26-11-2003, 12:01
In an address to the nation given via satellite television this evening, his Serene Emminence gave a brief outline of his plans for Maraka's future.
"This recession has hit hard," he said, looking grave from behind his austere desk of ebon wood. The young Sultan's dark face was set in a stony frown, his eyes hidden behind his unshining sunglasses. Dressed in a conservative dark suit, he was framed from behind by the pale, wane light trickling in through the tall window behind his desk, framed by black drapes. "Maraka's unemployment rate has always been a problem, but unfortunately it has grown worse then ever, along with our declining stock market."
"This has to change. We cannot allow ourselves to slip back into the poverty, into the third world my predocessor lifted us up from. But to halt this will take sacrifice."
"First, and foremost, we must combat the lack of jobs for our African working force. To this end, I propose to de-Federalize certain national preserves. On this fertile soil, we will build new textile and industrial factories. Both the construction and the maintenance of these factories will open up thousands of new jobs. It will mean softening much of our environmental laws, but such is the price we pay."
The young Sultan shifted, leaning forward out of the plush black leather of his high-backed chair. Two sunglasses inched towards the camera, Abu Zani peering closely at his audiance.
"Among other reforms, I will be dismantling several Labor Laws. While morally justifiable, these laws inhibit Maraka's economic growth, and thus aid this recession. First, I will be decreasing minimum wage to an as-yet-undetermined figure. Second, the power of labor unions will be stripped. Finally, I intend to elliminate one of the two weekdays Maraka's workforce currently enjoy."
Zani spread his hands, his handsome face opening in an apolagetic grin. "The times we live in are hard. I ask you, Maraka, to endure. For what we are and what we can become. I assure you all that these suspensions are temporary, their duration equal to the point where this recession is beaten. Morality is a luxery, so the proverb goes."
"Furthermore, I intend to increase military spending exponentially. The Sultanate's current military endeavours warrant growth in the armed forces. Bolstering the ranks of our infantry, mercantile guard, and colonial marines will open up yet more jobs, as will the home front effort."
"Again, I know what I ask of you is hard. The sacrifice I call upon you, Maraka, is not to be done lightly, and it is only with a heavy heart that I consign this burden to the beleagured labor force." Zani's wry, apolagetic smile was unfading. "It is a painful medicine, but it is what will save us. Remember where we came from: a backwater third world nation, split by race and religion. After decades of struggle, we have achieved the status of a First World nation. Now we must fight to retain it." Abu Zani's right hand turned and curled into a fist, the Sultan barring his knuckles to the camera.
"It will not happen under my reign, that is a promise...."
"This recession has hit hard," he said, looking grave from behind his austere desk of ebon wood. The young Sultan's dark face was set in a stony frown, his eyes hidden behind his unshining sunglasses. Dressed in a conservative dark suit, he was framed from behind by the pale, wane light trickling in through the tall window behind his desk, framed by black drapes. "Maraka's unemployment rate has always been a problem, but unfortunately it has grown worse then ever, along with our declining stock market."
"This has to change. We cannot allow ourselves to slip back into the poverty, into the third world my predocessor lifted us up from. But to halt this will take sacrifice."
"First, and foremost, we must combat the lack of jobs for our African working force. To this end, I propose to de-Federalize certain national preserves. On this fertile soil, we will build new textile and industrial factories. Both the construction and the maintenance of these factories will open up thousands of new jobs. It will mean softening much of our environmental laws, but such is the price we pay."
The young Sultan shifted, leaning forward out of the plush black leather of his high-backed chair. Two sunglasses inched towards the camera, Abu Zani peering closely at his audiance.
"Among other reforms, I will be dismantling several Labor Laws. While morally justifiable, these laws inhibit Maraka's economic growth, and thus aid this recession. First, I will be decreasing minimum wage to an as-yet-undetermined figure. Second, the power of labor unions will be stripped. Finally, I intend to elliminate one of the two weekdays Maraka's workforce currently enjoy."
Zani spread his hands, his handsome face opening in an apolagetic grin. "The times we live in are hard. I ask you, Maraka, to endure. For what we are and what we can become. I assure you all that these suspensions are temporary, their duration equal to the point where this recession is beaten. Morality is a luxery, so the proverb goes."
"Furthermore, I intend to increase military spending exponentially. The Sultanate's current military endeavours warrant growth in the armed forces. Bolstering the ranks of our infantry, mercantile guard, and colonial marines will open up yet more jobs, as will the home front effort."
"Again, I know what I ask of you is hard. The sacrifice I call upon you, Maraka, is not to be done lightly, and it is only with a heavy heart that I consign this burden to the beleagured labor force." Zani's wry, apolagetic smile was unfading. "It is a painful medicine, but it is what will save us. Remember where we came from: a backwater third world nation, split by race and religion. After decades of struggle, we have achieved the status of a First World nation. Now we must fight to retain it." Abu Zani's right hand turned and curled into a fist, the Sultan barring his knuckles to the camera.
"It will not happen under my reign, that is a promise...."