Proceedings of the National Imperial Council
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Proceedings of the National Imperial Council
Commentary by Colin Husky, Nuntius Inimici
'The National Imperial Council meeting room is packed, as it usually is. Once more, the Emperor's most loyal and most trustworthy followers, insofar as they are not on important missions representing our Empire abroad, have gathered in Telum for a moment of remembrance, for a moment of reflection, and a moment of outlook. Expectation is on every face: the Emperor will attend, will be in their presence, for the first time in a session of the National Imperial Council since many months.'
'We now see the Emperor entering the Chamber - He is there, He is back. Viewers, this is what the Nation has been waiting for all these weeks and months. The Emperor is greeting some of his old comrades here... exchanges a few personal memories with some. Everyone has now seated. Imperial Councillor Nicholas Benfield opens the meeting.'
"Councillors, the Emperor is in our midst, He is with us!" - Thunderous applause from Councillors is heard - "Your Imperial Majesty, words are simply too weak to express the joy we all experience due to your presence here today. With renewed strenghth and vigour you have taken up your seat once more. From the eyes of your old friends and servants gleams love and respect for You, and we all know, there is no love and no respect quite like the one in this room today!" -- more applause and table-banging -- "My Emperor, carrying the strongest convictions that were ever carried in Inimicus, those assembled here are attached to you, and await your words. The floor, my Emperor, is yours."
The Emperor stands, pauses for several seconds, looks around the room.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Imperial Councillors, friends, comrades, brothers, sisters. I have come back!" -- applause and cheers fill the room -- "Thank you, Councillor Benfield, for your kind words - and congratulations on your appointment to this estimable body. Councillors, first of all, and before we proceed to any other business, I owe my gratitude to someone. During this immense time of crisis, there was one of you who took charge of the nation, positioned himself at the helm of the state. Thank you, Wilfred. I thank you. The nation thanks you. As Vicarius, you successfully steered the ship of state through these unprecedented times. You maintained a steady course, and showed the entire world that Inimicus is a beacon of stability in this region. We did not succumb to coups. We did not give in to the extremes of the political spectrum. Thanks to you. And for this reason, it is my pleasure to personally bestow upon you the Grand Cross of the Order of Inimicus and make your position as Vicarius permanent. For life. You have served your People and your Emperor well, Wilfred. Thank you, again."
Table-banging accompanies Artabanos presenting Wilfred with the Grand Cross and tying the medal around the Vicarius's neck.
"Councillors, I will update you on the official investigation into what caused my hideous injuries very soon. Let me just be very brief about the situation soon - I do not wish to dwell on the past, but rather look towards the future. Let me say just this: the communists will pay. One day, those responsible for the crash of Needletail One will feel such misery, such horror, and then they will know that that day is the day when the debt has been repaid. When the score has been settled. Until then, Councillors, you may rest assured that every means at My disposal, from the Imperial Space Agency to the Imperial Armed Forces to the Imperial Guard, are hunting the suspects, with the one goal of capturing them and bringing them to Inimicus."
"Before I progress on this issue, however, I believe we have voting to do for the next European CommissiIon. I shall hand over to Vicarius Cocx to chair the voting process soon. However, if you will allow me... there are candidates for this next Commission who side with those who attempted to take My life, to destroy the Inimician democratic tradition. I would be, well, beyond disappointed, if any member of this estimable Council cast their weight behind them - and I know that no one here, who truly loves their Country and their People, ever would."
With a glance at Jeff Speller, the Emperor sits down. 'Vicarius Cocx is now expected to start the Commission voting process.'
