Commission Debate, Dec 2022

[BrumBrum]

I would like to ask the right honourable Mr. Harland what ideas does he have on finding a balance? What sort of ideas does he have specifically? I have backed double majority voting in the council on my platform subject to members approval . What specific voting methods does Mr. Harland think would help deal with the present percieved imbalance against bigger population states?

[Spain]

Thank you for asking that Aron, because I wanted to speak about the Internal Affairs Election a little bit and I didn’t find the way to comment on it.

To begin with, I need to make clear that I respect both candidates and that I applaud their brave attitude: it’s never easy to have the courage to run for a Commission office. That said, humans always prefer someone over another, and I’m still a human, unless someone has evidence that proves the opposite. In my case, I’d like to endorse Mr. Harland for the Office of the Internal Affairs Commissioner, and I urge the European people to vote for him. Wirt has everything an Internal Affairs Commissioner needs to succeed: courage, determination, and a clear agenda. In addition, he’s the candidate of common sense in that race: he hasn’t needed to clarify he would ignore his home country, as the Europeans usually assume that by themselves; and he has not said the European Commission elections are “undemocratic and illegitimate”, unlike his rival. Would you Aron, or would you my dear Europeans, hire someone that called your company “thieves”? I would never.

But I also love how the criteria changes in the case of Mr. Al-Wazir, something that usually happens with candidates from the United Duchies. A few days ago, he affirmed “the Duchies shall be the last priority for him in Europe”. I guess he did not think like that when he ran unopposed, as he got Cllr. Roscoe, the well-known Councillor for Narnia, to open his rally in Inquista and he thanked the multimillionaire for his hard job. Oh wait, Mizrachi-Roscoe isn’t the Councillor for Narnia, but for the United Duchies! Summing up, fast criteria changes bring chaos.

We need straightforward, hardworking people, and that’s what Wirt is like.

[Elthize]

I don't think the problem is with the European Court of Justice. I mean, when someone brings a petition, eight times out of ten it will be accepted. I think the problem is that people lack knowledge of the European Court of Justice, as it is not as prevalent and in the front as the council or the commission. I think this can be solved by explicitly entitling the ECoJ to make statements and decisions even when there is no one petitioning. I don't think there's anything that prevents them from doing this, but amending our Constitution this way will assure that the ECoJ has the opportunity to be more active and prevalent than they usually have a chance to be.

---

I mentioned this before, but I propose that bills in the European Council that affect a member state's internal laws should pass with a three-fifths majority, i.e., sixty percent.

If you're wondering which laws would affect internal laws and which ones would not, an example of the former would be the Banning of Conversion Therapy Act of 2020, which explicitly tells member states to prohibit conversion therapy within their country. Meanwhile, the Europe Day Act of the same year wouldn't need a three-fifths majority, as it only affects the European Union itself.

Why is this better than what Mr Al-Wazir is proposing? Because it focuses on the bills, not the votes. It doesn't reduce the power of anyone's vote. However, it prevents significant bills from passing with not enough approval. With this system, councillors have to be competent and collaborative, as they have to listen to the other side instead of taking their ideology's majority for granted if they want their bills to pass.

[BrumBrum]

Tarek: I'd like to rebut the right honourable Junker . It is important people know candidates won't bias towards their own country especially in this time when the stakes are so high and right now Duchies should not be the nation to be listened to in Europe given its huge missteps. Who would want to listen to a nation thought of as a rogue terrorist state doing regime change in the eyes of many? . That is a stain that needs fixing. Roscoes has also called for and welcomed negotiations also since then , times change. I also would like to say its good that candidates call out undemocratic elections such as the single candidate races like my previous one and indeed yours now. I hope my statements have made clear I am willing to oppose my own nations interests at any point in the Europan interest. I can promise one thing though I will be hard, working , listening and flexible. You want your nations voice heard unless you are the Duchies I am your man.

[Vayinaod]

Thank you candidates for your timely responses.

