Commission Debate, Jan/Feb 2021

Taking advantage of this period of free debate, I would like to ask Dr. Cocx this question: at what point is the Union responsible for intervening in favor of the rights of individuals? Let us take the example of interracial marriage or union. Our Union has had at least one state in which it was widely condemned and banned In such situations, does it become the responsibility of the EU to intervene?

Spain

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VV: Candidates, we are now moving to the Questions round. You have 2 minutes per question. (OOC: 300 words but you MUST separate these with 3 dashes.) You may continue to debate and call people out on erroneous claims with a 1 minute (OOC: 150 word) statement. Our fact checkers will be keeping track of everything you say, just in case you lie, so be careful!

Additionally, Mr. Cocx has exceeded the time limit, which means he will just get a minute and 30 seconds (OCC: 222 words) to answer each question. Mr. Mitchell, you also exceeded the time limit, which means you'll just get a minute and 50 seconds (OCC: 283 words) to answer each question.

Cocx:

You have answered you think the European Union should intervene in the UNSR. How would that intervention work? How is the European Union dealing with countries not wishing to intevene? What will we do to avoid any nuke launch from the UNSR?
You have also answered you support Copala City independence. Why do you?

Le Berre:

You have been very neutral when it came to 1-10 scale questions, preferring to answer by saying "Leave it to member states". Why didn't you want to take a side on many of the questions?
In the questionaire, you have said the European Union doesn't need a Green Deal. Could you tell us why the EU doesn't need it? What would you do with it if you were elected?

Leeson:

You have shown support towards the European Maritime Standarts Act, an opposed view from your EPA counterparts. Why do you support this act? Is there something of the original proposal you don't like?
You have also answered that the infrastructure projects shouldn't be agreed on a bi or trilateral basis. What is your stance on agreeing this kind of projects then?

Birdane:

You have also answered that the infrastructure projects shouldn't be agreed on a bi or trilateral basis. What is your stance on agreeing this kind of projects then?
Some countries, like Spain for example, are affected by drug trafficking routes, for example. Do you think the legalization of cannabis across the EU would make this issue come to a stop? What would happen with the people that get some money from that to feed their families?

Winston:

You were the one that pushed forward the Unified Curriculum for European Schools' idea. Why are you against it now? What has changed since 4 months ago to make you change your stance on this topic?
You are the only who thinks the firing of Elon Musk was not needed. Could you explain us why do you consider it wasn't needed?

Reagan:

You are the only candidate that proposed the European Space Agency's budget to decrease. Why would you like it to go down? Is it related with Mr. Musk's firing?
You support the Condemnation of the Coup in Inquista. Do you then consider that what happened in Inquista was a coup?

Mitchell:

You are not supportive of the European Union Anti-Racism plan. Why do you think we doesn't need an anti-racism plan? Is racism an important matter in your opinion?
You are the only candidate along with Mr. Leeson who supports the possible entrance of the Holy See into the European Union. What would be the conditions for the Holy See entrance in the Union?

OCC: You have 26h to answer (until 20 GMT, 9th February 2021)

The sovereignty of member-states must always be first, unless if said sovereignty infringes upon the dignity and equality of individuals. The questions which I did not take a side on, in my question, regarded responsibilities that had little if anything to do with the protection of dignity and equality; thus, they are better left to member-states, to manage collectively if they concern all, and to individual ones if they concern only one. However, I do support the inclusion of other interests in these matters, for the most part - vocations and cultures, for example - as to ensure that not a single interest is passed over in the name of some mercurial justice.

The various "Green Deals" that have been proposed have either been far too centralizing or little more than virtue-signaling. The issues of climate change and environmental degradation do have to be addressed; but they must be addressed cooperatively and on the basis of consensus, with all nations and all groups affected, from subsistence farmers to miners, included in discussing and finding a just solution to an issue - a solution which must ensure a just transition, in which all remain employed in stable and growing industries, their wishes, their dignity, respected; a solution which must take into account different views toward conservation, as well as existing cultures, material conditions, and general ways of life. At the same time, this address should not focus on the usage of Union resources as to rectify the issue; as with all my proposals, they should emphasize local and national efforts, as well as existing structures. This is not a Green Deal; perhaps it would be better described as a "Green Course."

BrumBrum

Leeson: I support the act because we need standards and the Caspian Crisis has only shown what happens when we don't have them. A state will go rogue and create islands causing a crisis. If theres one thing I don't like its the opposition to allowing nations to decide taxes in their own waters but other than that I think the idea of standardising to a standard EEZ and territorial water minimum is a sound idea. I believe unless we have a strong maritime standards act we will continue to have problems and conflict in the EU over waters , the certainty would be good for trade and for all countries big and small.

