Edge of Europe - A Belgian Interactive AAR

[ThunderHawk3]

I would like to make the following addition to my previous statement on the likely illegality of the PM:s action to dissolve the Government and call new elections:

While it is so that an action that is contrary to the Constitution which is committed by the Government shall, according to Ch11 A15, lead to its immediate dissolution and new elections, the fact of the matter remains that this must be ruled upon by the Supreme Court (Ch11 A11). The Prime Minister can not—under existing law—on his own accord decide that he has violated the Constitution and enforce the sanctions in Ch11 A15. That said, such an action is—in my opinion—without a doubt a violation of the Constitution in itself. However, such a procedure becoming standard would diminish the gravity of Constitutional Violations, and it has not been definitely ruled upon by the only institution with the authority to interpret the Constitution as well as apply the sanctions in the latter half of Ch11. The Supreme Court is the organ which decides to apply the sanctions. This might seem more like a trivial question of procedure, but in a modern country such as ours, proper procedure is important.

The resignation of Acting President van de Werve is irrelevant to this predicament, see Ch3 A11 (as interpreted in BSC 1926:1 (an account of the case "[1148 BEL 651 (1926)]")).

—Deputy Juriste Aléatoire

((The Supreme Court has already ruled on this matter. The opinion that followed the resignation of the PM addressed the question of whether the Prime Minister could call new elections - he can. I left ambiguity as to whether or not this requires a vote, but I think we shall assume that if the Prime Minister wants to call new elections, he gets new elections - particularly since I told Jako to call new elections so it was already my opinion that he could...))

 

[Nax24]

I would like to Sue the Simple Times for Libel.
The accusations of this petty little newspaper are inaccurate, as any informed Belgian knows. The statements of this paper, therefore, are malicious, pernicious, and publicly damaging lies portrayed as truth-- the definition of Libel.
I am shocked to be so publicly and so inaccurately defamed.
Gars Marlou Rapace

---

Additions:
Party unity is not at all shaken. When our candidate is chosen, we shall fully support him.
De plus, D'Ursel is a deserter (of the party), as he has publicly stated.

I would like to accuse Mister Replace for sedition. He is only trying to silence the newspaper because it speaks badly about his favorite candidate, something that destroys the point of Free Press.

-"Luthor"

 

[Dyranum]

I would like to accuse Mister Replace for sedition. He is only trying to silence the newspaper because it speaks badly about his favorite candidate, something that destroys the point of Free Press.

-"Luthor"

Sedition? Pfft. Do you even understand that word?

That said, do we even have an Act on the matter? One should keep in mind that the ability to limit Freedom of Expression is a very new addition to the Constitution, actually one of the last changes to the Old Constitution (in 1916, right before the Constitutional Convention). Said ability was only slightly eased with the new Constitution (quite insufficient, if I may say so myself. The supremacy of the Parliament should not be challenged ... unless it's made up of people who have no connection to reality at all). With regards to the strange composition of this Chamber during that time until today—filled with liberals and socialists—I doubt that a sensible act such as one on sedition has been passed. Even if one has been passed, it would likely not be sensible, being supported by Socialists and all. Because they're, you know, Socialists. And that's terrible.

—Deputy Lanterfanter den Tweede Slak

((The Supreme Court has already ruled on this matter. The opinion that followed the resignation of the PM addressed the question of whether the Prime Minister could call new elections - he can. I left ambiguity as to whether or not this requires a vote, but I think we shall assume that if the Prime Minister wants to call new elections, he gets new elections - particularly since I told Jako to call new elections so it was already my opinion that he could...))

((That was my conclusion OOC, but since we're nearing the end of the game, the thought was: Why not raise a rabble over it? There are, after all, legitimate arguments IC, and that's what matters. ))

 

[oxfordroyale]

Can we please all refrain from suing and counter-suing each other due to petty offences and overlarge egos? Belgium is in bad enough shape without those responsible for its governance and news-making behaving like children. The media can say whatever they like (it's called "free press", learn it) but should'nt present falsehoods as fact, and politicians can take offence to "slanderous remarks" but should be smart enough not to show it (let alone respond to it with a lawsuit). Now for Heaven's sake, grow up!

