Talkings between government leaders

[Rheinbund]

Airport Trier-Sperenberg
Eiffelland

The Eiffellandian winter was generally mild. The snow that had fallen in the Weissenfels area last Christmas was an exception. Meanwhile, the temperatures had risen to values between 5 and 10 centigrades again. But the Eiffellandian winter was also the season in which the most rain fell. It was such a rainy day when Chancellor Graf Matthias von Seydewitz was at the airport with a delegation of people to await the Prime-Minister of the neighbourcountry Polasciana.

The Chancellor considered it important to maintain good contacts with the neighbourcountries. Because of that, this visit was important to him. Also because there was a lot to discuss. Not only Belmont and Coronado. But not only business. There would also be a dinner at Schloss Bellevue, the official residence of the Chancellor, and a dinner with the King in Schloss Charlottenburg. Furthermore, the Chancellor had informed about the music preferences of the Prime Minister and had developed an evening program that suited the Prime Minister’s music taste.

Everything was in place to make sure that the Prime-Minister would be received properly. Both Eiffelland’s and Polasciana’s flag had been hoisted. The motorcades were ready. Now everybody waited for the plane to come.

 

[Saracia-Polamar]

Airport Trier-Sperenberg
Eiffelland

Koruin Gruaman felt the pressure slightly ease from his broad shoulders as he left the Polascianan border behind. A turbulent few months for the former President were certainly only destined to get harder - the polls weren't looking favourable, and his allies seemed to be deserting him on an hourly basis. The Polascianan dream certainly seemed to have given him a tough end of the bargain. Perhaps, he thought to himself, this trip offered a chance to restore his credibility and hit back at his opponents on returning. The man, the politician seemed to be very different from how they had been less than 6 weeks previously.

The Prime Ministerial jet had been in service for only a few months - not quite as luxurious as the Presidents', Gruaman used it to good effect. But it was no secret he wanted his hands back on the top job - he just had to get past a few, obstacles - at least on the way. As the door opened in front of him, he stepped forward on the first step of what seemed a metaphorical journey - Eiffelland, perhaps, acted as political asylum.

"Good afternoon.."

He raised his hand slightly, in an action he was used to as a former President, a quick glance at the media camera's - back home he hoped, he once again looked like a President in waiting.

 

[Rheinbund]

Airport Trier-Sperenberg
Eiffelland

Chancellor Graf von Seydewitz was aware of the recent history around Prime-Minister Gruaman. He knew that this journey would be important to the latter. Von Seydewitz didn't mind giving Gruaman's election campaign a boost.

"Good afternoon, Prime-Minister Gruaman, welcome in Eiffelland," Chancellor Graf von Seydewitz said as he shook hands with the Prime-Minister. "How was your journey?"

After everybody had presented themselves to each other, the people went to the motorcade under the eyes of Eiffelland's and Polasciana's media. The Chancellor and the Prime-Minister stepped in the first limousine, and all other people in the other limousines, in such a way that the people who had to discuss matters directly were already in a car together.

The motorcade drove from the airport to Schloss Bellevue, the traditional residence and office of the Chancellor.

 

[Saracia-Polamar]

Schloss Bellevue
Eiffelland

The Prime Minister was used to making small-talk. The journey was, as he predicted, painfully uninteresting - although he had received news that his likely challenger in the presidential primaries, Lena Zilberman, had fallen pregnant - perhaps an interesting twist in the entire saga. But, a mere inconvenience he thought at the time. After more thought, Gruaman was slightly apprehensive that this could mean she could not be defeated as early as he wished. He certainly did not want her sniffing around as Prime Minister, while he returned to the presidency.

The Chancellor was welcoming enough, thought Gruaman. As their destination drew closer, he turned back to the Chancellor in an attempt to break any tension. Gruaman is a very personable character, it is say many, one of his greatest assets.

"Certainly seems you get better perks than back home.."

