Father of France

Proposal 229 passed by vote
“What a pleasant surprise! Finally, someone has noticed the needs of our African territories.” Senegalese National Assembly member Sangol stepped forward, his dark face, no less striking than his black suit, baring his white teeth as he angrily denounced the long-standing neglect and injustice of the French National Assembly towards France’s overseas territories.

It must be said that his attack at this time was perfectly timed. A left-wing government that advocates respect and progress has actually turned a blind eye to its African overseas territories, which are nearly thirty times larger than France, for so long.

Isn't it a joke that a right-wing party member is now being asked to speak?

As Sangol asked his question, African members of parliament from Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Mali, and Niger stood up one after another, making the entire hall quite lively.

These future founding fathers of Africa, many of whom were also in the ranks of brilliant stars, appearing together to launch an attack is quite rare in the National Assembly, the power center of France.

But today, on such an ordinary day, this rare thing happened. Faced with this scene, the Socialist Party seats, which were not prepared, were in turmoil, and they were obviously caught off guard.

How could African parliamentarians side with the People's Republican Movement? The political spectrum is completely off, and there was no indication of this before.

Interior Minister Abel cleared his throat and stepped forward. “Gentlemen,” he said, “we have just survived a world-destroying war. This railway is extremely difficult to construct and bears the clear marks of the imperial era. The situation in Africa is not yet stable, and we must understand that this will definitely require a large influx of local labor…”

As Abel spoke, a buzz of discussion arose in the hall, with voices of support and opposition clashing.

The debate on this issue has finally taken on a hint of partisan politics, but then again, this is a recurring theme in parliamentary systems.

When asked about the Socialist Party's supposed imperial-era legacy, MP Moro didn't respond. Instead, he pointed out the flaws in their arguments: "Isn't shutting out development and opportunities, leaving North Africa forever in your romanticized, primitive state, a higher form of oppression? This railway brings not only goods, but also doctors, teachers, and a unified market that breaks down tribal barriers! You Socialists talk about progress and unity all day long, but why, when faced with real progress that requires courage and vision, do you choose cowardly isolationism?"

“Congressman Moreau, your words are full of wishful thinking. You haven’t considered the situation in North Africa or the attitude towards France at all,” Abel shouted rudely, pointing at the attacking Congressman Moreau.

Members of parliament from the People's Republican Movement clapped and cheered loudly for Moro's brilliant speech, expressing their support in this way.

The verbal sparring between the two parties was quite exciting, like two runaway trains colliding head-on on the tracks of Parliament, sparks flying everywhere.

As for the North African countries that are actually involved, they are unaware that a discussion about their future is taking place in Paris, the capital of France. It's better not to know; ignorance is bliss.

“Debate won’t solve anything. I think we should just start a vote,” shouted George Pidur, leader of the People’s Republican Movement and former prime minister, banging on the table. “Let’s see whether this is a moral issue or a practical one, and which one is more important.”

Georges Pidul's subtext was that the Socialist Party would only oppose based on moral standards, while the Popular Republican Movement would use pragmatism to solve real problems.

After some discussion, Speaker Edward obtained the consent of the Socialist Party members, and the clearly divided party camps seemed to feel the Speaker's gaze.

One member of parliament after another began to vote, and Speaker Edward began calling out names in a emotionless voice. Each name was called out, and shouts of "for" or "against" echoed through the National Assembly hall.

From the outset, the two positions showed a very tense trend. In a three-party coalition like France, with a parliamentary system at the core of power, even members of a single party cannot guarantee that they are all of one mind. This is different from the fact that party interests are very easy to reconcile in Anglo-American countries.

Within the People's Republic movement, there were also some members of parliament who adhered to a purely capitalist line. The ideas of these members of parliament shone brightly decades later during the Thatcher and Reagan eras.

However, in Western European countries where left-wing forces were significantly stronger in the early postwar period, they were absolutely a minority.

Although they are a minority, such voices do objectively exist. These members of parliament, out of their instinctive aversion to any expansionary government spending, actually stood with the Socialist Party and cast their votes against it.

Similarly, the left-wing coalition is not monolithic, especially since the Socialist government previously ousted the ministers from the Communist Party of France (CPFL). Not all CPFL members were without resentment; quite a few CPFL members betrayed the Socialist Party or wanted to teach them a lesson.

Therefore, the kind of scene where the British Conservative and Labour parties, or the American Democratic and Republican parties resolutely defend their party unity when it comes to real conflict, is not necessarily seen in a parliamentary system like France.

