Commission Debate, Dec 2022

[Vayinaod]

EUROPEAN COMMISSION ELECTIONS
CANDIDATE DEBATE

Welcome to the European Commission candidates' debate for the elections of December 2022 (January 2023)!

While this debate isn’t mandatory, it is strongly recommended that all candidates participate.

There are a total of three candidates, one for the Office of the Premier Commissioner, and two for the Office of the Internal Affairs Commissioner. For clarity they are listed below. The Office of the Foreign Affairs commissioner is currently not up for election this term.

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For the Office of Premier Commissioner,

• Jean-Claude Juncker of Spain, EPA

For the Office of Internal Affairs Commissioner,

• Tarek Al-Wazir of United Duchies, IND
• Wirt Harland of Elthize, IND

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Welcome to Nyetthem, Vayinaod, I appreciate all the candidates dressing warmly as our debate is taking place outside in a Vardic tradition. The current temperature is -12 C. I am Aron Anker and I will be moderating tonight’s debate. My goal is to host a professional, respectful, and importantly informative debate for our European audiences.

The structure of tonight’s debate will be as follows:

• Candidates will present with a two minute opening speech ((OOC: 300 Words)) to provide us with a brief introduction and summary of goals for their term in office. (((OOC:You have 24 Hours to submit your opening statements)
• Candidates will then be asked questions submitted by the European public. 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.)).
• Candidates shall be given a form containing all questions not provided during the debate due to time limits to provide answers for to the public at the end of tonight's event.
• Candidates will be allowed a two minute closing statement ((OOC: 300 Words)).

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((OOC: If you would like to submit questions, please DM me here, on Discord. Do not post them here. You may find me as Axel#7421 on discord))

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And so, candidates, we will now hear your opening statements. (((OOC: Once again you have 24 Hours to submit your question. So until 1400 GMT Dec 28th))))

[BrumBrum]

Tarek:I come to you today in an actual democratic election at least on the internal affairs commissioner side. I have a vision for Europe a European Union that listens to its members , that promotes compromise between interests of all states and that is closer to its people. I will if elected conduct two conferences one on what nations want with no conditions and continuing the meetings to get an agreement on a green plan for Europe with no carbon taxes so Spain can also be on board. After all we must listen to all members and that is a red line for them we must explore alternative ways. I will also work hard to increase Eurorail and international coaches to develop a truly green European travel system. I will also explore the democracy and court reforms needed to restore trust in the institutions , this is the Europe I want of cooperation , friendship and peoples democracy.Lets unleash the power of Europe.

[Elthize]

Wirt: My fellow Europeans, I do not think that words can explain how glad I am to have the opportunity to be your next commissioner. As a politician in my homeland, I have been one of the main advocates for Elthize's membership in the European Union, changing people's hearts and minds, clashing with my faction, and it is incredible to see my efforts flower into what we have today: Elthize is now one of the youngest members of the European Union. And as one of its citizens, the vision I have for Europe is priceless. It is one where there is stability, permanence, and peace of mind. It has the spirit of collaboration and competence. I had the sheer will and power to make my ideas a reality back then, and I am confident that I have it now. I've never given up, and I'm not going to give up any time soon. You can count on me.

[Spain]

Good evening Aron and my dear European people, thank you so much for watching us tonight.

First of all, I want to thank the European people for the trust they deposited on me on the election we had a month ago or so that was later deemed as illegal by the European Court of Justice. Even if I was not running for a second term, they decided to elect me through write-in votes and I was elected, therefore I am running not only because I believe I am fully capacitated to assume the job again, but also to assume the popular mandate that I was given back in November.

Secondly, my agenda is still the same: there is still a long way to go until we unleash the Power of Europe, and time is running against us. Luckily, as I am the only candidate and unless there is any surprise, which can never be discarded, I can get to work with two certainties: one of them being that I will have four months to fully deliver my agenda, and second, that I will be able to spend the time I would usually spend campaigning on office work, writing new legislation and meeting with the Speaker of the European Council, for example.

I would like to wish the very best of luck to the candidates running for the Office of the Internal Affairs Commissioner, and as someone who held that office for two terms, I would like to give them some advice: get ready to deal with a lot of headaches. That said, I am looking forward to work with whoever of you wins the election, and I hope that we can see a healthy and fair competition, but overall, a polite and calm debate.

