Convention of the High Parliament of the High Commonwealth of Silar
Wednesday, the 2nd of January, the Year of Our Lord 2013
[Broadcast opens on the
Chamber of Parliament at the High Palace of Silar which is currently filled completely with its membership of 600. On the platform, the First Minister of the Governance, Sir Alban More (Monarchist Party) is sitting. At his right is a man in the navy robes of the peerage, the Lord Steward of the Realm, Duke Roger Noble, sits and at Lord More's right is Dame Alice Cramer (Sovereign Party), the First Minister of the Dissent.]
Good morning and welcome to the Silaran Public Affairs Network's special coverage of the Convention of High Parliament in Silar Demesne. In am Robert Yew, a political correspondent for the Silaran Evening Telegraph who will be your commentator for this event. We begin, as demanded by tradition, in the Chamber of Parliament in the High Palace in Silar. The Christmas Recess, which began in early December, ends today as the new session begins and a new Parliament convenes. This is the first time that these Speakers have joined as parliamentarians though it will by no means be the last.
Some notable changes have been made this year to High Parliament. First of all, the Monarchists picked up 40 seats this session, moving their total to 270 and earning them almost half the representation in this Parliament. The Conservatives also picked up several seats. However, these additions by the Conservatives and Monarchists have not come without a price for them. The Liberals picked up 20 more seats, gaining some traction in Angle. The biggest surprises out of this recent election have come in the entry of two new parties: the Green and Communist parties who drew seats from the Violets, now no longer holding seats, the Sovereigns, and the Burghers. The entry of the Communists is definitely a point of interests. These two Speakers, who came from Nore, lack much ability to make radical change in government but their very presence is unsettling for more conservative voices and even for some the Liberals. Rumor even is that the two Speakers were going to deny going to the Convention due to the highly aristocratic and peerage-based nature of the event as well as the presence of the Monarch but it appears they are both here today..
The Governance is, as it has always been, included the Monarchists who have contributed their usual pick of Alban More as First Minister. Sir More has been a major player in politics for the last 20 years and, despite his age, does not show signs of quitting. The Monarchists join the Conservatives who lost their old First Minister, Dame Cramer, who changed affiliation a year ago to the Sovereign Party. She is again First Minister of the Dissent, as her party joins the larger Liberals and a surprise addition of the Greens. Her appointment to a second First Ministership is actually a surprise as she is in a minority party in her coalition. However, it appears the Liberals went with a pragmatic route and chose to keep a familiar face as their leader. It will be interesting to see the dynamic playing between the Liberals and Sovereigns in these coming years.
Ah, and here we are.. Sir More is calling the Parliament to order and the daily prayers are being said.Sir Alban More rises from his seat and raps his gavel once, calling the chamber to Order. "Hear all, let this High Parliament come to order on this, its first day." The chamber becomes quiet. "Will the chaplain please come up for the prayer?" An older gentleman in clerical dress comes to the podium in the well of the chamber and begins with the sign of the cross.
"In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Almighty God, look upon this day as we conduct our business and guide us with your wisdom and grace that we might achieve your will. Let us always remember that our authority comes from you and that we are subject to you. Amen." The priest then turns to the First Minister, bows, and then takes his seat in the side of the chamber. Sir More, nodding his head in thanks to the priest, rises again, turns and bows to the man on his right, the Lord Steward, and begins to speak.
"Your Grace, my Lord Steward, we have among us new members of this body who need be sworn into their duty. Should it please your Grace, we ask that you, in representation of his Royal and Serene Majesty, our beloved King and Monarch, deliver them all the oath."
"It does please me, and I shall." the Lord Steward says, rising, and descending to the podium where a clerk joins him bearing a Bible resting on a silk cushion. The new Speakers are called one by one by Sir More and, placing their right hand upon the Bible and raising their left, they each are dictated the oath by the Lord Steward which is:
"I, [name], having been lawfully elected and with Almighty God, whose Gospels I now touch, as my witness, do solemnly and without reserve swear to be faithful and to bear true allegiance to His Royal and Serene Majesty King Pius Alartho, to the High Commonwealth of Silar and to its people, most especially those who I have been chosen to represent. I further swear to uphold, promote, and defend the best interests of the Monarch, of the High Commonwealth and its people, and of those I have been chosen to represent. This I swear and so may God give me the grace to complete it."
Here the Speakers say their oaths which is a requirement for a seat to be claimed. Those failing to take the Oath must abdicate their seat for a reelection.As the oaths are completed, the Lord Steward returns to his seat high up and, on cue, a page enters through the doors and, passing on the side of the chamber, moves to whisper something into the ear of the Lord Steward as Sir More knocks the gavel and begins speaking again.
"Thank you, my Lord Steward. Now we shall move to the business of the day."
The Lord Steward, having been given his message stands and speaks,
"Sir President, I have word that His Royal and Serene Majesty has asked to address this assembly on this, their first day. I move that he be admitted to enter and to address us."
"I second the Lord Steward's motion" Dame Cramer says, standing briefly
"Very well," says Sir More, "Are there any in opposition of the motion to admit His Royal and Serene Majesty to address this Parliament of his?" After a moment of silence, More knocks the gavel and declares, "Motion passes. Let the King enter and speak."
