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Hello, eBelgium:

This month, we have 4 candidates for the office of CP. In order to give everyone a chance to see who they are and what they stand for, I decided to publish an interview with their answers to identical questions. As I promised them, these answers are given here completely unedited. They are given in the order received for the first question, and rotated in order for the following questions.

The candidates, in the order they responded, are:

ChristijanXD PANDA
Level 39, World Class Force*, publisher of Salamiliitto


Kylero Zamiatinist Peace Party
Level 28, Field Marshal**, publisher of Kylero’s Korner
Campaign Articles:
[Kylero for CP] Priorities
[CP] Leadership
[CP] My team (so far…)
[CP] Qualifications and Plans
[CP] A Comprehensive Plan for eBelgium


JdlF All TOgethers, supported by The Belgian Dream, Babyboom, Res Belgica, Union-Unie
Level 30, Supreme Marshal***, publisher of The Golden Miner
Campaign Articles:
JdlF for president: My believing, my team, a resume of my program
Keep looking forward


Dan/naD Wilshire Fire Squad, supported by Belgian Labour Party
Level 45, God of War, publisher of Surface of the Sun

1. Tell us something about yourself. What are your RL interests or activities? What experience do you have in the game so far?

ChristijanX😨 I am a ChristijanXD , In RL in live in Croatia - Belgium relation , I am a chef.
In game I am 39 lv.

Kylero: Something about myself in RL? Hmm...well, I'm a professional city planner, I enjoy history and politics, and I'm a pretty cool person. My experiences in the game? Geez, I've been around for quite some time. I've been in Congress many times to know how to get things done and how to critically review situations as they arise. I've been PP of many parties. I was Minister of National Security in Bruno's Administration twice and have a good track record of finding multis and getting them permabanned. Overall, I've done a lot, worked with many people, and am ready for my shot to finally become President of the eNation that I love, eBelgium!

JdlF: Hello everyone, RL my name is Frederic and I come from Liège. My job is currently logistic researcher at the university. As hobbies I do larping (not geeky at all \o/) and I learn to play at the theater. I’ve some interests in sports; I run, bike and I hope I’ll get time to be part of a volleyball team this year. Or something like that. As most people out here I’ve also strong interests in computers and internet.
In eRepublik my experience is not that wide. I started to play during my Erasmus in 2009 but I didn’t contnue the game. Last year a teammate in another browser game asked me to register an account for him. I told him I already had one and logged in. Since then I’m playing the game, sometime very intensively, sometime like a two-clicker. My main experience was being minister of finance, lot of times. But nothing to really highlight .

Dan/na😨 I am Dan, a proud Brit and eTraveller, slowly exploring the word one IRC channel at a time. My real interest include Football (Soccer), Running, Football (American) and my passion for fighting against climate change (Subtly nudges everyone in the direction of his IRC nick). Other than that I just like to have a laugh with as many people as possible.

As for experience in the game I have some. Country President of Switzerland, Vice President of Switzerland (Twice) Minister of Defence for Switzerland, Minister of National Security for Belgium (4 or 5 times), Minister of Foreign Affairs for Belgium (half a term), Minister of Health for South Korea (three times), Minister of Education for South Korea (3 times), Minister of Media (three times), ATO presidential nominee for South Korea (three times), SKRev/Korean White Tigers Commander (5 times), 2nd commander of Funky Militia.

This is just a list, built up of over 3 years of playing this game (and missing quite a bit xD). These were picked to show the diverse range of jobs I have undertaken. Taking Switzerland as an example, I was Minister of Defence, then Country President, then the following two months I was Vice President). I am using this as an example just to outline that I am willing to work, and even though me and the CP at the time didn’t get along too well at the time (Patar333 aka HaleKane) I was still chosen because I am good at what I put my mind too.

2. Why did you choose to run for CP of eBelgium for the coming month?

K: eBelgium is in a precarious position. We have a strong divide between two main factions that needs to be addressed. We are continuing to run a budget deficit, and we are losing many active players and the newer ones aren't being assimilated into the general community. I am running for President for a number of reasons. First, I think we can overcome our divide through better communication. I know that's been tried, but I think a persistent voice (mine) who puts the issue on the forefront can really make some progress. Secondly, I want to take a strong look at our finances. Is there fat that we can trim and still provide funding to much needed sectors? What would it mean to raise certain taxes that are far too low for the current conditions. I will hit the ground running on this front, and get our fiscal house in order. Thirdly, culture. We need an eBelgian culture that we can call our own. I want to hold a summit and visioning exercises that will identify just what it means to be eBelgian, and how we can share this spirit with our fellow countrymen and friends across the New World!

