Chapter 148 Negotiations

On July 8, after receiving Constantine's personal promise, Alexandros finally chose to agree to the reform and made a statement in the parliament that afternoon. The reform mainly includes three aspects:

First, similar to the British civil service system, establish a system of administrative officers and political officers, and at the same time establish an official retirement system.

Second, reform the tax system and abolish the original equal taxation.

Third, strengthen the independence of the judicial system.

It seems to be just three simple points, but in fact it is a revolutionary change to the current system.

After the prime minister made the statement, the emotional members of parliament cursed Alexandros as "shameless and traitor", and the scene was almost out of control.

Of course, among the 300 members, there are also some who have long been dissatisfied with the status quo and enthusiastically support Alexandros.

Those members serving in the government are naturally strongly opposed.

The two sides with strongly opposing views took action on the spot in the parliament.

Some members even wanted to initiate a vote immediately to depose Alexandros from the position of prime minister.

King George used his royal privilege to forcibly reject the resolution of the parliament and stand up for the prime minister.

The next morning, government officials whose interests were damaged directly launched a strike, threatening to paralyze the government, and strongly opposed the reform, especially the first point, the establishment of a British-style civil service system.

Farmers, workers, citizens, and factory owners who had long been dissatisfied with the government's tax system also organized a march to support Prime Minister Alexandros' reform and clean up the bureaucracy.

A large number of people from both sides gathered in Constitution Square and confronted each other with a bad attitude.

In view of the chaotic situation in Athens, in order to avoid further deterioration of the situation, King George, with the assistance of Constantine, ordered the First Division to enter the city to maintain order.

On July 10, the protagonist of the reform, Prime Minister Alexandros, was assassinated by a man in black when he went out to inspect from the Prime Minister's residence.

Fortunately, after Constantine contacted Alexandros, he sent a squad of soldiers from the Royal Guards, who were proficient in guard work, to the prime minister.

When the assassination happened, the guards reacted quickly and shot the assassin dead quickly.

The assassin's pistol only scratched the prime minister's arm, fortunately he was not seriously injured.

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Constitution Square Palace.

King George and Constantine stood in front of the window, observing the dark crowd in the square downstairs.

"Although it was expected, it still caused such a big disturbance," King George sighed helplessly.

"Change is painful, and there is nothing we can do about it," Constantine comforted.

After all, the king is no longer young, and he feels a little powerless in this chaotic situation.

"How is the preparation for the consultation meeting going? Let's end it as soon as possible, it's a mess," King George turned and left, and asked Constantine who was following behind him.

Because the situation is too chaotic, in order for everyone to reach a consensus as soon as possible, the royal family will act as a mediator and try their best to bring all parties together to reach a consensus.

"I've asked Butler Capet to do it."

··········

In the meeting room, on the square table covered with a white tablecloth, exquisite porcelain plates filled with plump grapes, orange citrus, and delicate roses in several vases were pleasing to the eye.

At the two ends of the square table, King George and the Prime Minister sat respectively.

Between the two, representatives of various factions, more than 40 people sat upright.

After seeing everyone gathered, King George nodded to Constantine who was standing behind him.

"Everyone, the purpose of calling everyone here is very clear, to discuss the specific terms of the Greek government reform." Constantine walked up, stood next to King George, and said to everyone.

"On the surface, this crisis was caused by the Olympics, but in essence, it is the Greek fiscal system that is no longer in line with the current social situation."

"Next month, Greece will have a loan from the UK due. Before that, if everyone does not want the Greek government to declare bankruptcy, the fiscal problem must be solved."

"In a distorted social system, no one will be a real winner, even the beneficiaries of the current system."

After saying that, Constantine looked at everyone and observed everyone's reactions.

"First of all, the appointment system of officials must be reformed. There is no room for maneuver on this point." After Prime Minister Alexandros made up his mind, his attitude was extremely firm.

In fact, after the news of the prime minister's injury spread, Greek public opinion almost unanimously supported him, which made Alexandros establish an image of a politician who actively reformed in front of the public.

The reason why Alexandros supports reform is also because the time is ripe.

With the industrialization of Greece, the Greek bourgeoisie has gradually grown stronger, and the majority of the bourgeoisie supports reform.

It was the power of the bourgeoisie that allowed Alexandros to see the possibility of countering the deeply rooted bureaucracy in Greek society.

It was almost unanimous that the appointment system of officials should be reformed, except for the current officials.

"Now Western European countries have successively followed the British civil service system and carried out reforms." Gao Bairui, as a representative of the bourgeoisie, was also invited to attend.

"Greece should also follow up and learn from the advanced level of Western Europe." Obviously, he supports the reform of the civil service system.

Except for the official representatives, almost everyone nodded in support.

"Your Majesty, Prime Minister, I personally know the drawbacks of the party-sharing system." As a representative of officials, Delianis had to speak out despite being alone.

"But this system cannot be completely changed in a day or two."

"Now the civil servants in the government have almost been in the government for a long time. They are used to the relaxed and leisurely work. Suddenly, a comprehensive reform of the civil service system is unacceptable to everyone."

"If the government's reform measures are too intense and rapid, it will cause strong resistance from officials," Delianis threatened.

Delianis was helpless. Regarding the reform of the official appointment system, Greek society has almost reached a consensus. From the king to the people, no one is willing to continue to support such officials.

As for their threat, all officials went on strike and paralyzed the government.

"I think this way, this official appointment system must be changed, but it is not urgent. It is best to proceed slowly like the British," Constantine interrupted.

"Regarding the official appointment system, the government can make a long-term plan and continue to work in this direction," Constantine suggested.

There is no way, and it is impossible to remove all the current Greek officials overnight. There are not enough people to replace them.

The only way is to reform step by step.

The destructiveness of a general strike by all officials cannot be underestimated, and it is likely to cause social disorder.

"Gradual progress is indeed appropriate, but how can we ensure that this reform can be implemented?" Costebru worriedly.

"After the crisis is resolved, who can guarantee that the government will not be solid?"