Edge of Europe - A Belgian Interactive AAR

[ThunderHawk3]

((Assessment of the situation))

GDNS Act, v2: 3/0/0

Belgian Social Union:
Christiaan Loewen ((Somberg))
Josef de Leeuw ((Belgiumruler))

Conservative League:
Christian van de Velde ((Otto of england))
Jean-Joseph de St Sebastien ((Riccardo93))
Alexandre de Lannoy ((Marschalk))

Centrist Alliance:
Andrei Popa Vanderhoof ((Dadarian))
Jean-Luc Poisson ((theAhawk))

National Democratic Party
Pierre Savarin ((Scrapknight))
Willem De Graaf ((G.K.))

Minister of Wallonia:
Isidore Herriot ((Ab Ovo))

Minister of Flanders:
Andrei Popa Vanderhoof ((Dadarian))

Minister of Brussels:
(None)

Agitators:
Vlaamse Beweging ((yourworstnightm - I'll seat him in the next election))

 

[Thoctar]

I will be standing for the leadership of the Centrist Alliance. I would also like to introduce a CA-only vote to revert the name to the Moderate Liberal Party.

 

[Dadarian]

I will be standing for the leadership of the Centrist Alliance. I would also like to introduce a CA-only vote to revert the name to the Moderate Liberal Party.

Welcome to Parliament, I hope you won't use your father's coattails to try to gain leadership. Oh ... wait.

 

[Harpsichord]

I, Christof Peeters, shall again stand for Minister of Flanders.

 

[unmerged(718634)]

((I coulda sworn it was just two days... Oh well I suppose, back now ))

Following deep thought and conversation with friends, family, and associates I shall put myself in to the Running for the Ministry of Flanders.

~ de Vos

 

[Terraferma]

GDNS Act v2: Yes

~ Jacques Dieric Chief of the Army

 

[ThunderHawk3]

The 1886 Primaries: Death and Retirement​

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The 1886 leadership contests were remarkable for two reasons - first, the retirement of such a large number of incumbents, and second, the huge wave of disputants who rose to replace them. For the first time in nearly a half-century, every major political party in Belgium was facing a competitive race for control of the party. This was in so small part due the disappearance of the old guard.

In 1886, many politicians - some of whom had entered politics shortly after the 1833 Revolution - finally retired, admitting that the political landscape was now too alien and rapidly-changing, or just that age had caught up to them. Franz Ludwig Wolff, the German immigrant who had twice served as Prime Minister, announced his official retirement from Parliament, Centrist leadership, and political life in late 1880. He promptly died. Three suitable candidates, the distinguished "Lord" Minister of Flanders, Andrei Popa Vanderhoof, Jean-Luc Poisson, 2nd Duke of Benin, and Johann Wolff, the late Wolff's son, all rose to replace him.

The notoriously lock-step NDP also had its first competitive race in the post-Beauffort era when William DeWitt (who had only ever accepted the job for lack of candidates) stepped down as party leader. Pierre Savarin, son of the former party leader, and dark horse Willem De Graaf contested to replace him. Both men were openly Republican and radically liberal, quashing any hopes that the right might have had for the moderation of the NDP after DeWitt's departure. Ironically, a moderate liberal party did seem to be on the horizon, but not in the form of the NDP - Andrei Popa Vanderhoof proposed the CA change its name back to the Moderate Liberal Party, an ominous gesture towards leftism for those on the right.

While Christaan Loewen returned to seek the socialist party leadership once again, there was - seemingly as ever - a De Leeuw to oppose him. Josef de Leeuw moderated his economic stance, but with his one-time ally Carl Coopens expelled from the United Worker's Party, the odds seemed stacked against the red firebrand. Working in his favor was the effective fall from grace of the Communist Party of Belgium, whose presence in the last two elections had not lived up to the revolutionary fervor of 1871.

While the right lost a few notable figures, including the exiled reactionary Van den Brucke and the long-time Minister of Commerce Edmund Burke, their leadership remained much unchanged. The Prime Minister again defended his leadership position from Alexandre de Lannoy, but with a new twist. Outspoken reactionary Christian van de Velde, Count of Ypres, finally threw his hat into the ring to promote far-right policies. His entry overshadowed the formation of the hard right reactionary "Right Party," composed of CL castaways who were seriously dissatisfied with the rapid pace of reform under a supposed "conservative" administration. The Conservative League viewed the new party with some concern. If Christian van de Velde and his wing of the party became disillusioned with the modern conservative league, the Right Party might grow quickly - and while a reactionary party would doubtlessly ally itself with none but the Conservative League, the unity of the blue and purple-blooded patriots would disappear.