J: The main reason is that I’m fully available in august and that’s not the case of everyone. Moreover it’s been time I wanted to get to that post. Let say, the willingness to write my name in the eBelgium history . I also have few ideas for improvement but as I usually say: you don’t have to be elected to help eBelgium.

Dan: This will be my second time running for Country President within Belgium. Last time round I got 8 votes. Many of my friends were laughing about that fact that I go so few votes, but in all honesty, eight votes was a huge victory for me. In the PP elections beforehand the party maxed out at 3 votes. This meant that from around Belgium 5 votes were thrown my way. This was point in which I realised that I was not alone.

Whoever it was that voted for me, they are the reason that I run for Country President. I run for them.

I am also a man who believes in change. Month by month we see the same Cabinet, the same parties supporting each other candidates. There is too much the same. Some may argue that it was necessary to fight the impending “pto” but honestly they never got within punching distance of any of the candidates.

This is not about “Yes we can” or “Vote for change” this is about making change happen.

C: I rum for CP because I would like get help my eBelgium.
I would like bulid a new and better eBelgium , powerful so I have a plan -
plan 69.

3. Please evaluate the government for this past month. What were its strengths? What were its weaknesses? What would you have done differently?

J: Well in fact I asked this question to Elynea as I wanted to know what she thought. I believe you can’t really tell being out of the government. So according to our current CP, problems are immigration and finance. I have to agree with her about immigration. Not that I am against immigration but I think the problem is not well tackled. But still, this is a real problem and maybe a threat which parasites everything else. About finances, I may be pessimistic but I don’t think eBelgium can achieve a lot better. Still I would check for opportunities. And opportunities should lie in the hands of producers: who are they, how much they produce and so on… Knowing that would allow the reflection to go further than “maybe if we change the vat or import…”, which is just not the way you should thing when coming to finance 😉.
One other point which did not come out when I asked the CP is maybe the mater I want to investigate the most: cultural affiliation. Indeed we are all in eBelgium and we are all eBelgians. But I think there is a big lack of education. I feel eBelgium needs to promote individualities: supporting them, training them but above everything teaching them. I feel quite sad when I read stuffs like “Always the same” or “Nothing can change”. Everybody can help. You do not have to wait for a, position to help. And I think this message should have been broadcasted a lot more. Please, eBelgians: take your opportunities. Don’t wait for any luck but move!
Eventually to answer the question, I think the government did a good job. The country is running. It was not a special government but no mistakes have been made (ok a cat did something but still 😉 ). Yet it could have looked for more improvement in social areas.

Dan: The strengths of the government was the ample amount of experience that was within the cabinet. With both Elynea and MaryamQ at the reigns we were always in for an interesting month. But that was probably what disappointed me. Other than the Training war with Poland (great idea) I didn’t see much else happen. Maybe that’s because they didn’t think that much needed changing, considering the experienced cabinet was full of people who hold their respective roles all the time it was probably naive of me to think that any major changes would occur. What would I have done differently? I would have mixed up the cabinet, to create a more diverse range of opinions within the cabinet to just make things more interesting. There are many strong characters within the government, but they tend to agree, this is the only problem.

C: The work of government is desperate, we need more allies, more pacts on mutual protection, the more damage.

K: Overall, I think last month's government was mediocre at best. At the beginning , there were efforts to get party unity going, but it fizzled. I didn't see any major outreach to new players or any fiscal changes. Near the end, there was a blunder which led ePoland to force their will and NE us. There wasn't much communication on what the Ministers were doing. Sure, nothing majorly bad happened, but it was the same old, same old. No excitement, no growth. If I were President last month, I would have made a strong push for everything I've talked about. I would have motivated my Ministers to get creative and put that spark back in everyone.

4. For several months, the budget has been running at a deficit. How would you solve this, or does it need to be solved now? What might you do to increase the income? Where would you want to make cuts?

