old elections

[Italy (Dax)]

Massimo D'Alema is a notable Italian politician born in Rome, where he currently resides. A former Prime Minister and, more memorably, foreign minister of the Italian Republic, D'Alema is a member of the Democrats of the Left political party in Italy and Party of European Socialists on the European stage.

Currently, D'Alema sits as a senior member of the Committee on Foreign Relations in the European Commission, and has been instrumental in formulating EU foreign policy, most notably the complete lifting of the Cuban embargo.

Agenda: D'Alema places great importance on securing strong ties with stable, reliable partners and allies for the furthering of economic and political ties, particularly in troubled areas of the globe. Strong ties with Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Turkey, he insists, are the key to developing lasting peace in the Middle East through cooperation of the region's "Big Three" Muslim nations.
D'Alema favors strong trade ties with all neighbors, particularly Russia, Northern Africa, and Latin America, subscribing to the belief that strong economic ties precedes strong political ties. To that end, the development of the Union for the Mediterranean and the European Neighborhood Project top the agenda. A strong believer in free trade, D'Alema seeks a boost of trade relations with the GCC, UNASUR, and ASEAN, as well a as massive boost in relations with China being the key to economic stability.

Favoring conditional aid to developing countries on the premise of good governance and democracy, D'Alema considers direct foreign investment in developing economies in regions such as Africa to be more potent and instrumental to national economic growth than aid. As High Commissioner of External Affairs, Massimo D'Alema will vigorously pursue this policy.

[Italy (Dax)]

Unanimous, then? No other candidates?

[France (X)]

France is fully in support of the Italian candidate.

[United Kingdom (Recon)]

OOC: As there are no policy differences to run on. Lets say he is passed.

[France (X)]

OOC: Wait, what exactly are we doing with the Americans? Surely they need at least one mention. Or are we being silent on this?

[Austria (Areopagitican)]

OOC: Oh, drat. I had an excellent candidate. :/ If only the voting was, let's say, 48 hours!

[Italy (Dax)]

Since D'Alema is currently unopposed, I'd allow an extension for you to field a candidate.

[Austria (Areopagitican)]

Miny Bio:

Depressingly self-absorbed, egotistical, narcissistic, yet incredibly empathetic while being a devoted capitalist with the social conscience of a horse-fly; Maxen von Bismarck is the height of Austria's new, monied class. Unapologetic, fiercely patriotic but a devoted internationalist he is many of the contradictions that plague (or create the charm of; depending on your viewpoint) Austrian society.

Bismarck does not hold a position within any Austrian political party. He is, however, a philanthropist (a major contributor and organizer of the Gates Foundation) and heavy donator to Haider's political child. He is the CEO of Stille Incorporated, whose media organ holds the official Austrian state seal for information dissemination, and a billionaire. A self-made man, his parents owned a small shop in Vienna and are both life-long Conservatives.

Agenda:

Bismarck places emphasis on reversing the position of the EU's declining geopolitical power. A deep believer in both soft and hard power, he views the declining importance of the EU as a major step backwards for social change as well as human rights. Viewing the Copenhagen summit, where seemingly everyone but the EU was involved in the final deliberations, as a monumental sign of the EU's increasing irrelevance. He deeply believe that it should not, and cannot happen again. To this end, he believes that increasing the world's appreciation of the EU's ability to protect the rights of people--wherever they are--should once again be a top priority.

The EU's relations should be strengthened with both Eastern Europe and Central Asia. North Africa should be given a strong push in slowing the torrent of immigrants leaving their shores. Russia, America and China are all separate powers that must be respected. Like many Europeans, Bismarck is skeptical of America's willingness to ask questions first, Russia's ability to be a responsible player in Europe, and China's human rights record.

The policy Bismarck will tackle the hardest will be in integrating the rising powers into a global power framework. Brazil, South Africa, India and Turkey are all outside players looking in. By integrating them into the EU's power bloc, Bismarck hopes to open markets and help protect human rights around the world.

[Italy (Dax)]

Voting to last 24 hours.

Massimo D'Alema (Italy)

vs.

Maxen von Bismarck (Austria)

Go Go GO GO GO GO GO GO

[Italy (Dax)]

Italy, in a show of good faith, votes for Bismark.

D'Alema - 0
Bismark - 1

[United States (Schwerpunkt)]

"Hungary is apprehensive over both candidates. Mr. D'Alema neglected to specify his policies in regards to America, whereas Mr. Bismarck is a self-avowed narcissist. We would like Mr. D'Alema to clarify his position in regards to America at his earliest convenience."

[Belgium (Ebedron)]

While we feel that both candidates are splendid, Belgium feels that Bismark's agenda, in focusing on the emergence of new powers and recognizing that major powers are not what the EU's focus should be, is best for our Union. As such we vote for Maxen von Bismark.

[Estonia (Knepah)]

Estonia would like to endorse the Italian Candidate, Mr. D'Alema.

[France (X)]

France supports the Italian candidate.

[Italy (Dax)]

D'Amela - 2
Bismark - 2

Massimo D'Alema would like to clarify it's positions regarding America, for the benefit of the Hungarian delegation, and others.

The United States, as the European Union's most prominent trading partner, political partner, and defense partner, naturally takes a front seat in the Union's foreign relations. Under D'Alema, the Foreign Office would seek to work in tandem with the United States on international issues and diligently with the United States to resolve ongoing bilateral issues between the two entities. The European Union must, naturally, highly value it's relationship with the United States, and cooperation with Washington is of the highest priority. Washington and Brussels, fortunately, share many common values with regards to human rights, democracy, and stability in the world, and thus are natural partners in the ongoing efforts to achieve this goal. High on D'Alema's agenda upon entering office is to establish an EU-America Council, similar in nature to the EU-Russia council, but more cohesive: a place where EU and American ambassadors can permanently meet to discuss issues of mutual co9ncern without calling a formal EU-American Summit.

[Pakistan (Amzi)]

Czechia places its vote for Bismark

[United States (Schwerpunkt)]

"Hungary casts its vote in favor of D'Amela."

[Morocco (Dust Bunnies)]

Slovakia votes for Bismark.

[Iraq (Sel Appa)]

Romania votes for D'Alema

[Egypt (Schutzengel)]

Slovenia votes for D'Alema.

[Belgium (Ebedron)]

Belgium and the Brussels government congratulate Massimo D'Alema on his ascension to the position of High Representative of Foreign Relations for the European Union.

We are eager to hear what the planned agenda of the High Representative will be.

[United Kingdom (Recon)]

The UK places its vote for Bismark

[Germany (historian)]

Germany votes for D'Alema

[Italy (Dax)]

(Finally breaking the tie.

D'Alema - 6
Bismark - 5

Very close race.)