Rise of Empires: Spain.

Chapter 198 General Election and Industrial Development
Starting from December 1875, the election atmosphere in various regions of Spain was extremely lively.

Because the election results of the regional councils determine the candidates for regional councils, the election competition in each region is very fierce.

This election is also very important for the three major parties in Spain. Only if they win more than 60% of the seats in the House of Commons can they form a government and appoint a prime minister on their own.

If they fail to obtain more than 60% of the seats in the House of Commons, the three major parties will have to consider cooperating with other parties to form a coalition government.

During the reign of Prime Minister Primo, the Spanish lower house was controlled by the Progressive Party, which held more than 208% of the 51 seats in the lower house, or 106 seats.

Next is the Conservative Party, which holds 25% of the total seats in the House of Commons, with 52 seats. The Liberal Party has the fewest seats among the three major parties, but it also exceeds 20% with 42 seats.

The control of the three major parties over the seats in the House of Commons is evident. In addition to the three major parties, only 208 of the 8 seats in the House of Commons belonged to other parties and independents other than the three major parties.

The reason for such a huge gap is largely due to the result of the revolution at that time.

The revolution promoted the constitutional government of Spain and established a parliamentary constitutional monarchy with the parliament as the main body.

In order to promote reform, Prime Minister Primo had to strengthen his control over the government and parliament. This also led to a large number of Progressive and Liberal Party members in the House of Commons, and the Conservative Party could only take second place, with seats similar to the newly established Liberal Party.

But according to the actual situation in Spain, the number of conservatives and independents is much greater.

The aristocracy is the most powerful class in Spain, and most of them are conservatives or non-partisans who lean towards the conservative party.

This also means that in the new Spanish House of Representatives, the proportion of Conservatives and independents will increase to a certain extent, thereby widening the gap with the Liberal Party.

According to Carlo's own estimates, the proportion of the Progressive Party and the Conservative Party should be around 30%, which means 100 seats each.

The Liberal Party's share should be around 10%, and 30 seats would be quite good.

Independents are likely to outnumber Liberals, accounting for around 20 per cent of the House of Commons, or about 58 seats.

Although the support for the three major parties varies in different regions, this ratio is basically a reasonable estimate of the overall political environment in Spain.

After all, Prime Minister Primo, who supports the Progressive Party, has announced his retirement from politics, and Spain's current Prime Minister Archduke Serrano and Deputy Prime Minister Count Canovas are both members of the Conservative Party.

The reason why Carlo thinks that the Liberal Party occupies no more than 10% of the seats in the House of Commons is because the current Spanish Liberal Party does not have an important figure in charge of the overall situation.

The Progressive Party had Prime Minister Primo, and the Conservative Party had Archduke Serrano and Count Canovas.

The Liberal Party currently does not have any outstanding leaders. The only one who has a certain reputation in the government, Praxades Mateos Sagasta, is a member of the Liberal Party, but his behavior and advocacy are more like those of the Progressive Party, or the Progressive Liberal Party under the rule of Prime Minister Primo.

Mateo is also quite famous in Spanish history. He has formed seven cabinets and can be regarded as a rival of Canovas.

In particular, during the nearly 1884 years from 1897 to 13, the position of Spanish Prime Minister rotated back and forth between Canovas and Mateo, realizing Mateo's pursuit of establishing a limited monarchy in which the king and parliament shared power to ensure political stability and peace.

The period when he and Canovas exchanged power was also a relatively stable period of development for Spain.

Unfortunately, both Canovas and Mateo died around the turn of the 20th century, Canovas in 1897 and Mateo in 1903.

After their deaths, the Spanish regime gradually fell into chaos, eventually leading to the birth of the Second Spanish Republic.

Carlo admired Mateo, who was not extreme and supported the establishment of a limited monarchy.

On this point, Mateo and Prime Minister Primo have the same attitude. Their ideal government is not completely controlled by the parliament, but the king and the parliament share power, and the government alternates between several parties to ensure that no party or force controls politics and avoids dictatorship in the Spanish government.

It is also because of this that Carlo finally decided to let the Liberal Party continue to exist, and hoped that Mateo could lead the Liberal Party to become one of the three major parties in Spain, alongside the Conservative Party and the Progressive Party, and that it did not become the third largest party by supporting reform.

