Edge of Europe - A Belgian Interactive AAR

[Jackbollda]

.......

((A fine ushanka on that one.))

 

[Contravarius]

((A fine ushanka on that one.))

((Papakha. Not an ushanka. Difference between the two is that papakha is higher, does not have ear flaps, is usually made of Karakul sheep skin (best ones from the skin of lambs) and is far-far more expensive. One is for an high-ranking officer while the other is for a stinkin' Soviet proletarian-soldat - a worker with a gun in his hand.))

 

[Holy.Death]

Region: Flanders

Party: BNF
Minister of Flanders: Abstain

- Théodore Matthias Petit, Delegate from Hansselt

 

[Plank of Wood]

Region: Flanders
Party: CCU
Minister of Flanders: Vanderhoof

- Vroomen

 

[Jackbollda]

((Papakha. Not an ushanka. Difference between the two is that papakha is higher, does not have ear flaps, is usually made of Karakul sheep skin (best ones from the skin of lambs) and is far-far more expensive. One is for an high-ranking officer while the other is for a stinkin' Soviet proletarian-soldat - a worker with a gun in his hand.))

((It's epic that you know the differences, Cont. ))

 

[Contravarius]

((It's epic that you know the differences, Cont. ))

((Well, I own a great big black papakha. ...And I tend to do my research before having something personally made.))

 

[G.K.]

Dear Monsieur de Broqueville,

First of all, congratulations on being elected leader-for-life of the BNF. May your reign be long and prosperous and all that.

Now, on to business. I'll be quite honest: I don't care for your fascism business much at all. I think it's a load of nonsense, frankly, and badly-written nonsense at that, if some of your compatriots are anything to go by. Be that as it may, I've read about your Flamme Noire and was admittedly captivated. Finally, I thought, another airman with spirit, with chutzpah, as some of my Cambridge friends would say. I think, in the spirit of friendly competition, that we ought to organize an air show in Brussels, with races and stunt competitions. I've been contacting a few other pilots (none as skilled as either of us, but a two-man race is no fun at all) and think we may be able to put something together. We'll see who's the best and look good doing it.

Please let me know if you're interested. I've been working on something special for the occasion; hopefully you'll bring your best plane as well. Good luck!

Yours truly,
Antoine Marie Stark-Moreau

Dear Monsieur Stark-Moreau,

I was very pleased to receive your letter. I consider it necessary to say that Fascism is in no way a "business", it is an ideology that has clearly gained its sympathizers amongst all Belgians regardless of class or nationality, one that seeks to guide the Nation forward to a brighter future. I am sure you appreciate progress in the same way I do, and in the same way our efforts represent technological progress of the mankind, Fascism represents the social and ideological progress leading to a better society for all.

I have to admit that I may not be in my top form as I am now spending most of my time and energy in service to Belgium, but such a challenge can't be turned down. After all, this may be the first event of its kind here in Belgium. Flamme Noire IV performed marvelously in all 4 test flights so far, its speed and maneuverability were a pleasant surprise for all my mechanics and engineers. I am sure that such a competition will help the generals and politicians recognize the endless opportunities these machines can provide when compared to the balloons our army currently employs, and encourage more young pioneers to join us in our fight to conquer the sky.

So, I am honoured to accept the challenge and join you in the fight for progress.

Your sincerely,

Philippe-Auguste, Marquis de Broqueville, The Leader of the BNF

Philippe-Auguste posing for a photo next to Flamme Noire IV



(([video=youtube;UPgS26ZhqZs]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPgS26ZhqZs[/video] ))​

 

[ThunderHawk3]

((Voting is now closed. I am not in a position to update tonight, but will attempt to do so tomorrow.))

 

[Maxwell500]

After discussions between myself, Adelaide Van der Wyngaert and Léon-Philippe van de Werve it has been decided that our respective parties will enter into coalition. It is our hope that together we can form a government that will represent the Belgian people and that will strive to ensure national unity and stability. Should polling however not show in our favor we will attempt to form a minority government.

J. H. Savarin
Chairperson of the National Democratic Party

 

[theAhawk]

I can confirm Mdme. Savarin's declaration. It is my hope that we will be able to cooperate peacefully with all Belgians for the common good.

~ Adélaïde, Duchess of Benin
Leader of the Liberal Democratic Party

 

[99KingHigh]

I can also confirm Mdme. Savarin's declaration. We must strive for unity and moderation when confronted by pernicious villainy.