Thank you very much, good luck.

[Vayinaod]

Thank you candidates for your timely responses.

1st question, this question will be for everyone, tonight is from Jakob here in Vayinaod;

“Statistically Commissioners at the very most end up with one successful campaign goal/achievement at the end of their term. What do you believe should be your paramount campaign promise to uphold to the European people?”

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 2000 GMT Dec 28th)).

[BrumBrum]

Tarek:I will get a conference going and get to know what the nations and people want fully so we can reform the EU in a way nations want. That is why I am not being specific on what I want ,its not for me to decide its for the people of Europe and the nations. I will get that dialogue going and hopefully have some reforms to pass that will bring the EU commission closer to the people and the nations, I feel we have lost alot of trust because of how distant and out of touch the commission seems. I'm not saying it is but that is the perception and that needs changing , the only way we can change it is getting the peoples and nations views on how they want the union reformed and actually delivering projects like a Green Europe Treaty that can actually pass. If that means getting rid of any proposed carbon tax so be it. I will also through these processes make sure every nation feels listened to.

[Elthize]

Political reform. More specifically, reforms on how the European Union functions. I considered running in February instead because that was when the term of the commission elected in November would've ended. However, the November elections were an utter disaster which I want to prevent from happening again. In my first two months, I aim for two things: Laws that exclude people that aren't fit for the job from running, like those that have significant criminal charges against them, and an approval voting process for unopposed candidates, so that Europe will have a say on them as well. If the candidate doesn't get enough approval, a special election is held which doesn't start until there are two candidates, and the disapproved candidate is barred from entering. And that is the main difference between my fellow contender and me. You've seen how he acted when he was the unopposed candidate. When it comes to problems, he whines and protests, meanwhile I sit down and look for solutions.

[BrumBrum]

Tarek:I would like to point out that "whining" as you call it is what raised the issue. No one was talking about the democratic shambles that is single candidate elections before then. You have to point out these things. I could have just sat back and done the easy thing and accepted being the only candidate but I didn't , I would support approval voting but we need to consider other systems also, ultimately its not up to use candidates but instead the nations who we should listen to on how they would like to solve this.

[Spain]

Thank you for your interesting question, Jakob.

As a matter of fact, I have already provided the European Union with a successful goal that has been delivered to all our farmers and fishers, no matter what their nationality is: I am indeed talking about the European Agricultural Fund. I would highlight its creation as the main goal of my first term, alongside the budget, that before the amendments had its expenses increased on a 278.09%. Two compromises that I made, which were providing a fund for our farmers and fishers, alongside raising the budget, have been delivered successfully. I am, therefore, a Commissioner that can be trusted for the delivery of his compromises.

This term, my main goal would be making the European Union mean something, finally. And being brutally honest with you Jakob, I believe we are heading on the right direction to achieve this when this new term that will start after these elections, most likely in 2023, ends. We have not seen a better Europe in years, I would need to go back to Whiteford and Merkel Commissions to explain how well Europe is doing right now, how well the Commission is dealing with a wide range of ideologies and requests all around the EU. My main goal is being better than any Premier Commissioner has ever been, not to enter on history books, but to let my successor and the children of today a better Europe than the one I found. In addition, I am going to go a step further on this: I would be fully pleased with my job if I manage to draft a proposal to reform the European Council, if that remains to be a priority for the Speaker and the European Councillors. That’s why I will be meeting Speaker Tilkannas soon.

[Vayinaod]

Thank you candidates for the responses.

I have three individual questions.

For Mr. Juncker many Europeans feel that aside from proposing the European Budget extremely late in your term you lead a rather inactive commission. What are you plans to change this perception in this next term?

For Mr. Al-Wazir previous candidates ran under similar ideologies each seemingly having little success at the ballot. What makes your proposals different?

For Mr. Harland for many European nations the inequality at budget time is felt as a prime issue, what reforms do you support to decreased perceived inequality between the nations who pay a lot into the budget but receive as much a say in its use as the smallest paying.

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 400 GMT Dec 30th)).

