Commission Debate, Aug/Sep 2019

[Angleter]

EUROPEAN COMMISSION ELECTIONS

CANDIDATES DEBATE

Welcome to the European Commission candidates' debate for the elections of August and September 2019.

Elections are due to start at 4am GMT on August 31st, and there will be five candidates on the ballot, running for three offices. They are:

Rodrigo Carmona-Santos of Derecta, running for the office of Premier Commissioner.

Blair von Schroeder of Red Croatia, also running for the office of Premier Commissioner.

Vincent Drake of the Duxburian Union, running for the office of Foreign Affairs Commissioner.

Jean-Claude Juncker of Spain, also running for the office of Foreign Affairs Commissioner.

And finally, Alexander Phillips of Icholasen, running unopposed for the office of Internal Affairs Commissioner.

My name is John Bloom and I'll be asking the questions tonight. Many of those will be submitted by viewers like yourself, and feel free to submit your questions to us as the debate goes on. ((OOC: To submit a question, PM me on here or Discord, or TG me on NS - please don't post your questions in this thread.))

But first, I'd like to give all the candidates 90 seconds each ((OOC: 200 words max)) to introduce themselves and explain why they're running to be a European Commissioner.

[Spain]

Good afternoon and thanks for inviting me. My name it's Jean Claude Juncker, and I'm from Spain. Since the goverment of my country offered me the possibility to be a candidate, I clearly accepted. I know I am a new politician around us, but I'm better capacitated than others to have this place, and it will be good for Europe, and of course, for every single nation in our region, that Spain manages this important place in the European Union.

Let'shope that we get a good debate and we can share our proposals for this great region, the European Union.

[Duxburian Union]

Hendro! I am Vincent Drake, your current Foreign Affairs Commissioner. During my first term, we re-affirmed our existing international relationships and added a new set of friends. I am running for a second term for three core reasons: First, in order to pursue more opportunities to strengthen ties with major regions, especially big power players who historically held embassies with us. I'd also love to make Eurocorps fully operational to assist our allies and serve our interests abroad. Finally, I'd like to work on our international outreach and publicity to show the world what the European Union really is, what we do, and the values we stand for.

Our region has amazing potential and I look forward to the debate!

[Icholasen]

My name is Alexander Phillips and I’m running for the position of Internal Commissioner. As Internal Commissioner, I want to encourage European cooperation to create a more equal and more united European Union. I will continue to support the work of Councillors in the European Council to help new legislation harmonise EU nations’ laws and economies to make us stronger and more united. I think we should be ambitious; we have astounding talent in the European Union and through cooperation we can become ever stronger and united. My goal is to push for a closer union of nations while still maintaining the fundamental sovereignty of all European peoples and nations. As well as this, I hope to continue to foster peace in the European Union and keep relations between nations as strong as ever. I am encouraged by the summits in the region recently, and the meeting of heads of state and government in Spain. I hope that both activity and good relations continue and I will do everything I can do, if elected, to continue this trend of meetings and understanding between EU nations.

[Derecta]

Greetings, ladies and gentlemen. I am Rodrigo Carmona-Santos, the EPA candidate to Premier Commissioner.

Something is happening in Europe right now. There is a wind of change. A wind that blows along the continents. From Icholasen to Derecta, where I was born, to Gallorum, to Inquista, to Malborya. A wind of renewal coming from as far as Vayinaod, Angleter and the Duxburian Union. And blowing through Spain, Red Croatia and Fremet. Wind from every corner in Europe, which will breathe new life into the Union.

When I was chosen as EPA nominee I made a vow. In our Europe no one will be unseen, no one will be unheard and no one will be abandoned to their fate, be they the least advantaged citizens of our countries or one of our Member States in distress.
These are the values I promise I will uphold. Tolerance, pride in our differences, respect for democracy, cooperation. Those values are shared by all Europeans. My friends, let's work together to bring those values back to the forefront of the Union.

The time has come for someone to take on those responsibilities. I am ready to take on this challenge. Thank you!

[Red Croatia]

Before Blair even began speaking, she aggressively let her presence be known with her big 80s hair, fierce outfit and a penchant for pulling faces during the speeches of the other candidates. She was using her face to communicate meh not bad, take a chill pill bro, that's my man etc. while the other candidates were rambling, entertaining the audience by giving them plenty of opportunities to meme her and letting them know she's not a regular politician, she's a cool politician.

When she finally spoke, she carried herself with the bravado of a cocky teenage boy who wanted to prove himself to the world. Her delivery was so dramatic, it was bound to remind viewers of movie monologues. "Why do I want to be your premier? Who cares? Why should YOU want me as premier is what really matters. Let me spill some tea, okur? I am the best thing that could happen to the European Union."

"I am passionate and driven in spite of my already significant time in politics and my very, very successful two runs as commissioner in the EU - while others with a resume as impressive as mine are feeling jaded. If you choose me as your premier, not only will I fulfill my duties, but I will go overboard and never shut up about making the EU a better place. I'll make your lives better whether you like it or not! And I'll do it while slaying fierce looks, showing other politicians how to dress." After that statement, she twirled for the audience and drew out an applause - with some clapping enthusiastically, some reluctantly.