 

[Rheinbund]

Schloss Bellevue
Trier, Eiffelland

"Well, I'm doing my best," Von Seydewitz said. "Communication is the key. Making clear that you do it for the good of your people, also the impopular measures. And continuously making clear that you are the best person for this position. But sure I don't have to tell you that."

It is not easy to see from the buildings or the street plan that Trier is an old city. A King reigning in the first half of the 18th century had ordered to make all roads in the city extra wide for military parades. Like if he had foreseem the problems cars would cause, all the main roads were wide enough for two lanes per direction, and all other streets were wide enough for one car per direction. Because of this, traffic jams was a minor problem in Trier

After a lunch, all the teams went to separate rooms to discuss matters.

 

[Saracia-Polamar]

Schloss Bellevue
Trier, Eiffelland

The Prime Minister sat alone for a few moments to gather his thoughts. His first visit outside the home nation for a few months was leaving him exhausted and he began to think about his own health. The papers back home were beginning to rumour that Gruaman was growing tired, after nearly 7 years back in the spotlight, was it time to call it a day? But putting his thoughts to one-side, the Prime Minister stood, gathered his mobile phone, and walked back towards his own delegation.

"This visit is important..." He began, speaking of the importance to him and his party, but also the country. Strong relations with neighbours would be vital in an increasingly volatile region. Polasciana represented the change from West to East, and from set religions, to life where religion plays a central role in European life. For him, religion had brought him into politics - to limit its influence on society, to mend and heal the divisions created from a turbulent economic condition;

As his aides brushed around him, the Prime Minister was once again back in full-flow, and ready to meet his counterpart for comprehensive account of where Eiffelland was stood, on the most pressing issues facing the region.

 

[Rheinbund]

Schloss Bellevue
Trier, Eiffelland

Chancellor Von Seydewitz was a man with much energy. He was used to an irregular life, and long negotiation sessions did not do much to him. Although he drank quite a lot of coffee during such sessions. But he saw that Gruaman was doing a bit worse. He decided not to make it too difficult to him.

“Our aim is stability, Prime-Minister Gruaman,” Chancellor Von Seydewitz said. “We are not interested in spreading Dominican Catholicism or our philosophies over the world. If you want to strive for stability, you need to have respect for other opinions. Of course that does not mean that we will accept it that others try to impose their ideas to us.”

Von Seydewitz took a sip of his coffee. Then he continued.

“I don’t know what happened in the minds of the Belmontiens when they attacked Coronado. We as the EDF, however, were very much afraid that this war would spread to our ally Lorraine. That is why we sent troops over there. In any case, we want to maintain a stable region, and we want to create an athmosphere in which disputes are discussed out with words instead of guns. First of all in our neighbourhood. One of the reasons behind the conflict between Coronado and Belmont was the old controversy between Socialism and eh ... more rightwing systems. That controversy will remain a source of conflicts in the future.
Let me explain our stance in this. The Soziale Marktwirtschaft is a concept developed by Franconian and Eiffellandian economists. It worked out greatly for us, but we will never impose it to other countries. Simply because other countries developed in a different way. Other countries will have to decide on their own. Maybe we sometimes give implicit advices without realising it, but that does not mean that we have a cause in spreading the Soziale Marktwirtschaft over the world.
In any case, we want to prevent that disputes about which system is the best end in full-blown wars.”

Von Seydewitz took another sip of his coffee. Then he continued.

“Another concern is the following. We noticed that tensions between Sarmatia on the one hand and the Germanic countries on the other hand rose during the last year. We don’t understand why, but we sense a kind of clash of cultures. Historically, Polasciana has a kind of a bridge function between the Middle and the West of our continent. Could you explain more about the situation?”

OOC 1: Let’s presume that these talkings took place before my talkings with Akwesasne. Otherwise I have to explain why my chancellor is able to clone himself. Even better, let’s presume that these talkings took place before Carnival, otherwise I could ICly not offer your people copious dinners, because the time span between Ash Wednesday and Easter is a period of abstinence: No sweets, no sugar in your coffee, and meals are sober.
OOC 2: Which languages are spoken in your country?