"Your Imperial Majesty, Your gratitude flatters me more than any award ever will. It is the greatest privelege in the world to be able to call You my friend. Thank you, for this honour. Councillors, as His Imperial Majesty has just indicated, the first item on the agenda today is casting our ballots for the election of the European Premier and Internal Affairs Commissioners. The candidates for each Commission position are as follows. For the office of Premier Commisssioner:
- Walter Cocx, a subject of His Imperial Majesty
- Sofia Čikarová , Party of the European Left, from Czech Slavia
- Dragan Trympov, Making Europe Great Again, from Pravoslaviya
- Angela Merkel, European Progressive Alliance, from Fremet
- Sen. Kirstin, European Liberal Democrats, from Leagio
For the office of Internal Affairs Commissioner:
- Commissioner Jean-Claude Juncker, from Spain
- Kartin Weber, from Eastern Haane
- John Oliver, Make Europe Great Again, from Vayinaod
- Atty Winston, European Liberal Democrats, from Reitzmag
Now, we will vote once, and once only, and from all Councillors' votes we will then proceed to calculate the Empire's preferences for these positions. I shall call out the roll, please indicate the name of the candidate you are voting for. We shall start with the office of Premier Commissioner."
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'The National Imperial Council is about to begin voting for the office of Premier Commissioner, viewers. In just a few moments' time, we will know which of the five candidates that are standing for this office will receive the official vote of the Empire of Inimicus. We are expecting a strong performance from Walter Cocx, of course, the former Duke of Terra Praestoris, an office once filled by His Imperial Majesty Himself. Vicarius Cocx is about to call the roll.'
"Very well, I'll proceed. Your Imperial Majesty, Your vote, if You please."
"Walter Cocx." Some table-banging was heard.
"Thank you, that counts as fifteen votes for Walter Cocx."
The roll call for the Premier Commissioner votes is nearly complete, with all but two members voting for Walter Cocx, as Jeff Speller's name is called.
"Mr Jeff Speller, for Terra Legatus."
"Sofia Cikarova."
Emperor Artabanos is seen raising an eyebrow, then looking at Wilfred. "Go on, Wilfred", He says, "One vote for terrorist sympathiser Ms Cikarova."
"Very well, this brings the final vote count for the Empire of Inimicus in the elections of the Premier Commissioner of the European Union to the following: Walter Cocx, 33 votes. Senator Kirstin, 2 votes. Sofia Cikarova, 1 vote. Thank you, we shall now progress to the office of Internal Affairs. Your Imperial Majesty, Your votes, please."
"Wilfred, I would like to split my votes. 10 of my 15 shall be cast for John Oliver. The remaining 5, for Jean-Claude Juncker."
The roll call progresses with a much wider variety of voting strategies compared to the vote for Premier. Councillors attempting to keep track of who is ahead are seen frantically crossing out names and penning dashes onto scraps of paper.
"Thank you, Councillors, this brings the final vote count for the Empire of Inimicus in the elections of the Internal Affairs Commissioner of the European Union to the following: John Oliver, 14. Jean-Claude Juncker, 14. Katrin Weber, 3. Atty Winston, 5. Ah. Er, right. What, erm, what are the regulations regarding ties?"
Executive Representative Leader Lord Christopher Strathclyde is seen conferring with Vicarius Wilfred and His Imperial Majesty. After a few short moments, the Emperor speaks: "Very well. The Council being equally divided, by the Powers vested in Me through the Constitution of the Empire of Inimicus, and by the advice and consent of the National Executive, I cast an additional vote for John Oliver."
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CONCICLIUM CIVILIS IMPERATORIS
Proceedings of the National Imperial Council
SITTING OF 15TH FEBRUARY 2021
The Council met at half past Nine o'clock
[H.I.M. ARTABANOS present; Vicarius COCX chairs]
His Excellency Wilfred COCX: "Colleagues, Your Imperial Majesty, the matter before the Council is the determination of the National vote for offices in the European Commission. As per usual, I shall call each member to cast their vote in succession, beginning with the office of Commissioner for Foreign Affairs. The candidates for this office are as follows:
- Jon Mitchell Am Lind, from the Duxburian Union
- Ronald Reagan, from the Commonwealth of Leagio"
RESULTS OF FORMAL BALLOT:
H.I.M. ARTABANOS: 10 votes, Jon Mitchell Am Lind; 5 votes, Ronald Reagan.
REMAINING MEMBERS: 13 votes, Jon Mitchell Am Lind; 7 votes, Ronald Reagan.