- Léon-Philippe van de Werve

 

[Davout]

((Sorry guys, but polling should show that your coalition will be well short of majority. On my math there are 8 Fascists, 8 Socialists and 11 CCU/NDP/LDP coalition. You need to find a Red or Black dance partner.))

 

[Gen. Marshall]

I would urge the Socialist bloc to actually co-operate with the existing coalition, in exchange for social guarantees by the parties in power. For example, an amendment to secure 100% social spending at all times is long overdue, considering that many Belgians can only survive due to these small subsidies.

- Valérie van der Wyngaert

 

[99KingHigh]

((Sorry guys, but polling should show that your coalition will be well short of majority. On my math there are 8 Fascists, 8 Socialists and 11 CCU/NDP/LDP coalition. You need to find a Red or Black dance partner.))

((Yes, we know. Hence the Minority.))

 

[Davout]

I agree with Mme Van der Wyngaert. The BSU should work with the Centrists to form government. We cannot allow the Fascists to get their foot in the door.

Brig Gen Etienne Burke
(BSU)

 

[ThunderHawk3]

((Final tally.))

BNF: 8 [58]
NDP: 4 [28]
BSU: 8 [57]
CCU: 3 [21]
LDP: 5 [36]

((One unclear ballot counted as BNF.))

Wallonia:
Francois Leandres ((Somberg)): 3
Johann Wolff ((Thoctar)): 3
Jean di Picardie ((sealy300)): 1

((Results in a tie between top two candidates after elimination of Jean di Picardie))

Flanders:
Samuel Vanderhoof ((Dadarian)): 5
Dorijan Alain-Maaike van Cambille ((Jackbollda)): 3
Gerrard van Prinsterer ((TJDS)): 3
Abstain: 3

((Results in a tie between bottom two candidates; tie regardless of who is eliminated.))

Brussels:
Pieter Hendrickx ((Jack LEagle)): 3
Antoine Moreau ((Scrapknight)): 4

((Moreau wins.))

 

[ThunderHawk3]

The 1911 General Election: Minority​

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​

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1. The Election Results​

The 1911 General Election came just two years after the 1909 General Election, the two closest elections in Belgian history - excepting the two memorable general elections of 1866. 1911 would see major shifts in parliamentary representation among Belgium's five major parties despite the short interval between polls. These shifts included a precipitous rise in support for Belgium's fascist movement. The BNF, which had taken 23.5% of the vote in the previous election, saw its share rise to 28.6%. Ten new fascist MPs would swell the ranks of the BNF in the incoming 1911 Parliament, bringing the total commanded by National Front to 58.

2. Seat breakdown, 1911​

BNF gains were lock-step with those of their archenemies, the BSU. The two parties had tied in 1909 and they tied in 1911, as the BSU also took 28.6% of the vote and 57 seats, the single-seat advantage to the BNF coming with just the tiniest of margins of victory. However, despite swelling support for both the BSU and the BNF, neither would participate in the coming government. The Conservative Christian Union, Liberal Democratic Party, and National Democratic Party announced their intention to form a minority government shortly after the election. The three parties took 21 seats, 36 seats, and 28 seats respectively, for a total of 85 deputies. While the LDP had actually gained a seat, the NDP faced a significant 7-seat loss (mostly to the BSU), while the CCU suffered a crippling 14-seat deficit (mostly to the BNF) from its 1909 totals with the departure of Thaddee from the leadership. The losses left the three-party coalition without a strict majority. Theirs would be Belgium's first minority government, dependent on the mutual hatred of the BSU and the BNF; to keep each other out of power, the extremes would have to suffer the rule of the center.

3. Changes in Parliament​

The regional races were unusually close in 1911. In Brussels, Antoine Moreau narrowly defeated Pieter Hendrickx, ending decades of radical communist rule in the capital province. In Wallonia, Francois Leandres and Johann Wolff deadlocked in the regional assembly with their supporters exactly equal in number. Leandres eventually defeated Wolff by a single vote to become the first fascist regional minister. In Flanders, by contrast, three candidates battled for control of the influential regional ministry, with influential dynast Samuel Vanderhoof leading Dorijan Alain-Maaike van Cambille and Gerrard van Prinsterer. After numerous ballots, in which Vanderhoof failed to secure an outright majority, Dorijan Alain-Maaike was ejected from the running, with most of his supporters backing Van Prinsterer. However, the transfer of support proved not to be great enough and, as in Wallonia, the contest was decided by one vote. Samuel Vanderhoof won reappointment as Minister of Flanders, keeping the important position firmly in Vanderhoof hands.



