Francois de Bretagne appeared before Parliament to give his State of the Nation address, to which the President made every year. The 138-man assembly was one of the largest political institutions in the world, and Bretagne would have them in the palm of his hand.
Bretagne soon stepped onto the stage of the open theatre. It was a beautiful night in Paris. You could see the Cathedral Notre Dame from the theatre, its windows glowing with the flickering flames of a thousand candlesticks.
Torches lit the theatre, primitive yet beautiful in its simplicity. Bretagne stepped out onto the stage, from which he would become a great speaker. The peasantry crowded around the theatre, hoping to hear the words from their beloved President. They listened intently as men, women, and children ran around the outskirts of the theatre property to create one giant mass of bodies in the center of the Paris metropolis.
"Friends, enemies, fellow men, Parliament members. I give to you the great new France, one of power, strength and irrevocable forward momentum." Applause came out from the members of parliament. "We have enemies across the globe now. Our fleet is challenged by the growing British navy. Our army stands poised not only on the borders of Rome, Germany, and Portugal but to take to the sea as well. France is in a time of moral insecurity--she cannot lose her sense of moral conviction.
"In order to hold up such morals, I am calling for an early election of Parliament." More applause came from the parliamentary members. "I also encourage the parliament to put forth the ability for myself to rule by decree. In the event of war, we must be prepared to take actions as soon as possible. I cannot be bogged down by a bureaucracy." More cheers from the crowd.
"With her increasing ecoomy, with her mighty sword, and with her innumerous ships, France stands upon the globe like a colossus. Let us sheathe our righteous sword and prepare to face whatever enemies might come to us.
"If the New England Republic does not accept the offer of Russian peace we will go to war. If Germany attacks us we will go to war. If the UK attacks us in its blatant hypocrisy we will go to war.
"France stands today as a sentient of Catholicism and scruples. We cannot lose our stature as the noblest people on the planet, and cannot forget our duties as such."
The roar of the crowd was deafening as the news spread across France.
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Election Results:
Of the 138 Seats in Parliament:
81% - 112 Controlled by Libertaire Partie
6% - 9 Controlled by Partie Conservatuer
12% - 17 Controlled by Collegiate Partie
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To: Portugal
We offer you semi-autonomous rule as a province of our nation. We would like you to know that the standard of life in your country will increase considerably, your economy will grow with ours, and you will recieve the protection of the French armed forces. If you wish, we may have a plebiscite so that your people may choose.
To: New England Republic
Make peace with Russia or suffer the consequences.
Paris Peace Proposal
Neither the United Kingdom nor Russia can appearantly come to an agreement over Scandinavia. We therefore propose that an indepent nation of Sweden-Norway, with its capital at Stockholm, be created out of the territories of Sweden, Norway, and Finland. Russia would be allowed to retain Far Karelia and peace would be made between the UK and the Russian nation.
We hope this will be accepted.