COCX: "Thank you, colleagues, Your Imperial Majesty. I hereby certify that the National Imperial Council of the Empire of Inimicus shall cast the Empire's vote for Foreign Affairs Commissioner of the European Union as follows: First preference, Jon Mitchell Am Lind, Duxburian Union. Second preference: Ronald Reagan, Commonwealth of Leagio. Thank you. We will now move to the Internal Affairs office, for which the candidates are as follows:
- Münevver Birdane, from Alkharya;
- Edmund Jasper Winston, from the Kingdom of Reitzmag"
RESULTS OF FORMAL BALLOT:
H.I.M. ARTABANOS: 15 votes, Münevver Birdane.
REMAINING MEMBERS: 19 votes, Münevver Birdane; 1 vote, Edmund Jasper Winston.
COCX: "Thank you, colleagues, and thank you, colleague Speller, for your customary dissenting vote. Now, I certify that the National Imperial Council of the Empire of Inimicus shall cast the Empire's vote for Internal Affairs Commissioner of the European Union as follows: First preference, Münevver Birdane; second preference, Edmund Jasper Winston. Finally, colleagues, the office of the Premier Commissioner. Your Imperial Majesty, Your vote, if You will."
RESULTS OF FORMAL BALLOT:
H.I.M. ARTABANOS: 15 votes, Walter Cocx.
REMAINING MEMBERS: 19 votes, Walter Cocx; 1 vote, Peter Leeson.
COCX: "Thank you, colleagues, for your votes. You have all -- well, nearly -- done the Empire proud. I certify that the National Imperial Council of the Empire of Inimicus shall cast the Empire's vote for Premier Commissioner of the European Union as follows: First preference, Walter Cocx. Second preference, Peter Leeson."
J. SPELLER, Terra Legati: "A point of order, Mr Chairman, if you please."
COCX: "Very well, Mr Speller, for Terra Legati."
SPELLER: "Mr Chairman, I note the Council's near-unanimous following of His Imperial Majesty's vote, and wonder, in light of this -- and I would ask your clarification here, Mr Chairman -- first, is it legal for a formal ballot to take place while one key member of the National Executive, in this case, former Imperial Consul De Barrington, is not present, leaving his seat on this Council vacant? And second, a matter perhaps for His Imperial Majesty more so than you, why has the Council not received any information on Mr de Barrington's whereabouts, his being held in custody, or any updates on the investigation into the crimes of which he is accused?"
COCX: "Although only part of your point of order is actually a point of order, Mr Speller, I will try my best to satsify your question as well I can. The short answer to the matter you raise for the chair is yes, it is fully legal for the Council to meet without Mr De Barrington, for the simple reason that he is no longer an Imperial Consul and was, furthermore, disqualified from sitting in this Council by being appointed to the House of Nobles. Mr De Barrington is no longer a member of the National Executive and, therefore, of this National Imperial Council. We have had vacant seats here before, and nothing, constitutionally, prevents us from sitting with one now. As for your other matter, I will direct this question to His Imperial Majesty."
H.I.M. ARTABANOS: "Mr Speller, a full statement on the De Barrington case will be made tonight. Thank you, Mr Cocx, you may adjourn."
Sitting suspended at 10:05am
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CONCILIVM CIVILIS IMPERATORIS
Special Sitting, 21st October 2021
The Council met at half past Ten o'clock
[H.I.M. ARTABANOS and all Councillors present; Vicarius COCX chairs]
His Excellency Wilfred COCX: "Your Imperial Majesty, colleagues, Colleagues, I formally declare this Special Sitting of the National Imperial Council opened. The matter before the Council is the determination of the National vote for offices in the European Commission. Councillor Basil Lawson has requested a point of order before I commence the roll call. Councillor Lawson**
Basil LAWSON, Centre-Conservative Union: "Thank you, Chairman Cocx. I make this humble request to His Imperial Majesty and yourself as Vicarius, that Councillors be allowed such leave as to debate their choice for Commission before casting their ballots. We, as ultimate representatives of the Inimician People, deserve the chance to make this important decision in as much of an informed manner as possible. I look forward to hearing the opinions of everyone on this table, in particular, of His Imperial Majesty's, naturally."