[Elthize]

There is definitely a balance in there somewhere. I mean, matters like this can be quite sensitive, as you don't want to make it seem like our smallest members' voices do not matter. That can discourage countries from joining the European Union. However, as you said, the status quo, to our bigger member states, feels like it doesn't give them, the biggest contributors, enough voices. I have a couple of ideas regarding this issue, such as giving our largest members more choice on where they want their funding to go or giving a select few the power to veto so that budget plans do not pass without their approval.

However, I want us to keep in mind that these are not purposes, but rather ideas that may or may not happen. One of the key factors that I promise in my campaign is collaboration, therefore these are subject to change, and my aim is to create the best system, approved by most in the European Council, small and big states alike.

[BrumBrum]

Tarek: Maybe the reason the ideas come up again is because its the way things should be run. Its very easy for me to say I want definitely to implement a double majority vote system in the council for example if elected but its not up to me its up to the nations and their votes. Their may be better ideas of how to adress the challenges from nations I could not possibly think of. My approach will have key benefits, it will make nations feel included and pull on the brains of all of Europes nations to come up with better solutions than any top down approach or putting forward an agenda. My agenda is as it should be to be led by the nations and people of Europe not dictate to them from above or lord my own ideas on them as if they are better. I do not understand what it is like to be a Czech Slavian or for example a Nofoagan or a Spanish person. If we want solutions to our problems we must consult widely and compromise all of Europe working together. Sadly this hasn't been happening but I would try to kickstart to getting it to be like this again. We need to return to a European Union which listens to its nations without agenda and a Europe of nations willing to compromise more and put aside their own interests sometimes in the interests of other nations in Europe and the European good. Only by compromise can the union work again.

[Spain]

Aron, my plans are simple: working harder, giving the max and being the Commissioner everyone expects me to be. I am also disappointed about my inactivity during this term: I came to unleash the Power of Europe and I ended up being what I much criticised during my last campaign. That is simply unacceptable, that is why I am surprised Europeans still wanted me to be their Premier and I am really grateful for them trusting on me, giving me a chance I might not deserve at all. The main reason why I cannot and must not disappoint the Europeans this time is their trust on me, and I need to prove that I am a reliable Commissioner once again.

Nevertheless, I have to add some little details to the summary you have done while asking the question: as I said before, I also proposed the European Agricultural Fund, which was passed by the European Council a few months ago. However, that is no excuse for anybody to exempt this term from being described as “inactive”. The European Commission and for granted, this Premier Commissioner, will make sure it is known all around Europe and heard, that the citizens perception about it change drastically. If to do that we need to travel to Oregon for instance, and tell the people of that nation what we want to do and what we have already achieved for them, we will; and I will be the first person to take a plane to Oregon and tell Europeans what we are doing.

The European Commission was not designed to do what it’s been doing for a long time, my apologies on their behalf. By the way, I wanted to clarify that, even if it’s a discreet job, Antoni has been working hard for everyone.

[Vayinaod]

Thank you candidates for the responses.

I have two questions one for the Premier Commissioner Candidate, and one for the two Internal Affairs Commissioner candidates.

For Mr. Juncker you are running unopposed, however the election for your Internal Affairs counterpart is currently competitive, do you have a preference among the two candidates on who you would like to see elected and why?

For Mr. Al-Wazir and Mr. Harland the European Court of Justice is viewed as a mainly limp and useless piece of European Bureaucracy by many. Reform of the ECoJ is popular among many European nations, do you have any proposals for its reform?

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 1200 GMT Jan 2nd).

[BrumBrum]

Tarek:I have ideas that have been suggested yes. ECOJ does need major reform as in ints present form it doesn't always work. The main reform I 've heard of an am looking at is perhaps moving from a system of electing 5 members t oversee all cases either allowing one appointment per nation with random allocation to trial cases with confirmation of the judges accepting the cases within so many days. This may be an option but only if European nations want or back it.This will have the benefit of increasing options where certain judges cannot be involved for conflict o interest reasons in a case. We could still keep the 5 elected judges for key cases such as the recent review into the election of constitutional cases of the highest importance but I'd like to hear all ideas before comitting to one, we must slowly consider all ideas than rush into a reform without due consideration.

[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.

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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)).