Empire Rising: Spain

The King’s own proposal, responsibility is certainly on the King himself. But if other Cabinet ministers make the proposal, even if it ultimately fails in execution, the King would not bear too much responsibility.

This is also the way Carlo has understood the path of a ruler. Although Carlo aims to shape a government that listens to his commands, it doesn’t mean that everything in the Spanish Government should run based solely on Carlo’s orders.

Carlo will only guide in a relatively correct direction; the execution of specific details still depends on the Cabinet Government itself.

Seeing Carlo not expressing an opinion, Duke Serrano paused for a moment and then turned his gaze to Minister of State Canovas, asking: ”Earl Canovas, what do you think?”

When it comes to economic development, Duke Serrano is really not proficient. Since Carlo had no intention of expressing an opinion, Duke Serrano could only consult with the Deputy Prime Minister, who had more experience and capability in this area.

After all, the Deputy Prime Minister’s official title is Minister of State, which frankly, means a Cabinet minister who assists the Prime Minister in handling state affairs.

Since Duke Serrano was undecided, asking Earl Canovas was quite reasonable.

”I think there is some necessity,” Earl Canovas expressed his opinion but did not give a definite stance, instead saying somewhat tactfully: ”I think we can hold a vote. If everyone feels it’s necessary to guard against a second round of economic crisis, then it’s naturally best to prepare.”

During Canovas’s nearly two-year tenure as Minister of Industry, he deeply realized the impact of economic crisis on industry and also had some understanding of the losses suffered by various European countries during the economic crisis.

But understanding aside, Canovas would not be so foolish as to make a direct decision in front of Carlo. Carlo hadn’t expressed an opinion, so how could he, a deputy, make a direct decision?

Having the Cabinet ministers conduct a vote is clearly the most conservative choice but also the best one. Regardless of whether the vote’s outcome supports early response or believes there won’t be a second wave of economic crisis, this vote involves all Cabinet members, avoiding any suspicion of overstepping in front of Carlo.

The Cabinet members quickly conducted the vote, and most supported preparing early for the economic crisis.

There really wasn’t much need for a vote, as responding to the economic crisis wouldn’t require the Spanish Government to pay too much of a price.

The main reason was Duke Serrano’s indecision, combined with Earl Canovas’s unwillingness to overstep in front of Carlo, which led to this otherwise unnecessary vote taking place.

However, the result is good, which also aligns with Carlo’s expectations.

”Although the new year may face the threat of a second wave of economic crisis, it’s not all bad news for us,” Minister of State Canovas smiled and stood up after the vote ended, addressing Carlo and the other Cabinet ministers: ”

As long as we can avoid the impact of this economic crisis, we can use the crisis to accelerate development, thus closing the gap with countries like Britain, France, and Germany.

Considering our current pace of industrial and economic development, this is easily achievable. We currently have sufficient funds to address the risks brought by the economic crisis, which for us might not be a crisis, but rather an opportunity for accelerated development.”

The other ministers in the Cabinet nodded in agreement with this statement.

Although the economic crisis affected Spain, the impact was not significant or fatal. During the economic crisis when the industrial production of European Powers was severely affected, Spain’s industrial production was not heavily impacted.

When the economic crisis broke out, Spain’s industrial scale was limited, and the number of bankrupt factories was few.

Even during the economic crisis, Spain’s industry achieved positive growth. This is quite rare during a period when the industrial production scale of other countries was continuously declining due to the economic crisis, proving that the efforts of the Spanish Government during the crisis were not in vain.

”The Cabinet Government should be credited with the chief effort for avoiding the impact of this economic crisis,” Carlo nodded in agreement, appreciating the Cabinet government’s efforts: ”

Once the economic crisis is over, I will reward everyone according to their contributions. But before that, we must prepare for the second wave of economic crisis and try to find opportunities during the crisis to narrow the gap between Spain and other European Powers.”

When it came to the matter of rewards, everyone present showed joyful expressions and expressed anticipation.

After all, Spain is a monarchy, where the aristocracy still carries significant weight. Whether from the Progressive Party, Conservative Party, or Liberal Party, none would refuse becoming nobility.

This not only represents an elevation in status but also signifies an increase in political influence. Moreover, besides the conferment of titles, nobility can receive other rewards including land and funds, as well as factory shares.

The newly ennobled by Carlo may not gain the land, castles, and estates of traditional land nobility, but they can receive some funds and other benefits, bringing many advantages.

Nobility is also one of the largest forces domestically in Spain. Becoming part of the Spanish nobility means having become among the upper echelons of the Kingdom of Spain.