COCX: "Thank you, Councillor Lawson. Any objections? Very well, so be it. Your Imperial Majesty, Your statement?"
H.I.M. ARTABANOS: "As you know, Wilfred, my votes are always up for unexpected distributions if convincing arguments are presented. I would like to hear Councillors' opinions."
Dilkes AYLA, Emperor's Finest: "With Your leave, I'll begin. I would just like to have it said that I intend to abstain from voting for the position of Foreign Affairs Commissioner. This is not a vote. A vote with one candidate is a coronation, not a decision."
Table banging is heard in the room.
AYLA: "Second, it will come as not much of a surprise to you, Councillors, that my vote was to be cast for Sofie Čikarová, despite her rather lacking Commission term. However, the recent infringement she made on the sovereignty of our friends in North Diessen and on the sovereignty of Your Empire, Majesty, is, as far as I am concerned, a crime greater than any Commissioner in the history of Inimician EU membership has committed. I urge all Councillors to vote with their hearts and minds, but above all, not to vote for Čikarová."
Murmurs of 'hear hear' and more table banging.
Jeff SPELLER, United Green Front: "So, Councillor Ayla, you will judge four months' work on a single statement? You will throw away the chance the European Union has at real change, real reform, because of one urging to non-violence. I knew the Emperor's Finest were really the Emperor's lamest, but this tops all."
AYLA: "Reform, you say. What reform, if I might ask? What has Čikarová achieved in her four-month term? The institution of a development organisation that refuses to fund cultural activities - a budget paid for by the Inimician taxpayer that runs the largest surplus year on year? Dialogue with the communists, with the UNSR? You may call that progress, Councillor Speller. I call it mismanagement."
10:55am
COCX: "Councillors, I propose we first move to vote on the position of Foreign Affairs and Internal Affairs Commissioners of the European Union before continuing our debate. On the matter of the National vote for the Foreign Affairs Commissioner of the European Union: Your Imperial Majesty, Your vote?"
H.I.M. ARTABANOS: "Abstention."
RESULTS OF FORMAL BALLOT:
H.I.M. ARTABANOS: 15 votes, Abstain.
REMAINING MEMBERS: 18 votes, Abstain. 2 votes Pekka HAAVISTO.
COCX: "Thank you, Councillors. I certify that the National Imperial Council of the Empire of Inimicus shall cast the Empire's vote for Foreign Commissioner of the European Union as follows: ABSTENTION. Councillors, any comments on the Office of Internal Affairs?"
TBC
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11:07am
Nazil SCHOUT, Emperor's Finest: "With your leave, Mr Chairman. I must say, colleagues, I have been exceptionally uninspired by any of the Internal Affairs candidates. I had expected the Commission debates to offer some kind of solution to my conundrum, because as of right now, I feel like voting for no one at all. Unfortunately, the choice is not simple. We have the choice of voting for Mr Pinera, who mentioned not a single concrete plan in the whole debate; someone whose entire platform is based on "femboys", which, well, I don't think anyone on this table is familiar with; -- "
H.I.M. ARTABANOS: "Hm, well, someone is..."
Laughter in the chamber.
SCHOUT: "I er, well, yes, Your Imperial Majesty, perhaps. Then the Istaklen candidate, who made the grotesque claim in the debate that her vague ideas amount to something concrete, which she then refrained to mention. Ms Marin's contribution had a size proportionally inverse to the length of the Barrington family's criminal record, and I confess I know next to nothing about her platform. The EPA candidate appeared to have lost their tongue, and as such I cannot imagine any Councillor voting for them. Similarly, Ms Thatcher, whose record was impressive, but whose policies are apparently non-existent, cannot receive my support. And then, well, Joseph Biden remains. Do I need to mention anything other than that he's Reitzmic?"
Matthew BIRCH, Inimician Liberal Appeal: "At the very least, Ms Kalessed behaved with dignity throughout the whole campaign, and we can expect her to be an active Commissioner. Councillor Benfield, as our European representative, do you have a view on Kalessed's record?"
H.I.M. ARTABANOS: "I must say, Councillor Birch, and I apologise to Councillor Benfield for interrupting, I do not intend to vote for any PEL mischief in this election; they had their chance. And they blew it by attempting to tell us we could not defend ourselves. No, sir.