Dan: We are running a massive budget deficit. Many people with Belgium see this not as a problem as we have “large” reserves. This is I feel not the right attitude to take. We need to invest in our infrastructure (The amount of Q7 factories and WRM mines that we have access too). This “supply side” policy for growth should in the long run benefit our players massively if we can produce all the supplies that we use.

What might I do to increase income? Producing the productive capacity of our armed forces (Q7 weapons companies and WRM mines) we can increase the output of the county decreasing variable cost at the same time of increasing our income (income=output). Other than this the MM has died, so unless we make a national mercenary unit there is not much more that can be done other than by raising taxes (and there is a big debate about doing that).

C: We can not with me 500 players have a lot of cash on hand that increased to 25%, we need to deal with the Macedonians (hazard PTO) and bring people who are willing to help us.
We should not fight at least 3-4 months and make Belgian War Inventory and collect weapons and food, we also need one and official units.

K: Yes, it has been running a huge deficit. Many should remember it was actually me who was putting pressure on Lily Jayne Summer's Administration to get control of our budget. I help passed some amendments to save some money in the Citizen Packs program. I carried the conversation on tax increases with spending cuts. Now, I do NOT think we should cut funds that our military needs to function, but I think there may be some fat that can be trimmed. I also think we need to seriously do the math and see how beneficial certain tax changes would be. My goal as President in this sector is to put us on a trajectory to have a balanced budget within three months. Tough decisions may need to be made, but they will only be made to preserve our ability to remain fiscally solvent in the future.

J: The so called financial issue: Let me be clear and straight to the point, there is no financial issue in eBe. The whole market is an issue by itself and eBe is doing great. For years we have the biggest treasury ever. I know it comes from a donation but still. It allows eBe to keep going on young programs and it should be a priority. This year eBe treasury got a 2000 gold bonus which has to be used. Regarding taxes, ministers of finance (mainly me and SX80) and various CP (Beavers asked for quite a report and we discussed this mater a lot) looked for solutions to a problem which cannot be resolved by eBelgium. Yes, on a daily basis we spend more than we earn. Still, I will ask SX80 to investigate, to seek, identify and record who our suppliers are. And depending on the result we’ll be able, with the congress, to change taxes to fit better with the eBelgium configuration of work.
To conclude: no cuts will be done as the treasury is in positive. Expenses could be higher with me as I want better helps to newcomers, meaning more supplies and loans. About taxes, changes will be made after having correctly studied the configuration of eBelgium. Some other solutions will be explored to. But please, do not dream too much: even by changing taxes and so on, the attractiveness of the eBe market is not high enough to make big differences.

5. The constitution of eBelgium encourages the CP to structure the government in whatever way he chooses? What do you think would be the ideal government? (Note that I am not asking you to name people, only the way you would like to organize things?

C: The best people to put to the government.
When something working professionals it is a pleasure, and when the ignorant are doing - it's pain and suffering.
Behind in their government and as a right hand I GWJuniror, Mary Q, BrunoCND and Elynea and may Marsel.

K: I think the way the most recent governments have been organized works. The only thing I might change up is that I don't see the need to have many co-ministers and multiple undersecretaries. My plan is to appoint the Minister Heads, and to allow them to suggest people that might be able to help them. I want to give them ownership over who they work with without forcing certain people to work together.
I put great value in having a Minister of National Security. This is a tough job if done right, and I plan to show just how important they are to our nation. As immigration is fundamentally a national security issue, my MoNS will also be the Minister of Immigration. I plan on having SX80 as my Minister of Finance because he knows that sector inside and out, and I truly value his expertise on how we can get our finances in order. Some of my Ministries will be staffed some newer players who will be given the chance to show their stuff. The oldf@gs can take a respite and focus on their Congress duties 🙂

J: The ebst government would be a team of ministers working as a … Team. Everyone should help everyone else, with meetings on mIRC and so on. I believe it should be a teamwork. Even if we have special responsibilities over a topic, it is not for this reason that we cannot help in any other department. For now on, the typical government has been based on ministers working alone. I agree on that for daily tasks like putting MoD orders or recording finances. But for new idea and new things, I believe ministers need to join their work. That’s also why I’ve put a small team into my government. I don’t know if I’ll be able to make the whole government to work as a team but I already merged two posts: MoHA would be vMoFU and MoFU would be vMoHA. I think it is a nice test. And if I can make everyone working as a team it would be perfect of course 😉.

