Justosia
Established Nation
- Joined
- Sep 8, 2018
- Messages
- 2,515
- Capital
- Avalon
- Nick
- Los
You must be registered for see images
Government Quarter
10:00 AM Justosian Time
Top floor Conference Room Alfa had been decked out in the appropriate fashion. Considering a meeting like this was unprecedented. The Soberana, Canciller, Senado Orador, & Finance Minister, & all their accompanying staff. There was actually an active betting pool on how successful this meeting will be amongst the Finance Ministry staff.
The motorcades arrived. Pleasantries exchanged. Ways made. They were announced & seated. Annabella led a prayer before the meeting actually began. What followed was a surprising awkward silence before Senate Speaker Castro spoke.
"All due respect Your Imperial Majesty, Canciller, the armed forces remain under funded."
Castro had yet to call him His Excelencia. To him there was nothing excellent about him. This provoked an immediate response from Albares. Who had noticed this, albeit quietly, already.
"Have you forgotten what the last sovereign put us......did for us to rebuild and modernize the military? Are you serious?"
"I said under funded. Not under equipped, Canciller."
"Bullshit. Unless you have some new grandiose design in mind. God help us...."
"Nothing cursed about a land based missile defence system that ultimately rings the entire archipiélago."
"Except for the SEA based missile defence system that already, very adequately, serves that purpose."
"The Air Defence Frigate Fleet isn't enough. They can be more easily neutralized. For starters."
Finance Minister Fox was refusing to even entertain this debate so far. He was scrolling through some official documents. Albares pivoted.
"Your Majesty, please be a beacon of commonsense."
"Tomas, dear Tomas, no, I think. Too expensive. Need I remind you of the construction, still underway and coming along well, of our five new submarines from Tarusa? Move on. Is what I think you should do."
This was a very blunt response where usually the Soberana was more delicate with her wording. However no budget imperils too many important things in the capital for this to continue much longer. Both palaces were keeping track of how many emergency spending bills they've had to sign until now.
Castro was silent for about 10 seconds before speaking again.
"Very well. We believe our Active Duty Infantería deserve a pay raise."
"Far more noble, but alas Orador, the citizenry has gone without for longer than the military had to. I'm happy to have another conversation about this. In the semi near future."
"Try closer to next year. Or simply next year."
Finance Minister Fox finally chimed in. Annabella signaled her willingness to hear this again. They then moved on. Albares spoke.
"The budget is three hundred billion. This is the largest budget we've ever proposed. History needs to record that it went to the people. To their general welfare. The ultimate investment. Specifically towards expanding welfare. Especially for youth, seniors, and families. The mainland's system of railways and bridges. I believe funds should be allocated there as well. To reinforce, modernize, rebuild what must be. I won't watch our infrastructure crumble for a second. Also I believe that we should sanction the construction of a bridge. Between the points of the mainland, and Puerta Island, nearest to each other. It makes sense. Travel is currently hindered. Our archipiélago needs to be as connected as possible. I also believe this administration should start investing, seriously finally, in greener energies."
Castro was preparing a retort. Well, more of a trirade. Annabella could see it on his face. Fox was doing related math on a piece of paper as Castro spoke. Then she did.
"I agree with every item just listed. For the simple fact that our military has been built up and modernized already. At great expense. Financially, nationally, and spiritually. My late husband our first Emperador went through hell to ensure this. It was not, for not. Your Excelencia, what figures do you have in mind?"
"Currently, one hundred fifty billion. To be adjusted incrementally hopefully, as needed, as the senado actually undertakes passage. The rest going to other administration needs, debts both domestic and foreign, the military, etcetera. Interior deserves the biggest budget. Followed by Finance, then Defence."
"I see no problem with the current figure. Gentlemen. I have offered my input, advice. In my constitutional right to be consulted. I must take my leave now. Your Excelencia, Orador, I'm sure you will disagree yet. Please don't waste time finding a rational compromise. Something closer to what Manuel described, I think. God bless both of you."
They stood. She left. Castro began tearing into Manuel. Neither bettor won it seemed.