- Tristan van Halle

 

[Nax24]

Another reason why LaCarcassone wont be elected: His supporters try to eliminate free opinionated press.
-Lex Laurent

 

[ThunderHawk3]

((Here's who's running for what. EDIT: Folks, there are some people running for both the Presidency and their party leadership... you can't do both, since the President can't be an MP. Choose one.))

BSU:
Maarten Loewen ((Somberg))
Etienne Burke ((Davout))

CCU:
Hans Müller ((LatinKaiser))
Gars Malou Rapace ((JackBollda))

LDP:
Nicephore Maga ((Riccardo93))
Maximilian Aerts ((jeeshadow))

PPB:
Lucius Viktor Salvatore ((Contravarius))

RF:
Ernest van't Boske ((Belgiumruler))
Lukas van der Metrey ((GreatUberGeek))

NDP:
Samuel Vanderhoof ((Dadarian))
Tristan van Halle ((oxfordroyale))

President:
Nicephore Maga ((Riccardo93))
Ryckewaert van Hecke ((Otto of england))
Guy Oultremont ((Ab Ovo))
Louis LaCarcassone ((Andrew Massena))
Felix Fontaine ((naxhi24))
Édouard-Camille Flandin ((Maxwell500))
Robert Marie Léon D'Ursel ((Jako473))
Lukas van der Metrey ((GreatUberGeek))

 

[Revan529]

Minister Maga announced his intention to drop out of the LDP leadership race, endorsing Monsieur Aerts.

 

[Somberg]

As leader of the BSU, my greatest priority would be to secure cooperation with both the NDP and LDP in the formation of a government. The failure of the CCU to retake Java and the resulting loss of Belgian lives is atrocious and intolerable. We did not send our men only to have incompetence from the highest reaches of the chain of command result in their slaughter by the Javanese rebels. The CCU has failed to effectively lead the nation as we slowly find ourselves in the midst of a global economic downturn the likes of which the world has never seen. They must be rid of and replaced with the BSU, which shall provide strong leadership and hope at a time when the people of Belgium desperately need it. We must rebuild our military and revitalize our economy. Now more than ever do we need to prevent the vultures of Europe from descending upon us at this time of great weakness, now more than ever do we need the BSU in government in cooperation with the NDP and LDP to lead us through these dark and uncertain times. There is hope for the future and for Belgium, but only if we recognize the need for a change within the government. As leader of the BSU this would be my greatest focus and I hope that my fellow socialists support me in my efforts.

~ Maarten Loewen, Deputy for Leuven

 

[Andre Massena]

A baffled old man reads Glory and Nothingness

I don't understand it

 

[ThunderHawk3]

The 1931 Primaries​

​

​

​

National embarrassment and depression at the loss to Belgium - along with the vast bulk of the nation's proud armed forces - ultimately contributed to the muted tone of the 1931 Primaries. Campaigning was mostly quiet and disaffected, punctuated by a handful of boisterous disputes and outpourings of emotion. Many old-guard politicians, particularly in the coalition, simply disappeared, retiring into obscurity or shame. Cries to reform the military punctuated the silence of the campaign, with many legislators demanding changes in the armed forces. The Belgian Military announced the creation of an independent internal review panel to inquire into the army's devastating defeat in Java, though many regarded the move with cynicism.

The candidates in the primaries were a mixture of the new and old guards; no fewer than seven politicians declared their candidacies for the Presidency of Belgium, though with no obvious frontrunner, the future of the nation's highest office remained very much in dispute. One of these seven candidates was the Duke of Ursel. His decision to throw his hat into the ring raised eyebrows in many political circles, as blame for Belgium's defeat in the Javanese war had fallen particularly heavy on him. One critical paper noted, "D'Ursel may have staunch backers in the CCU but to believe that he could win the Presidency after his abysmal performance as Prime Minister is nothing short of fanciful. The man is now living in his own universe." Even the conservative press were hesitant to endorse him.

The CCU leadership itself came to a race between dark horse Hans Müller and newcomer Gars Malou Rapace, both relative unknowns to a party used to dealing with a more firm establishment. In the LDP, Maximilian Aerts avoided a runoff with Nicephore Maga when the latter dropped out to seek the presidency; the RF against split between van't Boske and van der Metrey, while Samuel Vanderhoof - heir of the ancient Vanderhoof dynasty - re-entered the ring and chose to dispute with Tristan van Halle for the NDP nomination. The BSU - widely expected to gain seats after the failed invasion - was forced to choose between two oldguardsment - Etienee Burke, a respected ex-general, and Maarten Lowen, one of the old party faithfuls. However, little was certain as the campaigns began. With so many newcomers, many normally talkative Belgian political commentators found themselves at a loss to make predictions. The 1931 election was up in the air.