Dan: Country President
Vice President (next months CP?)
Secretary (Junior vice president, inexperienced player)

Minister of Defence (CoT coordination, National Army)
Vice Minister of Defence (Supplies, to gain experience)

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (CoT, Neighbours)
Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs (Embassy)
Deputy of Foreign Affairs (tasked to build our relations for specific nations, inexperienced)

Minister of Home Affairs (Forum, Polls, Baby boom)
Minister of Labour (getting the nation to work for their supplies)
Minister of Fun (Jfroi needs something to do)
Minister of Internal relations (disputes, news about the world)

That’s my basic structure, each role is diverse and would take too long to explain (2 mins to go).

6. What changes, if any, would you like to see in the way our military is organized?

K: I think our military organization is pretty good. I wouldn't make too many changes, but will be responsive to the needs and suggestions from my MoD and the commanders in the field. I plan to make the military a more attractive part of eBelgium and let the nation know just how proud we are of our fighting men and women.

J: BNA needs to be more professional. Only active soldiers should be there to create a military culture in it and not a “I do as I want” culture like it’s going on. Despite of that I think our military units work great . We did great against France and it’s all that mater.

Dan: . We need our national army to be able to hit at a moment’s notice. We have an obligation to our allies to offer support on request, this is something I firmly believe in and strive towards whenever involved in Defence or the Presidency (including Vice). This will seem like a bit of a rant but this is something I am passionate about. I believe in a complex supply structure to ensure that player are encouraged to grow, but also to make sure that our strongest most experienced players have the supplies they need. Increasing supplies depending on division and strength. Decreasing supplies (bonus) for each rank upgraded (e.g. 10 Q7’s to captain, 0Q7’s to god of war). This encourages development and supports our hardest hitters.

C: We need o one ofician MU in eBelgium who will fight for eBelgium and alliances.

7. What is your opinion about our present alliance, CoT? In light of recent world events, should we continue as we are? Should we consider other options? What kind of relations would you like to have with our nearest neighbors, eUK, eIreland, eFrance, eNL, eGermany, and ePoland?

J: To be honest this is the kind of topic I am not good. I focus maybe too much on eBelgium. Nevertheless my believing is that CoT is great for us. We are not strong but we have important individualities among them therefore I think we gain something.
About our neighborhood, I’m quite simple: I don’t want eBe to be wiped, at all cost. Therefore as eBe is not ready yet (and certainly will never be) to conquer, I would remain calm and try to be neutral or ally with everyone. I also know something is going on with eNL but I didn’t pay attention. I’d be glad to welcome them in eBe 😉.

Dan: CoT is not what is was, but I believe it is like the EU. It needs to rethink what it is doing to make it’s self better. If that takes a few months, it takes a few months, but it is necessary if this alliance wants to survive. We need to be loyal as a founding member we need to help the alliance become better, not run away when things get hard.

I want good relations with all our neighbours, embassies in every neighbouring nation. We need to be surrounded by bros (eUK) and neutrals (Poland) so we can have congress every month and have TW’s when missions are on. Just because we are not in the same alliances does not mean that this is not possible.

C: We need to be good with everyone.

K: Naturally, I think we should always evaluate the conditions on why we're in an alliance. That being said, I think our membership in CoT is a good thing and needs to be maintained. CoT has shown us a lot of support since we've been a member, and I see no real reason to abandon ship at this time.
Our relations with our immediate neighbors should be strong but mutual. We should not back down to bullying and should stand up for our national interests. To this point, I want to make it clear to Krakken and the people of eIreland...I will not extradite MaryamQ. Not now, not ever.

8. Many people have said that we should make an effort to increase our population, but so far, no plans have had a major impact. What do you think we should do to promote the growth of eBelgium, or do you think it is fine as it is? What is the best way to retain citizens once they are here?

Dan: I am a man who believes in change. Month by month we see the same Cabinet, the same parties supporting each other candidates. There is too much the same. Some may argue that it was necessary to fight the impending “pto” but honestly they never got within punching distance of any of the candidates. If elected the first thing I will do is mix up the cabinet. I am not worried about spending hours on end to help train new players to fill in government positions. We are a small country, we need to engage with every player. The cabinet is a great tool to use to help do that, especially on the population scale that we have within Belgium.

We can try to hit websites and beg our friends to join, but we need to support who come here by giving them opportunities to be involved.

