European Order of Merit, Albína Reiserová, 2021
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In line with my party's policy of democratic centralism, I am strongly opposed to this motion, due to Motion 2245 of the its Congress, which condemns Socialist Republicanism as a fascist ideology, focused on class collaboration, nationalism, the "leadership principle," and the upholding of the state through a cultural policy which seeks to infantilize the working class as to subjugate it. By regulation of my party, I am indeed allowed to collaborate with Socialist Republicans who are committed to genuine socialism; but not such reactionaries as Reiserová.
Iras Tilkanas
Councillor for the Republic of Istkalen -
We should be examining the merits of the nominee, and whether her contributions to European culture should be commended and celebrated, as is laid out here. Promotion of arts and culture is one of grounds for awarding the European Order of Merit, hence why I have nominated the esteemed President under this category. I don't believe we should either disapprove or approve of any nominee simply on the grounds of their political affiliation. I think disregarding great accomplishments in the face of mere political partisanship will set a damaging and highly polarizing precedent of who deserves a European Order of Merit, which would then inevitably devolve into a partisan award show rather than a genuine commendations of true achievement.
While it clear that Cllr. Tilkanas is no fan of Socialist Republicanism, surely they can recognise the genius of President Reiserová's performance in A Red Wedding? How about her absolute tour de force presentation in The Longest First of May, where she so effortlessly showcased her method acting techniques? Of course, many critics at the time didn't understand the nuances of stiff-acting then, but many have come to see its genius now. Her acting is undeniably way before its time, demonstrating how much of a visionary she is, and how significant her contributions have been to the evolution of European cinema as a whole.
Bp. Karinn Lallana
Councillor for Inquista -
I have stated categorically that due to my party, which adheres to the principle of democratic centralism, passing a resolution on Socialist Republicanism and its cultural policy, I cannot vote for this act without first setting a bad precedent, especially when I am a member of its Central Committee, and second being expelled from my party. My personal opinion does not matter here, regardless of whatever it is. What matters is that I am barred, by virtue of being a member of the Communist Party of Istkalen, from supporting this motion at all.
Iras Tilkanas
Councillor for the Republic of Istkalen -
I am pleased to learn that the President of the Democratic Republic of Czech Slavia is recognized through Europe not only for her work and contribution to the political sphere but also for her contribution to the arts and culture. I wholeheartedly support this nomination. To those trying to diminish her contributions to culture based on their political agenda and perhaps because of a inferiority complex, I say that while the official recognition by the European Union would be fitting for the great leader Reiserová, for her the greatest sense of accomplishment comes not from titles and decrees of distinctions, but from the prosperity of the Czech people and from the fact that the films she starred in bring joy to the people of the World. And that is something that no politically motivated saboteur can not diminish.
I thank you, Councillor Lallana for this nomination. Just a little detail. Section III states that the "European Order of Merit Medallion which will bare a likeness of her own face on the medallion's face-value side" to which I would like to respectfully object. The Mother of the Nation and the Teacher of Nations is an incredibly humble woman, and would not appreciate her face being put on a Order.
Václav Kohout
Councillor for Czech Slavia -
Upon review of the party constitution, it appears that I can in fact voice opinions differing from it, although I cannot act on them. Many have been expelled for such things, but I will be able to defend myself.
I will say this first. I have no disagreement with President Reiserova. Her leadership has allowed for the continued construction of socialism in Czech Slavia; while she may have made some errors, it is not for me to criticize.
My issue with this legislation regards the contribution of the President in this area. From what I understand, it is the Minister of Culture who has revolutionized Czech art, not the President. I would, if it were up to me, vote for the giving of an award to him, or to anyone who has been deeply involved in this artistic revolution - the directors of the aforementioned children’s show, for example - but not to the President, simply because her contribution is not very direct in nature.
There is then the point about her films. I have watched parts of them, but had to stop because I felt as though subject matter that I am deeply uncomfortable with was about to presented. Upon some cursory research, this appears to be true, I am not exactly sure why Czech Slavia allowed such films to be made, especially for profit; while I am very glad that President Reiserova has attained her position and ended and brought light to this type of exploitation - a true triumph for both women and workers -, I am not sure why we are praising the fact that she was exploited in such a way. I am particularly disturbed by Cllr. Kohout’s words on this subject. I imagine that many were indeed brought “joy” by these films; but this “joy” is quite unethical, and those who forced the esteemed President into bringing such “joy” to people should be condemned.
Iras Tilkanas
Councillor for the Republic of Istkalen -
I have to oppose this act. I have no issue in her getting acting awards in the industry for her contributions but she frankly has not done a heroic selfless deed or had a great influence on access to the arts to the working class like charities provide those are the type of people who deserve these honours . Having someone rewarded for essentially doing their job they are paid to do cheapens these Orders of Merit. Therefore I will oppose this act with the greatest respect to her achievements.
James Mizrachi-Roscoe, Councillour for United Duchies
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I completely agree that comrade Minister Šín is a man of profound genius, and he has greatly revitalised the contemporary style of Czech art, and he has helped propagate the popularity of that particular style overseas. However, this is not what I am hoping to award at this moment, although comrade Minister Šín also does deserve such recognition as well. This nomination, instead, is in recognition of the contributions that the great President Reiserová has made to European cinema, styles of acting, European art, and the other reasons I have laid out. Minister Šín has played a supporting role in the fourth notable contribution I mentioned, but not in the others.