 

[Saracia-Polamar]

Schloss Bellevue
Trier, Eiffelland

For the Prime Minister the message of stability across the continent was not only an aim, but it was also essential for Polasciana to continue its economic development. No country attempting to persuade its population that conflict can be overcome by a strengthening in national identity, in developing infrastructure and encompassing culture can achieve an end to a turbulent period if that country cannot guarantee no return to the former situation. Gruaman was a modern European Conservative. He was not particularly interested in the detailed economic analysis of Polasciana's future - but he was well aware that the key to its future success would be structured around an economy which promoted individual initiative.

The key to overcoming this for a former Communist controlled nation, he thought, was to embrace the notion of tolerance. Tolerance of other economic systems, of other societies and most importantly - other faiths. Polasciana's history is dogged with conflict led by religion - the main barrier between the East and the West remains the divide in the use of religious language within modern European politics. It was not, Gruaman thought, the future of Europe where East was divided from the bustling economies of the West.

"Polasciana is a country that does break a divide. Not just geographically, but traditionally we have embraced the cultures of both the Slavic east and the Germanic west. But of course our geographic position has placed us in an unprecedented situation for a number of centuries - we must be intrinsically tolerant to remain independent. And, I'm sure you agree Chancellor, it is in within each nations strongest ambitions to be autonomous in its relations."

The issue of independence has been one of the strongest dividing factors for the nation. Independence in thought, in choice? Surely the reliance on a Communist system of production for so many years throughout its history had brought a weakening of the sense of independence? But it had not. The modern promise of Polasciana bore a deep scar of the past - independence therefore, in the eyes of the architects of the modern nation, was key. Wary of alliances, sceptical of foreign relations and tentative when it came to projecting itself on the international stage - it was Gruaman's leadership that transpired the country from a timid European country, into one with hope and burning ambition,

"I therefore look on as nations in Western Europe squabble... and feel that although tolerance is widely acceptable in diminishing conflict, it will never solve it Chancellor. My nation is not one that is a supporter of dominance, but the Western struggles are nothing compared to the fight we may face in the future against Eastern powers, aiming to project their out-dated view of the world economy onto us."

OOC: I've built up the Wiki which should help, but mainly Russian and English.

 

[Rheinbund]

"Is it possible to ban all conflicts off the world, Prime-Minister?" Von Seydewitz asked. "I am afraid not. I am afraid that conflicts will remain part of the world. It is our duty to do everything we can to prevent a conflict from escalating. But indeed, that is not possible if one of the sides wants the conflict to escalate. Given what you say about the Eastern powers, I get the impression that we have such a situation at hand with those countries. It is my intention to maintain peace. We will not fire the first shot to the Eastern powers. Should the Eastern powers fire the first shot, we are prepared. But is there something I can do for you in this?"

 

[Saracia-Polamar]

Schloss Bellevue
Trier, Eiffelland

The Prime Minister was not here to push defence contracts, or sign away Polasciana's autonomy on defence. Under his watch, both as president and as the head of government, the country had built up its defence industry from scratch - largely relying on other centrist nation to sell blueprints and technical information to the state industries. But he was clear that he was here to protect the borders of his own nation, and his neighbour.

"It's not so much that we hide-away from conflict as you suggest, with all respect. Polasciana views the East-West divide more about the quality of society. We believe the further East you go, the less you're likely to find the tolerance and respect that you find within our nation, less can be said for the West. It's with this in mind that we are wary, but not frightened of the powers of the East."

Polasciana would be a country that would rely on its Western neighbours, both economically but also politically. Gruaman knew that under the current presidential administration little progress had been made. Stagnant since he left the office in 2007, he was keen to restore Polasciana's credibility on the international stage;

"But, it's my view that my country has been too quiet recently - too focused on internal battles, that we don't particularly need to have. We've largely ignored our partners - our neighbours - western or eastern. It's time for that to change - so we come here bearing the responsibility of cooperation and progress on our shoulders."

