Breaking: Prime Minister Baschet announces HM The Queen has issued writs of election, calling for Nov. 7 Poll

"I have just seen Her Majesty the Queen and chaired a meeting of the Cabinet earlier this morning where we agreed to call a general election. We believe that the choice is clear between a Travailliste government that will continue to work for the interests of all Gaulois or a Fillon-led Democratic government that will be on the side of big business and the wealthy. Our record is something we can be proud of, a record of getting more than 300,000 of our citizens back into work, a record of receiving the highest amount of tax receipts without having to raise taxes on the middle class, and a record of delivering high quality healthcare, public services, transportation and others as we move towards record numbers in GDP and GDP per capita.

"Gallorum has expanded her reach of friendship into the heart of the European Union, securing deals with Icholasen and Inquista with more coming. We know what we have done but call on the people to return us if they are satisfied with the progress we have made."

This was the statement made by Elisabeth Baschet outside of the Hotel de Matignon in Aurelis, signalling that the anticipated general election would be held on November 7th, several months ahead of the scheduled May election,

"Now we will be able to secure a mandate to continue to govern and share big, bold ideas with every one of our citizens."

It is expected that Baschet and the Parti Travailliste will defeat Fillon and the Christian Democratic Party. At present, the lead is at 38% to 30% with key marginals paving the way for a majority Travailliste government for the first time since the fall of Nicolezian communism should the election be held today.

"Then we are agreed then!" Baschet said, turning to her staff. She felt this was going well.

"What else would you like to accomplish at this historic meeting? The significance for our nations can't be ignored truly."

"That is agreeable by the Gaulois government," said Prime Minister Baschet. She turned and looked at her ministers.

"We would like to propose friendly terms militarily. Now that Icholasen is no longer communist and in recognition that we helped maintain the royal house that now sits on the throne during their exile, we would like to see our nations get formally close militarily. There are strong nations to our south that could take us out individually. We need to make sure that the North is secure and strong with our nations as leaders here so that we can be taken seriously by the rest of the continent. The struggles I heard with that Davishire nation and Poland...it was not a good look for this region, and I don't think it has shaken off all the way yet. Let's not even talk about the Belgians and Prussians.

"The first step would be to limit the amount of nuclear weapons we are building. We should set it to match the ratio that we currently have between our stock piles and those of the Duxburian Union and Angleter have put together. The second step would be some joint industry research and trials in terms of arms manufacturing. If we work together on technology, I'm sure we can find a way to innovate and make our nations safer. The third step would be greater cooperation on intelligence, particularly the flagging and sending of threats found either through your side or ours...it is important that information gets sent at high levels very quickly. QGSC will get the information done in surveillance to you in about six minutes for imminent threats. at its most basic information level"

Baschet modded her head.

“Absolutely; a grace period can be arranged for a short stay of 3 months to secure employment in Gallorum or Icholasen.”

The Prime Minister was a bit stunned that negotiations started fairly soon, but remembered this is the fabled Eilidh Whiteford and she was always a no-nonsense woman, like herself. The positive image of two female leaders meeting and getting on with business struck a chord with Prime Minister Baschet, and she stumbled a bit to get her mind around the actual question.

"Oh...yes; I do believe that free movement of people will be essential. I would like to see the movement of people be free as it pertains to travel of course. That would mean no visa requirements to visit Gallorum or Icholasen. In terms of work in the other's nation, I do believe we can get to an agreement on your basis there. Our Gaulois government would like to see people showing proof of employment before the right of abode is granted to them if they wish to come to seek work. We also would like to establish a register of jobs between Icholasen and Gallorum that require people that we simply cannot fill at home. Then, yes, we would like to see a stay on people coming from Icholasen to Gallorum claiming welfare. We are a generous nation. We will teach you how to fish, tell you where to buy the best poles, give you even the best spots available to fish. But we will not fish for you. Proof of self-sufficiency and drive to succeed are at the cornerstone of Gaulois culture, as you know Korojanu Whiteford."

The other ministers looked quite shocked at how fast things were progressing.

"Remember, if you give an inch on defence Fillon and the Democrats will be on to you like flies on shit," responded Le Drian in the car as they drove to the centre of Saint Regina. Baschet rolled her eyes slightly. She was the first military serviceman since Charles de Gaulle to be Prime Minister of Gallorum, so she could hardly be described as someone dangerous to the military that she felt was the very part of her.

"I've got it, Le Drian," the Prime Minister answered. She looked at the city. It reminded her of Racines and Entrages, her hometown.

'It's amazing what propaganda and fear makes people believe. The city, the people...they're like us. We've been Francophone countries for generations and generations. Yet here we are...divided not only by the Sleeve...but by ideology and governments.'