Primary Candidates​

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

Hans Müller ((LatinKaiser)) - Pro Military/Pluralism/Interventionism/Free Trade/Full Citizenship = [1+1+1+1+2=6]

Gars Malou Rapace ((Jackbollda)) - ???/???/???/???/??? = [?+?+?+?+?=?????]

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

Samuel Vanderhoof ((Dadarian)) - ???/???/???/???/??? = [?+?+?+?+?=?????]

Tristan van Halle ((oxfordroyale)) - Pro Military/Secularism/Laissez-Faire/Free Trade/Full Citizenship = [1+2+2+1+2=8]

Liberal Democrat Candidates: ((Liberal, In Coalition))

Maximilian Aerts ((jeeshadow)) - ???/???/???/???/??? = [?+?+?+?+?=?????]

Belgian Social Union: ((Socialist, In Opposition))

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

Etienee Burke ((Davout)) - ???/???/???/???/??? = [?+?+?+?+?=?????]

Revolutionary Front: ((Socialist-Communist, In Opposition))

Ernest van't Boske ((Belgiumruler)) - Pro Military/Atheism/Planned Economy/Protectionism/Full Citizenship = [1+3+3+0+2=9]

Lukas van der Metrey ((GreatUberGeek)) - Jingoism/Secularism/Planned Economy/Protectionism/Full Citizenship = [0+2+3+0+2=7]

People's Party Candidates: ((Fascist, In Opposition))

Lucius Viktor Salvatore ((Contravarius)) - Anti Military/Atheism/State Capitalism/Protectionism/Limited Citizenship = [2+3+0+0+1=6]


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

Player Actions Needed:
I've again marked everyone as a major party. In addition to votes on the candidates, vote on the [post=18145043]Van der Wyngaert Act[/post] and the [post=18145521]Labour Exchanges Act[/post].

Sample Ballots:

Candidate: Any Candidate/Abstain

[post=18145043]Van der Wyngaert Act[/post]: Yes/No/Abstain
[post=18145521]Labour Exchanges Act[/post]: Yes/No/Abstain

[Your Party Here]

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. This does mean that even if you have multiple characters you can only vote once.

Two days for the vote, ending 8 PM PDT on the 6th (the 7th, 4 AM GMT, assuming I don't find out a new party has been conjured from the aether)

 

[Somberg]

Candidate: Maarten Loewen

Van der Wyngaert Act: Aye
Labour Exchanges Act: Aye

[BSU]

~ Maarten Loewen, Deputy for Leuven

 

[Jack LEagle]

Candidate: Etienne Burke

[BSU]

Pieter Hendrickx

 

[Davout]

Candidate: Etienne Burke

Van der Wyngaert Act: Aye
Labour Exchanges Act: Aye

Etienne Burke

(BSU)

 

[Jako473]

Candidate: Hans Müller

Van der Wyngaert Act: Nay
Labour Exchanges Act: Nay

[CCU]

 

[TJDS]

Canidate: Maarten Loewen

Van Der Wyngaert Act: Yes
Labour Exchanges Act: Yes

BSU

 

[sealy300]

Candidate: Maarten Loewen

Van der Wyngaert Act: Yes
Labour Exchanges Act: Yes

[BSU]

~Jean di Picardie

 

[Contravarius]

Candidate: Lucius Viktor Salvatore dom Contravarius-Parma y Dvoyonostov-Mondragones

Van der Wyngaert Act: No
Labour Exchanges Act: Yes


- C of the [PPB]

 

[DensleyBlair]

A baffled old man reads Glory and Nothingness

I don't understand it

((It's hardly a complex novel... ))

 

[Jako473]

((It's hardly a complex novel... ))

((Argh! there are no pictures!))

 

[Belgiumruler]

Candidate: Ernest van't Boske

Van der Wyngaert Act: Yes
Labour Exchanges Act: Nay, this is an unneeded liberal reform proposed by a retarded socialist.

[RF]

- Your Friend, Ernest van't Boske

((and Contravarius, this are not yet presidential elections, so I doubt you should pick me as your candidate, unless you decided to join the RF ))