 

[Rheinbund]

"Well, I didn't want to suggest that you hide away from conflict in the negative sense of the phrasing," Von Seydewitz said. "Let that be clear."

He took a sip of his coffee, and continued. "We are always open for cooperation. Of course I have to take the EDF and the Germanic League into account, but quite a lot is possible also within those boundaries. We can do a lot with regards to education. We could setup a student exchange program, in which Polascianan students can study in Eiffelland for a year and vice versa. We can also see if we can mutually recognise our education qualifications. Also economic cooperation is possible."

 

[Saracia-Polamar]

Gruaman knew the reality of the situation he faced, for it would only be a few months before he learned his fate on whether he would get the opportunity to run for President once again. Any new concessions and deals he could make with his neighbours were likely to help that campaign - but he needed something that wouldn't be caught as an early starter in the campaign. Pausing briefly to consider his counterparts suggestions, Koruin moved on;

"This is the kind of approach that we want to take - my party's commitment to education has been key to our reforms, the ability to extend this further with our neighbours is a great opportunity. In terms of the economy, I think it's important that we focus on issues that we can take a lead on, without bothering your close partners too much. The western border with your nation poses some serious opportunities for cooperation."

Gruaman had experience in delivering change to the northern territories of his country - but extending it further south would certainly help him change the country as a whole;

"I think the key lies in infrastructure, would you agree?"

 

[Rheinbund]

"Well, let's setup a student exchange program then," Von Seydewitz said. "For the infrastructure, it is indeed one of the keys. You can make wonderful products, but if you don't have the possibility to transport it to your clients, you won't sell anything. What would be needed?"

 

[Saracia-Polamar]

The Prime Minister remained under the impression that Eiffelland held strong links with other Gallian and Germanic nations that could assist Polasciana in it's aims and objectives of being a strong trading partner to EDF nations, but also non-aligned democratic European nations.

"We have strong industrial communities in the North of Polasciana, mainly centred around plastics while the east contains many of our oil processing plants. Energy independence remains a great quest of ours, but the Long Sea presents a big challenge. While we geographically hold great control over the region, it's not our expertise in general. We have protected our lands and islands for many many centuries, but under communism, our governments did little to extend the possibilities we had in terms of energy."

Gruaman, while not completely supportive of the idea that his government wanted to hand energy to the private sector, wanted the country to start delivering on its promise of energy independence. If it meant selling gas and oil to other countries through competitive energy companies, he didn't see a problem.

"We'd like to start looking at our southern borders, looking at what we can start to achieve in terms of energy. You are our closest partner, not just geographically but economically too - cooperation can only be good for both our nations."

 

[Rheinbund]

"We consider your natural resources yours, but if needed, we can see if we can organise any needed additional technology for you. It should be possible to do so while you remain in control of the resources. And I think the EDF will certainly be interested in oil and natural gas, and are willing to pay a good price for it. We ourselves have a lot of knowledge on plastics, so cooperating with your industry and combining our knowledge can be very fruitful. Furthermore, our industries are very much interested in plastics. For instance, the biomedical sector uses an enormous lot of plastics, and they use almost everything only once. Simply because it all needs to be sterile. You can cook out glass syringes, but using sterile plastic one-way syringes is better for the patients," Von Seydewitz said while remembering the visit he had paid to the Eiffellandian biomedical company Eppendorf.

 

[Saracia-Polamar]

Gruaman had written off Polasciana's northern industrial cities years ago, in his own mind he only saw the currently unproductive south as the key to future economic growth - attempting to push the nation towards a service-based economy. But he'd largely lost the battle, even amongst his own government. Many, including his executive team understood that there was a need for strong industrial growth to power reserves for the nation for years to come. In essence, energy independence could only be achieved by increasing a need for energy.

