((Ah, thanks. Aсtually sorry, I meant "Based on Population" UH reform - do we consider the UH appointed based on population then, or elected?))
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((Ah, thanks. Aсtually sorry, I meant "Based on Population" UH reform - do we consider the UH appointed based on population then, or elected?))
((The UH would then be elected. Enacting "Based on Population" would have them allocated between Wallonia, Flanders, and Brussels, in proportion to the populations of those regions, then directly elected. "Two Per State" would have equal representation between Wallonia and Flanders (as we have now) and a few more for Brussels, but also directly elected.))
Upon hearing PM Wolff's words, Jacques-Pierre stood up angrily, and then left the Chamber without a word.
Later that day, Van Der Goltz received a brief note:
Later that day, Van Der Goltz received a brief note:
Foreign Affairs plan
1. Actively maintain better-than-friendly relations with those nations we currently have common markets with. ((maintain sphere))
2. Send a team to the Kingdom of Ethiopia with the mission of signing a Treaty of Friendship and common market agreements with the King ((Sphere Ethiopia))
3. Once an agreement with Ethiopia is completed, it will be the Foreign Ministry's objective to secure peace on our northern border. To that aim we will exert diplomatic pressure on the Dutch government in the hopes that future governments will be friendlier towards us. ((Sphere Netherlands))
4. In the event that our Dutch efforts are stymied by other foreign power, we shall attempt to forge treaties and market agreements with the Egyptian regime. ((Sphere Egypt))
-Pytor Aerts
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Child Labour Act of 1876
I. No child under the age of nine (9) is permitted to work in a factory.
II. Children between the ages of nine (9) and twelve (12) cannot work for more than eight hours a day.
a. These children must be permitted one (1) hour to eat lunch every day.
III. Children between the ages of twelve (12) and sixteen (16) cannot work for more than ten (10) hours a day.
a. These children must be permitted one (1) half-hour to eat lunch every day.
IV. No person under the age of sixteen (16) can be compelled to work at night.
V. Ages must be verified by surgeons.
I formally repropose the 1875 Child Labour Act without the offending segments regarding education; I hope that the Senate, should the lower house approve this new proposal, find this more acceptable.
~ Marechal Jean-Joseph de St Sebastien, Baron de Harfleur and Minister of War
I. No child under the age of nine (9) is permitted to work in a factory.
II. Children between the ages of nine (9) and twelve (12) cannot work for more than eight hours a day.
a. These children must be permitted one (1) hour to eat lunch every day.
III. Children between the ages of twelve (12) and sixteen (16) cannot work for more than ten (10) hours a day.
a. These children must be permitted one (1) half-hour to eat lunch every day.
IV. No person under the age of sixteen (16) can be compelled to work at night.
V. Ages must be verified by surgeons.
I formally repropose the 1875 Child Labour Act without the offending segments regarding education; I hope that the Senate, should the lower house approve this new proposal, find this more acceptable.
~ Marechal Jean-Joseph de St Sebastien, Baron de Harfleur and Minister of War
Proposed Belgian Budget
The figures contained herein are based on current revenues, expenses, and costs provided by the Civil Service.
Serious revision will be required if unforeseen extraordinary expenses are added or if provided figures are not accurate.
Lower Strata taxes at 45% (predicted revenue approx. $329.161)
Middle Strata taxes at 40% (predicted revenue approx. $072.766)
Upper Strata taxes at 25% (predicted revenue approx. $073.930)
These rates are generous and intended to provide relief to those adversely affected by recent levies and emergency measures. When the Belgian treasury drops below $50,000, all taxation rates will be raised by 5% so that the nation may return to a healthy surplus.
Note: Comparisons to previous rates such as those from the previous report have been omitted. Such comparisons could only be to rates used in preparation for the anticipated Dutch Aggression of '75 and this would give a misleading view.
Current treasury: approx. $109,370
Predicted daily income: $475.86
Predicted daily expenses: $473.90
Predicted daily income: $1.96
Note: Expense projection assumes that other Ministries follow the recommendations outlined below.