I don't think my dear comrade Councillor Tilkanas fully understands the profound impact that President Reiserová has had on European cinema and television, and I am not sure if they have even seen any of the President's many cinematic masterpieces, because they are not at all like what Councillor Tilkanas has alluded to. President Reiserová's films, while often being romantic comedies, have always been classified as PG. I am not sure what sort of films my dear comrade has been looking into here.
I take comrade Councillor Kohout's point about the President's very humble character. Indeed, anyone who has had the pleasure of meeting President Reiserová would regale of her exceptional humility. In retrospect, placing the President's own likeness on the medallion is a great offense to the President's considerable modesty, and I shall immediately write a self-criticism for even suggesting this, and I will publish it online once this session of the Council is complete.
I hereby propose the following amendment:
Amendment
SECTION III - MEDAL CEREMONY
I. President Albína Reiserová will be presented with a European Order of Merit Medallion which will bare alikeness of her own face on theclapperboard and television screen on the medallion's face-value side.Bp. Karinn Lallana
Councillor for Inquista -
Tilkanas appeared on a screen, from her bed at her apartment.
"It is very true that this films were "PG" in nature, but they serve to, just as other types of other films, objectify women and portray them as objects of a certain nature, for the gratification of men. The movies that President Reiserová follow in this pattern; while her acting is commendable, the lines that were given to her are meant to bring her down in this way, I believe. The romance that you speak of is, from this perspective, very inappropriate despite its surface-level appropriateness. It is still exploitation, of a very similar type.
In particular, her films not merely promote this but also ultra-conservative social mores, I believe. Of course, we think these are all about modesty - but they view women, again, as exploitable objects. Regardless, I know as a fact that, for example, Erkas Tilisek, a fascist from my home country who prevented the German minority from living in the modern world, by denying them modern healthcare, literacy, electricity, sanitation, and anything resembling human rights, is an admirer of them. When her home was raided upon her arrest - and of course it had access to all of those things she denied to the Germans - a collection of films of this type, possibly including some of those President Reiserová acted in, was found, them being in the house because they "promoted traditional morality and the stable and moral family," butcould not be released to the public due to their promotion of "Godless philosophies." I am sure President Reiserová was not culpable for the ideas the films she was made to act in perpetuated, and I am sure she made many innovations while doing this, but this was exploitation pure and simple that served only to further perpetuate hierarchies, from extreme patriarchy across the world to feudalism in my own country."
Iras Tilkanas
Councillor for the Republic of Istkalen -
I request that debate be extended.
Yuridiana Yahontov
Councilor, Kingdom of Reitzmag -
Granted, Councillor Yahontov.
Debate on this shall CONTINUE until 17:54 GMT on October 10th, 2021.
Donald Tusk
Deputy Speaker and Councillor for Spain -
In my opinion, Albína Reiserová has done nothing valuable to be awarded with the European Order of Merit. Call me uncultured, but I have not seen any of her contributions to and promotions of the European Arts and Culture, so giving an Order of Merit to somebody that many Europeans don't know what she does or where she has performed or appeared is not ethical. In fact, I believe this Act is supported on political beliefs and not on real merits or actions that proof Albína Resiserová should be awarded with this prestigious award. There is not much else to say about the Czech Prime Minister or this proposal, just that I will vote against this proposal.
Thank you very much.
Debate is now over. It is time to vote on amendments. There is ONE amendment, which has been proposed by Cllr. Lallana. The amendment is thus:
Amendment I - Proposed by Cllr. Lallana
SECTION III - MEDAL CEREMONY
I. President Albína Reiserová will be presented with a European Order of Merit Medallion which will bare alikeness of her own face on theclapperboard and television screen on the medallion's face-value side.
Voting on amendments will commence NOW and will last until 17:54 GMT on October 13th, 2021.
I vote FOR the amendment.
Donald Tusk
Deputy Speaker and Councillor for Spain -
I vote FOR the proposed amendment.
Bp. Karinn Lallana
Councillor for Inquista -
I vote FOR the amendment.
Václav Kohout
Councillor for Czech Slavia -
On behalf of United Duchies I vote FOR the proposed amendment
James Mizrachi-Roscoe, Councillour for United Duchies -
Voting on the amendment has concluded. With 4 votes FOR and none AGAINST, Amendment I has PASSED.
The bill has been updated to reflect the passed amendment.
Final voting begins NOW and will last until 18:08 GMT on October 16th, 2021.
On behalf of the Kingdom of Spain, I vote AGAINST this bill.
Donald Tusk
Deputy Speaker and Councillor for Spain -
On behalf of the Realm of Great Ruthund, I abstain from this vote.
Tony Odhinazen
EU Councilor, Ruthund -
On behalf of the Most Blessed State of Inquista, I vote FOR this European Order of Merit.
Bp. Karinn Lallana
Councillor for Inquista -
On behalf of the Democratic Republic of Czech Slavia, I vote FOR this European Order of Merit
Václav Kohout
Councillor for Czech Slavia -
On behalf of the Kingdom of Reitzmag, I ABSTAIN from voting.
Yuridiana Yahontov
Councilor, Kingdom of Reitzmag -
On behalf of United Duchies I vote AGAINST this European Order of Merit
James Mizrachi-Roscoe, Councillour for United Duchies
The Kingdom of Spain