NorthPortugal: Good evening everyone. Welcome to this election to pick the new Second Deputy Commissioner. Today we will be speaking with Mr. Nardin, Mr. Serbia-macebonia and Mr. Walfo. I would like that everyone give a brief welcome to everyone.

Nardin: Hello Europe, and welcome also to my two fellow candidates. Glad to be here.

Serbia-Macebonia:Hello! I wish Nardin and Walfo sincere luck. I'm excited to participate.

NorthPortugal: Before we start this debate, I want to make it clear that I want a fair debate, with no interruptions. Is that clear?

Walfo: Hello!

Nardin:Crystal. And welcome Walfo

Walfo: Thanks, just made it! :thumbsup:

NorthPortugal: Walfo and Serbia-Macebonia, do you agree with the first and only rule?

Walfo: Of course

NorthPortugal: Serbia-Macebonia?

Nardin: Serbia-Macebonia cough say yes cough

NorthPortugal: Is he dead?

Serbia-Macebonia: No

NorthPortugal: Is that a response to the first or second question?

Serbia-Macebonia: Both /j

NorthPortugal:Well, let us start with the first question
This is for all of you: Lately we’ve been seeing a decrease in rule-breaking behaviour in Europe, as the newcomers have managed to largely adapt themselves to European society. Do you think you’ll be able to keep this good form up?

Walfo: First of all, thank you to the moderator and for those in attendance. With the question yes, I think that my listed policies will meld seamlessly into European life. Because one is about rule-breaking, it should not change much. If things start to move out of hand, even with my 3 strikes system I will make sure to adapt it and talk with other officials about possible solutions. In conclusion, yes I think I can do it. I will do my best to keep this good behavior up.

Nardin: I believe that we can keep up this good behavior, yes. In fact, I believe that Europe is, for the most part, doing better in terms of following the rules than many often make it out to be. Yes, we have the occasional spammers that come through, but that is to be expected, and they are dealt with accordingly. The norm, as I have seen it, is that newcomers will arrive, and often are greeted to quite a few regulars welcoming them and also directing them to posts containing rules to the region and the RMB. I believe we have cultivated a welcoming culture, and have confidence that this is being passed on to new members and new regulars of our community.

Serbia-Macebonia: I would feel that this trend would continue, should my policy be enacted. With new nations already with full knowledge of the rules via my Introduction Act, there would be no excuse to break rules. My plan will serve as a wide standard for reference and regulation to combat rule-breaking, with it being used as a reference to guide punishments on a case-by-case basis. Walfo's "Three Strikes Act" would not only be unnecessary and far too lenient, some might even say "radical". It would allow rule-breakers to feel emboldened and commit further transgressions. Walfo likes to label himself as a candidate with "simple" and "straightforward" solutions - but his Three Strikes Act would only create more unnecessary regulation. While the rules currently in place have seemed to succeed so far, it can't be guaranteed that during the winter months and beyond, rule-breakers will return to their post-2021 state.

NorthPortugal:This is another question to all of you: What do you consider to be the most important point in your campaign programme?

Serbia-Macebonia: The most important element, on a practical basis, of my campaign is the Introduction Act. With this proposal in place as law, it would allow for a simple, concise, and public way to greet newcomers, expose them to the RMB, explain the rules, and begin a relationship on the RMB. The current welcome telegram, albeit useful enough in its current form, does not do enough to provide a straightforward approach towards newcomers, and does not allow them to engage on the RMB, thus creating a more active environment with plenty of new faces.

Walfo: I would say that it is the fact that Europe has made itself one of the greatest regions in Europe, and to move forward we must adapt, not change in huge ways which is what I wish to do. My polices will meld into European society at its current state by improving what we have. Since 2002, or even 2016, a lot has changed, and I realize that making small changes will set us up for the future. So I think that the most important point in my campaign is that the legislation I wish to bring in will improve what we have now to prepare for what comes ahead.

