Extreme Cold Era: Shelter Don't Keep Waste-Chapter 667 - 624: Dispute Over Interests

The reorganization of the National Assembly, being such an important matter, surely couldn't be settled in a single day's meeting.

Or rather, after a full day of arguing, the imperial heavyweights participating in the council only managed to reach a consensus on establishing a National Assembly.

As for how to establish it, in what form, what tasks it would undertake after establishment, and which powers it would oversee, none of these important matters were addressed.

These topics would be the focus of debate for the following days, perhaps even for half a month.

Perfikot was mentally prepared for this, and didn't mind at all. He simply instructed Beifa to prepare enough refreshments and fine tea, and attended the meeting with the mindset of watching a play.

He was so nonchalant that he even brought a novel to the meeting for entertainment while listening to their boring debates.

From certain angles, Perfikot seemed to inspire or provoke these people. They began arguing vehemently, turning red in the face over what might be just formal differences.

For several days, Perfikot maintained this attitude, leading many to think that he probably didn't care much about the National Assembly issue, or perhaps the discussions hadn't yet reached a point that interested Perfikot. Hence, they argued freely and vocally, often treating Perfikot like background scenery at the meetings.

However, even so, all factions tacitly agreed not to provoke the Northern Territory or Perfikot. The areas of interest that belonged to him were left untouched.

After all, if Perfikot was willing to watch passively, it was beneficial for everyone. If interests caused him to take action, it would not be good news for anyone involved.

Since the cake was only so big, if Perfikot only took the portion set aside for him, they could divide the rest among themselves. But if Perfikot wanted more, then others would have to give up part of their share to him.

As the controller of the Victor Empire's most powerful political faction, Perfikot's influence was indeed formidable.

However, he wasn't very concerned with the early debates over the full name of the National Assembly or the number of representatives, and thus did not contribute much to the discussion.

But today, as the topic turned to how representatives should be elected and who had the right to participate in elections, Perfikot perked up and listened closely.

"Members of the National Assembly should be elected from all citizens. Every citizen of the Empire should be qualified to be elected! Restricting eligibility to those with certain property is no different than before!"

"What do ordinary people know about politics! How can those elected, like workers and commoners, understand the complex international landscape and politics? Governing is not something they can participate in!"

Listening to the argument between two officials, Perfikot suddenly frowned slightly and tapped the table, interrupting their quarrel.

This action immediately drew everyone's attention. Many officials who had been relaxed instantly turned serious, even somewhat on guard.

However, Perfikot didn't say anything superfluous. Continuing to flip through his book, he casually remarked, "Indeed, ordinary people don't understand politics, but they know what they need. Since the National Assembly is named for the people, it should at least allow representatives from all classes of the Empire to voice concerns for their own class and collective.

Otherwise, if everything is left to so-called politically savvy bureaucrats, how can the voices of the lower classes reach Her Majesty the Empress? How can we as governors of the Empire understand the true needs of the Empire's lowest classes?"

Perfikot's questioning immediately changed the expressions on many faces. Some looked quite displeased, but upon suppressing their anger after reddening, held it in.

There's nothing to be done; reacting with anger is all that they could manage, for Perfikot is not someone they can afford to offend.

Meanwhile, others were relatively more optimistic, as Perfikot's views aligned closely with theirs. They preferred more forces to join the National Assembly, rather than it becoming a one-sided conversation dominated by nobles and capitalists.

After all, if that were to happen, what would be the point of reorganizing the National Assembly?

This group originally had too little influence; the proportion and interest representation of nobles and capitalists among the Empire's heavyweights were still substantial, which meant their voices had often been ignored.

Today, they hadn't pinned much hope on the meeting, only intending to make a principled stand to win some benefits for their faction.

Unexpectedly, their views gained Perfikot's support, which gave them encouragement, making them believe there was a chance for this issue.

Sure enough, someone promptly stood up to agree with Perfikot, stating that while it's fine for nobles and capitalists to play a major role, at the very least representatives from the lower classes and other classes should also be able to speak in the National Assembly. Only thus can all voices be heard, providing more basis for the Empire's decision-makers.

From a certain perspective, this was precisely the main reason and motivation for some to advocate for National Assembly reform through public opinion.

Previously, this group kept silent, believing it was not yet the right time to stand publicly. However, Perfikot's intervention undoubtedly brought influence and change to the meeting, forcing this group to take a stance. 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

Under such influence, the topic naturally leaned towards including representatives from all classes in the National Assembly, eventually translating into written policy.

Unwilling to lose their grip on power, the representatives of the nobles and capitalists retorted, "How many seats will these representatives from all classes claim in the Assembly? The Assembly is where the Empire's elite administer the country; we cannot allow trivial matters like the lack of garbage bins on the street or the need to repair streetlights to consume the time of the National Assembly."

The implication being that the National Assembly is meant for serious matters, and allowing the marginalized lower classes a token presence is sufficient; their existence is merely political decoration.

Yet, Perfikot now spoke again, "Rely on the Assembly to govern the country? As far as I recall, three years ago when I alerted the Noble Council to the impending doomsday crisis, you dismissed it as nonsense, wasting several months of precious time!

The Assembly can indeed discuss major state affairs, but if urgent decisions are needed, must we wait for Assembly debates and a vote? Sorry, that's far too inefficient!"