1st question, this question will be for everyone.
“The recent "crisis" in the Caspian has highlighted European security concerns, both in the practical sense of the lives of every day Europeans against random acts of terror, as well as the geopolitical sense of states conducting military responses. What do you believe should be done at a European level to help safeguard periods of peace so many Europeans value, specifically do you support the creation of a so-called 'Europol'?"

As a reminder all candidates will be given a chance to speak for two minutes ((OOC 300 words)), and there will be a rebuttal period where candidates may respond to the answers of other candidates. Rebuttals will be limited to 90 seconds ((OOC: 200 words: as well as 24 Hours to submit your answers and rebuttals. You have until 0800 GMT Jan 3rd)).

[BrumBrum]

Tarek : I thank you for this question. I would like to point out I am the only serious candidate on criticising the Duchies. I am the only one to have pointed out Europe considers Duchies government a rogue terrorist regime which is why I don't want to work with them after what they coordinated. I support a Europol but how could anyone work with Duchies after all people consider their law enforcement rogue so that might be an issue , so maybe without Duchies as good idea to prevent potential abuse. I would look at working with any councillor except the Duchian one on a bill to stop war declarations without a European approval of 75% or more except in cases of defense or allies because working with the councillor of what many consider a rogue terrorist regime government in Duchies is not ideal and would lack trust unlike me who can criticise my country rather than licking its boots like a certain Roscoe has done recently. I also think Reitzmag deserves criticism though not to the same degree as the innitiator in Duchies. So in short have a bill that prevents wars without European approval except in cases of self defense or defense of an ally. But I ask Wirz how can anyone take you serious when you have not only not adressed the conflict but seem to be a Duchian bootlicker willing to meet with and work with what many consider to be rogue terrorist regime in the heart of European democracy?

[Elthize]

I fully and completely support the creation of Europol and will open this subject to discussion with the Council when I am in office.

The situation in the Caspian is disheartening, to say the least, and it shows the Caspian Council’s fundamental failures. That institution will be examined by the time I’m in office as well, with possible structural changes.

Now to address Tarek’s point: First of all, it’s Wirt, not Wirz. You try to get into the commission but can’t pronounce names properly? How embarassing. Second, I made my position on aggression against Svarna Surya very clear: I wanted the war to be over as quick as possible (or never be there to begin with) with as little harm done to the citizens as possible. Anything else is irrelevant, they can be solved later.

[Elthize]

Furthermore, it is utterly disingenuous to paint the United Duchies as a “rogue terrorist state”. You don’t know what that means. You have no idea what you’re talking about. Do you seriously think that Europeans will trust you more as you thrash your country further and further? What are you trying to gain? Both of your campaigns were led by irrational decisions, first you try to lead the whole Union to riot, then you try to make an alternate universe where the United Duchies is a “rogue state” and then blame me for not taking part? You are simply not fit for commission. You try to divide at any chance given, you have no idea what you’re talking about and you change your policies and promises on a whim. I can go on and on.

[BrumBrum]

Tarek:The EU has no authority over the Caspian Council and opening that one up risks far more conflict as nations may ask for certain things. For example at the moment military ships are not allowed outside the waters of Duchies or North Diessan if they are not from Caspian states by treaty. You really want to open that up. And I am for united and happy Europe except the Duchies who can screw themselves due to government rogue state behaviour which the Duchies has effectively conducted. I didn't lead the European Union to try to riot either, I called for protests out on the street over the situation of there being a single candidate election and I still call for protests on the street if Juncker wins for the same reasons. Single candidate elections are illegitimate elections, demos means peoples choice, one candidate is not a choice by defenition.I will continue to trash my countries government for they deserve it for what they done. You have proven yourself Wirt to be a Duchian bootlicker just like Juncker who seems to be quiet on the issue too. You are either fully against the Duchies government or a Duchian bootlicker so which will you be?

[Spain]

Aron, what the European Union should do is applying the current methods it has to stop and avoid conflicts from happening: from mediating between those “rogue” member states, to introducing sanctions in the most extreme cases through the European Commission (Sanctioning Powers) Act. However, mediating is impossible when some leaders are not up to seating on the same table as you because they do not like you or come up with childish exigencies. Europe has the resources, the ways to stop conflicts: not only through words but also legislatively. Maybe we could create a European Peace Protection Force, that would be deployed upon request of member states or the Commission to keep peace.