-------------------------

Player Actions Needed:

1909 graphs are going to stick around for a minute.

You've already formed a government. I have confirmed that no larger voting blocs exist, so the three-party coalition will be able to form a minority government. I'll give you a few days to get orders in, ministries sorted out, etc.

 

[Andre Massena]

The liberals have shown their colors. They have abandoned the worker for the capitalist and the reactionary.

A coalition with the right is still a deal with the devil, no matter how cuddly they seem without their insane brethren.

-Amedee Dupointe

 

[Revan529]

The liberals have shown their colors. They have abandoned the worker for the capitalist and the reactionary.

A coalition with the right is still a deal with the devil, no matter how cuddly they seem without their insane brethren.

-Amedee Dupointe

Was there any doubt that this would happen?

~ Pilonist commentator

 

[G.K.]

Following the announcement of the election results, Philippe-Auguste de Broqueville gave a speech to a large fascist crowd that gathered outside the building. The sun had already gone down and the weather was all but friendly as the sky was cloudy and the rain was falling from the sky, but the expectations and commitment of the diehard Fascists could not be diminished. Unlike during previous occasions, the front lines of the crowd were occupied by uniformed and armed men. De Broqueville, wearing his usual black uniform with all the medals for valour and heroism in the field of battle, looked enraged.

My Fellow Fascists!

Today, Belgium has become a victim of a heinous crime. The fear and paranoia in the ranks of our Savarinist and Bolshevik enemies has reached the top levels. BNF and Fascism enjoys great sympathy among the common Belgians, and our enemies are well aware of the threat this movement poses to their greed and personal profits. Fascism despises this corrupt system enforced on us, and Fascism is the only political movement striving for change for the good of the masses, for the good of the Nation. I have promised that I will put an end to the tyranny of grand capital and Bolshevik demagogues alike. BNF fought on our enemies' ground with their tools - and we would have succeeded. BNF came out as the strongest party in Belgium, and if it wouldn't be for what followed the polls, we would have been forming the government by now.

However, our enemies are not willing to admit that they lost all mandate to lead Belgium. Instead, facing possible defeat from the hands of Fascism, they used frauds and tricks to tamper with the election results. I have been hearing news from all over the country about the state officials discarding the votes for Fascists and even about outright violence committed by the Bolshevik militias against our brothers Fascists. All of us are the witnesses of the greatest crime in the history of Belgium, and Is wear to you, we shall not leave those responsible unpunished. No matter how hard the current usurpers try to cut us down, we will fight. We will not let the Savarinists and Bolsheviks enforce their rotten democratic system on us, and we will show them what the true, Fascist justice tastes like.

And to defend us from even more injustice, I have decided that the party needs to have its own means of defence, as the current corrupt leadership leaves all the criminal acts committed by the Bolshevik thugs unpunished. The Stormtroepen will be the iron fist of our movement, keeping us save from our enemies and getting us the means to strike back against the forces of evil. My fellow Fascists, the best of you were chosen to serve our cause in the front line of our battle for better Belgium. I expect nothing less of you than the same bravery you have shown in Normandie, Alsace and Paris! I expect your absolute loyalty to our cause, and I expect you to never show mercy to your enemies! A new era is coming to Belgium, and you are the ones who must bring it to the Nation! Glory to Belgium and glory to Fascism!

And then, the Stormtroepen, dressed in black shirts with a red-yellow-black armbands around their right arms and rifles on their backs, stretched their right arm forward to the eye level with a clenched fist and univocally shouted:

"Glory to you, the Leader of Belgium!"

The armband worn by the members of BNF's militias. The party's capabilities to fight were limited by the disorganization of their forces and Van de Velde-de Broqueville act (As de Broqueville once allegedly mentioned to Leandres when discussing this piece of legislation, his grandfather "did hid best to ruin his life even years after he was dead."), but the introduction of the official, unified militia significantly strengthened the BNF.​

Soon enough, the violence has broken out in Brussels and other major cities. The fascist militias quickly got violent, and news of clashes between the Stormtroepen and various leftist groups ranging from radical Communists to liberal students were coming from all the corners of the country. Several people were killed, many more injured. Some buildings, including an office of a new BSU deputy were burned. The wave of political violence hit Belgium once again with full force.

The Stormtroepen battalion posing for a photo in rural Belgium. Units like this engaged in combat all over Belgium.​

((GM Approved))