Nardin: My most important point is the fact that I am running to keep up the status quo, particularly in that I do not believe that some of the proposed acts are necessary. I offer a third option between two that think that changes to the system as it exists need changed. In my opinion things are, for the most part, fine and do not require major amendments. Besides, perhaps, needing to prevent Commissioners from running for more than one seat. That may be one upcoming legislative piece that we will soon see, either from me directly or from another... :P

NorthPortugal: Now, this is a question to Walfo and Serbia-Macebonia, God help us: You both have not held any office in Europe before. What makes you a suitable candidate?

Walfo: Good question! I have been an active (on basically every day) European citizen for almost 2 years (my 2nd year anniversary is in a week!). I have spent time listening and taking note from other regions' ideas and as well ideas of other nations within Europe. I have proven myself to be an open, nice person that takes advice, and I intend to be a great role model for Europe, and to all new nations that join. I have also stressed that if I get into an office I can prove myself to be a suitable officer to all.

Serbia-Macebonia: I have been a resident of Europe for nearly 6 years now. Having been in the region for so long proves that I have more than enough experience to serve as 2nd Deputy Commissioner. I began as an infamous rule-breaker in Europe, and learned from my mistakes and reformed my views into those staunch and firm against rule-breaking, those open to foreign interaction, and those that seek to improve the processes and regulations of European law. I have seen countless commissioners come and go without getting anything done, and that needs to end. I pledge to enact my plans within my first month in office, and drain the swamp that is bureaucratic regulations and lenient policy and get things done for Europe. I have broad experience managing regions and serving as a RO, as well as seeing commissioners succeed and fail. I served as vice-delegate of the North West from 2017 to 2018, and helped build a foundation for the region. After it was raided, I refounded the region and oversaw the establishment of a regional community and political system as the founder, as well as managing a similar system in the region Advertise. I have the experience necessary, in my opinion, to serve as 2DC.

NorthPortugal: Now, this particular question is to Mr. Nardin: You are the only candidate who held a term in the Commission in the past. Do you think this past experience makes you more suitable than your rivals for the post?

Nardin: I suppose that depends. I have never needed to table legislation, so in that department I have little experience. In terms of handling ModComm business I am experienced, so there need be no worries about whether or not I can handle the “pressures” of office in this capacity.
Also, I believe that I have been (for the most part) a regular for long enough that people either know me personally or have heard of me, and I like to think that I am a welcoming person who tries to keep the peace. I think these qualities are good for a commissioner to have.

NorthPortugal: Now, we move back to a question to Mr. Serbia-Macebonia and to Mr. Walfo: Embassies are a shared point in both your campaigns. How is the current state of the region as of now, in your opinion? How can it be improved? What do you believe the purpose of embassies is?

Serbia-Macebonia: This question is for the policy of mine that I believe will be the most effective is my Embassy Expansion Act. It will allow for Europe to engage in international affairs and open new interaction between regions, all whilst retaining our treasured and well-suited neutrality. Walfo's Embassy policy would seek to tighten our policies, cutting off what current routes we have for foreign nations to interaction with Europeans, limiting our international standpoint and moving us closer towards an unhealthy obsession with outward animosity towards other regions.

Walfo: I think our region has been able to hold pretty good relations with our embassies, and in that way our region is stable. I do not wish to change the system, but improve it by growing relations with who we have. The ECA will require that in the case of a person abusing the Embassy RMB connection in Europe, that the other region work with us to stop the spammer from continuing his acts, whether that be an action from the moderators or just a consequence in the nation's own region. This goes both ways, if a European is abusing the system, we must help the other region work it out too. In another way, communications between our embassies will increase, and in that way they can warn us of possible spammers that moved from their region to ours. It will create a sense of protection and professionalism to work together to combat spam, and will be the first step towards bringing it under our control. I believe that the purpose of an embassy is a region that has made an in-game commitment to our region with the purpose of growing closer together. Because this region has made an in-game commitment, it is only fair that we help each other in catching people who break the rules.

NorthPortugal: Now, this question is for Mr. Serbia-Macebonia: Among your proposals, the Transparency and Interaction Act and the Impeachment Act surely are the juiciest. Yet, don’t you think that communication between ROs and residents is already neat? Also, putting that much workload on the ModCom, especially relating to impeaching its own members, wouldn’t lead to inefficiencies?