While I do believe there is a place to bi and tri-lateral projects projects like Eurorail, regional grids , power and gas infrastructure do better the bigger they are that is why EU led innitiatives on super-grids , Eurorail and projects like it or on things like river management schemes is important by working together we can make bigger infrastrucure projects far more efficient and standardised. For example we can have one 5g standard instead of many incompatible ones we can also achieve savings through economies of scale for bigger projects.

Inimicus

"With your permission, Vicente, I'll first answer the question Mr Le Berre posed to me before you asked us all our questions. Mr Le Berre, we have a gold standard of human rights in this Union: the UDoHR. Now, it is not the prerogative of the Premier, currently, to announce sanctions or measures against states, it is the Council's, but I would pose that contravention of the UDoHR is the one true measure of rogueness and villainy. I know this answer may not satisfy you, given your past history in your own country, but I am obliged to my opinion."

"Now, as for the other questions. It's true, I want the EU to intervene in the USNR. I want the EU to be tough on rogue states and rogue regimes. What individual member states decide to do is, of course, up to them. But an intervention must, in my opinion, consist first and foremostly of humanitarian aid, of a toppling of the USNR regime, and the restoration of the true Nicolezian state. My answer would be the same if you asked me about Eastern Haane or Neo-Venetia: these dangers must be contained. In Inimicus, we know all too well what a rogue regime can cause -- we experienced it ourselves. I wish this on no other people in this Union."

"I support Copala City independence for purely practical reasons. It is clear to me that the current situation is untenable. Clearly, the citizens of Copala City have their own identity, separate from that of Reitzmag. The best course for them to take is, of course, up to them, but it is my belief that they would be best served by independence - they cannot be the lackeys of the Reitzmic government any longer, nor can they integrate fully into Reitzmic life. They will have to make that choice, soon."

Alkharya

It should be agreed upon any country that is affected by it. Here's an example: Juncker hasn't asked two or three Caspian countries on their opinion on man-made Reitzmic islands; he made a summit where any Caspian country could express their opinion on the islands. It should be the same for any project that the EU participates in.

I definitely believe that legalization will put relief on illegal drug trafficking, but correct me if I'm wrong, isn't drug trafficking is mostly done with opiates and cocaine, not marijuana? I obviously have plans to put drug trafficking regarding hard drugs down. As for the second question there, legalization would create more jobs and stimulate the economy even more, so yes, it does have the chance to feed more families.

Leagio

My opinion on decreasing the budget of the ESA is based on the idea that I do not think that space exploration should not be a focus of the European Union. The Union still has made issues that it needs to fully address down on the ground. These issues like the question of Euro Federalism and ideological disputes have made the EU an area of disunity and hatred towards each other. Plus Not every member-state in the EU supports the idea of space exploration from the EU and are not in favor of their money being used for that purpose. It has nothing to do with the firing of former director Musk.

I support the condemnation of the Coup because I felt that the nature of the coup was that it had not been one supporting the ideas of democracy and freedom. A coup is where the leaders of a fight do not wish to hear the issues of the people, the opposite of that is a Revolution where the people rise up to have a voice in general in the government.

Duxburian Union

In all honesty, I don't support an anti-"racism" plan because I don't fundamentally understand what "racism" is or what "races" are or why they need to be opposed. English is not my first language and we have no word for this concept in High Aelirian. In my limited understanding, it has something to do with judging people based on their skin complexion, which doesn't make a shred of sense to a Duxburian. Having lighter or darker skin than another person is totally irrelevant for judging anything about what they do, so I'm at a loss for why anyone would do that or why the European Union would need to tell anyone what is already plainly obvious. Likewise, it's non-sensical that people would actually be allied together by their skin complexion...they are allied together by what they do. Bankers are an alliance, fisherpeople are an alliance. Nobody cares what they look like.

I always support increasing the number of EU memberstates, although the Holy See would need to be found to possess the qualities of a true state in order to be admitted. I don't actually know how close it is to a true state, as I have spent much of my career abroad and am not terribly familiar with the details of how it is administered. For entities that fall short, but still possess some characteristics of a state, there is a case to be made for the possibility of some kind of symbolic membership at least. Although, that would be something for the Council to discuss, not an FA Commissioner.

Mr. Reagan, purely as a concerned citizen of our Union, I would like to repeat Mr. Mitchell's question to you: " Which regions have tried to attack us in the past and which remain hostile to us? And which regions would come to our defense militarily in the event of a raid?"

