As the end of the year 2014 finally comes to a close; many within Belka and around the world have fallen victim to the virus of reflection and self-pity and we of the Journal are unfortunately not immune. So we've decided to outdue everyone else in Aeneas and attain a exclusive interview with President Winter where he will reveal his thoughts on this past year; covering a variety of topics ranging from the rise in regional tensions these last few weeks to Belka's economic growth to the expansion of the Wehrwache. The official transcript of the interview is provided below.
Transcript
Interviewer:Greetings, Herr Präsident!. It is a pleasure and a honor.
President Winter: The honor is all mine; it is a honor to allowed to lead you and a honor to live in a country with so many good Belkans.
Interview:Well, I suppose we should get into already. Is that alright with your Herr Präsident?
President Winter:This is your show as they say; run it as you like.
Interviewer:Alright, we'll start with recent events and work our way backwards until we reach the beginning of the year. The most notable and quite frankly the most disturbing event to occur of late has been the Defese-Demphor crisis which began, essentially over a single TV host's remarks. What are your thoughts on the situation currently and as a whole and what does it mean for Belka?
President Winter:The situation between these two countries is truly deplorable and a example to all on what can happen if nations refuse to elect sensible leaders to govern them; a problem we have had in the past in Belka. The escalation of these tensions is something that myself and my advisers have and will be working very hard to avoid though we believe the worst is behind us. As for Belka; as distasteful as it might seem, this situation has been very good for business. We as a nation specializing in the manufacturing of arms, this has been a extremely profitable time as nation states, non-governmental organizations and individuals the region over have almost quite literally flocked to Belka to procure supplies to defend themselves in these trying times.
Interviewer:Interesting perspective on the situation Herr Präsident; it has been said that Belka's relationship with it's immediate neighbors has been rocky at best in these last couple of years; for the most part because of the Federation's relaxation of it's regulations on the export of high-grade military weaponry.Yours thoughts on that?
President Winter: In the immediate aftermath of the Belkan War and during the economic slump of 07 and 08; Belka had taken relatively large hits to it's economy and as a statesmen it was and still is my duty to ensure the prosperity of my people and my country. The loosening of export regulations which of course included those on arms exports was part of a federal strategy to boost Belka's competitiveness on the international market and those states who opposed that are merely economic rivals rather than opponents on the global stage. Our relations with those countries have been the opposite of rocky in my opinion; as we have had near continuous dialogue with the individuals in charge of their respective governments.
Interviewer:You would know better than I how relations are between these states so we'll leave that debate for another day. Now seeing as the whole Defese-Demphor conflict basically started over the remarks of a rather ignorant media host; what is your personal and by default your government's stance on free speech.
President Winter:My government's and of course my own stance on free speech is the same as any freedom loving Belkan's stance. That you should be allowed to say whatever you want and you should also be held responsible for what you say. This goes doubly true for those in positions of authority or influence which this individual was and still is in. You have a moral and personal responsibility not only to your nation but to humanity to speak only on subjects you know and only when your opinion will bring about positive change. The world is full of individuals who speak first and think later and that's simply what happened here. In Belka; you are free to say whatever you like, whenever you like as long as you are aware that there are consequences for everything.
Interviewer:So your saying that you would punish those who would speak their minds through mass media?
President Winter:No not at all; I'm simply saying that in Belka you are held responsible for your actions. I am held responsible for my responses right now as you are held responsible for your questions and both of us will be held responsible if what we say here doesn't sit well with the people of the world, Belka or certain individuals.
Interviewer:I see; um let's move on shall we? In recent months; a number of Anean states have either increased military activity or announced provisions to increase military funding in the near future. This combined with the fact that the majority of states within the region are already heavily militarized with a number of them boasting military forces numbering in excess of one million men and women, Belka included; what does this mean for Belka's security in these coming years?
President Winter:Belka possesses one of the region's largest military forces with a established military infrastructure with a seasoned officer corps and quite frankly, more weapons than we have men to use them. Belka is extremely secure in my opinion.
Interviewer: As a citizen of Belka; that is extremely comforting information. While I am extremely confident in the Bundeswehr's ability to protect us from external threats; in recent times the world has been set upon by multiple viral outbreaks that have threatened to turn into global pandemics. Belka has been lucky in this regard but it begs the question; what provisions are in place to prevent the worse from befalling the country.
President Winter:You are correct in our supreme luck in avoiding such nasty situations in Belka but more than that; we have been careful. All hospitals within the Federation are held to the highest standards and all prospective immigrants are screened extensively before they are allowed within the Fatherland. In the event of such a outbreak; measures have been put in place to preserve the integrity of the Belkan state and the Belkan people. I cannot comment on the specifics of these measures but it is safe to say that in the event of a such a event; we will not be caught unawares.
