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Almost everyday I do visit the Parliament beverage bulge canteen. Not only for a couple of drinks for a cup of coffee, but also to catch up some gossip the latest news in the political life.

Yesterday I did a scoop!

There, on the bar counter by the juice machine in the canteen, I saw some documents, market "Top Secret", accidently forgotten. And Tops Secret papers are really triggering a froggy journalist, so I set me down to read. Of course! And it was very interesting stuff, forgotten this time, it was a draft to a Royal Constitution! As my readers probably will remember, this issue was discussed preliminarily in congress this summer. In this debate it was given information that a draft to Royal Constitution was to be presented on an later occation.

And here I found the draft! And even better, inside the cover I find the owner of the documents. So I pick up my phone.....





NL: Hello Joshua! Do you miss something? I found a some papers yesterday, “forgotten” in the Parliament canteen. It`s cover was marked “Joshua” and the content was a draft of a Royal constitution: I guess it belongs to you? So my first question to you is: “Why Monarchy?”

Joshua: "Oh thank you for finding it! I seemed to have misplaced it and was searching all over for it. It’s rather embarrassing. As to ‘Why Monarchy?’ the short answer is simple. To create growth and fun by adding another unique dimension of gameplay to our little community."




NL: Both a King (or Queen) and a President: How can this work?

Joshua: "The intention of course is that the Monarchy will operate much like it does in real life which is of course it is a constitutional monarchy with zero political powers thereby separating the roles of both Monarch and President alike."




NL: A Royal Constitution; it`s a serious matter. How do you foresee the political process ahead an eventual implementation? Do you think the issues decided by the Parliament or should it be by a referendum?

Joshua: "This is the tricky subject we are no approaching. To be honest I’ve been mulling over this dilemma for some time now. I think I am more in favour of having a thorough debate and vote held in Parliament over a referendum. However I would like to hold a public vote on who is to become our Monarch which will hand the power right to the hands of everybody when it comes time to crown Norway’s next Monarch."




NL: Do you expect some opposition to this proposal, or will it pass fairly unanimous in your opinion?

Joshua: "I don’t believe it will pass unanimously unfortunately. I already know there has been some public opposition to it from people such as our current President Yanisin and former President hans erik. Although I respect their opinions I would also have to disagree with them on the matter. I don’t want to take away from the amount of support that has been seen for the proposal however. Many prominent and respected Norwegians have voiced their support and have contributed greatly to the process with many of their ideas now making of up the first draft of the constituion.

Supporters include Freke, KristofferAG, Xibbard, West Bergen, M. de Ruyter and Jasper Zuidema. I would gladly wade into any debate with such a talented group with me."




NL: In the draft, the king will be given the opportunity to appoint nobles too. Is it to be given to everyone, or should it be by remarkable accomplishments?

Joshua: "This is also a good point. Right now as it stands in the first draft it can be handed out to any Norwegian citizens the Monarch so chooses (up to two per term) however, when I take the draft public this would be a good idea to bring into the debate and could be one of the points we alter."




NL: In the draft it`s referring to the former eNorwegian king, Christopher Moe. He is somewhat mythical it seems too in this society. Can you explain me, a young frog, why he is given this status?

Joshua: "His Royal Highness was the founder, first and last King of the Norwegian Monarchy. He should be taught about in all eNorwegian schools. His legacy lives on even today although you might not realize it. He is the founder of one of Norway’s oldest MUs, the Rape Potatoes. He had many accomplishments as well as becoming the first King he also became the first Absolute Monarch in Norway when he was elected as President as well."




NL: Now I`m wondering. Since we all in this nation do have different names, we will never gain monarchs with regnal numbers as I, II, III, IV, V and further on, only by using his/hers profile name. Should a chosen King/Queen have the right to chose a regnal name, instead of his/her own name, just like the Popes?

Joshua: "Quite possibly. I do like the sounds of it. Perhaps the regal name could come from something the Monarch becomes known for during their reign? Another excellent question that should come up in the official debate."




NL: And my last question: when will you publish your draft?

Joshua: "Right now I have been drumming up support for the proposal. I will not take it fully public until I know that the first draft of the Royal Constitution is something that I can get behind 100% and I can tell you I’m nearly there. I have been getting feedback from people during this time so that I can present the best possible constitution that I can. I know it’s been a long process, but nothing good will come of something rushed. It is my hope that when it is finally presented to Congress that those people who had concerns about it initially will see all of the hard work and thoughtful ideas that were taken into consideration when creating it. I hope to put any fears they may have had out of the window so they to can support it."



Thank you Joshua for your forgotten papers taking your time! In the days and weeks to come, Northern Light will surley return to the Parliamentary bar canteen to follow up the debate about this issue (and other issues too).



Please E,C,S,S and debate!