Spain

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SG: Candidates, we have a new pair of questions for you. These have been made by spectators all around Europe, apart from the debate's managment and yourselves, but didn't get an answer. You have 2 minutes per question. (OOC: 300 words but you MUST separate these with 3 dashes.) You may continue to debate and call people out on erroneous claims with a 1 minute (OOC: 150 words)
Cocx:

Amelie Roux, from the Union of Syndicates, has asked you, along with the other Premier and Internal Affairs candidates, the following questions: What will you do to stem the spread of misinformation across social media? How can we trust that you will be active Commissioners? As a socialist, how can I trust that Commissioners will not immediately consider socialist nations rogue?
In your "Message to the Europeans", you proposed "To allow the Commission, as a united body, to instantly embargo states deemed out of line by at least two EU member states' governments, a danger to regional security, or to member states' safety -- acting as a final possible measure in case all diplomacy fails." Which countries would accomplish these prequisits right now? What's the real purpose of this measure in the end?

Le Berre:

You please need to answer the questions from Ms. Roux.
In your Qualifications, Josephine Areai is mentioned quite a lot, and this might confuse the Europeans if they don't read everything entirely. What was your relationship with Ms. Areai? Moreover, you state that, along with some cabinet members, you conspired to drug Areai. Could the Europeans be relaxed with your Premiership with things like this?

Leeson:

You please need to answer the questions from Ms. Roux.
In your "Consulation on European Council Pledge", you stated your willing to "Increase councillours per nation to at least 3 councillours". We know countries like Inquista or Reitzmag, where the EPA and the ELDR have a huge influence. How would this give plurality to the European Council? How many votes would there be per nation, 1 or 3? And, more importantly, how would the voting, if there was just 1 vote per nation, be decided between 3 different ideologies Councillors? Wouldn't it be a mess?

Birdane:

You please need to answer the questions from Ms. Roux.
In Mennrimiak, one of the countries of our region were the so-called ideology "Euroscepticism" is on the rise, you said the "The European Union is chaotic". How are you going to deal with the rise of such a dangerous ideology for the European Union? Do you think the European Union will fall apart soon?

Winston:

You please need to answer the questions from Ms. Roux.
You also need to answer the questions Vicente Vallés asked.
In a rally at Saint Dominico, you said "We are being too proud and arrogant for our own interests that we don't think about others". I'd like to remember everyone watching us that you took Mr. Juncker to the ECoJ over the what's now known as Eurorail. Weren't you to proud and arrogant when you competed with the current IA Commissioner? How can the Europeans guarantee pride and arrogance won't take protagonism in the case you become the Internal Affairs Commissioner?

Reagan:

I will also repeat the question made by Mr. Mitchell and once again repeated by Mr. Le Berre: Which regions have tried to attack us in the past and which remain hostile to us? And which regions would come to our defense militarily in the event of a raid?
Ria Levon, from the Duxburian Union sent us this question: TSP, XKI, and TRR are some of our closest friends and an FA Commissioner should know recent things about them. What are your opinions on TSP's handling of TNP's statement, TITO's stance on quorum raiding, and what do you think about TRR's new delegate?

Mitchell:

The European Corps Act was passed in June last year, with Vincent Drake am Weisshaupt of the Duxburian Union being appointed as the Eurocorps commander. Still, we haven't seen any development on Eurocorps coming from him or the Foreign Affairs Commissioner. Are Eurocorps going to be a priority in your term as Foregn Affairs Commissioner, is elected? What are the main goals you want to achieve in your term?
Since September 2020, the European Union hasn't published any Regional Update, which has confused many. If you are elected, will these updates be continued? Do you think they are important for our relationship with other regions? Would you make any change to them?

OCC: You have until 11th February 2021 at 22:30 GMT to answer

I will begin with the question about the dictator Areai. I was essentially enslaved by her, and was forced to give out various diktats from her as her "Minister of Propaganda and Censorship," a title which meant absolutely nothing and was designed to defame me in the case that her regime fell. Had I killed myself or allowed myself to be killed, she would have appointed another person to give out her diktats who would not have been so obstructive as I was.

She was responsible for torturing the country for sixteen years; 75% of those who were not of Haanean descent were put to death; all others were forced to work long hours without pay as to rebuild the country; anyone who dared to openly criticize her was killed horrifically. I am not ashamed that I and others within her cabinet conspired to drug her as to coerce her resignation and thus the end of her regime; she was psychotic and genocidal. It may have taken us sixteen years to plan and prepare for it, sixteen years of servitude and guilt, but we take solace in the fact that we did it. Europeans should in fact be more comfortable with this fact; I was willing to give my own life in service of liberty.

