Empire Rising: Spain

Carlo nodded blandly, his gaze sweeping over the familiar and unfamiliar nobles without any expression or words.

“Your Majesty.” Finally, one of the nobles couldn’t help it and stood up, saying, “Next month is the election of the Cabinet Government. Has Prime Minister Prim confirmed his candidacy?”

Carlo looked at the noble who spoke, his expression as indifferent as ever: “What? Do you have an opinion on Prime Minister Prim’s candidacy?”

Anyone who followed the political scene in Spain knew that Prime Minister Prim had made his stance very clear at the government’s annual work report meeting, which was to run for the next Cabinet Prime Minister position.

The collective visit of the nobles was obviously not to ask whether Prime Minister Prim would run but had other intentions.

The noble who was questioned hurriedly shook his head, not daring to admit to such a question: “I am just curious about Prime Minister Prim’s attitude, after all, there is less than a month left until the next Cabinet Government election.”

Carlo looked at these nobles, fully aware of their thoughts. But Spain’s development cannot do without a stable environment, at least for now, the Spanish Government still needs Prime Minister Prim.

“Don’t you understand the summary report of the first Five-Year Plan? The second Five-Year Plan acts as a link between the past and future, which is extremely important for Spain.

And Prime Minister Prim, who proposed the first Five-Year Plan, is the most suitable candidate to start the second Five-Year Plan. For the current Spain, Prime Minister Prim is the most qualified candidate for the Prime Minister position, without a doubt.” Carlo glanced around at the nobles, then continued saying on his own: ”

Anyone who hinders Spain’s development is a sinner of Spain. At this moment, Prime Minister Prim’s and my goals are aligned, which is to strive for the revival of Spain.”

Among the nobles, some didn’t understand, but others had already grasped the hidden meaning behind Carlo’s words.

Seeing Canovas nodding secretly, Carlo rarely showed a smile and said, “Minister Canovas, your work in the Ministry of Agriculture has been effective during this time.

I will recommend you to Prime Minister Prim to become the new Minister of Industry in the new Cabinet Government, contributing even more to Spain’s development.”

Upon hearing Carlo’s sudden words, Canovas quickly stepped forward and performed a noble’s salute with great respect, saying excitedly, “Thank you, Your Majesty, Canovas will continue to strive for you, the Royal Family, and Spain’s future.”

Canovas was not well-known at this time, but historically, he is renowned. His full name is Antonio Canovas del Castillo, a famous Spanish politician and writer.

As a conservative, Canovas opposed the constitutional monarchy, believing the King was not a government tool established under national legal consciousness but the legitimate ruler of the country, the great and supreme monarch of Spain.

It was precisely because of these views that Canovas was not given much importance during the Provisional Government, Amadeo’s reign, and the republic period.

It wasn’t until the restoration of Alfonso XII that Canovas leaped to become the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Spain, serving as Prime Minister of the Cabinet Government for six terms, with a total tenure of over 12 years.

Such an individual was by no means mediocre, and his support for monarch supremacy earned him the favor of Alfonso XII.

However, in this world, Alfonso XII clearly had no opportunity anymore. It could even be said that the Bourbon family had no chance in Spain, unless the Savoy family produced a series of incompetent monarchs.

Canovas’s response was heavily laced with the concept of monarch supremacy. The king first, the Royal Family next, and the nation last.

Carlo also understood why Canovas was so heavily valued during Alfonso XII’s reign. Imagine a young king in his teens, in a domestic environment where most forces supported the republic, receiving such monarch-supremacy praise, who wouldn’t be overjoyed and make heavy use of such a flattering minister?

Although Carlo was also very pleased with Canovas’s display of loyalty, he would not reveal it outwardly. Looking at the very respectful Canovas, Carlo continued, “As for your role as Minister of Agriculture, let Jovellar take over.

I support Prime Minister Prim in running for the next Cabinet Prime Minister. You and Jovellar, as ministers in important positions of the Cabinet Government, should also support Prime Minister Prim’s policies and work together for the great revival of Spain.

Alright, that’s all I have to say. As for the others, since you’re not members of the House of Representatives, this Cabinet election doesn’t have much to do with you, so disperse.”

Carlo did not intend to claim more power now. Since Spain was still on the fast track of rapid development, the most important thing, naturally, was to advance Spain’s further development.

Only by making the country stronger can Carlo’s throne be more stable, and his power become greater.

This also means that Carlo not only wouldn’t stop Prime Minister Prim from running, but he would also strongly support Prime Minister Prim’s continued tenure.

Whether these nobles could understand Carlo’s underlying message depended on their comprehension.

The nobles could be said to have come in a grand and imposing manner and left with many questions in their minds.