"The vote has passed. The Mediterranean Connection Plan has been officially included in the supplementary draft of the annual plan after being voted on by the National Assembly." Speaker Edward sighed inwardly, then announced loudly.

France has formulated its Five-Year Plan, but a Five-Year Plan is not something that remains unchanged once it is formulated. Based on the experience of the Soviet Union, there are annual, quarterly, and even monthly plans in addition to the Five-Year Plan. A Five-Year Plan is a massive and systematic project; it is not something that remains static once formulated.

As the draft resolution passed, the chamber erupted in chaos. The People's Republican Movement seats burst into long-suppressed cheers and applause, with some members pounding their fists on the table. The Socialist Party side, on the other hand, responded with angry boos and shouts of "Disgrace!"

In this vote, amidst the French Communist Party's betrayal of the Socialist Party, the Popular Republican Movement escaped the situation of being outnumbered by two for most of the post-war period and, with the help of African parliamentarians, successfully pushed forward the Mediterranean railway connection plan. This was a great victory for Georges Pitoure.

After the National Assembly session concluded that day, Georges Pidul excitedly told Schuman, "It's clear that the Socialist Party's decision to oust the Communist minister has rendered the Left Alliance obliterated. This year-long political passivity is over."

“That’s how it is, but… never mind.” Schumann opened his mouth, but kept his helplessness about the many changes of government in just over a year to himself.

The passage of the proposal did not solve all the problems; for example, the real challenges—financial, engineering, and the complex and turbulent political realities of North Africa—were only just beginning.

However, compared to these subsequent additions, the first step of the long march has been taken, and the biggest test has passed.

Koman, who was far away in Saigon and had been taking care of Ava Gardner's film crew, was overjoyed to hear the news. The next day, when Bokassa saw Koman, he couldn't understand the weariness in his superior's eyes. "Sir, have you been busy with work lately?"

“Yes, it’s a huge project worth hundreds of millions.” Koman replied solemnly. “The crew is currently on vacation, so you must ensure the safety of Ava’s crew, especially the girls, particularly Taylor.”

Koeman's excitement was short-lived; soon a problem arose. He had forgotten one thing: railways in this era were supported by sleepers, and this was true in most countries.

Only in the United States has a portion of its railways been replaced by concrete, but some railways within the United States still use sleepers.

Given the current post-war situation in France, manufacturing concrete is not impossible, but Paris clearly has a better way: to make those outside the country pay the price.

The first thing after the Mediterranean railway connection plan was approved was to let French Indochina solve the sleeper problem. Coman thought that the work of the French Indochina Forestry Administration was done and he was preparing to go home before the end of the year. As a result, he seized the opportunity, but it increased his workload.

There are many different materials for railway sleepers; as long as they have sufficient hardness and strength, they are all acceptable. French Indochinese mahogany is a good choice.

“Then let’s replace the concrete later. It’s already a miracle that it passed.” Koeman muttered to himself, then said to Bokassa, “Arrange a meeting between me and Mr. Guo at the usual place.”

Although the boomerang hit him again, Koeman didn't care. It wasn't a big deal; at most, it was just an internal conflict among the people.

They met in a private room at the Gu's Hotel. Koman started by discussing his business development, asking about several issues and also inquiring about the progress of his immigration.

“Major Coman, we anticipate being able to begin the immigration of 10,000 people per month within a few months, and the mission in Paris will be completed soon,” Guo Cheng replied solemnly.

"Let things take their natural course. Don't let it turn into a triangular trade. Although I don't care about my reputation, I don't want to be scolded for no reason."

Koman gestured for them to calm down and explained with reason and emotion, "This is giving your families a chance, after all, the situation in the Far East is still far from over."

Guo Cheng frowned slightly, thinking to himself that money was hard to earn and life was tough. The Frenchman with the big nose always spoke in riddles, and he wondered who he learned it from.

That's because I learned it from "Supreme Great Luo Heavenly Immortal Purple Extreme Longevity Saint Wisdom Illuminating Spirit Unifying the Three Origins Proving Response Jade Void General Manager Five Thunder Great True Man Mysterious Capital Realm Longevity Emperor," and practiced it to make my body resemble a crane.

"As long as the Paris government is here, we have nothing to fear," Guo Cheng could only reply, not understanding the meaning behind his words.

“Some things are beyond Paris’s ability to solve,” Koeman said, scoffing. “Your country’s leaders are incompetent; nothing they do will help. Things haven’t been easy since the 74th Division was completely annihilated.”

(End of this chapter)