Ms. Roux, your first question does not exactly fall into the area in which a Commissioner is empowered to work; however, I will answer it. This is certainly a threat; however, primary responsibility for it should fall to member-states. If absolutely necessary, which I doubt it will be, a meeting can be held as to ensure that action is undertaken in all member-states independently - without influence or as little as is possible from the Union in the formulation of solutions - as to rectify the issue. This is not even something I am particularly willing to act on - again, it is better left to member-states.

I will be an active Commissioner. I have given to Europe all of my policy in detailed words, have campaigned across the whole of the Union, have been on the whole much more active as a campaigner than my opponents. At the same time, what I promise is great in scope; I will have to work from day to night as to accomplish it.

Nations are entitled to their own economic systems. If they do not actively threaten lives; if they do not infringe upon the basic rights of the individual; they are not rogue.

Leagio

To answer the question that was asked by my opponent and repeated by Le Berre, I have not stated that we are under attack by anyone. But I want I mean is that we live in a era of technology where the old methods of warfare are being used less and less but high level tech is the way to attack a region. But if I were to say if there were any type of region that we should be concerned about is ones of the very far-right political spectrum with views that call for the genocide of other races and we know that they do exist for a fact. Although, they have not illustrated any will to attack yet, they are a force that the EU should be concerned about. In the event of a raid that the EU might experience, then it would regions that have been founded to fight against invaders like the Order of Grey Wardens.

Well, Ria Levon, to focus on the big crisis which is TSP's handling of TNP's statement(where I assume you are referring to the Quorum Raiding dispute). The situation is very concerning in gerneral esepcially with the strong and postive relations that the North and South Pacific had before the situation. I believe that the situation could have been handled better by both sides, but I feel that the South Pacific were fair on their statement that it was “dismayed and disappointed” by the “bombastic” statement by the North. Moving on to TITO's stance on Quorum Raiding, I believe that each region is entitled to their own beliefs. But I think quorum raiding is a toxic approach to blocking the vote of a resolution that is made with good intentions, which is something that I happened to agree with TITO on who stated that it was their "long-standing support for regional self-determination.” Now focusing on the new delegate of the Rejected Realms, I congratulate Purple Hyacinth for being elected to their position. Although, I wonder what he plans to do in his new position as he made no campaign promises in the race mentioned earlier but the EU will see soon imagine.

Inimicus

"I note that Ms Roux's question really consists of multiple, equally important parts. First of all, I think my record of being an active, involved candidate in this and past elections, and my track record in Inimicus, speaks for how active a Commissioner I would be. As for misinformation, I think you will all recall that I was subject to this by Sen. Kerstin during the last round of elections - the only thing one can do is to stay resolute, stick to the facts, and call out misinformation wherever possible. Now, the last part of your question seems most important to me, and let me be clear. Socialism does not equal terrorism. Socialism does not equal rogue-ness. To think I would consider all socialist nations rogue is folly, and is a notion you should not entertain, Ms Roux."

"My message to Europe was clear, and my definition of rogue states is not up to me, but up to member states. If two or more national governments lodge such an embargo request after, importantly, all diplomatic avenues have been explored, I think it should be possible to compel the entire region to embargo. What nations accomplish these prerequisites is not up to me, but up to member states - as Premier, I would facilitate their action. I'm unaware what the questioner is insinuating by asking what the "real purpose" of these measures is -- in my view, the only and real purpose of such a system is to topple rogue regimes however possible. There is no other purpose."

"If you'll allow me, Vicente, I will briefly question some of Mr Le Berre's points. Like him, I agree that the type of economic system a nation has does not define rogue-ness. However, I'm intrigued, given his experience in Eastern Haane, and the horrors he describes, would he have liked to see tougher action against Eastern Haane at the time this situation was ongoing? How about the USNR? During this campaign, he has advocated a lame head-in-the-sand policy towards rogue regimes, but given the experiences he has just described, would the same count for Eastern Haane?"

Alkharya

First off, calling socialist nations "rogue" is one of the biggest demonizations that right-wing politicians make to diminish the accomplishments of said nations. I will never do this buffoonery. In my work, there are no calling names. There is examining and researching. Of course, I'm talking about myself here, but I will also discourage the rest of the commission to make sure they refrain from using these terms. Secondly, you can trust me on being an active force in the Commission based on the eight, almost back to back rallies I've held. And finally, to combat disinformation, I am considering to add a fact-check section to European Commission app, which would check whether or not the most popular claims around the EU are actually correct.