It is true that the Caspian is the current hotspot of violence in our region, but this has been repeating around Europe for years: Istkalen, Eastern Haane, the Union of Syndicates… But mostly, the Caspian and some countries around the Caspian, like the now gone Drommund Kaas, are the ones that cause trouble. I cannot tell you why or what causes some of them to behave like this, but it needs to come to an end now. I think the Commission should work on this and elaborate a proposal that brings these behaviours to an end in agreement with the European Council.

Finally, you have brought up Europol, something that I actually proposed during my second term as Internal Affairs Commissioner and an idea that I still support. I think it's really necessary for the European Union, and that it would be not only a good example of integration and cooperation between members, but also a sign that would send a really important message: the EU is back, stronger. And of course, concerns about sharing intelligence with other member states would be considered when drafting a proposal.

[BrumBrum]

Tarek:You Duchian bootlicker , have you conveniantly forgot two key ones United Duchies and Reitzmag of which Spain was once allied with United Duchies. Maybe you can't say United Duchies cos Spain and you are Duchian bootlickers. You and Wirt the Duchian Bootlicker need to call the turd a turd and actually grow a pair of balls and adress the situation instead of hiding. You need to confront the United Duchies on its governments behaviour or just exclude them from meeting and functions until they join the civilised world. I will do all I can to confront their behaviour and exclude their voice until they join the civilised world , if you vote these Duchian bootlickers they will not Europe. If you want a truly European candidate willing to oppose his own country then choose me, if you want Duchian bootlickers choose them.

[Spain]

Mr. Tarek, with all due respect: you have lost your mind. I do not think Mr. Wirt needs my help to defend himself from these wacky, soft accusations, but neither him nor myself are anyone’s bootlickers. These words should be ignored by everyone, your obsession is threatening for our region and the Europeans know me enough to be aware of how I behave and how hard I work for Europe. I want a united Europe, you want the wildest of confrontations between the EU and a member state, you want Europe to be a civil war: you are not a pro-European candidate, you are the same as many others, the same as Künhert for example: you want to destroy Europe as it is known, and drive it to chaos and destruction. I will not allow that to happen.

[BrumBrum]

Tarek:So you yet again refuse to criticise the Duchies by name. You are a Duchian bootlicker. The only way to get the message across to United Duchies and Reitzmag is to ghost them and exclude them and confront them at every oppurtunity. Only then will they see the pariahs of Europe they have become. Your soft , be friends and cooperative with all approach is one of a weak leader and will weaken this institution. I can garuntee a strong EU that challenges the rogue pariah Reitzmag and Duchian regimes and remember I am criticising a country I am from , that takes guts to do. You don't have the guts to call out United Duchies by name and you are not even Duchian.Imagine the power you'd have if you presented a total sanctions package on the United Duchies and Reitzmag and cut them off from the European economy. You could force them to change fully to the EU peaceful democratic will or have them choose their own collapse or demise as a power, economy of government.

[Spain]

Do you know what makes the European Union a soft institution, Mr. Tarek? Tensions and confronting member states openly from its governing institutions, which is what you want to do, period.

By the way, I would like to explain my “hotspot of violence” concept, just in case I have not been clear: it means that the main non-peaceful events have taken place on those areas. I am not calling any country rogue or anything, I am just saying tensions in those places are extremely high.

[BrumBrum]

Tarek : I will ask you and Wirth this once more will you criticise Duchies and Reitzmag governments for the rogue regimes many in European countries rightly believe they are? Or are you going to continue licking the Duchians boots and being weak and letting them get away with these terrible actions they took?

[Vayinaod]

Mr. Al-Wazir I ask you to suspend your hostile comments against your opponents. You will be fined 1 minute (150 words) from your closing statements.

Ladies and gentlemen we have come to the conclusion of our debate, I ask our candidates to submit their closing statements.

Mr. Juncker and Mr. Harland will be granted the full 2 minutes (300 words), while Mr. Al-Wazir will be allotted 1 minute (150 words).

