and improving the Belgian economy are why I believe he should continue leading the Moderate Liberal Party.
Thibault Potiquet, Minister of Interior, Deputy for Tournai
I intend to continue to support Mr. de Graaf in the upcoming Primaries. His commitment to keeping Belgium out of wars, and improving the Belgian economy are why I believe he should continue leading the Moderate Liberal Party.
Thibault Potiquet, Minister of Interior, Deputy for Tournai
I want to say, that I am very happy about this decision of our esteemed partner, the CUP. As the party representative, I have talked with Captain Poisson, the esteemed CUP leader, for many hours. We have discussed the situation in the country, and have understood, that only a union of all patriotic forces, that value order, stability and freedom of the country, a union based on moderation and decency, will be able to serve our King and our fatherland in the best way. It is indeed a glorious day, sirs.
- Jacques-Anne, Marquis de Beauffort.
- Jacques-Anne, Marquis de Beauffort.