Serbia-Macebonia: My plan would create a direct hotline via both Eurocord and NS for citizens to report their concerns to commissioners and regional officials, allowing for regional residents to lobby the government for changes. This would include polls, potential impeachment of ROs, and minor rule changes. While the current system is neat, and somewhat sufficient, this would make it more accessible and available for Europeans, rather than a telegram that might not be seen for days at a time, and the hotline would be viewed by all ModCom officials, and any official can hear the citizen's complaints or ideas, rather than in a one-way telegram.
I will discuss impeachment in the next question.

NorthPortugal: Now, this question is for our good friend, Walfo: Counter-spam measures have always been a consistent part of your past platforms as they are now. Why do you think your ‘Three-Strike System’ to be better than the current system and your rival’s proposal?

Walfo: The three strikes system as a whole has been an ongoing conversation for a while. Other Europeans have discussed support for this system in the past. I think that the TSA is better than the current system because it sets in stone how nations will receive consequences. It also puts in an official warning system for small mess ups to educate those who did it, and for more major infractions a chance to take responsibility for what they did. SM has said that the system is lenient, but people who violate the rules in more major ways are immediately moved to the second strike, which can carry a hefty mute. In ways, SM and I have similar proposals, but this first strike will help people with small infractions learn, and also the whole proposal sets up an easy to understand system that does not require lots of case to case analysis each time. The system will create a better, and safer Europe.

NorthPortugal: Now, a question to Mr. Nardin: Your campaign is all about keeping the status quo, yet you acknowledge that the system isn’t perfect. What are the most critical areas needing adjustment, if there are any, according to your opinion?

Nardin: A fair question. I made these statements in the context of RMB security, which I believe is the only part of the system that isn’t “perfect.” How isn’t it perfect? Well, earlier I mentioned spammers do occasionally come through and disrupt the RMB, and sometimes when this happens it can take a while to get the situation under control; one reason for this, perhaps, could be that there are no government officials available at the time to handle the situation. I think that at present this isn’t a great enough problem that it needs handled immediately, but if enough residents/citizens of Europe think it to be necessary and keep bringing this issue up, something should probably be done about it. This would entail either giving the commissioners some degree of border control, or founding a new office in the government to handle border controls. At present, I don’t think we as a region have given it enough discussion, and we should have further talks about this in the future if it is something we want to implement either change or not.

NorthPortugal: And now, a question to Mr. Serbia-Macebonia: Regarding the Commission, how does your proposed impeachment process differ from the current possibility to recall? Why do you think impeachment is necessary on top of that?

Serbia-Macebonia: In terms of the end of your last question for me, the only responsibilities for a ModCom member in terms of impeachment would be a straightforward up or down vote on the subject to proceed to a residential vote. Impeachment would be initiated by at least 5 citizen complaints about an official, and in that situation, a resolution to impeach would be brought forward. It may seem like this process would take eons to complete, and that an army of bureaucrats would have to involve themselves and pass an impeachment. In reality, the process would be simple and be completed in a matter of days. In terms of how this policy differs from the Recall process for the Commission, this would seek to replace that process with a much simpler, more representative approach.

NorthPortugal: Mr. Walfo, this one is for you: In the past, you have participated in some elections with tactics that not all Europeans thought favourable. Do you think that will hinder your chances? And will your potential term also entail such tactics?

Walfo: Now first of all, I found it quite silly when people criticize my actions by putting my support behind KoD earlier this year. In the US, and in many other countries with democratic elections, when a party notices or recognizes a single person to lead them on the ticket, all of the other party members jump behind that person with their support (take Joe Biden with the other Democrats that lost the nominee slot in 2020). The tactic is perfectly legal and fair, anyone can do it, not just me. I hope this does not hinder my chances because if you don’t vote for me simply because I did that is unfair. If I thought the tactic was unfair in the first place, I would not have done it. I do not plan to entail these tactics during this election, but if somebody asks if they can jump behind me, I would oblige.

NorthPortugal:Mr. Serbia-Macebonia, I have a last question for you: Considering your past with trolling Europe, especially with Ragula and returning with Serbia-Macedonia, do you think people can trust you now? If so, what do you want to say to those that don’t trust you right now?