Thank you all once again for your participation.

[BrumBrum]

Tarek Al Wazir:(burns duchies and reitzmag flag on stage) Europe your choice is simple Duchian bootlickers who will do nothing to deal with rogue and terrorist governments in Europe who assualt national sovereignty for no good reason or me the only candidate willing to stand up for Europe the EU and peace and security in Europe. You can choose a candidate who will listen to all of Europe except Duchies and Reitzmag or the same old inactive candidates.Its your choice choose me I will be active , listen unless you are Duchies in which case piss off out of my office. You can choose a pro-european or Duchian bootlickers and choose a democrat who will bring EU democracy to Europeans and fairness or the same old style of politics. I hope you choose me so I can serve you well.

[Vayinaod]

Anker quickly motions for off-stage security to come onto the stage and escort Mr. Al-Wazir off the cameras and stage due to the the danger the flag burning posed to the all-wooden stage along with to the other candidates, as well as violating the no-prop rule for the debate. The fires were quickly extinguished and the flag remains rushed away to be dealt with in a professional manner. Mr. Al-Wazir would be fined for his violation of the standard no-prop rule found in most political debates, as well as fined for the damage incurred to the antique Vardic debate stage. After a series of questioning from on-site security and Nyetthem Metro Police, Mr. Al-Wazir would be asked to leave the country at the earliest possible time.

Mr. Anker motions for the other candidates to continue their closing statements and apologizes to the audience members for Mr. Al-Wazir.

[Elthize]

Harland had a concluding statement ready for the debate, but he forgot it all like an amnesiac as he witnessed his opponent get tackled down by security after burning the flags of the United Duchies and Reitzmag. This confused Wirt, as he wasn't sure how Tarek carried those flags to the stage.

"Yeah, uh... If you don't wanna see that shitshow occur in the Commission, Wirt's your guy... Oh my goodness, it is cold out here, does this place ever see the sun? Wait, the mic is on-"

What ensued later was Harland frantically rushing out of the stage and calling himself an Uber to his hotel room out of pure embarrassment.

Well, that is one country certainly not voting for him... At least, that's what he thinks.

[Spain]

Juncker saw with disbelief how Tarek was escorted out by security after going insane once more. He had seen a lot of things throughout his long life, yet he had never seen anything like that ever. "Can any candidate from the United Duchies ever be stable? We have a European Mental Health phone service we are paying thousands of euros for and people who need to call seem not to use it... I certainly need to tell Donald to review that.", he thought, while he witnessed the odd scene.

Surprisingly, the good, old Jean-Claude had an amazing ability to remain focused even if mad people popped up next to him and started to do weird things. He remained calm and listened to Wirt's sort of closing statement. When it was finally his turn, he delivered his statement:

"My dear Europeans, I’d like to thank you for watching and listening to this debate, as well as thanking Aron and the security members for their incredible work tonight. What’s just happened doesn’t represent the EU and can only be called shameful.

Back in July, Europe elected me as their Premier Commissioner, putting their trust on me. Last month, when I decided not to stand for re-election due to my inactivity, you once more asked me to be your Premier, I accepted. Now, your will has been translated into my candidacy, and fate’s wanted me to be the only one standing for this office. It’ll be a huge honour to serve you, as always, with great satisfaction and emotion. Furthermore, I want to thank you for trusting me, for believing on the power of Europe, for giving me one more chance.

With the budget soon to be passed by the European Council, the European Agricultural Fund already codified as an act, and our Union on track to improving, my second term will be oriented into that: making something out of this Union you can feel proud of. I might not be young, perfect or liked by everyone: at my age, that’s impossible, those of you watching that are aged over 70 will certainly know. Nevertheless, it doesn’t matter if some of you don’t like me or if I’m not young: I just want to work for you and the European Union.

Europe, let’s continue our love affair, let’s take the streets with our European flags and show those who have lost all hopes on us that we’re still here, fighting for this union. Let’s unleash the Power of Europe, let’s keep improving the EU, let’s keep moving forward. But overall, let’s remain united, because unity is what makes us stronger."