The Separatist League and Vlaamse Beweging, decade-long allies of the NDP, remained in the political wilderness with the remnants of the Communist Party of Belgium. Talks between the three minor parties and the NDP to form a united opposition ballot against the conservative dominance of the Belgian political environment fell through amicably, with the bloc deciding that it was best to stand separately and wait.

Primary Candidates​

Conservative League Candidates: ((Conservative-Reactionary, In Power))

Jean-Joseph de St Sebastien ((Riccardo93)) - Pro-Military/Moralism/Interventionism/Protectionism/Full Citizenship [1+0+1+0+2=4]

Christian van de Velde ((Otto of england)) - Jingoism/Moralism/State Capitalism/Protectionism/Limited Citizenship [0+0+0+0+1=1]

Alexandre de Lannoy ((Marschalk)) - Pro-Military/Moralism/Interventionism/Protectionism/Full Citizenship [1+0+1+0+2=4]

Centrist Alliance Candidates: ((Liberal-Conservative, In Coalition))

Andrei Popa Vanderhoof ((Dadarian)) - Pro Military/Pluralism/Laissez-Faire/Free Trade/Full Citizenship [1+1+2+1+2=7]

Jean-Luc Poisson ((theAhawk)) - Anti-Military/Secularism/Laissez-Faire/Free Trade/Full Citizenship [2+2+2+1+2=9]

Johann Wolff ((Thoctar)) - Pro Military/Pluralism/Laissez-Faire/Free Trade/Full Citizenship [1+1+2+1+2=7]

National Democrats Candidates: ((Anarcho-Liberal, In Opposition))

Pierre Savarin ((Scrapknight)) - Anti-Military/Secularism/Laissez-Faire/Free Trade/Full Citizenship [2+2+2+1+2=9]

Willem de Graaf ((G.K.)) - Anti-Military/Secularism/Laissez-Faire/Free Trade/Full Citizenship [2+2+2+1+2=9]

Belgian Social Union Candidates: ((Socialist, In Coalition))

Christiaan Loewen ((Somberg)) - Anti-Military/Secularism/State Capitalism/Protectionism/Full Citizenship [2+2+0+0+2=6]

Josef de Leeuw ((Belgiumruler)) - Anti-Military/Secularism/State Capitalism/Protectionism/Full Citizenship [2+2+0+0+2=6]


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Player Actions Needed:
The four major parties vote on their leaders. The Belgian Social Union will vote on changing its name back to the United Workers Party (which was proposed several elections ago but I embarrassingly forgot about it) and the Centrist Alliance will vote on [post=16752862]changing its name back to the Moderate Liberal Party[/post] (and presumably become an exclusively liberal party instead of current liberal-conservative designation).

theAhawk owes me a platform.

Sample Ballots:

Party: Conservative League
1st Choice Candidate: Abstain
2nd Choice Candidate: Abstain

Party: Centrist Alliance
1st Choice Candidate: Abstain
2nd Choice Candidate: Abstain
Change Name to "Moderate Liberal Party": Yes/No/Abstain

Party: National Democratic Party
Candidate: Abstain

Party: Belgian Social Union
Candidate: Abstain
Deputy Leader: Abstain
Change Name to "United Workers Party": Yes/No/Abstain




As a reminder, candidates may vote for themselves. All primaries are still closed, as far as I know, so you should only vote in one primary which, honor system, is your own party.

Two days for the vote, ending 8 PM PST on the 24th (the 25th, 4 AM GMT, assuming we do not rename the 25th to the 26th)

 

[unmerged(718634)]

Party: BSU
Candidate: Christiaan Loewen
Change to UWP: Nay

~ de Vos

 

[Somberg]

Party: Belgian Social Union
Candidate: Christiaan Loewen
Deputy Leader: Simon Giroux
Change Name to "United Workers Party": Nay

While I understand the desire for some of the more radical members of the party to change the name back to that of the UWP, the BSU was forged as a moderate socialist party and its name reflects that.

~ Christiaan Loewen, Minister of Justice and Leader of the BSU

 

[unmerged(718634)]

((Forgot Deputy Leader))

Deputy Leader: Simon Giroux

 

[Revan529]

An excerpt from the Baron d'Harfleur's speech shortly after the death of F.L. Wolff

...