Table banging.
Nicholas BENFIELD, independent: "I have nothing to add save what His Imperial Majesty stated just now. The Empire was misled by the House of Commons last summer into voting for the PEL, a mistake which we cannot and must not repeat."
BIRCH: "So would you rather Biden? A Reitzmic Commissioner? What good could that do the Empire? Nothing but negatives could result from a Biden commissionership."
BENFIELD: "Indeed. I concur with Councillor Schout on this, and must say I am finding this choice an immensely difficult one, and not because there are so many good candidates."
COCX: "Very well, thank you, Councillors, now for the formal ballot. Your Imperial Majesty, Your votes?"
H.I.M. ARTABANOS: "Er. Yes. Well. Err. 7 votes, Joseph Biden. 7 votes, Ilmaras Kalessed. 1 vote, Sanna Marin."
RESULTS OF FORMAL BALLOT:
H.I.M. ARTABANOS: 7 votes, Joseph R. BIDEN; 7 votes, Ilmaras KALESSED; 1 vote, Sanna MARIN.
REMAINING MEMBERS: 11 votes, Joseph R. BIDEN; 9 votes, Ilmaras KALESSED
Tbc
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11:36am
Wilfred COCX, Vicarius & Chairman: "Thank you all, Councillors. We now move to possibly the most contentious vote of today, the decision on who should receive the Empire's votes for Premier Commissioner of the European Union. I thank Councillor Ayla for starting the discussion on the Premier race earlier this morning. Do any other Councillors have anything to add?"
Jeff SPELLER, United Green Front: "I would just like to add, Chairman Cocx, that voting - or rather, not voting - for a certain candidate based on their performance in just the last week, rather than looking at the whole Commission term as a whole, is not only unwise, it is a travesty to the people we are sworn to represent."
Hetty TILKI, Emperor's Finest: "I think the objections made by Councillor Ayla concerned more than just the last week, Councillor Speller. Čikarová's complete inactivity during the last European Commission term places her alongside the likes of Ms Merkel, who uttered literally zero words from her pristine seat in Europolis while raking in a salary most of us could only dream of. No, Councillors. As much as Mr Juncker's policies contradict the emphasis on national sovereignty we all value, we cannot risk another term with communist sympathisers at the helm. I will be voting for Jean-Claude, and I urge you all to do the same."
Simon LANE, Centre-Conservative Union: "There is also another option, Councillors. I hear many of us do not feel like voting for Čikarová, and I completely agree. I also concur that the EPA's Euro-integrationism is what we have all been fighting for the last decade, so voting for Juncker would be counter-intuitive for most of us, perhaps barring Councillor Speller. However, two more candidates for Premier exist. Why not vote for Desai or the Menrimian? The Duchies candidate emphasises sovereignty explicitly, and Niinistö is another strong, indepdendent candidate."
H.I.M. ARTABANOS: "We know this European League of Sovereign States emphasises treaty-based governance, and when has that ever worked in our region? Just look at the Treaty of Telum, signed in this very room. Given current circumstances, Simon, I cannot see myself voting for a Duchian."
Table banging.
LANE: "Then how about Niinistö? Someone with experience, an ex-minister?"
Christopher STRATHCLYDE, Executive Representative Leader: "We know nothing about Niinistö, Simon. At least we know what we're voting for with Juncker and even Čikarová. The question, Councillors, is plain: who can Inimicus negotiate with best? Who could do the least damage to our interests? I think that answer stares us clearly in the face."
COCX: "Thank you, Colleagues. We will now move to a decision. Your Imperial Majesty, Your votes?"
H.I.M. ARTABANOS: "8 votes, Jean-Claude Juncker, 4 votes, Harish Desai. 3 votes, Ville Niniistö."
RESULT OF FORMAL BALLOT:
H.I.M. ARTABANOS: 8 votes, Jean-Claude JUNCKER; 4 votes, Harish DESAI; 3 votes, Ville NIINISTÖ.