C: We have two solutions in this regard
First That each brought by a 10-ero friends and so build a stronger eBelgium or 2. Give citizenship to people who can and want to help, you should help the players who are below the 30 level, this might help in war supplies.

K: Well its always good to have more players in eBelgium. But what we should concentrate on before conducting a massive citizenship push is to put the elements in place that will keep them here once they join. This means a vibrant media, a fun and active military structure, and strong economic opportunities. Right now, I think we would lose many noobs because they would get bored or move on. I think that once we identify and strengthen what being eBelgian truly means, it will be easier to retain new players.

J: Without immigration problem and threats to be politically taken over (I said threat), my believing is that 20 or 30 more citizens would be very important, and the more, the better of course. I don’t know yet who I’ll charge for this mission but as I said in my article two days ago, I want to launch a recruitment programs for new citizens (in other websites) but also for foreigners.
Eventually the best way to retain someone is … Cultural affiliation. If he belongs to a group, he’ll stay in that group. Let’s create the eBe group then 😉. And I come back to helping new players, improving packs, improving social relations, teaching technical and social skills and so on.

9. There was an article published recently suggesting a new union with eNL. Would you favor such a union? Why or why not?

C: Why run again in the Dutch winger, as we benefit from it??
MPP would be great with them.

K: At this time, no. I don't favor a union because I'm not convinced that eBelgium's interests will be preserved in a union. eNL has a much higher population than us and will likely try to segregate eBelgians from the things we enjoy as an independent nation. Look, the UNL dissolved over three years ago. There are only a handful of eBelgians that remember it. eBelgium must remain free and prosperous. This is not to say that I won't work closely with our neighbors to the north, but I personally am not in favor of an union at this time.

J: As I said I didn’t pay too much attention. I know one that one of my team has written an article about that therefore I guess I would hear about it if I am elected 😉. My first thought is “why not” and my second is “never wipe eBelgium”. Conclude as you wish .
It is not of primer importance for me, right now.

Dan: It’s a great idea, but will it work like it did before? It will need a lot of talking over and thrashing out, but I think it’s a good idea as a bigger nation (economy and population) makes for a more influential nation in the long run.

10. Is there anything else you would like to add about your plans for the coming month?

K: My plans are simple. Fix the economy, close the divide within our nation, and bring more fun elements to the game. You might say, "that's been done", well obviously it hasn't been done right. A leader should be relentless in carrying out their policies. I know some of you know that is indeed the kind of person I am. And you know that when I am trusted with a task, I deliver. I will deliver for eBelgium!

J: Yes indeed, as I told you I want to improve what I call the cultural affiliation which is eventually the concept behind eBelgium role-play. Thus the importance to teach, help and discuss with citizens. To create something bigger than only “work, train, fight”. And this point, maybe I won’t reach the perfection, maybe I’ll just start it through better programs and a recruitment campaign, but I can say that I will investigate and I will try my best to find something out, including the most of eBelgians.
If you trust changes can be made but need to be investigated, vote for me. If you believe you can change something without thinking about it, please candidate as country president 😉.
And if you want more supplies, you can also vote or me \o/.

Dan: I am the guy who wakes up every morning trying to better myself, whether that is Physically, Mentally or Personality. Many people are either afraid of change, or are ignorant to the fact that change is constantly needed to keep the world moving. I can say from experience that change is constant within eRep. In South Korea I was Minister of Media. Many people won’t know what this position within government is. It’s where weekly, the best article would receive a gold prize. Now you would not see anything like that, all you see if “comment for food”, there is no sense of earning anymore. Everyone seems to expect everything handed to them on a silver platter. As 2nd commander of a Military Unit I see this first hand. Some soldiers are always looking to help, others just expect you to give them everything and more! This culture of take. Take. take needs to be brought to an end. The time of Earning your keep needs to begin.

C: I would like get write you my plan 69

11. What is your favorite Belgian food or drink (brand, if appropriate)?

J: Mussels and chips with Chimay bleu. Two awesome products are always awesome together.

Dan: Chocolate.

C: No response given

K: Duvel and french fries of course 🙂



There you have it, the candidates in their own words. Please feel free to ask them anything else you want to know in the comments, and the candidates should also feel free to put additional information or article links in the comments.

Vote wisely, eBelgium, and best of luck to all!