OOCThis thread is used to describe anything happening within Fratanica, from news to in-character events to political discourse, and anything in between. All events and interactions that are detailed within this thread are considered to be canon, and have actually taken place. This thread is meant to be kept as a log of events and interactions going on in Fratanica. You will see political crises, cultural events, and anything that I so fancy to post (in-character of course!).
The Presidential Palace, Viras, Fratanica, 10:00 am
The President was a busy man, swamped by pressure from his political opponents and constricted by a tight schedule. He knew that he would be overworked, antsy, and challenged by vehement critics looking to make a news story out of him. He always wanted to be the man who would do the right thing each time, the man who would fight for his brand of copious idealism, even if it would be ultimately fruitless. This morning, he was inside the Monet Meeting Room, working with the Scientific Policy Commission with his Prime Minister, Michael Lambert. Normally, he would not be sitting in these meetings, but his prime minister was also from the same party as he was. He sat at the helm of an ornate wooden oval-shaped desk, surrounded by 15 members of the commission and 3 senior aides. Members of this commission came from a variety of backgrounds: they included the nation's foremost scientific experts, top STEM academia, private sector CEOs, and politicians well-versed in scientific policy. This morning, the topic was the role of government in scientific advancement.
"We have sent expeditions to space, developed critical treatments for chronic ailments, and discovered sustainable materials to increase the lifespan of humanity. Now, how do we, the government, develop policy which would enable us to reach for the stars and touch them with our outstretched hands? " the President asked.
One voice came from Denis Lavigne, a former politician who had previously served on the National Assembly's Committee on Science, Technology, and Innovation. "Mr. President, we need an overhaul in how our educational institutions research new technologies. Research labs in our universities are not incentivized to solve problems, research hypotheses, they are busy with waiting for government grants and writing papers in scientific journals for their own reputations. We must look at the root of the problem here; it is not funding, but rather academia's obsession with publishing in scientific journals that is causing the hole in research. Scientists also get backed into a corner cause they focus on extremely specific specializations, which decreases the output of research and development that we need. We must discourage this behavior, whether through governmental oversight or otherwise."
"So you say this is an institutional problem?" the Prime Minister chimed in.
"Absolutely, Mr. Prime Minister. It is critical that w-"
He is interrupted when a formally-dressed man barges into the room. The President's body man (personal aide) was a loyal and energetic man with slender build, who had recently graduated from Viras National University.
"I apologize, everyone."
He then begins to whisper into the President's ear. "Mr. President, there has been an incident involving a military cargo plane. You must get to the OPCENT, immediately." OPCENT referred to the Barre Operations Center, where the President spearheaded many sensitive national security and military efforts.
The President nodded his head in silence, with a lifeless expression. He then raised his head and stared at those seated at the table.
"I must go, we have a situation developing. I'll have the Prime Minister take over in the meantime." Alexander Castillon was one of the President's most trusted aides, having worked with him throughout his legislative career and consequential presidential campaign.
President Lukas Wolf put on his suit jacket, and then exited the meeting room.