At this, the doors of the chamber open and a man in royal court robes steps in bearing a large ceremonial mace. He knocks it once on the floor announcing, "Order and silence. Let all hear."
Another man in court robes enters after this and announces loudly, "Mr. President, Ms. Vice President, members of this honorable High Parliament," he bows to each side before continuing, "may all rise for His Royal and Serene Majesty Pius Alartho, by God's Grace, High King of Silar and its High Commonwealth, Defender and Protector of the Holy and Catholic Faith."
The man with the mace (Sergeant-at-arms of the Mace) steps before the other (the Lord Herald of the Realm) and they begin to slowly process forward. Behind them come the three military commanders followed by several judges. Next, the Diplomatic Corps, then a large body of robes peers, the Lords Regent, then the Royal Court, finally King Pius Alartho enters, dressed in the blue and silver regalia of the Silaran Monarchy, who is attended by Cardinal Gregory Recker, the Patriarch of Silar, and by the Lord Chancellor, Thomas Call. All stand as the group processes forward. Most of them file into empty seats at the back of the chamber but the King and Cardinal process all the way through the chamber, being met by the Lord Herald and Sergeant-at-arms of the Mace as they move to the podium. The members there all stand, bow to the King, and move down to take seats on the floor allowing for the Cardinal, the King, and the Lord Chancellor to take their seats. After the King takes his seat, the Sergeant-at-arms knocks his mace on the ground and all the others sit down. As the chamber becomes quiet, the King begins to speak.
"My Lords Regent and Speakers of Parliament, my Government's legislative program will focus on promoting Silar's interests and place internationally, expanding international trade and diplomacy, securing peace and order within and without Silar's borders, economic stimulus, and on needed public reform.
My Government attaches the highest importance to national security and to promoting Silar's interests as well as those of all well meaning nations. For the first time in many years, the High Commonwealth is beginning to take steps out of its own borders and into the politics of the region and of the world. We seek no longer to remain an observer in the affairs of our neighbors but intend instead to take an active role in promoting international stability and peace. To this end, my Government will be pursuing the establishment of diplomatic missions abroad as well as the enrollment of Silar in international alliances. My Government will also work to strengthen those relationships they have already secured and to use them as the starting point for joint initiatives for economic growth and joint security.
My Government will also be continuing the expansion it has begun for Silar's military forces, especially the Navy. Public monies will be allocated for the purchase of new materials, for recruitment. They will seek to build our military not only as an armed force for national defense, but also as the arm of Silar in responding to international humanitarian needs. My Government will be increasing the engagement Silar's armed forces, together with our diplomatic agents, have in responding to disasters and crises around the world to secure Silar's interests abroad, to support our allies, and to promote the general human needs of our fellow man.
My Government will be working to secure the security of our former territory Silaran Irilana who have been bravely facing foreign aggression as well as attacks from domestic and international terrorists. As with all our allies, we stand in fraternal solidarity with Silaran Irilana as they face these trying times. My Government will be paying close attention to the situation and assisting as needed.
On the domestic front, my Government will be working to develop our economy. They will be lowering taxes on most Silarans to remove the burden too many face as well as encouraging business to thrive in Silar's borders as well as encourage Silaran businesses to begin international endeavors. All the same, my Government will be working to ensure business remembers its social and moral responsibilities while they take an increasing role as a cornerstone of our society. Through international efforts, my Government will be working to expand Silar's economic strength beyond its borders and to share prosperity with our allies.
My Government will also be pursing an agenda of needed public and governmental reform. Efforts will be taken to strengthen those institutions that are working while others will be altered to meet changing needs.
Speakers of High Parliment,
Legislation will be introduced that will establish a new Justiciary specifically to hear appeals cases.
Legislation will be introduced as well to establish special drug and mental health courts in the Justiciaries to cut reoffense rates and to rehabilitate criminals with special need and cause for their crime.
Legislation will be introduced to transer some government welfare services to deputized local private charities to cut cost to my Government.
Legislation will be introduced to ban the use of drones for military strikes.
Legislation will be introduced to clarify regulation surrounding involuntary commitment of mentally ill persons.
Estimates for the public services will be laid before you.
These and other measures shall come before you in this year.
My Speakers of High Parliment, I pray that the blessing of Almighty God may rest upon your counsels."
Once this is done, the King rises, the Sergeant-at-arms of the Mace knocks his mace, signalling all to rise and Cardinal Recker extends his hand and intones:
"Speakers, bow your heads and pray for the blessing of Almighty God.
May God, Father of lights,
who was pleased to enlighten the disciples' minds
by the outpouting of the Spirit, the Paraclete,
grant you gladness by his blessing
and make you always abound with wisdom.
May Christ, the King of Kings and the Prince of Peace,
Through whom all things came to be and whose name all knees bend
grant you prudence in your task of governance by his grace
and may his example and blessing guide your counsels in wisdom.
And may God, who has been pleased to unite many tongues
in the profession of one faith and beneath the guidance of one nation,
give you perseverance in the doing of good
and, by his grace, may you bring hope and joy into the world.
And may the blessing of Almighty God
Father,
Son,
And Holy Sprit come upon you and remain with you forever.
Amen."
The Cardinal thrice makes the sign of the cross over the congregation before turning as he and the others depart from the podium and the entire procession exits silent as it came. The doors closing loudly behind them.