Two days ago, one Belgium's longest serving and most devoted servants, Franz Ludwig Wolff, passed away shortly after announcing his well earned retirement from politics; his service to his nation stretches back to the founding of this great Kingdom, and his ability and determination, both as a Minister, a Head of two Governments, and as one of the longest serving deputies in our nation's near fifty year existence. He and I often stood opposed to one another, be it from the Age of Beauffort to this past government; however, his loyalty to Belgium, resolute and absolute, and his willingness to work across the aisle, helped bring some semblance of stability and union following those dark days in 1866, and his five years as my Deputy were spent ably overseeing the colonies, maintaining his party's loyalty to the government, and countless other tasks and accomplishments that would do little more than to add minor honours to this dignified man. I, and all of Belgium, mourn his loss.

And to his son, who now seeks to take his father's place as the leader of the Centrists, I wish him the best of luck.

Lastly, I wish both the Comte d'Ypres and the Duc d'Anjou the best in this campaign for the leadership of our venerable party. I hope and pray that, whoever among is triumphant, is blessed with wisdom and courage for these next five year.

~ Marechal Jean-Joseph de St Sebastien, Baron d'Harfleur and Prime Minister of Belgium

((
Party: Conservative
1st Choice Candidate: Jean-Joseph de St Sebastien
2nd Choice Candidate: Alexandre de Lannoy
))

 

[Thoctar]

I would like to clarify my political positions, and I understand that many are not clear about them. I did not initially wish to stand in this election, but I saw that both of the candidates had each strayed from the place this party should occupy. Vanderhoof wishes to bring the party to the left and partner, and possibly even merge it with the NDP. The other wishes to indelibly ally us with the Conservatives, until we eventually become simply sensible Conservatives. I believe we should choose the one which will grant us the better deal, the most influence in the post-electoral world. As a party that has always sought to keep Belgium on a moderate course, we must not falter in keeping Belgium on that course, and in becoming too closely allied with the left or the right. While I do have some similarities with my father, we also have differences. To begin with, I believe that private colonialism has failed, or at least has developed major problems. The colonies must be brought under firm State control, the reports from the Congo are simply troubling. While they may currently be culturally inferior, these Africans are fellow human beings, and many recently converted Christians as well! The pursuit of greed and money has blinded us to this, and threatens to destroy our humanity. I believe we must also invest more in state-funded research, to better advance the pursuit of progress within Belgium. Finally, we must invest into better economic improvements in the colonies, if we hope to give private enterprise the chance to fully develop them. ((Party: CA, Candidate: Wolff))

 

[atomicsoda]

Party: Belgian Social Union
Candidate: Christiaan Loewen
Deputy Leader: Simon Giroux
Change Name to "United Workers Party": Nay

 

[Belgiumruler]

Party: Belgian Social Union
Candidate: Josef de Leeuw
Deputy Leader: Abstain, the deputy leadership sounded good to me, so I voted for it. But it ended with an even bigger moderate dominance, because they would always support their friends.
Change Name to "United Workers Party": Yes, this is neccesary, for the reason that there is a large radical wing in the party. I am afraid, that the current name shows the name of a total moderate party, and the radical wing isn't represented with the name. The UWP was how it was before the Beauffort coup, and it was changed with the death of Jos de Leeuw. Please, return to this old name, show that we represent all of the left.

- Josef de Leeuw

 

[Davout]

Frederic Burke
Born: Bruges, 29 February 1844
Affiliation: BSU

Frederic, the eldest son Edmund Burke, Belgium’s longest serving Commerce Minister, served as first mate on his father’s clipper, the Serenity, during the Beauffort dictatorship, spending his youth as a smuggler. His exotic adventures attracted the attention of the beautiful daughter of a British General whose family lived near the Serenity’s home port of Penzance, and after many adventures, Frederic won the fair Mabel’s hand in marriage.

Upon his return to Belgium, Edmund insisted that Frederic obtain a proper education before taking over the family shipping company and Frederic completed a degree in economics at the Universitaire Faculteiten Sint Ignatius at Antwerp, one of the leading business schools in Europe. During his studies, he avidly read all of the modern economic theories which he discussed at length with his father. Whilst Edmund was more reserved than his son, he did not hinder Frederic’s desire to explore new ideas, including Socialism.