Elections in various regions of Spain are in full swing, and a long cabinet meeting is also taking place in the government building, the center of power in Spain.

The cabinet meeting was requested by Archduke Serrano, who was the Prime Minister, and Carlo, as the King of Spain, also attended the meeting.

Unlike the period when Prime Minister Primo was in power, Carlo at that time only had the power to listen to the content of the meeting and had no power to issue orders to the cabinet government and cabinet ministers.

But during the reign of Princess Serrano, Carlo already had such power, and at least other cabinet ministers did not dare to ignore Carlo's opinions.

During the stalemate stage of the meeting, Carlo's opinion even became an important way to end the stalemate. Although the meeting was convened by Archduke Serrano, Carlo had become the person in charge of the meeting.

"Your Majesty the King, Your Excellency the Prime Minister. Based on the latest news from European countries, I think the economic crisis is likely to come back in the new year." Ewald Battelle, then Spanish Finance Minister, expressed his opinion in the meeting with a very serious expression.

Carlo nodded, looked at the Finance Minister who was trusted by Prime Minister Primo and quite capable, and asked, "Is there any relevant evidence?"

Carlo certainly knew that this economic crisis broke out in two stages and had an impact on European and American countries for several years.

But the results are completely different when someone else proposes it and when Carlo proposes it. Carlo does not need such a prophet to add mystery to himself. Taking precautions in advance and avoiding the impact on Spain is what Carlo should do.

Ewald nodded, took out the information he had prepared long ago, handed it to Carlo, and then continued: "

This is the industrial production scale and market price situation of European countries, and a certain connection can be seen from this aspect.

Although the impact of the economic crisis this year has weakened much compared with the previous two years, it does not mean that the economic crisis is over.

On the contrary, I think the British economy is likely to collapse. If they can't save the London market before the economic crisis comes back, I'm afraid the next economic crisis will be in London.

During the economic crisis, at least a quarter of steel mills and factories in European countries were forced to shut down, and in serious cases the number even reached one-third.

But in London, the number of factories affected is far less than this number. Considering the distance between the UK and the European continent, I think the impact of the economic crisis is delayed.

This year, the bankruptcy of British factories continues. For Britain, a country with extremely developed industry, they are the most seriously affected by the impact of the economic crisis.

If the crisis is ignited, it is very likely to evolve into a new round of economic crisis that is no less severe than the last one. I think it is very necessary for us to prepare in advance to deal with a new wave of crisis that is likely to spread to Europe. "

Carlo looked at the data prepared by Ewald, and it was indeed as he said. In the last round of economic crisis, the most serious impact was on Germany and Austria. (US data is incomplete)

But in theory, Britain, as the most industrially developed country, should be the most severely affected.

One of the reasons why Britain has not been affected on the same scale as Germany and Austria is that Britain's industrial and economic development in recent years has not been as rapid as that of Germany and the United States.

In addition, Britain has a larger colony, which also represents a huge market. Britain does not face the more serious overproduction problem like Germany and the United States, so it can naturally withstand the early stage of the economic crisis.

But the impact of the economic crisis is comprehensive. Britain's industry and economy are the strongest in Europe, so it is natural that it cannot be immune.

The outbreak of the economic crisis has led to a sharp drop in the prices of industrial products in Europe, especially metal products related to steel, where the price drop is extremely exaggerated.

The overall decline in European prices has put British factories under greater pressure. Either they lower their prices, or they face competition from low-priced European industrial products.

In addition, countries have reduced imports during the economic crisis, which also puts British industry at certain risks.

With the accumulation of several risks, even if Britain's industrial development is not as frivolous as that of Germany and the United States, it does not mean complete safety.

Although Carlo's attitude is to protect against a second economic crisis, it does not mean that Carlo will express his views directly.

As the King of Spain, what Carlo should do is not to express his views directly, but to let the cabinet meeting express his attitude on how to deal with this matter.

On the one hand, it is to mobilize the enthusiasm of cabinet members. There is a fundamental difference between Carlo's direct orders and the cabinet ministers discussing a solution.

The solutions they came up with would have more power when they were implemented. If Carlo gave them direct orders, it might be okay in the short term, but in the long term it might cause dissatisfaction among some cabinet ministers.

