Donation Controversy and More
Rangeley
Donation Controversy
The possibility of theft from Austria's treasury is a very serious issue. I'll be honest, it was discouraging to see a Secretary General of PEACE GC state he saw no difference between someone who is president spending money from the treasury, and someone who is no longer president spending money from the treasury. Of all the arguments put forward, the 'so what if he did take it without authorization?' argument was both the most surprising, and the most disappointing to see.
With that being said, I found out about the donation only a few days ago. I was not informed about it either in private, or obviously in public, because no public explanation, discussion, or notice was given of the donation of 250 gold. I tried to contact Metallon about this, to get his side of the story, and we were finally able to talk today. He told me that the donation was made a few hours before the end of his mandate by Olorum - and Olorum corroborated this. Further, he says he changed the password to the bank about an hour before his mandate ended, to prevent anyone else who had access from using the account. As to why the donation list makes it look like the donation happened on the 6th, not the 5th, he says its just a bug with the time. He went on to say he realizes that spending money, beyond his mandate, would be theft and wrong, and insists that he did not do this. For what it's worth, I believe he's telling the truth.
He certainly could have handled this situation a whole lot better. By even making a note of the donation at the time, he could have likely headed off much of the recent confusion. Even better, a discussion could have taken place prior about whether the donation was a good idea, and what amount would be a good amount for a nation of our size. That discussion never got to happen, and that is too bad.
This has been another frustrating illustration of why it is important for the government to be open and transparent, which I hope to take to heart, and hope will be remembered by others in the future, too.
Mother Theresa Project
Marie von Gablitz has unveiled the Mother Theresa Project, which aims to raise money for the Austrian Red Cross. The plan entails asking for small donations of 1 ATS every Monday, to help give a regular supply of funding for the organization to help out Austrians in need. While 1 ATS may not seem like a lot, if everyone steps up to the plate, it can make a big impact. And of course, larger donations will be welcome as well!
Law Passages
I would like to thank everyone who has voted on the recent laws, especially the issuing of ATS and the later donation of this ATS, the new citizen message, and the peace proposal with Italy. This proposal was also voted on in the Italian congress, and passed, so we are now officially at peace with the nation of Italy for the first time since the spring. The trade embargo has finally been lifted, and open commerce can occur between our two nations. This is a great step forward for Austria, and one we can be proud of.
On the Agenda
After some discussion with the Czech Republic, they have expressed their wishes to maintain good relations with us, as a neighbor, and share the desire to keep war out of our region. I am currently working on drafting a "shared statement of principles," or a list of principles our nations agree with, and will pledge to follow. Chief among these is respecting the territorial integrity of both of our nations. When the details are finished being hammered out, I plan to make the full terms public, and bring the statement to congress where it can sign on if it so chooses.
Additionally, the Constitution will finally get a public posting tomorrow. Apologies for the delay!
Comments
Cool to see a NAP with the Czech Republic. Hope your treasury's recovered soon. Vote from America.
NAP with czech republic, lolz
will you open votation on our congress for that?
*speaking as austrian citizen*
It won't actually be a NAP, but a list of principles that our countries state that they agree with. Less a contract, more a "we give our word" type of thing. But yes, as I note in the paragraph about this, I will bring it to congress where they can sign onto the statement, if they desire.
also, tell me where this quotation of what i say come from, i dont remember of saying such thing. you know that this is false accusations, no?
It would be a false accusation if I was accusing you of saying that quote, which I did not. Its not a direct quote from anyone.
yes, only dumb people cant understand to who it is directed :3
Jazar, when reading the comments you posted in Lynari's article, it's pretty obvious that you didn't really care what Metallon did or didn't do, you were just pissed at Lynari for what happened during his administration. That's the point. Is it wrong to spend money when you're not the president? If you had answered that question, there wouldn't have been any need for this discussion.
citizen cayne, but if he put something i didnt say as i said it, it is wrong. so? 🙂
i never said what if he did it without authorization, i just said that i think is that metallon had the right to do it.
If the American system has anything to say, it's this:
The President is Chief Diplomat, and thus can engage in private negotiations with other nations over diplomatic issues.
Congress is in charge of directing and approving finances for war efforts, including their duties in NATO.
I hope the relevance of these two powers is eminently clear.
It is the Presidents Job to ensure diplomatic relations are carried out, but not his sole duty to sign into contracts on behalf of a nation, which is the job of Congress as well. I hope the relevance of the disposition of duty is quite clear in that regard.
The Congress makes the law, the President carries it out.
Congress does indeed have major checks and balances in its favour, constraining the power of the executive, but the president is apportioned the power to appoint the Secretary of State and the ambassadors, as well as extension of diplomatic relations and executive agreements to foreign states, and can enact binding treaties with the consent of just the Senate.
This does not include the financial power to make donations or to finance warfare through tax legislation and approval of spending (Congress' job), the president does have a number of near-independent diplomatic powers.
I don't like Czech's