Greece to roman road

Chapter 148 Consultation

On July 8, after receiving Constantine's personal commitment, Alexandros finally chose to agree to the reform, and made a statement in Parliament that afternoon. The reform mainly included three aspects:

First, similar to the British civil service system, establish a system of affairs officers and administrative officers, and also establish an official retirement system.

Second, reform the tax system and abolish the original equal tax payment.

Third, strengthen the independence of the judicial system.

It may seem like just three simple points, but it actually represents a sea-shaking change to the current system.

After the Prime Minister made the statement, the emotional MPs shouted that Alexandros was "shameless and a traitor", and the scene almost got out of control.

Of course, among the 300 congressmen, there are also those who have long been dissatisfied with the status quo and enthusiastically support Alexandros.

Those MPs serving in the government are naturally strongly opposed.

The two sides with strongly opposing views took action on the spot in the parliament.

There are even some members who want to immediately initiate a vote to depose Alexandros as prime minister.

King George used the prerogative of the king to forcibly reject the resolution of Parliament and support the Prime Minister.

The next morning, government servants whose interests had been harmed directly launched a strike, threatening to paralyze the government, and strongly opposed reforms, especially Article 1, which was to establish a British-style civil service system.

Farmers, workers, citizens, and factory owners who had long been dissatisfied with the government's tax system also organized a demonstration to support Prime Minister Alexandros' reforms and purge of officials.

A large number of people from both sides gathered in Syntagma Square and confronted each other viciously.

In view of the chaotic situation in Athens, in order to avoid further deterioration of the situation, King George, with the assistance of Constantine, ordered the First Division to enter the city and maintain order.

On July 10, Prime Minister Alexandros, the protagonist of the reform, was assassinated by a man in black while going out for an inspection from the Prime Minister's Palace.

Fortunately, after Constantine came into contact with Alexandros, he sent a squad of the Royal Guards, soldiers who were proficient in guard work, to the prime minister.

When the assassination occurred, the guards reacted quickly and quickly killed the assassin.

The assassin's pistol only scratched the Prime Minister's arm, but he was not seriously injured.

··········

Constitution Square Royal Palace.

King George and Constantine stood in front of the window, observing the dark crowd in the square below.

"Although it was expected, there was still such a big disturbance," King George sighed helplessly.

"Change is inherently painful, and there is nothing we can do about it," Constantine said with relief.

After all, the king is no longer young and feels somewhat powerless in dealing with this chaotic situation.

"How are the preparations for the consultation meeting? End it as soon as possible. It's a mess." After King George turned and left, he asked Constantine who was following behind.

Since the situation is too chaotic, in order for everyone to reach a consensus as soon as possible, the royal family will act as a mediator and try its best to bring all parties together to reach unity.

"I've asked Butler Capet to do it."

··········

In the meeting hall, there is a square table covered with white tablecloth. Exquisite porcelain plates contain plump grapes, yellow and orange tangerines, and delicate roses placed in several vases, which are pleasing to the eye.

At both ends of the square table, King George and the Prime Minister sat respectively.

Between the two, more than 40 people, representatives from various factions, sat at attention.

After seeing everyone gathered, King George nodded to Constantine who was standing behind him.

"Everyone, the purpose of calling everyone here is very clear. It is to discuss the specific terms of the Greek government reform." Constantine stepped forward, stood next to King George, and said to everyone.

"On the surface, this crisis is caused by the Olympic Games, but in essence it is caused by Greece's financial system, which is no longer in line with the current social situation."

"Next month, a British loan will expire in Greece. Before that, if we don't want the Greek government to declare bankruptcy, we must solve the financial problem."

“In a distorted social system, no one will be a real winner, even those who benefit from the current system.”

After saying that, Constantine looked at everyone and observed everyone's reactions.

"First of all, the official appointment system must be reformed. There is no room for maneuver on this point." After Prime Minister Alexandros made up his mind, his attitude was extremely firm.

Speaking of which, after the news of the Prime Minister's injury spread, Greek public opinion almost overwhelmingly supported him, which allowed Alexandros to establish an image of a proactive reform politician in front of the public.

The reason why Alexandros supports reform is that the time is ripe now.

The Greek bourgeoisie has gradually grown in strength with the industrialization of Greece. The majority of the bourgeoisie supports the reform.

It was the power of the bourgeoisie that allowed Alexandros to see the possibility of countering the entrenched bureaucracy in Greek society.

Reforming the official appointment system is almost unanimously agreed upon by everyone except current officials.

"Now, all countries in Western Europe have successively imitated the British civil service system and carried out reforms." As a representative of the bourgeoisie, Goldberry was also invited to attend.

"Greece should also follow up and learn from the advanced standards of Western Europe." Obviously, he supports the reform of the civil service system.

Except for the official representatives, almost everyone nodded in support.

"Your Majesty, Prime Minister, I personally know the shortcomings of the political party distribution system." As an official representative, Delianis had to make a speech even though she was alone.

"But this system cannot be completely changed in a day or two."

"Almost all civil servants in the government have been in the government all year round. They have become accustomed to relaxed and leisurely work. No one can accept a sudden comprehensive reform of the civil service system."

"If the government's reform measures are too drastic and rapid, it will cause strong resistance from officials," Deliannis threatened.

Delianis was helpless. Greek society had almost reached a consensus on the reform of the official appointment system. From the king to the people, no one was willing to continue to support such officials.

As for their threat, it is for officials to go on strike and paralyze the government.

"The way I see it, this official appointment system must definitely be changed, but it is not a rush. It is best to proceed slowly like the British," Constantine interjected.

"Regarding the official appointment system, the government can make a long-term plan and continue to work in this direction," Constantine suggested.

There is no way, and it is impossible, to remove all the current officials in Greece overnight, and we cannot find so many people to replace them.

Reform can only be carried out step by step.

A general strike by all officials is not to be underestimated as it is destructive and is likely to lead to disorder of social order.

"It is indeed appropriate to proceed step by step, but how to ensure that this reform can be implemented?" Costebrew worried.

“After the crisis is resolved, who can guarantee that the government will not become solid?”

Tap the screen to use advanced tools Tip: You can use left and right keyboard keys to browse between chapters.

You'll Also Like