Recommendations from the Ministry of Finance
Ministry of War
- Set Military Spending to 100% (predicted expenses approx. $108)
- Set Army Stockpiles to 40% (predicted expenses approx. $128)
- Set Navy Stockpiles to 40% (predicted expenses approx. $12)
- Set Construction Stockpiles to 100% (no current expenses)
- Finance pre-emptively authorises expenditures for the improvement of ports in Belgian territories and for the construction of capital or metallic ships
Ministry of Interior
- Set Education Spending at 100% (predicted expenses approx. $108)
- Set Social Spending at 100% (predicted expenses approx. $2)
Note: The document provided to Finance outlining current expenses was weather-damaged. The Ministry has attempted its best reconstruction of the figures while it waits for an fresh undamaged document.
Note: Finance understands that control of Education funding has been delegated to Interior so that civil service resources are not duplicated across Ministries.
Ministry of Justice
- Set Administration Spending at 100% (predicted expenses approx. $108)
Ministry of Commerce
- The budget assumes that there are no active industrial subsidies
- Finance authorises the payment of $2K for partial investment in four railway projects that are seeking investment
- Finance authorises the payment of $650 to complete the funding for expansion of the Flemish lumber mills, so that they may make best take advantage of recently settled African woodland
- Finance will consider further project investments on a case-by-case basis
The figures contained herein are based on current revenues, expenses, and costs provided by the Civil Service.
Serious revision will be required if unforeseen extraordinary expenses are added or if provided figures are not accurate.
Lower Strata taxes at 45% (predicted revenue approx. $329.161)
Middle Strata taxes at 40% (predicted revenue approx. $072.766)
Upper Strata taxes at 25% (predicted revenue approx. $073.930)
These rates are generous and intended to provide relief to those adversely affected by recent levies and emergency measures. When the Belgian treasury drops below $50,000, all taxation rates will be raised by 5% so that the nation may return to a healthy surplus.
Note: Comparisons to previous rates such as those from the previous report have been omitted. Such comparisons could only be to rates used in preparation for the anticipated Dutch Aggression of '75 and this would give a misleading view.
Current treasury: approx. $109,370
Predicted daily income: $475.86
Predicted daily expenses: $473.90
Predicted daily income: $1.96
Note: Expense projection assumes that other Ministries follow the recommendations outlined below.
Recommendations from the Ministry of Finance
Ministry of War
- Set Military Spending to 100% (predicted expenses approx. $108)
- Set Army Stockpiles to 40% (predicted expenses approx. $128)
- Set Navy Stockpiles to 40% (predicted expenses approx. $12)
- Set Construction Stockpiles to 100% (no current expenses)
- Finance pre-emptively authorises expenditures for the improvement of ports in Belgian territories and for the construction of capital or metallic ships
Ministry of Interior
- Set Education Spending at 100% (predicted expenses approx. $108)
- Set Social Spending at 100% (predicted expenses approx. $2)
Note: The document provided to Finance outlining current expenses was weather-damaged. The Ministry has attempted its best reconstruction of the figures while it waits for an fresh undamaged document.
Note: Finance understands that control of Education funding has been delegated to Interior so that civil service resources are not duplicated across Ministries.
Ministry of Justice
- Set Administration Spending at 100% (predicted expenses approx. $108)
Ministry of Commerce
- The budget assumes that there are no active industrial subsidies
- Finance authorises the payment of $2K for partial investment in four railway projects that are seeking investment
- Finance authorises the payment of $650 to complete the funding for expansion of the Flemish lumber mills, so that they may make best take advantage of recently settled African woodland
- Finance will consider further project investments on a case-by-case basis
Dear M. de Croy
I am informed by my Ministry that the 6 factories in each of Wallonia and Flanders are subject to the Government guarantee ((that is ticked for subsidies)) but I have no information that they have in fact had to call upon that guarantee at this time ((that is, I do not believe that subsidies are presently being paid)). Whilst I have privately expressed a desire to construct new armament factories, it has been pointed out to me that this is the role of private industy and not government, and that the capitalist classs is best positioned to decide what ought and ought not be built.
Having said that, I am proud to report that our industry continues to grow, to the benefit of all. In Wallonia, in addition to Steel, Ammunition, Small Arms, and Canned Food, our Liquor industry is advancing in leaps and bounds ((upgrading from Lvl 5 to Lvl 6)), keeping the Flemish Glass industry fully occupied ((upgrading from Lvl 4 to Lvl 5)). Flanders has also expanded its clothing industry for the working man ((Regular Clothing now at Lvl 3)).