REMAINING MEMBERS: 15 votes, Jean-Claude Juncker; 3 votes. Harish DESAI; 2 votes, Ville NIINISTÖ; 1 vote, Sofie ČIKAROVÁ.
COCX: "Very well, thank you, colleagues. Please note that under Imperial Decree CCXII, only those candidates who received five votes or more in total will appear on the Inimician ballot paper. I now have the pleasure of certifying the Inimician vote for the Autumn 2021 Commission elections as follows:
"For Premier Commissioner:
- Jean-Claude JUNCKER
- Harish DESAI
- Ville NIINISTÖ
"For Internal Affairs Commissioner:
- Joseph R. BIDEN
- Ilmaras KALESSED
"For Foreign Affairs Commissioner: ABSTENTION.
"Thank you all. Session closed."
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Special Sitting of the National Imperial Council of the Empire of Inimicus
7th March 2022
Summary agenda:
10:00am: Opening. Statements, if any.
Followed by: Determination of the National Vote for Premier and Internal Affairs Commissioner of the European Union
Wilfred COCX, Vicarius: "I call the Council to order. Welcome to all, and a special welcome to His Imperial Majesty. We start with statements, if any need making."
Jeffrey SPELLER, United Green Front: "Councillor Cocx, I beg to move that Councillors be allowed such leave as to debate and discuss the choice of Premier and Internal Affairs Commissioner prior to proceeding to a vote."
COCX: "So ordered. Other statements? No? Very well, Councillors. Let us debate the choice for Internal Affairs Commissioner first of all."
Ralph JAEVONS, Inimician Liberal Appeal: "With your leave, Councillor Cocx. I served as European Councillor representing the Empire for several years. Although her policies -- or lack thereof -- might seem unorthodox, I humbly ask Councillors to consider Sarah Porter's candidacy. In previous votes, we decided to cast our ballots for the candidate who could do the least damage to Imperial interests. If that is a policy to go by, then Porter deserves our support."
Christopher STRATHCLYDE, Executive Representative Leader: "How much did she pay you, Ralph?"
Edith OXLEY, ILA: "Councillor Jaevons makes a point. Kalessed is clearly reasonable, but may also be damaging to our interests. Porter's promise of coming to this Council to hear us out is an intriguing one."
H.I.M. ARTABANOS: "The problem is, My Councillors, that there is no accountability with Porter. Politicians, and especially Commissioners, are judged based on their promises pre-election and their actions while in office. What are we to judge Porter on, should she be elected? She is, perhaps surprisingly, actually the dangerous choice."
SPELLER: "We all know the Emperor's recent grudge against the United Duchies and all Duchian nationals. Don't be fooled by this act, Councillors."
COCX: "Under Standing Order 1.1, I order Councillor Speller from the Chamber for the remainder of today's sitting."
SPELLER vacates the Council.
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Sometime later...
Walter COCX, Vicarius: "Councillors, let us move to a vote on the Internal Affairs Commissioner before moving on to the Premier's office. Any objections? No, I'd guess not, since Councillor Speller is no longer with us... Your Imperial Majesty, Your votes, if You please."
H.I.M. ARTABANOS: "Ilmaras Kalessed, 13 votes. Sarah Porter, 2 votes."
Councillors sound approval.
COCX: "Thank you, Your Imperial Majesty. We move to collecting remaining members' votes."
RESULT OF FORMAL BALLOT:
Ilmaras KALESSED Sarah PORTER Total H.I.M. ARTABANOS 13 2 15 OTHER CLLRS 18 2 20
COCX: "Thank you, Councillors. I have the pleasure of certifying the Empire of Inimicus's votes for Internal Affairs Commissioner of the European Union in the Spring 2022 contest are as follows: First preference, Ilmaras KALESSED; Second preference, Sarah PORTER. We now move to discussions around the Premiership candidates."
Nazil SCHOUT, Emperor's Finest: "With your leave, Cllr Cocx, the choice before us is painful. Joseph Biden, Eurojoe, on the one hand, and Corinna Larsen, Ms Plastic Surgery, on the other. The former attempted to interfere with our constuction of the vital canal, named after His Imperial Majesty, and utterly failed to enact any semblance of constitutional reform. The latter, well, what policy points has she? Her candidacy is a literal joke."
