Should Belgium become a republic? Yes
Conditions for Dissolution Bill: Yes
Incorporation Amendment: Yes
I declare that I will be running for the leadership of the BSU.
In making this declaration, I make no criticism of our present leader, M. de Leeuw. On the contrary, he has led us proudly in the footsteps of M. Loewen to become the senior party of the Government. Furthermore, he has disproved his critics by his astounding work in the Foreign Department. By virtue of applying the principles of socialist brotherhood to diplomatic relations, he has achieved what so many said could not be done, namely to strengthen our ties with our Spanish comrades without provoking a war with France. Should I be unsuccessful in my bid, I would feel no shame as I have full confidence in M. de Leeuw's ability to lead us again.
My decision to nominate is not to say M. de Leeuw has not done much but rather that I feel I can lead us further beyond the heights which he has already scaled. The BSU has shown that through solidarity of the workers, we can achieve a position of influence in the government, a voice for the common people. However, one goal has eluded us to date. Despite the fact that we are the largest party in the Chamber, our leader was not the Prime Minister. This is because of concerns as to M. de Leeuw’s past, imputing the passions of his youth upon the man he has matured into.
On the other hand, I acknowledge that I have come from a more privileged background. In exile, my father and I did not suffer the hardships of those living under the heel of the twice damned Beauffort. However, this does have the benefit that I can come to the bargaining table with the moderate parties with clean hands, with the benefit of my record as Commerce Minister, with a reputation of reform in moderation as is the way of the Fabian Society. I can present a face of Socialism in Belgium which cannot be slurred with allegations of recklessness or violence against the state. I can demonstrate that Socialism is the source of Belgium’s redemption rather than a demon to be feared as the Reactionaries would have the people believe.
My nomination is also an opportunity for the BSU to refute the aspersions of the SDP that there is no place for moderates in the BSU. Our strength lies in our unity, and our unity lies in covering a broad spectrum of Socialism, from radicals to Fabians. We are all brethren in the struggle for a better future for the common people of Belgium. We all subscribe to the tenets that Socialism shows the way for modern society to organise itself for the benefit of all, not just the few. If the BSU turns its back on the Moderates simply because they are too patient is their process, the BSU risks alienation and impotence, handing power to the Conservatives who will readily align with the Liberals to gain power in an effort to undo our good work.
To that end, I outline my platform:
Pro-military – We have in the past been wary of our armed forces. However, the coups of the past are in the past. The modern Belgium military are not the Damseauxs and Le Beaus of our nightmares. Since the days of Marechal van Stern, our military has come to represent the General Will rather than the will of the general. I have come to know General Thaddee well over the years and I have no hesitation in trusting him with the security of Belgium as I trust him with the life of my son who serves in the Army. We need a strong army and navy to protect the Socialist state from reactionary powers. To weaken the armed forces is to weaken Socialism itself.
State Capitalism – During my term as Commerce Minister, I have seen that Capitalism has run its course. The entrepreneurs will not lead us into the new industries of the Twentieth Century. Only the State, through well trained managers, has the vision to establish new factories and produce new wares of the kind we cannot even now imagine. We must look to social utility, not personal greed, as the guiding star of our industry. If we ask the question what is best for the people, rather than what makes the most money for my pocket, we get an entirely different answer. As part of this process, I am particularly desirous of implementing a plan which I discussed at length with my father many years ago when he was Minister, namely, the establishment of a naval steamship yard and an artillery arsenal. These new works will provide Belgium with self sufficiency in the production of weapons of such destruction that they will deter any outside aggression.
Secularism – I will not denigrate a man for his religion but each man’s faith is his own, each man’s duty is to his country. We must progress unfettered by the dogma of the past, and apply our scientific knowledge, free of the restraints of religious doctrine, to the optimum benefit of Belgium. Charity is a noble motivation but it is not the sole preserve of the organised faiths. We can achieve more through well considered social planning and welfare benefits than upon the random dispensation of gratuities to the poor and starving.
Full citizenship – We have come too far for any one to seriously challenge in this day and age the right of those willing to embrace the Belgian cause the right to become citizens of our nation. As the grandson of an immigrant, I stand a living proof of the wisdom of such an inviting policy.
Protectionism – Whilst State Capitalism will lead the way to more modern factories, it remains the case that the State must be vigilant to extend a protective arm around its fledgling industries lest they smothered at birth by foreign competitors. We must weed out the obsolete but protect the modern.
I ask all Belgians, particularly those who have not previously voted for the BSU to consider my words carefully. Consider now whether it may be in the best interest of your nation and yourselves to embrace Socialism, to join our cause, to help us to finally lead Belgium as a modern nation under a modern party, a shining example to Europe that Socialism can govern through the ballot box, not just through the revolution.
To those of you who choose not to join the BSU, if elected leader of this great party, I will extend a hand of friendship to each of other party to seek to form a coalition before the elections, so that the voters may see who stands for or against the BSU. You know me well and know that I am a person who will respect your beliefs and deal fairly with you. Let us work together for the common good of all Belgians as we face the challenges of the future.
Frederic Burke
BSU