The proposed rail upgrades will be a welcome boost in productivity as will the expansion of the Lumbar factory. Belgium is truly enjoying a Golden Age of prosperity.
Edmund Burke
I am informed by my Ministry that the 6 factories in each of Wallonia and Flanders are subject to the Government guarantee ((that is ticked for subsidies)) but I have no information that they have in fact had to call upon that guarantee at this time ((that is, I do not believe that subsidies are presently being paid)). Whilst I have privately expressed a desire to construct new armament factories, it has been pointed out to me that this is the role of private industy and not government, and that the capitalist classs is best positioned to decide what ought and ought not be built.
Having said that, I am proud to report that our industry continues to grow, to the benefit of all. In Wallonia, in addition to Steel, Ammunition, Small Arms, and Canned Food, our Liquor industry is advancing in leaps and bounds ((upgrading from Lvl 5 to Lvl 6)), keeping the Flemish Glass industry fully occupied ((upgrading from Lvl 4 to Lvl 5)). Flanders has also expanded its clothing industry for the working man ((Regular Clothing now at Lvl 3)).
The proposed rail upgrades will be a welcome boost in productivity as will the expansion of the Lumbar factory. Belgium is truly enjoying a Golden Age of prosperity.
Edmund Burke
I am nothing if not a man of the people and a man of my word. I will be pressing forth with the enactment of proportional representation by election in the Senate. This will make our senate more representative and more responsive to the people. Plain and simple.
~Franz Ludwig Wolff, Prime Minister of Belgium
~Franz Ludwig Wolff, Prime Minister of Belgium
I once again Support the Minister of War's Child Labor Act.
~ Chief of the Army Jacques Dieric
~ Chief of the Army Jacques Dieric
Statement from the Ministry of Finance
We have received a correction from the Civil Service. The expected daily expenses for Social Spending are inaccurate. The true figure is $0, as the Belgian Government does not currently have any social programs beyond the informal support for private schools. As a result, the predicted daily surplus is expected to rise to $3.75.
We have received a correction from the Civil Service. The expected daily expenses for Social Spending are inaccurate. The true figure is $0, as the Belgian Government does not currently have any social programs beyond the informal support for private schools. As a result, the predicted daily surplus is expected to rise to $3.75.
The Prime Minister, who I know to be an honourable and well-intentioned man, has recently announced a proposal that I believe is both egregious and entirely opposed to the honourable ideals of the Senate and the entire Belgian nation.
Firstly, I must protest this drastic seizure of the right of the King (or presently, the Lord Regent) in appointing new members of the Senate, which is an accepted and highly beneficial practice throughout large portions of Europe.
I cite the United States of America as an example of an elected upper house being used for ill purposes and having an immensely adverse effect on this Kingdom; throughout the lead-up to the brutal and bloody American Civil War, the Senate acted as the great arbiter of the Confederacy, standing stringently in favour of the abominable practice of slavery and serving solely as a tinderbox of emotion and radicalism; surely when their Senator Sumner was beaten nearly to death for rightfully calling out his colleagues for their obstructionism of necessary legislation is an obvious sign that an elected upper house will merely serve to bring Belgium only more misery and contention.
Secondly, the present structure of the Senate has stood staunchly against radical proposals; though I believe my labour act last year was highly beneficial, it did indeed reach into areas that were both vague and outside its proper jurisdiction, and I have no qualms that it was shot down. As many have cited before, the Senate stood staunchly against the Damseaux coup, amongst others, and has garnered a reputation as being a sensible voice within this nation, which in turn leads to my third point.
Ultimately, the key issue with this elected Senate would become an elected House of Sheep, controlled entirely by the whims of party leaders and public opinion, rather than by the noblest desire to protect Belgian interests without regard of party or persuasion. I have complete faith in both our esteemed Prime Minister and our highly effective and honourable Lord Regent to continue to appoint able and capable men to the Senate, as has been the case these past four decades; I cannot comprehend why any among us would desire to remove these worthy men from their posts. By establishing a policy of an elected upper house, we merely provide yet another political arena for our parties to vie for speaking time and influence in; do any amongst us want to see more contention? More fighting? More politicising? I would much rather see a largely apolitical house, appointed not on promises or party loyalty, but for competence and long and able service to this nation.