Basil LAWSON, Centre-Conservative Union: "Larsen has mentioned European Court of Justice reform, Cllr Schout. Our good servant Chief Justice Benjamin Steyn has repeatedly reported its issues to this Council, if you'll remember."
SCHOUT: "Very true, although this does not negate the unnecessarily humorous and blase tone of her candidacy."
Simge GALANTH, Emperor's Finest: "I would also draw Councillors' attention to the almost jokingly fake televised campaign rally Joe Biden put on last week. Homeless people asking about technicalities of European politics, rather than putting food in their mouths? Come on. This was an insult to our electorates."
H.I.M. ARTABANOS: "I mean, it would be, if our electorate had any say whatsoever in our decision..."
Approving sounds from Councillors
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Dilkes AYLA, Emperor's FInest: "I think, Councillors, despite the quality of both candidates before us -- or, perhaps, lack thereof -- our choice is clear and our judgement is predictable as well. Nevertheless, I would draw Councillors' attention to the fact we have been left with these two candidates when a more experienced, more capable, and more Inimician candidate could have garnered support of most moderate and well-thinking nations. Where, I ask our Vicarius and His Imperial Majesty, was Dr Walter Cocx these last few weeks?"
Vicarius WIlfred COCX: "As Cllr Ayla knows, Dr Cocx chose not to stand for election in the current round due to his experience as Premier Commissioner this time last year. I agree, however, that we as National Imperial Councillors should have the right to ask Dr Cocx, and indeed other candidates we deem suitable, to stand should we want them to."
Charles HONEYBOURNE, Central Progressive Party: "Excuse me, Vicarius. I do not think Commission candidates, from any nation, should be sponsored by said nation. Commission elections are independent from national sponsorship and should remain so. We should not judge candidates based on their national origin, and the main way of avoiding this is to keep national government separate from Commission candidacy. I could not support this Council interfering in Dr Cocx's free choice to put himself forward."
H.I.M. Artabanos: "I largely agree with Cllr Honeybourne. National administrations should not put forward candidates for Commission. However, Dr Cocx's case is different -- he is an experienced former Commissioner, and encouraging him to stand in an informal capacity would not breach his independence. Dr Cocx is my friend, and the friend of many in this Council, and friends encourage one another and give one another advice, do they not?"
Vicarius COCX: "With your permission, Your Imperial Majesty, I shall put this point on the agenda for future discussion and invite Councillors to be present to voice their opinions. We now move to voting for the Premier Commissioner of the European Union. Your Imperial Majesty, Your vote?"
H.I.M. Artabanos: "Fifteen votes, Corrina Larsen."
Councillors sound approval.
RESULT OF FORMAL BALLOT:
Corinna LARSEN Joseph BIDEN Total H.I.M. ARTABANOS 15 0 15 OTHER CLLRS 17 3 20
H.I.M. Artabanos: "Mr Cocx, given the low number of votes cast for Biden, I hereby use my powers under Article XLIV, Section 1 of the Constitution of the Empire of Inimicus, and overrule these three members' votes to avoid casting a second preference vote for Joseph Biden."
Vicarius COCX: "Very.... very well, Your Imperial Majesty. These three votes are hereby overruled. Would any Councillor appeal this Decree under Article XLIV, Section 2? I know Cllr Speller is no longer present, so I would expect not. Ah, Cllr Honeybourne, yes, please."
HONEYBOURNE: "Your Imperial Majesty, I humbly challenge Your overruling of this Counci's judgement and request we move to a formal ballot."
Vicarius COCS: "Under the National Imperial Council's Standing Orders, we shall now move to a vote on whether His Imperial Majesty's Decree stands. I would remind Councillors that this motion requires a two--thirds majority to pass. Your votes, if you please."
RESULTS OF FORMAL BALLOT on overturning the Imperial Decree dated 7th March 2022 (supermajority required for passage):
AYE NAY Total H.I.M. ARTABANOS N/A N/A N/A Remaining members 5 15 20
Transcript ends.