Another thing is to mobilize the enthusiasm and ideas of cabinet ministers to deal with the problem, so that the Spanish government will not be too rigid. Although Carlo can directly put forward his opinions on the economic crisis, it does not mean that Carlo can decisively find a reasonable solution for every problem.

Active discussions among cabinet members are particularly important. Not only can they pool their wisdom to find a better solution, but they can also make cabinet ministers more involved and shape a more democratic Spanish government.

Of course, there is another more important point, which is to find someone to take the blame when things fail to be resolved.

If the king himself proposed a proposal, he would be responsible for it. But if it was proposed by other cabinet ministers, even if the implementation ultimately failed, the king would not be held responsible.

This is also the way of being a king that Carlo has realized. Although Carlo wants to create a government that obeys his orders, this does not mean that everything in the Spanish government must be run by Carlo's orders.

Carlo will only lead in a relatively correct direction, but the implementation of specific details still depends on the cabinet government itself.

Seeing that Carlo did not express his opinion, Archduke Serrano paused for a moment, then looked at Secretary of State Canovas and asked, "Count Canovas, what do you think?"

Archduke Serrano was not good at economic development. Since Carlo had no intention of expressing his opinion, Archduke Serrano could only ask the Deputy Prime Minister who had more experience and ability.

Anyway, the official title of the Deputy Prime Minister is Secretary of State, which simply means he is a cabinet minister who helps the Prime Minister handle state affairs.

Since Archduke Serrano couldn't make up his mind, it was quite reasonable for him to ask Count Canovas.

"I think it is necessary." Count Canovas expressed his opinion, but did not give a relatively affirmative attitude. Instead, he said tactfully: "I think we can vote. If everyone feels it is necessary to guard against a second round of economic crisis, then it is better to be prepared."

During the nearly two years that Canovas served as Minister of Industry, he gained a deep understanding of the impact of the economic crisis on industry and had a certain understanding of the losses suffered by European countries in the economic crisis.

But even though he knew it, Canovas would not be so stupid as to make the final decision in front of Carlo. Carlo did not express his opinion, so how could he, a deputy prime minister, make the final decision?
Letting the cabinet ministers vote is obviously the most conservative option, but it is also the best option. Regardless of whether the result of the vote is in favor of early response or that they do not believe there will be a second round of economic crisis, in short, this vote is participated by all members of the cabinet, and there will be no suspicion of overstepping authority in front of Carlo.

Cabinet members voted quickly and most supported taking early action to address the economic crisis.

In fact, there is nothing to vote for. After all, responding to the economic crisis does not require the Spanish government to pay too much.

The main reason was that Archduke Serrano was undecided, and Count Canovas was unwilling to overstep his authority in front of Carlo, which led to this unnecessary vote.

But the result is always good, which is in line with Carlo's expectations.

"Although we may face the threat of a second economic crisis in the new year, it is not all bad news for us." After the vote, Minister of State Canovas stood up with a smile on his face and said to Carlo and other cabinet ministers:

As long as we can avoid the impact of this economic crisis, we can take advantage of this economic crisis to accelerate development and thus narrow the gap with countries such as Britain, France and Germany.

According to our current industrial and economic development speed, this can be easily achieved. At present, we have sufficient funds to deal with the risks brought by the economic crisis. This may not be a crisis for us, but an opportunity to accelerate development. "

The other ministers in the cabinet also nodded, agreeing with this statement.

Although the economic crisis had an impact on Spain, the impact was not significant, or not fatal. During the economic crisis, when the industrial production of European powers was seriously affected, Spain's industrial production was not seriously affected.

When the economic crisis broke out, Spain's industrial scale was very limited and only a handful of factories went bankrupt.

Even during the economic crisis, Spain's industry still achieved positive growth, which is quite rare in other countries where industrial production has been declining due to the economic crisis, and it also proves that the efforts of the Spanish government during the economic crisis have not been in vain.

"The cabinet government should be credited with avoiding the impact of this economic crisis." Carlo also nodded and praised the cabinet government's efforts:

When this economic crisis is over, I will reward everyone according to their merits. But before that, we still need to prepare for the second round of economic crisis and try to find opportunities in the economic crisis to make up for the gap between Spain and other European powers. "

When it comes to rewarding people according to their merits, everyone present looks happy and looks forward to it.