I feel like my words are being taken out of context here. I said it's chaotic because of its diversity. Diversity of thoughts, cultures, views, languages, you name it. I was actually using the word "chaotic" in a rather positive way if I say so myself. Now, in order to fight Euroscepticism, as I've said in my rally in Hannkkara, we have to listen. The reason why this ideology is even on the rise is that repeated policies that aren't thought through are just pushed without thinking the effects in the long term. It's like we are spitting on our members' faces and it creates a disconnection between the EU and the member states because the EU tries to move in one direction, the states, in another. We need communication. We need diplomacy. We need respect, and we need vision.

Mr. Cocx, I have never lived in Eastern Haane, but I will answer your question anyways. As I have explained on a number of occasions, Areai's regime was only able to stay intact as a result of ultra-nationalism. If extreme sanctions were placed on the country; if there were an intervention - this nationalism would have been strengthened, and her regime would almost surely have lasted for much longer. It is not quite the same with the UNSR. Unlike the regime of Areai, it possesses weapons of mass destruction, which could very well launch us into a protracted and deadly war; on the other hand, it seems significantly more amenable to negotiation. It is authoritarian, and should be condemned as a rogue state; but we cannot hold on to the fantasy that the UDI can be restored through military action, lest we all die in the process.

Spain

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VV: Candidates, the time for answering the questions is over. Despite not having all the answers, which is, with all my respect to all of you, disappointing and does not make a favour to the Europeans to show your stance on certain questions, we are moving to the closing statements. Sandra will explain everything, but before she does, I would like to thank the candidates for their presence. Sandra, all yours.

SG: So, candidates will have 3 minutes (OCC: 450 words) for their closing statement. Before we start, I would also like to thank the candidates for coming today and being civil to other candidates. May the best win the election, and I wish, along with Vicente and the team that made the debate possible, the best of luck to all of you.

Inimicus

"Thank you, Vicente, for conducting this debate in a civil, orderly manner. I expected nothing less from you. Europeans, friends, today's debate has illuminated the choice you face. You have heard from three candidates for Premier. You have heard from a hyper-integrationalist who nevertheless aims to appeal to Eurosceptics and thus proposes a non-specific, vague platform: Mr Leeson. You have heard from Mr Le Berre, whose proposals for a bloated, oversized, overregulated Europe would take money from your and your nations' pockets. And then, you heard from me. You heard calls for a sensible Europe, a strong Europe. A Europe where oppression and revolt doesn't run. A Europe where nations come together to work together, but where diktats from higher up do not have any sway.

You heard proposals for a reinvigorated Union, where peace, justice, and stability, are at the forefront of your happiness and wealth. You heard a centrist, sensible alternative. You heard what the Cocx Movement has to offer, and it is now up to you to show your support at the ballot box. Good night."

Europeans, I stand for dignity; the dignity of nations, of the many other constituent groups of our Union, and the individual - a dignity defined by respect, sovereignty, and representation for all. I stand for accountability; our money is ours alone; how it is spent should be accountable to trusted experts, not glorified performance artists, and to ourselves. Not a cent more will be spent; what is will be allocated transparently and rationally for the benefit of all. And, last but certainly not least, I stand for rationality; for policy informed not by sentiment or by performance but by concrete experience and data.

A choice lies ahead of you. You may vote for an invasion of Icholasen, for nuclear war and for death; for stagnation; or for peace and dignity.

The long night that our Union has been plunged into for so long will soon end. It is your choice whether you wish to see the dawn, or see it blotted out in the beginning of a new and endless night.

BrumBrum

I would like to finish this debate with a simple proposition moderation. We don't have to choose anti-reform or pro-reform. You have heard tonight our stances and I ask you today to vote for courage. Its easy to say I will repeal EACA its much harder to say I will reform it and make it work. Its easy to oppose the NDA but true courage is proposing a replacement if you disagree with it.

We also have Cocx who's tough stances could increase conflict with all due respect. We won't solve the UNSR conflict militarily , our sanctions are working slowly. I believe we need reform and we need to respect the nationstate listening to their concerns especially of those wanting to leave and then find a way to do more cooperation but with sovreignty and local implementation strategies.A glocal approach is vital in this, I do not think it is brave to merely pull back , finding a way to make more EU work with sovreignty is, supporting increasing funds for development is and supporting more joint projects is. We will not solve our challenges by pulling back on co-operation if we want to solve climate change, security and our infrastructure problems we need more joint standards , more cooperation while respecting sovreignty. If you want this vote Leeson vote for reform not rolling back of Europe."