Serbia-Macebonia: There have been conversations about my trustworthiness, my loyalty to the region, and my qualifications. Let me say this now, and I won't say it again. I pledge to be 100% transparent with everything I do as commissioner. I will aim to gain and hold your full trust as 2nd Deputy Commissioner. In terms of my loyalty, I remind you of the fact that during my entire time on this website, every moment of it has been for and of Europe. From the moment I joined in 2016 to now, I have resided here and called Europe my home. In terms of my history, I can assure you; the days of Ragula, of the Canadian-American Federation, and of all the other personas I have used to wreak havoc on this region are long dead, buried, with an international airport runway built on top for good measure. I have and will continue to work for the greater good of Europe, and make sure that what I got away with for so long can never happen again. To those of you that are skeptical about me, or those of you that see this election as the lesser of many "evils" so to speak, I urge you to see me for what I am. I am no longer the spammer, the rule-breaker, the fascist, nor thee who shall not be named lest thee be summoned. I am SM, and I pledge to you personally, I will work for you. I will work to gain your trust, and to bring about needed policy changes for Europe for a brighter, more inclusive and open environment. To that I conclude, no matter who you vote for, or who you worship if at all, where you come from, or what you think of me, I will work for you as 2nd Deputy Commissioner.

NorthPortugal: And finally, Mr. Nardin: What about Tom Nook? Is he truly the ‘evil’?

Nardin: Yes, as hard as it may be for some to believe, Tom Nook truly earns his nickname of crook. He may look like an innocent tanuki, but he really is an oppressive capitalist mastermind he does all he is able to squeeze all he can out of those who are unfortunate enough to fall into debt to him.

If you want to know more about him, please, feel free to read the rest of the recent expose on him. Everything is laid bare in it:
page=dispatch/id=1538954

Walfo: Just letting the public know, you can now ask questions to the candidates on #public-enquiry

Serbia-Macebonia: For the record, I fully stand by Tom Nook as an ethical and successful businessman that is completely innocent of these horrendous accusations.

NorthPortugal: We will take a small recess
At least the first question arrives
So, with no questions from the public, I must ask: do one of you have a question for other candidates?

Nardin: No questions here.

Walfo: ^^.

NorthPortugal: Mr. Serbia-Macebonia?

Serbia-Macebonia: No questions.

NorthPortugal: Okay, so, since there is no question, I will ask each of you to make a ending comment

Walfo: Alright. My freinds, although I know that Nardin and is very popular and has done great things for our region I would like to ask you all something. Nardin got into a post and proved to you all that he can get the job done well, and that gained him support. One of the key reasons why I run in elections is to try to do the same thing, prove to you guys that I can do a great job as a commissioner or in a position. Most of the elections that I have been in have had race competitors that are veterans like Scarlett, Nardin, even Yahlia. In these races, the veterans win the race because they got the chance to prove themselves to you. If somebody like myself never gets to prove themself, then the same people win again and again, and new people never get to even get a chance. I want to prove myself and become someone like Nardin, like Scarlett. It takes one election, and I promise you that a vote for Walfo is not a waste. Just one chance, one vote from you, that is all I ask for. Thank you all.

Nardin: Thank you all for reading this far, and considering each of the three candidates in this election. If you believe in upholding Europe as it exists now and keeping it a welcoming and friendly as ever, vote Nardin. Thanks everyone and good luck to the other candidates!

NorthPortugal: Mr. Serbia-Macebonia, it is your turn

Serbia-Macebonia: My only statement will be that I urge everyone to go vote and if you want change that won't overhaul and eradicate our system, but change that will strengthen and enhance it, consider a vote for Serbia-Macebonia.
Also, one final word.

Broccoli.

NorthPortugal: I thank you all for participating on this debate.
And this concludes our debate night. I, once again, thank the candidates for participating on it, and I thank you, the public, for reading the debate. Now, don't you forget, you must vote, and also read my story. Have a good night. The debate is over

Serbia-Macebonia: Thank you to NorthPortugal for being a great moderator for this debate.