Angirisian Senate Session for 1579-1581

[Aerandariel]

Angirisian Empire
Senate Session 1579-1581

Current Senate Makeup: Republicans (27), Conservatives (13), Orthodox Conservatives (11), Federalists (5), Communists (1), Democrats (13), Imperialist (4), Independents (3)

Coalition?: YES; Republicans (27), Democrats (13), Independents (2 of 3)

Speaker of the Senate: Arcturus Augustus (Republican)
President pro Tempore: Antony Mellis (Conservative)
Floor Leader: Darius Sorex (Independent)
Majority Leader: None, no majority or coalition
Opposition Leader: None, no majority or coalition

Items on Agenda:
Healthcare reform, possible minimum wage increase, Akitsu sanctions, Svarna Surya recognition, defense spending increase, aid package to Octitania, continuing resolution for AOSEA funding, any other item brought up to floor

[Aerandariel]

TOPIC: Akitsu sanctions
PROPOSAL: Akitsu Economic Sanction Implementation Act of 1579
PUT TO FLOOR BY: Theodoros Wieros (C-Parium)

SUMMARY: A bill to implement a series of economic sanctions against Akitsu, including finalizing the freezing of Akitsian assets, an embargo, and abrogation of any and all political, economic and military treaties between Angirisian Empire and Akitsu

DEBATE

Mr. Wieros: Ladies and gentlemen of the Imperial Senate, I present to you a proposal called the Akitsu Economic Sanction Implementation Act of 1579, designed to be a punitive action against our once-time ally, the nation of Akitsu. I must state for the record that this legislation is not punitive against the people of Akitsu but against the illegitimate, coup-led 'government' of Akitsu.

This proposal makes it official Imperial policy to seize any and all remaining Akitsian assets within the Angirisian Empire effectively immediately. This proposal also will implement a total embargo and suspension of trade against Akitsu, as well as ending any and all political, economic and military treaties our two countries have agreed upon in the last several decades.

Now the question is, my fellows, is why should our Empire take such punitive action now so long after the coup? Simple. It is abundantly clear that there is no sign of release by the usurpers. They are not going to relinquish power unless forced out themselves. Now I do not believe that these acts will ensure such force, but it will certainly make it more difficult for the usurpers to be able to clinch any measure of legitimacy in the eyes of the world and we know for certain that that is one of many of their goals.

The Angirisian Empire has a long-standing policy of opposing groups who usurp the rightfully elected or otherwise inherited administrations of nations abroad through many different means. This occurrence is more drastic in scope as Akitsu is - or rather was - an important ally of the Angirisian Empire in the Far East. Our cooperation dates back centuries; all the way back to the reign of Tassadar IV when our two peoples first exchanged words. It was largely due to Angirisians that Akitsu became an industrial juggernaut, and it was largely due to Akitsu that our Empire, through a great cultural shift, gradually became a much more peaceful society.

We can no longer sit back and do nothing, as we did with the Brigidnian coups. No, my fellows, we must act. And this proposal is just the beginning! Vote for this bill and we take the first steps to true action!

Theodora Pietro (R-Tristram City): Ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, I rise as a member of the Republican Caucus who stands in opposition to this proposal. While it is true that we must do something in a punitive way to address this crisis, I am concerned that all this will do is unleash considerable blow-back against us by the Akitsian people with whom we have no quarrel. An economic sanctions package, while it will hurt Akitsu's economy, will inevitably damage the Akitsian people themselves, who are already living in utter fear of the apparently new administration they find themselves under.

If we are to do anything at this present time, we must make sure that our actions are just, but that they also do not inflict unintended consequences that will have a ripple effect not just through Akitsu but through the entirety of the Far Eastern realms. To that end, I put forth an amended version of Mr. Weiros' proposal in that it removes the sanctions but implements much of the other clauses in the treaty that will prove to be - in my view and perhaps in the view of the Angirisian people - the most effective way to deal with this issue.

Thank you.