Spain is a monarchy after all, and the nobility still has a lot of weight in Spain. Whether it is the Progressive Party, the Conservative Party or the Liberal Party, they are naturally not opposed to becoming a noble.

This not only represents an improvement in status, but also an increase in political influence. Moreover, in addition to the reward of the title, the nobles can also obtain other rewards including land, funds, and factory shares.

Although the new nobles enfeoffed by Carlo could not obtain the land, castles and manors owned by the traditional land nobles, they could still obtain some funds and other benefits. In short, there were many benefits.

The nobility is also the largest force in Spain. Becoming a member of the Spanish nobility means that you have become an upper class in the Kingdom of Spain.

"In that case, why don't all departments report their achievements this year and set tasks for next year." Grand Duke Serrano said with a smile:

If a second economic crisis really breaks out next year, it also means that next year's development will be very important for Spain.

It is necessary to formulate a development plan in advance, and I hope that all departments can successfully complete the development plan and make our country stronger."

The so-called performance report is actually to let Carlo know what each department has done and understand the achievements of the department heads.

The more meritorious the cabinet ministers were, the more generous the rewards they would receive. Archduke Serrano was already at the top of the Spanish nobility, and he no longer had any desire for rewards.

But other nobles are different. Most of the cabinet ministers are non-nobles, and they are eager to become real nobles.

After Ruiz's exclusion from the current Spanish government, all ministers in the current cabinet government are pro-monarchy.

“Your Majesty, the industrial sector is developing very well. Our Barcelona industrial base is progressing very well and will hopefully start production in the new year.

Up to now, more than 786 new factories of various sizes have been added across the country, including 5 factories with capital exceeding 472 pesetas and 10 factories with capital exceeding 133 pesetas.

There are currently 100 large factories in various regions of our country with a value of more than 1000 million pesetas or employing more than 34 people, and they are mainly concentrated in Madrid, Seville and Barcelona.

The industrial sector plans to invest more than 1225 million pesetas in the new year to promote the development of factories and related enterprises across the country and introduce more factories to the Barcelona industrial base.

If there were no economic crisis, the number of newly added factories in my country would have reached a new high in the new year. However, since we have to guard against the impact of the economic crisis, the number of newly added factories in the new year may be reduced to around 500.

However, the industrial sector plans to invest more than 1500 million pesetas to help factories cope with the possible economic crisis, which will further reduce the impact of the economic crisis on our country's industry.

At present, my country's total steel output has exceeded 95 tons, and there is hope that it will officially exceed one million tons in the new year.

my country's annual steel output exceeds 27 tons and its annual iron production exceeds 68 tons, both of which have seen good growth compared with last year.

However, considering the impact of the economic crisis, the industrial sector has set the expected growth target for steel production in the new year at 100 million tons, with steel production of 30 tons and 70 tons respectively. "

Canovas reported in detail on the situation in the industrial sector and its development in the coming year, setting a good example for other cabinet ministers.

In the two years since Canovas took over the industrial sector, the industrial sector has developed relatively rapidly.

This is why Carlo is satisfied with Canovas' evidence and plans to make him the new Prime Minister of Spain. Although he is a member of the Conservative Party, Canovas' personal ability is quite good.

With Carlo setting the general direction of Spain's development and Canovas controlling the details of the smaller directions, Carlo is confident that he will witness a new golden period of development for Spain.

Of course, it is impossible for Canovas to always be the Prime Minister of Spain. For talents like Mateo, Carlo does not mind giving him some time to grow.

If there were someone truly capable to compete with Canovas, and while ensuring his loyalty, Carlo would certainly be willing to see more competition for the position of prime minister to avoid the same person sitting in the position of prime minister for too long.

Carlo's intention to maintain the three major parties in Spain is actually to allow the prime minister to alternate among these three parties, so that the three parties can compete and supervise each other.

The three parties can also avoid the phenomenon of two parties fighting for the sake of opposition like the British government. In addition, Carlo's control in the middle can also ensure that the King of Spain has enough power and will not be sidelined by the Prime Minister or Parliament and become a mascot.

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(End of this chapter)