Meeting in the Plenary Hall
As Amanda Bonnot was about to bid farewell to the Delegation of the Federated Councils, a member of the "National Collectivist Front," to which she belonged, approached her. Amanda's expression changed from relaxed to surprised as she looked at her comrade, who simply nodded, as if confirming something. She turned to her fellow countrymen with a slightly stressed smile.
"It turns out that my group, the National Collectivist Front, has managed to push a bill through the general vote, obtaining 59% support—one of our best results in the history of our socialist coalition. Grand Duke Casamir I of the House of Episcopo will now evaluate the law. We will present the law to our ruler, representing ourselves at the same time. If we prove ourselves, we can receive a promotion. When the presence of the Grand Duke is required elsewhere, such as on a diplomatic mission, The Honourable Prime Lord Alard Reyrond, the head of government, evaluates the law instead. Right now, the law is being presented to Alard Reyrond, so you can enter the plenary hall and be part of the legislative process. I apologize if this has disrupted your plans."
The Plenary Hall of the House of Delegates is a large and spacious room, built from beautiful oak planks in the color of black oak. Carpets stretch from the entrance to the rows of soft chairs. In a specially designated spot sat Alard Reyrond, listening to the presentation of the "Participatory Budgeting" bill. The room was filled with flowers, both large and small, placed in various spots. Even roses surrounded the podium from which the NCF chairman was speaking.
Speech in the Chamber of Delegates
"Your Grand Prime Lordship Alard Reyrond, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today, I am honored to introduce a transformative initiative that will empower our citizens and enhance our democracy: Participatory Budgeting.
Participatory Budgeting is a bold step forward in how we govern our nation. It allows you, the people, to have a direct say in how certain portions of our public budget are spent. This means that the power to prioritize and allocate funds will not solely rest in the hands of elected officials but will be shared with you, our valued citizens.
Why is this important? Because who better to decide on the needs of a community than those who live in it? Participatory Budgeting ensures that the voices of all citizens are heard, making our government more transparent, accountable, and responsive to your needs.
Here's how it works: Regular town hall meetings and digital platforms will be set up where you can propose ideas, deliberate on projects, and vote on budget priorities. Whether it's improving local parks, funding community health programs, or enhancing public safety, you will have the power to shape our shared future.
This initiative not only strengthens our democracy but also fosters a sense of community and civic duty. It bridges the gap between the government and the people, ensuring that our policies reflect the collective will and wisdom of our society.
Together, we can create a more inclusive and vibrant nation where every citizen has a stake in our progress and prosperity. Let us embrace Participatory Budgeting as a beacon of participatory democracy and a testament to our commitment to a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.
Thank you very much."
After the speech, a question-and-answer session began, during which Alard Reyrond asked about the scale at which the law would apply. Amanda Bonnot replied calmly that initially, the law would apply at the local level and be voluntary at every stage. She then turned her curious gaze to the representatives of Kyldigard to see if they had anything to add regarding the current bill.