Interviewer:That's even more comforting than knowing that Belka is more than capable of defending itself from any hostile nations.However; it does beg the question would Belka have to fight alone in any of these potentially trying scenarios we have discussed tonight from an external war with one of it's neighbors or a viral outbreak of biblical proportions. Belka is currently one of the few nation's within our region to not be party to any international organization or alliances; even the World Assembly. That's extremely concerning considering the rise in tensions across the world.
President Winter:It is true that Belka is not party to any international organizations or treaties but that doesn't necessarily mean we are alone on the international stage. We are friendly with more than a dozen states within our immediate physical borders and even more throughout the world and should events deteriorate to the point of war; I am confident that we shall not stand alone. Pieces of paper do not tell the story of who are friends are or who shall stand beside us when trying times are upon us; trying times tell the story of friends and foes alike.
Interviewer:Wise words from a very wise man; Herr Präsident. While it seems you yourself and of course your government is more than prepared to face any enemies on the field of battle; but how will the Belkan state respond to non-governmental forces who threaten Belka? Those who take up arms against your government but who do not fly the flag of a foreign state or in common terms; terrorists?
President Winter:Terrorism is no different from a enemy nation; both desire to see the end of Belkan power and both would be rendered mute by defeating them on the field of battle, capturing their leaders and destroying their ability to wage a effective campaign against the federation. Enemies of the state can expect no mercy, quarter or reprieve if they raise arms against us and we will fight till our last breath leaves our bodies and one second afterwards for good measure.
Interviewer: That was a very passionate response and I'm sure our listeners and readers will have much to say after this interview is published but moving on. On the flipside of terrorism is humanitarian aide, refugees and essentially a concern for humanity as a whole rather than just our kinsmen. As a state with a record rather lacking in international aide work; where does modern Belka stand in regards to helping it's fellow nation states?
President Winter:Belka stands where it has always stood; with those who help us. Contrary to popular belief; we are not heartless in our affairs with world but exactly the opposite. We have learned from our past and limited our commitments to assisting others because others when the situation was flipped have refused to help us. Belka is a loyal ally and a staunch friend but our friendship and generosity truly depends on whether our support is reciprocated.
Interviewer:It's understandable that Belka would be wary about helping it's fellow nations states as limited aide was given during the aftermath of the Belkan War and the financial crisis of 2007-2008. However; in the defense of those nations who did not provide support during those times; I believe it was because of the uncertainty of the stability of the Belkan state; a uncertainty that many still hold. You are the elected Präsident of the Belkan Federation; however recent constitutional amendments passed by the Social Nationalist Belkan Fatherland Party, your party have seen the position of Vice President abolished and the position of Chancellor left vacant with it's powers being de facto transferred to you. In the event of your death, an unfortunate event that I hope never to see, the Belkan executive branch would be crippled and the country left leaderless. How would the government react in your absence?
President Winter: I truly hope Frau Winter doesn't read about this in the paper or you might have a firestorm on your hands my friend (laughter). However, in the indeed unfortunate event of my untimely demise; power would be assumed by the Federal Parliament with Presidential powers being assumed by the Senate and Chancellery powers assumed by the National Assembly until instant elections brought into power a new President and the Assembly appointed a new chancellor.
Interviewer:So if the Assembly would elect a new Chancellor; why haven't they done so since you assumed the Presidency in 2008? The combination of the Chancellor's and President's powers concentrate a considerable amount of power in your hands, Herr Präsident.
President Winter: The duty of the Chancellor is to facilitate cooperation between the President and ruling party of the Assembly however in this case, I am THE founding member of the ruling party, so it makes no sense to appoint a individual to that position and waste vital federal resources for a position that is not needed at this moment. The current arrangement I have with the Federal Parliament is very efficient and very beneficial to the Federation. We have passed more legislation in the last six years than Belka has in the last sixteen; comprehensive military,educational, tax and social welfare reform have brought increased prosperity to the Belkan people; a worthy trade considering our history.
Interviewer:So what your saying is that because it is beneficial to the masses; it's essentially okay to violate the constitution?
President Winter:What we are doing isn't expressly or even vaguely prohibited in our constitution and therefore completely legal. These past twenty years have been trying times for the Fatherland and trying times mean desperate and sometimes unpopular moves must be made to restore order. What we are doing is neither illegal or unpopular as evidenced by the super majority the party has enjoyed since 2006 and continues to enjoy to this day. When that changes; so will the situation in the capital.
Interviewer:When that day comes; I hope and pray that you are on the right side of history, Herr Winter.
President Winter:That's Präsident; perhaps during your time abroad you forgot that in Belka, we address individuals by their titles as a gesture of respect. It's very beneficial to respect people in positions of power I've found.
Interviewer:I'm sure you have; unfortunately we are out of time. It has been a pleasure interviewing you and having your ''educate'' me on Belkan cultural norms and I hope to be able to do it again soon.
President Winter:Of course; I can arrange to have some of my subordinates continue your education at a later date so our next meeting will be even more productive. It's been a pleasure and I wish you the best.
Interviewer:The same to you, Herr Winter.