"It only seems to be the natural solution that we would look to Eiffelland for assistance."

The Prime Minister was concious that the relatively modest amounts of oil and natural gas both on and off-shore would not support the Polascianan economy for years to come in the future, and his government had taken the first steps to drive forward a new aim of cleaner energy production, but for now the headlines of oil would do.

"In terms of trade in general, it would only make sense that we would suggest an interest in producing, together with Eiffelland, the very latest technology in terms of plastic production. I've heard from my environment minister that we are investigating technologies concerned with the disposal of such material too. While our industrial heartlands are close to the Eiffelland border, it seems only necessary that we could share such development with your industries."

"If we are looking towards the future, our industry too must be sustainable as well as our energy supply - could I suggest that we begin investigating an environmental programme, to protect the borderlands?"

 

[Rheinbund]

"Sorry that I didn't mention that," Von Seydewitz said. "Actually we do quite a lot on renewable energy. You've probably seen that quite a lot of the roofs of Eiffellandian houses are covered with solar panels. We are also investing in windmill parks. An issue that needs to be solved is how to store electricity. We could combine our efforts in that. I also discovered that it is possible to make plastics out of natural resources. We will need to investigate and further develop that as well."

 

[Saracia-Polamar]

Gruaman was close to winning a vote in the lower-house that would allow him to actively investigate and put into action a plan to build a new tidal barrage, just outside the Isisny Islands on Polasciana's southern coast. The multi-billion Kryak water defence would also double-up as the nations first large-scale hydro-electric source of energy;

"We are currently looking at an ambitious hydro-electric project on our southern coast - and while we're facing some opposition on the policy, hopefully soon we'll be able to make a proper move on the whole thing. It's been far too stagnant for too long, but would certainly give us the first steps into a more environmentally friendly energy source.."

The Prime Minister was all too aware however that he could only hope that his latest energy package would pass through the House of Delegates, it had been rejected twice and the tidal project would be largely dependent on foreign technology. The energy bill would need to change the law, to allow foreign companies to deal with the state energy producer, Power4, before any work could start on the project;

"Obviously with your vast coast, I assume we would be able to rely on Eiffellandian expertise?"

The Prime Minister asked the question full-well knowing the possibility of using it would be far off.

 

[Rheinbund]

"I have to admit that we haven't done anything with that," Von Seydewitz said. "But to be very honest, this is something we have to think through. We in Eiffelland have a large tradition of cooperation between universities and companies. I know the technique is there. Let's form a team consisting of scientists and representants of industry to actually carry it out along our coasts."

OOC: I can't RP that we already have everything there. I hope this is the response you expected.

 

[Saracia-Polamar]

The Prime Minister was well aware that his hopes of re-election as President later in the year, but failing that, as Prime Minister in 2013 relied on him beginning to deliver on one of his key pledges - to take Polasciana into a new technology driven green, environmentally friendly age. His 'green economy' programme is seen by his government as a priority to promote further economic growth in the long-term, but for sceptics an excuse for capitalist reform and privatisation.

"Our educational programmes here have far too long been driven by theory and not by practice, if such exploration will give way to a new generation of research and development, then I see only benefit for our economy but also our educational standards."

Polascianan universities had long been considered centres of excellence for mathematics - many graduates who had gone on to become influential in the field of economics, particularly in Polasciana where they were key advisers to the government on economic modelling. But many in Gruaman's Conservative government had called for a diversification into more research based institutions. If such a programme could prove to be a catalyst for such a change, Gruaman would have a strong case for continuing his reforms.

"We're not just looking at energy for our future economic platform, we've been considering changes in the financial services sector for some time and have finally proposed a bill to parliament. The changes will allow foreign banks to operate under their own company registrations without having to set up a Polascianan subsidiary, as they do now. We'd certainly welcome the extension of Eiffellandian banks operating within the Polascianan economy," Gruaman continued as he struggled to hold back a developing cough.