Speaker Debate 2023

Istkalen

The debate period for prospective Speakers begins now, and will continue until, as a result of slight delays, 04:54 GMT on 9 July 2023.

I would like to ask, now, for the two candidates for this position, Cllr. Tusk and Cllr. Kofi, to introduce themselves, before the question period begins.

Iras Tilkanas
Council Speaker and Councillor for the Republic of Istkalen

Spain

Good afternoon, Councillors.

In first place, I would like to thank Speaker Tilkannas for taking care of this debate and moderating it, as I want to make tribute to your Speakership during these 18 months. On my behalf, thank you for this year and a half of great service, that coincidentally, you took over from my acting Speakership due to the absence of my colleague and friend, the Councillor for Fremet and former Speaker Charles Michel.

That situation that once this Council went over is the greatest guarantee that I can offer to you in order to get your trust in my will to become the next Speaker of the European Council. Debates were closed on time, the Council was working and overall, it was a unexpected term with no incidents at all. Times have, however, changed compared to when Speaker Tilkannas took over from Cllr. Michel and I: the Council now requires more flexibility when it comes to timetables, it requires yet another leader that keeps it active and alive, and that, my dear colleagues, has been one of the compromises that I have adquired during my term as Councillor for Spain.

Yet, overall, the Council requires experienced people on its direction. And out of the two candidates, I am the only one that is able to provide experience: I have been the Councillor for Spain since 2019, what makes 4 years of continuated service not only to my country, but also to the European people and this chamber. Experience is key in order to handle the several and unpredictable events that can develop here, to be able to perfectly deem what needs more debate time, more voting time.

I am willing to answer all your questions, and I call you to vote for experience and readiness. Thank you.

Elthize

Thank you, Ms. Tilkanas. I am honoured to be here and represent the people of Elthize in the European Council. I have given them a purpose: to get Elthize's neutrality recognized by the European Union. This is a shared aspiration among Elthics, who seek to avoid unnecessary conflicts and secure a guarantee of peace. Which is why they chose me. They had trust in me, and I know that my colleagues will have trust in me too.

I believe that I can fulfil the role of Speaker impartially and without bias. While I may be relatively unknown, I am confident that I am the best choice for this position, especially when compared to my opponent, Donald Tusk. Tusk has been associated with a track record of provocation and controversy, an example of which can be seen during the discussions of the failed Freedom of Navigation Act. This raises concerns about his ability to effectively fulfil the responsibilities of this role. In contrast, I have no grudges against anyone and promise to carry a neutral perspective and a commitment to promoting constructive dialogue within the legislature of the European Union, something which I have reported on throughout my career in The Tribunal.

Therefore, you know who to vote for. Ask any questions you've got and I will answer them.

Istkalen

Thank you for delivering your opening statements. I'll now move on to the question segment of this debate, and would like to remind all Councillors that they are free to participate in questioning as well.

Now, to both candidates: the Speakership is a role that at least ought to be completely separate from your roles as Councillors - your undertaking of its responsibilities should not be influenced by your beliefs, your interests, or your mandate as a Councillor. How do you intend to maintain this separation?

To Cllr. Tusk specifically - you've spoken, just now, about increasing the flexibility of Council timetables. During your Deputy Speakership, however, some Councillors - including, admittedly, myself - had some concerns over the rigidity with which you sometimes enforced these. One example of this was your decision to immediately begin voting on amendments on the EDA Act immediately after you had proposed an amendment. I myself can't claim to be perfect in terms of my reasonability in regards to debate extensions - but it remains, however small it may be, a concern. How, then, will you approach timetable flexibility, especially in regards to debate?

And to Cllr. Kofi - I would firstly like to congratulate you on your successful election, and to welcome you to this Council. But here's my question to you: your past work, whether as a member of a municipal council, a psychologist, a blogger, or a journalist, is in general very different from the work you might see as a Speaker. While I don't have doubt myself in your ability to serve competently in the role, I would nevertheless like to ask this: how can you assure us that you can handle the responsibilities of the Speakership probably most alien to you given your experience, from controlling partisanship to guiding debate and policymaking in the moment?

Iras Tilkanas
Council Speaker and Councillor for the Republic of Istkalen

Spain

Thank you for your question, Miss Speaker.

Firstly, I would like to remind everyone about the fact that those happenings took place a year and a half ago. As I said in my opening statement, the Council has moved forward, and what we had or even did back then is no longer valid for the needs the chamber has nowadays. Therefore, I want to call for tranquility on the Council in this area, as my approach will be really different to the one I had 18 months ago.

My approach to timetable flexibility will be very simple, and done following a established path for debate and voting expansions. When it comes to debate, if no one has intervened on the debate except the proponent and the Speaker, Councillors will be given a extra week, that will add up to the 5 days that every proposal will be initially given to be debated. If, however, I deem that a proposal is relevant or that it has not had enough participation, then another 5 days would be given. With this proposal, I want to achieve two things: make the Council smooth and even more open to all opinions. Voting times will also be five days long, and extended following the same criteria. Therefore, a proposal that receives the hugest extensions will be discussed for 24 days, while a proposal that does not receive any extension will be addressed in just 10 days.

My colleague and opponent in this election, Councillor Kofi, has raised some concerns about my neutrality, that I would like to make some remarks to. Mr. Kofi, our job here is to represent our national Governments, as you might already know. You may be new, but I trust that you have run for this position being aware of what our job is. This representation sometimes includes defending positions that we might not agree with, but that we, as the representatives of our national executives, have to defend. In addition, the defence of those positions can be done in the way the Councillor deems the most reasonable, always in agreement with the rules and regulations that prevail in the European Council. Trying to use some interventions to raise these concerns about my neutrality or my capacity to remain calm is not well-intended, and I want to make a compromise here for everyone: my Speaker role, if elected, will be very well kept away from my role as Councillor for Spain. My duties as Speaker will be done accordingly to the rules and regulations, and I give you my word.

Alongside experience, something my opponent lacks of, I am able to provide an effective, neutral and active Speakership.

Elthize

Thank you for your questions, Ms. Tilkanas.

It is correct that my previous professional experiences may be considered unorthodox for a speaker, especially when compared to my predecessors. However, I believe that my past jobs have equipped me with valuable skills that are essential for being the Speaker. It shows that I am flexible and can adapt and handle most jobs without a problem, including this one. For example, working as a journalist at The Tribunal, as well as an independent political blogger, has provided me with an essential understanding of the importance of providing neutral coverage and unbiased reporting. I have had the privilege of working alongside dedicated and expert colleagues who can attest to my commitment to fairness.

Also, my time as a political blogger has sharpened my skills in moderating discussions and assisting to create constructive dialogue. I am confident in my ability to effectively separate my roles as Rebel Kofi, the Speaker, responsible for moderating the Council, and Rebel Kofi, the Councillor, representing The State of Elthize. I am prepared to navigate the complexities of these two roles and serve the Council and the people of Elthize with my best effort.

I did not come from a world of privilege. I had to work hard for every position, degree and prize. And so did my family, which I take great pride in. My late uncle, who served on our town's municipal council, played a crucial role in shaping my interest in politics. His guidance and mentorship have been priceless and I am grateful for the lessons I learned from him and the values he instilled in me as I made it, starting from the same municipal council in Marshee and now, right here, in Europolis. My journey to where I am today may not be the usual route or the standard route, but it is a route nonetheless and I am proud of it.

Istkalen

Thank you for your responses.

Now, I want to ask you both this: given constitutional limitations, how will you ensure that discourse in the Council remains civil? And something more personal - will you retain the Council Time-Out Corner?