I would also question the sensibility of having our entire government set upon by the wills of those uneducated and ignorant of politics; shall the common man, more concerned with making money and paying the rent, be the sole voice in deciding who shall be determining the policies of this nation? Can we risk having Belgium's political well-being being determined by those who can be swayed by demagogues and silvertongued sycophants? Surely having our Prime Minister, who we all know is educated and thoughtful, and our Regent, who none can question as being an honourable man, as the chief appointers to the Senate is far superior than the aforementioned travesty!
Only a few weeks ago did our Prime Minister appoint a man to the upper house; how he talks of electing the Senate! How can one man announce one thing, then turn his back and announce something completely contrary to it in another? Perhaps he is indeed the successor of Poisson.
To this end, I oppose the Prime Minister’s proposal steadfastly and earnestly, and ask for all other who wish to maintain a Belgium largely free of gridlock and partisanship to exist.
~ Marechal Jean-Joseph de St Sebastien, Baron de Harfleur and Minister of War
Firstly, I must protest this drastic seizure of the right of the King (or presently, the Lord Regent) in appointing new members of the Senate, which is an accepted and highly beneficial practice throughout large portions of Europe.
I cite the United States of America as an example of an elected upper house being used for ill purposes and having an immensely adverse effect on this Kingdom; throughout the lead-up to the brutal and bloody American Civil War, the Senate acted as the great arbiter of the Confederacy, standing stringently in favour of the abominable practice of slavery and serving solely as a tinderbox of emotion and radicalism; surely when their Senator Sumner was beaten nearly to death for rightfully calling out his colleagues for their obstructionism of necessary legislation is an obvious sign that an elected upper house will merely serve to bring Belgium only more misery and contention.
Secondly, the present structure of the Senate has stood staunchly against radical proposals; though I believe my labour act last year was highly beneficial, it did indeed reach into areas that were both vague and outside its proper jurisdiction, and I have no qualms that it was shot down. As many have cited before, the Senate stood staunchly against the Damseaux coup, amongst others, and has garnered a reputation as being a sensible voice within this nation, which in turn leads to my third point.
Ultimately, the key issue with this elected Senate would become an elected House of Sheep, controlled entirely by the whims of party leaders and public opinion, rather than by the noblest desire to protect Belgian interests without regard of party or persuasion. I have complete faith in both our esteemed Prime Minister and our highly effective and honourable Lord Regent to continue to appoint able and capable men to the Senate, as has been the case these past four decades; I cannot comprehend why any among us would desire to remove these worthy men from their posts. By establishing a policy of an elected upper house, we merely provide yet another political arena for our parties to vie for speaking time and influence in; do any amongst us want to see more contention? More fighting? More politicising? I would much rather see a largely apolitical house, appointed not on promises or party loyalty, but for competence and long and able service to this nation.
I would also question the sensibility of having our entire government set upon by the wills of those uneducated and ignorant of politics; shall the common man, more concerned with making money and paying the rent, be the sole voice in deciding who shall be determining the policies of this nation? Can we risk having Belgium's political well-being being determined by those who can be swayed by demagogues and silvertongued sycophants? Surely having our Prime Minister, who we all know is educated and thoughtful, and our Regent, who none can question as being an honourable man, as the chief appointers to the Senate is far superior than the aforementioned travesty!
Only a few weeks ago did our Prime Minister appoint a man to the upper house; how he talks of electing the Senate! How can one man announce one thing, then turn his back and announce something completely contrary to it in another? Perhaps he is indeed the successor of Poisson.
To this end, I oppose the Prime Minister’s proposal steadfastly and earnestly, and ask for all other who wish to maintain a Belgium largely free of gridlock and partisanship to exist.
~ Marechal Jean-Joseph de St Sebastien, Baron de Harfleur and Minister of War
Player Actions Needed:
Voting open.
Everyone votes on the reform, [post=16611402]Senate Based on Population[/post] ((an elected senate in proportion to population)), the [post=16611101]Child Labor Act of 1876[/post], and [post=16572405]Proposal from Houdt van Kaas Hakkihäälinen to Revise the Belgian Constitution[/post].