"Oh, also, I'm clearly the youngest person up here and would be the youngest person to ever win premier. Thank you." The audience began to laugh, humored by the idea of the ancient cougar being under 70. This time there was no divide in enthusiasm, as both her fans and her haters loved the joke. It was hard to tell who laughed louder: those who were laughing with her or at her.

[Angleter]

Our first question comes from Marius in Racines, Gallorum. He asks: "The EPA have dominated the European institutions yet nothing has changed for the little people. Why should we keep returning EPA politicians when they seem more concerned with progressive image and being career politicians?"

We also have a question specifically for Alexander Phillips: "In this era of strong Premiers, we’ve had very few internal affairs commissioners who make their own path. What will you do that will be different than the series of yes men we’ve had in that office?"

I'm going to give everybody 90 seconds to respond ((OOC: Again, 200 words each)), with an additional 90 seconds for Alexander Phillips to respond to both questions. I'll then open the floor for debate between the candidates.

[Red Croatia]

Blair knew exactly what to say the moment she heard the questions, but she waited for Rodrigo to start his speech so she could interrupt him and display her dominance. Soon enough, he opened his mouth as if to begin talking - but she made sure to speak first and began to loudly project, her theatricality and cockiness taking over the room.

"Exactly. Why the fuck should the European people keep going back to EPA politicians? There are great people there, but most of the EPA politicians are just sheep who entered the most powerful party to get a big push in their political ambitions." She then took the microphone and began to walk on stage while speaking, acting like the love child of Tony Robbins and an overly zealous Southern pastor.

"Actually, fuck that PC bullshit of not naming names and saying most politicians instead. And that whole defending your ass by saying that uhh I'm sure there are nice people there load of crap. Let's be upfront. Let's take a look at Rodrigo there, a whiny bitch reciting some third grade level poetry about the winds of Europe changing. Holy FUCK, could that guy get any cringier?" The audience laughed or chuckled, some fully agreeing with her but ALL entertained by her.

She began pointing at Rodrigo and loudly mocking him in a childish tone, using all the hip and cool terms she had at her disposal. "CRINGE! CRINGE LORD! EPIC FAIL! CRINGE COMPILATION 2019! TOP 10 EPIC FAILS OF ALL TIME! WATCHMOJO TOP 10 BAD POEMS!" The audience collectively burst into laughter. Whether they hated her or loved her, whether they thought of her as a car crash or a goddess... Everyone had their own reason for why they couldn't take their eyes off her.

The moderator jumped in. "Mrs. Schroeder, that's too much! You broke the word limit and must stop."

Blair looked at the moderator violently, walking up to him and telling him off straight up. "NO." A few feminist women in the audience already began to shriek like banshees in support of Blair. "You know why I'm not done? Because I'm over being stopped by this stupid European system! You can try to tame me and stop me from talking, but I'll transcend the rules just like I'll transcend all expectations when I become premier." The few certain supporters Blair had continued screaming in her support while the majority watched in shock.

The moderator gulped and let the frightening woman have her way. Now aware of just how much she can get away with, Blair jumped into the audience and began talking to the European people directly.

"You know why I'm DONE? Like... Done, done?" The audience collectively nodded, dying to know why! "Because the last two times I ran, I was in an European party too. But do you know what they told me? Oh Blair, we will support your goal to become commissioner but you are not getting premier. We will give you our third and second spots on the voting ballot, and you should be grateful to us for that." The audience gasped, shocked by the insider information about party politics.

"But I took it, because when you are young and don't know your worth - you play by the rules and do what good girls do... What... Ha... GOOD..." She rolled her eyes, not sure whether to laugh or cry at the difference between good (corrupt, successful) and good (ethical, unrecognized) politicians. "...What the so-called GOOD politicians do. I played the game to become Commissioner of Internal Affairs first and then later on Foreign Affairs too, working harder than any one of my colleagues. But no matter how amazing I did, people refused to support me. They refused to look at me as a serious contender for premier. "

At this point, this wasn't a debate - it was group therapy/an emotional Ted Talk. Blair's few strong supporters already began crying but everyone collectively warmed up to her. Whether they agreed with her politics or not, they all identified with the #quirky #relatable Queen's experience of feeling overlooked. Though she dramatized her experiences to appear like more of a victim than she was, it was real enough to reach into people's hearts.

"So this time, I decided to go at it my own way. As an independent woman, with no UEC, EPA, ECL... Whatever the fuck their names are... Behind me. I decided to run for premier all alone, having faith that the European people will elect me even if I don't play the fake ass game of smooching with the most powerful people and kissing the asses of people I secretly despise to secure their vote."

"Why? Do you wanna know why?" The audience nodded, hooked. "Because I believe that the most worthy person should be Premier, not the most well connected! In fact, if I become Premier, my first act won't be to go and celebrate with the EPA - laughing about how I kept my party in power by selling Europeans some clichéd winds of change bullshit. No! If I win, my first move will be hiring only the best, most qualified and best intentioned people - and getting all the corrupt politicians straight out of Europolis!"

