Grand Frienian Empire
Military spending cut
While the world bends its knees to petty violence and war, the Frienian government made great strides of reducing military spending and securing a more well trained army. Nearly 200,000 men had already been sent home. This decision however did not come easy, many party members within the government strongly disagreed with the current state of government, however Mathies IX pushed the bill to pass.
“In a time where war blazes across the entirety of Centran, Frienia must stand strong as a nation of peace and prosperity. We hope that these small strides towards a stronger, more centralized army will be a shining example to nations everywhere that war is not always the answer. However, even now conflict brews and because of conflict, we are required to make such small strides.” -Excerpt from Mathies IX speech to the parliament and its senators.
According to the Minister of finance David Hof this move is not only for political reasons, but rather economic as well. The Grand Frienian Empire’s military budget takes up nearly 200% of government’s budget, resulting in massive debt.
Saurilian Friendship and War for Reperations
After a recent notice by the Saurilian government had offered nearly $2000 worth of financial support due to Frienia’s massive economic and financial burden due to a bloated military. However this did not come without cost, the Saurilian government had reached its hand out in friendship, but the Frienian government was not entirely inclined to take them up on such an offer.
“While we are grateful for charity and offers of financial assistance in such dire times, we can’t help but be hesitant. Not only is your nation currently at war, but we do not wish to jump into an alliance with a nation whom we have little gain to ally, and so much to lose. Though, we are willing to broaden our relationship and as such propose these terms:
- Demilitarization of the shared border between Saurilia and Frienia that stretches an approximated length of 2 ½ km.
- Free trade between both nations
- Promise of recognizing claims between both nations both in Centran and abroad
Though not much, it will have to do in such tough times. We can discuss furthering our relationship once the war is over.” Isaac ter Hogt, minister of political affairs was quoted to have offered in the Saurilian ministry.
Etellian-Chaegonian War for “Unnamed Island”
“It seems that Etellia has shook the hornet's nest that is the Chaegonian Empire, I wonder what events will unfold.” Mathies IX calmly stated reading the reports given to him by Piet ten Have. The war in its entirety felt off to him. While he hated the Chaegonian Empire, he did not enjoy having his patience tested by Etellia.
“The damned Etellians are trying to push for naval dominance in the Serranthian region and they know that no one will step in to prevent it. If I had any say in this war, both Chaegon and Etellia would burn, but it might be best to make our move now. Wipe the Empire off the face of the earth and seize control of the land that surrounds us. Denying both countries any power.” Piet ten Have shouted.
“The idea is far irrational at best general. While it would be incredibly simply to defeat Etellia in a war, Chaegon is a different beast. We would need to mobilize the entirety of the army just to hold the initial invasion.”
“Their generals know nothing of war, not like Frienia. We are an Empire built on conflict and it has strengthened us. We have more bodies than that of any empire in Centran. A million deaths is but a small fraction of the people willing to die for us.” While passionate about his conviction Piet eventually stood down. War was not like, nor possible at this time, Frienia would remain a sleeping giant.
“Piet ten Have, circa 1910”