The Burke Shipping Company has continued to thrive, particularly in trade with the African colonies. The resulting wealth has allowed Frederic the time to indulge in his passion for intellectual enquiry. As a result of his frequent visits to England, he attended meetings of the Fellowship of the New Life in London, and became a strong advocate of their ideal of the cultivation of the perfect character in all persons. Frederic became a founding member of the break away Fabian Society and is seeking to set up a Belgian branch. Frederic is particularly intrigued by the current discussion on co-operative industries as an alternative to capitalism.

Whilst wary of the military from his days in exile, Frederic is ultimately in favour of a strong army provided it is used for the benefit of the people and to promote the benefits of European thinking in less enlightened areas of the world. He also supports the Empire as a vehicle for the improvement of the native population so that they may one day be able live fruitful lives like their Belgian masters.

******************************

Party: Belgian Social Union
Candidate: Loewen
Deputy Leader: Giroux
Change Name to "United Workers Party": Nay - Whilst I am new to the Belgian party, I must say that there is much to be gained from considering our Socialist brethren in Great Britain who see the benefits of Socialist thinking not in antagonistic terms of workers and owners but as an ideology for the good of society as a whole. The identification of our movement with only the worker class unnecessarily limits our appeal across the classes. All just men may be Socialists, not just workers.

 

[Scrapknight]

Party: National Democratic Party
Candidate: Pierre Savarin

A letter arrives at the de Graaf residence

Dear Willem,

Thank you for your heartfelt letter. I hope you didn't sincerely think I'd take your candidacy as a personal offense! I know that either of us is more than capable of leading this party, and we ought to let our voters decide on who they feel fits the bill. Regardless of who wins, there are great things in store for both us and our party. May the best man win.

Yours truly,
Pierre

 

[G.K.]

Party: NDP
Candidate: Willem de Graaf

 

[Otto of england]

Party: Conservative League
1st Choice Candidate: Christian van de Velde
2nd Choice Candidate: Alexandre de Lannoy

I wish my fellow candidates luck on this race and may the best man win.

- Christian van de Velde, Count of Ypres

 

[SirkTheMonkey]

"Let me say that it is good to be back in Belgium again after many years in Africa. But my happyness is tempered by the latest insanity to come from the so-called popular government. They expect us to look after the People. The recent increase in the minimum wage can only serve to bankrupt those businesses who run on razor-thin margins. Without those industries we would be reliant on foreign goods and money would not be flowing into Belgian pockets. The minimum wage itself only serves to rob the people of their rights. Businesses are robbed of their ability to pay workers within their means. Workers are robbed of their ability to compete amongst themselves. Belgium itself has been robbed of its ability to have healthy and profitable industry. It is vital that we fight this tide of anti-business thinking amongst those who lead the government.

"It is also vital that we take action against those behind the government. This Portician Society promised to be beyond politics but they've made a mockery of such things. The Chief of the Army has told deputies to vote in favour of a stark new set of laws that do little to help the common man and serve only to enlarge the government and its paramilitaries. The Society counts amongst its number a man who revolted against two governments in a row and somehow escaped prosecution thanks to our royal executive. And their living senior members have only ever voted in support of the government. Who knows what other influence they wield over our civil institutions. Who knows when we will slip into a dictatorship of generals unless we rally now.

"And of the executive. Our Regent has claimed many times that he is behind the Rubber Boom. Those scandalous tabloids who claim to tell the truth tell us that the true reason is that he owns many of these plantations. But I am sure that the truth is deeper than that. They claim that he owns the plantations but look at the records. His name appears nowhere. He has no part in this. My men were amongst the first to go down the Congo River. I saw the utility of Rubber decades ago. You look at my records, you'll see that I own many plantations in Nigeria and Yorubia. Surely I would know who the real rubber men are. To avoid the excesses of those behind the Crown we must act and act fast. We must push for a fair plebiscite on the question of Republicanism, a question that has simmered and brewed since the founding days of our great nation. A question that needs to be answered definitively and correctly.

"I hope to join this great party, the National Democratic Party, and pursue its goals of personal freedom, sensible government, and Republicanism."

Claude F. Palomer, self-proclaimed rubber magnate
At a speech at the National Democratic Party convention.

(EDITED: Removed request to be nominated for parliament. Too soon for that.))

---

((Bio in a later post, important details are born in 1844 + enrolled to vote in Brussels))

 

[Maxwell500]

Party: National Democratic Party
Candidate: Pierre Savarin

Joséphine Henriette Savarin