Sample Ballots:
[post=16611402]Senate Based on Population[/post]: Yes/No/Abstain
[post=16572405]Proposal to Revise the Belgian Constitution[/post]: Yes/No/Abstain
[post=16561872]Child Labor Act of 1876[/post]: Yes/No/Abstain
Two days for the vote, ending 8 PM PST on the 24th (4 AM, 25th GMT, provided Santa gives me my Christmas wish)
Senate Based on Population: Aye
Proposal to Revise the Belgian Constitution: Aye
Child Labor Act of 1876: Aye
~ Christiaan Loewen, Deputy for Antwerp and Leader of the BSU
Proposal to Revise the Belgian Constitution: Aye
Child Labor Act of 1876: Aye
~ Christiaan Loewen, Deputy for Antwerp and Leader of the BSU
Senate Based on Population: Nay
Proposal to Revise the Belgian Constitution: Abstain (until further notice)
Child Labor Act of 1876: Yea
~ Marechal Jean-Joseph de St Sebastien, Baron de Harfleur and Minister of War
Proposal to Revise the Belgian Constitution: Abstain (until further notice)
Child Labor Act of 1876: Yea
~ Marechal Jean-Joseph de St Sebastien, Baron de Harfleur and Minister of War
Senate based on Population: Abstain I would be more inclined to support two or even three per state to reinforce equality.
Proposal to Revise the Belgian Constitution: Yes
Child Labor Act of 1876: Yes
Proposal to Revise the Belgian Constitution: Yes
Child Labor Act of 1876: Yes
Senate based on Population: Nay, as I have said many times before, we should not infringe our balance of powers system, subvert the rights of our head of state and replace a nonpartisan meritocratic Senate with another political playground. I think all Belgian patriots should oppose this proposal.
Proposal to Revise the Belgian Constitution: Yes
Child Labor Act of 1876: Yes
Proposal to Revise the Belgian Constitution: Yes
Child Labor Act of 1876: Yes
Last edited:
Senate Based on Population: Nay
Proposal to Revise the Belgian Constitution: Aye
Child Labor Act of 1876: Aye
Proposal to Revise the Belgian Constitution: Aye
Child Labor Act of 1876: Aye
I find it ironic that many of the arguments against an elected senate are the same arguments used against democracy itself, especially those put forward by Van de Velde. Regardless, in a coalition, disagreements are common, and if they feel that is what is best, I will not begrudge them their vote.
Senate Based on Population: Aye
Proposal to Revise the Belgian Constitution: Aye
Child Labor Act of 1876: Aye
Senate Based on Population: Aye
Proposal to Revise the Belgian Constitution: Aye
Child Labor Act of 1876: Aye
((Maybe may attempt to remove democracy are working, I'm inside thoctar head now it's only a matter of time...))
Senate Based on Population: Nope the last thing we need is more senseless and counter productive voting.
Proposal to Revise the Belgian Constitution: Abstain
Child Labor Act of 1876: Abstain my concern with this is that it may cause families depending on their children's incomes may not be able to support them selves any longer.
First off Herr Wolff I'm a count so I would much prefer you address me as such or atleast as Heer van de Velde.
Now the reason why the argue ends are similar is due to the fact that election are absurd. In can't form they take when you have the people pick someone they pick the most charismatic, flashy and best liar. It insane that our lower house is mostly controlled by these men but, to do the same to our upper house, an establishment that has fought for what's god for Belgium is just a tragedy.
- Christian van de Velde, Count of Ypres, Minister of Education
Senate Based on Population: Nope the last thing we need is more senseless and counter productive voting.
Proposal to Revise the Belgian Constitution: Abstain
Child Labor Act of 1876: Abstain my concern with this is that it may cause families depending on their children's incomes may not be able to support them selves any longer.
First off Herr Wolff I'm a count so I would much prefer you address me as such or atleast as Heer van de Velde.
Now the reason why the argue ends are similar is due to the fact that election are absurd. In can't form they take when you have the people pick someone they pick the most charismatic, flashy and best liar. It insane that our lower house is mostly controlled by these men but, to do the same to our upper house, an establishment that has fought for what's god for Belgium is just a tragedy.
- Christian van de Velde, Count of Ypres, Minister of Education