"Blair von Schroeder'a Europe will be an Europe that appreciates... No... CELEBRATES the individual! The INDIVIDUAL! The person who is hell bent on making the world a better place and doesn't take no for an answer. The person who will never be silenced by the powerful, corrupt authorities - but the person who will keep on pushing through any obstacle thrown at him. That's what I want for you. Europe. That's what I want for you." Blair teared up, but maintained her regal posture as she walked back to the stage.

The audience was shocked and silent as she walked, but by the time she came back to her spot and looked back at them - they loudly cheered for her and encouraged her, inspiring more tears in Blair. Even though she might still lose the Premier spot, she won the hearts of many Europeans who now saw her as a noble rebel. In her own way, she already won.

Meanwhile, in Red Croatia...

Blair's publicist's phone started ringing like crazy and he started booking her for the next issue of Cosmopolitan, suggesting the title Sexy Cougar Conquers Menopause AND Europe.

[Icholasen]

To answer your first question Marius, I don’t think EPA’s role at the heart of Europe is a bad thing. We’re definitely the most active Eurogroup and a lot of recent amazing legislation has come from our Councillors in the European Council. We’ve pushed forward reform and acted in the interest of all Europeans. As well as this, Whiteford’s first premiership lead to Eurogroup reform and also Commission reform, amazing reforms that still have a positive impact on the European Union. Whiteford’s legacy as Premier and proposals put forward by EPA Councillors – such as the Code of Conduct of the Council of the European Union - can hardly be overlooked as being focused on image. Both the work of our Councillors in the Council and Whiteford’s reforms show that the EPA leads and it acts. By electing both me and Rodrigo Carmona-Santos, we will have the first majority EPA commission since 2017, allowing us to continue these reforms and the legacy of figures such as Whiteford and Emerett.

And to answer your second question, the EPA has never had a yes-man, or person for that matter, in office. Being a yes-man is opposite to both my record and my character. I couldn’t stay a part of Whiteford’s government in Icholasen, so I respectfully disagreed and decided a different role would be for the best. I will be no different if elected. As Internal Commissioner I will make my thoughts clear; but I won’t be contrary. Some people end up disagreeing just to get attention. You might not hear a lot of drama from my office, as dull as that may be, but that’s because I won’t cause a fuss over nothing. I will get on with implementing the policies I have in mind, and what me and my Commission colleagues have in mind. These include further integration of EU nations through joint projects, such as cooperation on science and economy, and also other pro-EU policies. I’ll also be hard at work pursuing internal harmony within the European Union, working to resolve disputes, working with the other institutions that make up our European Union.

[Spain]

First of all, thank Marion for your question. The EPA has been the only political organization that have cared about our region in the last years. If we want to keep Europe strong, and make a better Europe in any way that we can make it better, EPA is the right choice. And, I can tell you that the 3 EPA's politicians that are here today will work for a better Europe, and not for their own interests.

[Angleter]

Thank you all. Our next question to the candidates for Premier Commissioner and Internal Affairs is this:

Do you have any plans on programs to increasing participation from new union members and keeping them in the union longer and hopefully permanently? Would you support bringing back the so-called mentorship program?

And to the candidates for Foreign Affairs:

Do you believe the current regional recruitment rate is sufficient enough, if not what do you plan on doing to alleviate that? As with the other candidates, would you support bringing back the so-called mentorship program?

Again, you each have 90 seconds to respond ((OOC: 200 words)).

[Red Croatia]

The main reason people leave the EU is the lack of activity and engagement, so I would combat this by getting myself very involved and giving our member nations the attention they deserve. I'll drag myself into every international activity I feel would benefit from my presence, giving special attention to newcomers.

Bringing the mentorship program back sounds OK, but I feel that we're at a point where our new nations feel comfortable asking advice and "mentorship" from every senior EU member. Or, at least, Red Croatia has always helped newbies out without being their "mentor" and is one of the most active EU states without having ever been mentored.

[Spain]

I think we need to upgrade the nation and attract more people to it. The current region 's attraction is really poor, and we need to upgrade it with more presence in international events or in the WA, where we should have delegate elections.

I think the mentorship program doesn't deserve to come, people are really prepared to be in our region and we can say that, if we put this program will make people leave the region.

[Duxburian Union]

Do you believe the current regional recruitment rate is sufficient enough, if not what do you plan on doing to alleviate that? As with the other candidates, would you support bringing back the so-called mentorship program?

We currently have 139 member-states, which is neither particularly high or low compared to the history of the EU. However, only about 10 of those nations actively participate in the Union and are formally empowered to utilize the full scope of what we offer. That’s a core participation rate of only 7%, when 10-15% has been our historical average. Recruitment is more or less ok, but there is definite room for improvement in regional engagement.

I don’t think the mentorship program is necessarily the best way to raise engagement, but new nations do need to be welcomed when they join and presented with how they can get involved in the region. The Welcome TG is information overload and too impersonal to fulfill this role, first contact needs a personal touch. This gets into Internal territory, so I feel like it could be a joint project with Internal Affairs.