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Extraordinary Session of the National Imperial Council of the Empire of Inimicus
21st July 2022
Summary agenda:
9.30am: Opening statements, if any.
Followed by: Determination of the National Vote for Premier, Internal Affairs, and Foreign Affairs Commissioners of the European Union
Present: H.I.M. Artabanos, Vicarius Wilfred Cocx, Nicholas Benfield, James Cocx (Imperial delegates); Basil Lawson, Henman Vern (Centurio); Matthew Birch, Alaina Kaach (Domini); Simon Lane, Jeffrey Speller (Legati); Edmund Everett, Simge Galanth (Quaestoris); Edith Oxley, Ralph Jaevons (Rosarum); Charles Honeybourne, Hetty Tilki (Praestoris); Dilkes Ayla, Nazil Schout (Diutius); Christopher Strathclyde, Karen Smith, Boris Mancov, Sarah Gladwell (National Executive).
Absent: none
Wilfred COCX, Chair: "The Council shall come to order. Before us today is the determination of the National Vote for three members of the European Commission. Unless there are any Opening Statements, I suggest Councillors move to discussions on the choice before us."
Dilkes AYLA, Emperor's Finest: "Vicarius, with your leave -- I do not think any of us know the outcome of our decision for Premier Commissioner today, although perhaps our choice for Interal Affairs is more clear-cut. I am, myself, in doubt whether Jean-Claude Juncker will keep Imperial interests at heart, given his record of integrationism and European-level legislation. At the same time, Kühnert seems to be an un-nuanced choice, and his answer to everything appears to be national sovereignty. That, too, is not in the Empire's interests. I wonder what other Councillors' opinions are."
Jeff SPELLER, United Progressive Front: "I think, colleagues, Your Imperial Majesty, there is one large distinction between Mr Juncker and Mr Kühnert, and that is experience. Juncker, for all his integrationism which some at this table -- not I -- object to, has been a Commissioner in the past, he is a seasoned politician, and we know what to expect from him. That alone makes him win my vote."
Simon LANE, Centre-Conservative Union: "Yes, Juncker is experienced. He is. But experienced in what? What did he actually achieve during his terms in office? Barring, mind you, Eurorail, which indeed was more of a Reitzmic influence, I suspsect."
H.I.M. ARTABANOS: "Juncker can indeed be credited with Eurorail. But we know Kühnert values the rights of member states over those of the EU. Councillors, there must be other things to consider."
Christopher STRATHCLYDE, ind.: "I suspect I recognise the intent of His Imperial Majesty's comments, Councillors. Perhaps most importantly, far beyond the limitations of sovereignty vs integration, progressive vs conservative, there is a highly influential other factor. His Imperial Majesty has Juncker's ear. Juncker and the Emperor get along. That may be worth far more than talk about sovereignty or not. Having a Premier Commissioner that has rapport with Our Emperor is essential."
Simge GALANTH, Emperor's Finest: "A fair point, Lord Strathclyde. However, I suspect no one, not even His Imperial Majesty, would vote for an office as important as that of the European Premier based on rapport alone. Dinners and visits and cruise yachts are all well and good, but political intent is just as important."
Vicarius COCX: "With those concluding words, Councillors, I suggest we move on to our ballots."
RESULTS OF FORMAL BALLOT:
Ilmaras KALESSED Kevin COTILLA Total H.I.M. ARTABANOS 5 10 15 OTHER CLLRS 2 18 20 RESULTS OF FORMAL BALLOT:
Jean-Claude JUNCKER Calvin KÜHNERT Total H.I.M. ARTABANOS 8 7 15 OTHER CLLRS 11 9 20
COCX: "Very well, thank you, Councillors. I therefore certify that the Empire of Inimicus's votes for Internal Affairs Commissioner in the Summer 2022 contest are as follows: First preference, Kevin COTILLA; Second preference, Ilmaras KALESSED. I further certify that the Empire of Inimicus's votes for Premier Commissioner in the Summer 2022 elections are as follows: First preference, Jean-Claude JUNCKER; Second preference, Calvin KÜHNERT. Thank you again, Councillors. Council is adjourned."
