Empire Rising: Spain

During Princess Selano’s reign, Carlo had already gained such power that at least other Cabinet Ministers did not dare to overlook his opinions.

In the stalemate stage of the meeting discussions, Carlo’s opinion even became an important way to end the deadlock. Although this meeting was convened by Duke Serrano, the person in charge had already become Carlo.

”Your Majesty, Prime Minister. According to the latest information from various European countries, I believe there is a very high possibility that the economic crisis will return in the new year.” The current Spanish Minister of Finance, Ewald Bartel, expressed his opinion in the meeting, his expression very serious.

Carlo nodded and looked at this Minister of Finance, who was deeply trusted by Prime Minister Prim and quite capable, asking: ”Is there any basis for this?”

Carlo certainly knew this economic crisis would erupt twice, affecting European and American countries for years.

But the outcome was completely different whether it was raised by someone else or by Carlo. Carlo also didn’t need such foresight to add an air of mystery; preventing and avoiding impacts on Spain in advance was what Carlo should do.

Ewald nodded, took out the materials he had already prepared, handed them to Carlo, and continued to say:

”These are the industrial production scales and market price conditions of various European countries, from which you can also see certain connections.

Although the impact of this year’s economic crisis has weakened considerably compared to the previous two years, this does not mean the economic crisis is over.

On the contrary, I think there is likely to be a trend towards economic collapse in the United Kingdom. If they cannot save the London market before the economic crisis returns, I fear the next to erupt will be a London economic crisis.

During the economic crisis, at least a quarter of the steel mills and factory enterprises in various European countries were forced to suspend operations, with some even reaching a scale of one-third.

But in London, the factories affected are far from this figure. Considering the reason the United Kingdom is far from the European Continent, I believe the impact of the economic crisis is delayed.

And this year, the bankruptcy of British factories continues. For the UK, a country with extremely developed industry, the impact of the economic crisis is the most severe.

If the crisis is ignited, it is likely to evolve into a new round of economic crisis not inferior to the last one. I think it is very necessary for us to prepare in advance to respond to a new wave of crises that is likely to spread to Europe.”

Carlo looked at the data prepared by Ewald, which was indeed as he said. In the previous wave of the economic crisis, Germany and Austria were the most severely affected. (U.S. data incomplete)

But theoretically, the UK, as the most industrialized country, should have been the most severely affected.

The reason the UK has not yet been affected on the same scale as Germany and Austria is partly that the UK’s industrial and economic development in recent years has not been as rapid as Germany and America.

Also, the UK has a larger colonial empire, which also represents a huge market. The UK will not face the more severe overproduction problems of Germany and America, so it can naturally withstand the early-stage economic crisis.

But the impact of the economic crisis is comprehensive; the UK’s industry and economy are the strongest in Europe, and naturally cannot be exempt.

The outbreak of the economic crisis led to a substantial decline in Europe’s industrial manufactured goods. Especially metal processed products related to steel, the decline in prices was extremely drastic.

The overall decline in European prices forced British factories to face greater pressure. Either they reduce prices, or they face competition from Europe’s low-priced industrial goods.

Moreover, each country reduced the scale of imports during the economic crisis, which also posed a certain risk to British industry.

With the accumulation of several risks, even if the UK’s industrial development is not as superficial as Germany and America, it does not mean it is completely safe.

Although Carlo’s attitude is to agree with guarding against the second round of the economic crisis, this does not mean Carlo will directly express his views.

As the King of Spain, what Carlo needs to do is not directly express his views, but rather let the Cabinet meeting express its stance on handling this issue.

This is to activate the enthusiasm of Cabinet members. Carlo directly issuing orders is fundamentally different from discussing and coming up with a solution with the Cabinet Ministers.

A solution proposed by themselves will also have more momentum when being executed. If Carlo directly orders them, it might be okay in the short term, but in the long term, it may cause dissatisfaction among some Cabinet Ministers.

It’s also to activate the enthusiasm and thinking of Cabinet Ministers in handling methods, preventing the Spanish Government from becoming too rigid.

While Carlo can firmly express his opinion on economic crises, this doesn’t mean he can decisively find a reasonable solution to every problem.

Therefore, the active discussion among Cabinet members becomes particularly important. It not only allows for brainstorming to find a better way but also creates a greater sense of involvement among the Cabinet Ministers, shaping a more democratic Spanish Government.

Of course, another important point is to find a scapegoat if the solution fails.