- Pronouns
- he / him / his
Written by HEM Tiberius
Where We've Been...
Seven months ago -- almost seemingly a century away -- President Anumia announced his first Presidential bid -- and with it -- the program that came to dominate his agenda: The Grand Architecture Project. The project itself wasn't a new idea, but rather an evolution of ideas proposed by myself (among others) that presented a way for Europeia to give back to the world community and conduct a new brand of foreign affairs.
The premise of the GAP was simple: find "rising star" regions and offer them any wisdom that Europeia has garnered through 7 years of successes and mistakes. Europeia was enchanted by the idea, and Anumia easily won a commanding mandate with 75% of the vote.
The project, however, had a slow start. It wasn't until December 7th that Anumia appointed a Minister to help start the GAP, and it wasn't until February 23rd that Europeia had it's first official GAP signatory region. Why did the project take so long to get moving?
"Seems like every time someone came out and criticized the slow progress of the GAP, they were met with assurances that the project was *just about* to take off," City Councilor ModernSin told ENN, "As yet, this long-promised quicker pace, or 'second stage,' is still on the horizon."
When ENN contacted the Goldenblock for comment, President Anumia strongly suggested that people "may have underestimated my intended timetable", but agreed that there were delays -- particularly in the first term -- due to both his own inactivity and the inactivity of Common-Sense Politics, who served as the first Minister of Foreign Cultivation.
A big turn around was seen in the program with President Anumia's commanding re-election in January. Lethen was brought on board as the new Minister of Foreign Cultivation, and he's been working closely with the project ever since.
"Lethen however was, and I cannot really emphasise this enough, -invaluable- in his time as Minister of Foreign Cultivation thus far," President Anumia told ENN, "There is a very good reason why I was asked to be the Minister of Foreign Affairs instead of Foreign Cultivation [for next term], and that reason is him."
While Lethen served as a cornerstone for the new Architect program, many criticize his lack of public updates and his refusal to provide regular progress reports for his department. A lack of communication has been a criticism for Anumia's administration in general, but it stands particularly pointed in regards to the GAP.
"I've heard various, mostly vague, things about our levels of involvement with a handful of regions. Usually I don't hear anything beyond the fact that we're "working with," or "in talks with," these partners. Some more elaboration on the individual statuses of these discussions would be welcome," ModernSin explained to ENN.
President Anumia, however, says any more reports would be fairly frivolous as, many times, there was not much to report: "A big part of the problem is: what part do you update? We wanted to give really solid results, which meant waiting a bit longer."
There is no doubt, however, that tons of work has been going into the Grand Architecture Project, and that much of the progress has come directly from President Anumia.
"President Anumia has personally contacted almost every single GAP region we have established connections with," said a former Cabinet Minister and EACC official who wished to not be named, "The GAP has been primarily spearheaded by Anumia and Lethen as partners, and the fear may be that a working infrastructure may not exist to last after Anumia exits office."
Indeed, with the GAP it has been reported that tons of cooks have been in the kitchen. Decisions are made with Cabinet, Architect, and EAAC feedback. This iron triangle of reports and news has worked hencefar with Anumia acting as a liaison between all branches, but it has elements of unsustainability as a new President enters office.
Anumia was elected to a third term in March 2014, and he is now has less than 5 days left after a seven month marathon in office. A verdict on his term?
"It's hard to deny that Anumia's Presidency was generally a successful one," ModernSin comments, "No one gets three consecutive terms by being a bad President. The activity and progress in each of his Ministries was all over the map, which was largely due to his consistently uneven Cabinet choices. Still, we saw great work done in Interior, Culture, and FA at various points throughout Anumia's three terms."
Anumia's legacy is protected, in part, but his longevity in office. Anumia became the first President to serve three consecutive terms since President Nlhp in 2008. Back in 2009 - 2011, where Presidents struggled to finish a single term, Anumia's work is a significant accomplishment.
But the job is also less stressful than it used to be. Four years ago, President of Europeia may have been the hardest job in Nationstates, but the regional culture has changed since then. Has the change been for the better, or for the worse?
"What made Europeia exciting was political dynamicism," former President PhDre told ENN, "Heroes were forged and felled in a single term."
A longtime citizen, who prefers to remain unnamed said it more bluntly: "Disappointing. More boring. Less to do."
When ENN spoke to newcomer Mal'achi, however, he had a slightly different take: "[Diversity] is certainly one of the most attractive features of the region, and I would say as a result is one of the things that motivates me to be an active part of Europeia; the diversity, and the acceptance of such diversity. It is thoroughly enjoyable to witness."
So does the more politically tame climate make Europeia "boring" or "accepting?"
Either way, there is no doubt that the new culture benefits incumbent politicians who garner little or no criticism during their terms. Mediocre Presidents are hailed as good, good Presidents are hailed as great, and the truly great Presidents are clumped in with the others.
Where we are going
About a week ago General Elections were announced for the Presidency. Many Europeians predicted a large swarm of tickets to surge to succeed Anumia (who is not seeking a forth term).
However, only two tickets have presented themselves to Europeia. One one side, Drecq is running with Elias Greyjoy. On the other, Kraketopia is running with Pope Lexus X.
In many ways, Kraketopia is seen as more of a natural successor to Anumia. Almost all his political experience was garnered in Anumia's Cabinet. Drecq and Elias Greyjoy have been far more critical of Anumia -- particularly the latter -- and might be seen as more of a "new direction".
Kraketopia is running on a platform that stresses communication and finding new ways to liaison with nations on gameside. Kraketopia will also be retaining the Communications Ministry, while Drecq would do away with it.
When we asked Anumia about his potential successors, he gave a balanced review: "-The Kraken is obviously newer and has less experience, but is easily regarded one of our best newcomers and has shown a strong ability to grasp the necessities of whatever he is doing. Drecq has some more experience than the Kraken and knows how to use it - he also probably has a bit more international recognition although neither have much as of yet, and the region knows that he is very dependable and solid."
While both candidates have fielded a number of questions, there has lacked much real "passion" between the two campaigns and off topic conversations make the campaign threads look longer than they truly are.
As President Anumia leaves office, he has much to be proud of. He has worked tirelessly for the region during his half year in office. That being said, we as a region must consider the implications of someone being able to serve three terms with negligible political opposition. Is our political side dying away, or was Anumia truly a God?
What do we want to see our region become? It's a fair question with limitless answers. Ultimately, it is up to every single Europeia. That is why we must be engaged, involved, and interested in where the future takes us.
Both candidates have pledged to continue the GAP.