The car stopped at the destination and the three government ministers got out first, allowing Prime Minister Baschet to step out last. The aides had since gotten out of their separate car as well. She saw Ms. Whiteford waiting for her at the entrance and Baschet let out a breath before exiting. A mix of flags for Icholasen and Gallorum and encouraging signs that read both in English and French for peace surrounded the cordoned off walkway.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Korojanu Whiteford," Baschet said to her counterpart. The others began to shake hands as they turned around for the photo opportunity. It was not often that real history would be made on a summit.

The skies above Saint Regina, Icholasen

Prime Minister Baschet had noticed that Eilidh Whiteford had secured her majority in her government, and continued to think about whether she should call an election in October to capitalise on the unpopularity of Francois Fillon and the Christian Democrats. Should she secure a landmark deal with Icholasen, a nation that was rich with history of conflict with Gallorum, it seemed almost inevitable.

She had brought with her the Armed Forces Minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian; Foreign Minister, Jean-Marc Ayrault; International Trade Minister, Michel Sapin and the Cabinet and Communications Minister, Audrey Azoulay. Azoulay had especially become the Prime Minister's confidante and one of her top ministers as her deputy. Baschet kept her cards close to the heart otherwise until she was ready to announce policy she thought of to the cabinet. Sure, the ministers could propose policy direction for the Government, but she ultimately made the decisions on those matters.

"Premier ministre, we are landing in Saint Regina now," replied a PMO aide.

"Well, it's a chance to warm up what has been nearly 30 years of a chilled relationship between our governments," Baschet said to her assembled team. "It is a priority that we walk away with better cooperation and support not only for Icholasen and Whiteford but for us as well."

The group got out of the car. The unseasonably overcast day seemed to be nature's way of welcoming the Gaulois to Icholasen. Just from her footsteps alone, she had become the first Prime Minister since Mitterand in 1990 to set foot in Icholasen.

The Royal Family

HRH Margrethe I, Queen of Gallorum and Empress of the Roman Peoples

• Spouse: HRH The Duke of Aurelis, Prince Consort of Gallorum (d. 2010)
• Issue: Frederic, Crown Prince of Gallorum (heir apparent); Joachim, Prince of Gallorum

Frederic, Crown Prince of Gallorum, Heir Apparent to the Throne

• Spouse: Marie, Crown Princess of Gallorum
• Issue: Prince Christian of Gallorum, Prince Vincent of Gallorum, Princess Isabella of Gallorum, Princess Josephine of Gallorum

Joachim, Prince of Gallorum

• Spouse: Alexandra, Comtesse d'Agoult (div. 2005); Marie, Duchess of Monzepat, Crown Princess of Gallorum
• Issue: Prince Nicholas of Gallorum, Prince Felix of Gallorum, Prince Henri of Gallorum, Princess Athene of Gallorum

04 September 2019
The Royal Address:

Mes pairs et mes adjoints, veuillez vous asseoir.

Mon gouvernement, my government, will work to continue to increase economic opportunities for all citizens of Gallorum. My government will begin by adjusting the tax rates across the board, lowering them for middle and lower income earners and eliminate credits for the higher income earners while lowering those tax brackets. This will ensure the public finances are in order, but gives incentives for individuals to find work and excel in their jobs as they will keep more of their earned monies.

My government will continue to look at lowering corporation tax to a flat 12% while eliminating the giveaways and backroom money given to them by the previous government. It is important that as Gallorum looks regionally to expand opportunities for investment and growth that it remains a competitive nation among the tax free Duxburian Union, and the low tax regimes of Inquista and Angleter.

My government will tackle the problems of suicides and mental health plaguing our young people. This will include increased mental health funding for CNAM and increased expansion of research into behavioural sciences. It is our duty as Christians and Gaulois to ensure that our young people have every chance at a life of health and excellence.

My government will continue to fund the armed forces at increasing levels. My government will see that by 2021, armed forces spending will breech 20%. This will bring us in line with our neighbours, allies, and partners in Europe and ensure that the Gaulois military is both an adequate defence force and one that can help in the varying 21st century conflicts that the Kingdom may find itself engaging in in future.

My government will build on relationships started by joining the European Union with several summits with Vayinaod, Icholasen and others. It is important and right that any government would seek to increase its list of friends, allies, trading partners, and others. Gallorum's place is an active one in Europolis and abroad, generating connections that will enrich its populace and be beneficial to all parties.

Education remains my government's main priority. My government will further reform the education system to improve quality and choice in the provision of school, and build on the progress already made to improve educational standards for all.

Legislation will be brought forward to offer greater support for working families by extending maternity benefits and improving the provision of childcare.

Instruments regarding the public finances will be laid before you, as well as other measures.

Mes pairs et mes adjoints, je prie pour que la bénédiction de Dieu tout-puissant repose sur vos conseils.

HRH Margrethe I, Queen of Gallorum and Empress of the Roman Peoples