An unnerving silence seemed to descend upon the PGU hall, with nobody stepping up to speak to deliver their speech first. Mats took a swig of water, building his courage. Might as well be the first one to speak.
He stood, clearing his throat, then spoke. “This year we have seen the world descend into an alarming amount of chaos and conflict. From Dučrijeka and Andrenne, to the Vestrugatia and Kaludgar, the border conflicts between Predice and New Aleman, and now a new war between the Imperium Epiphani and Yamatau, it’s clear to see Eras is on a dark path, and it’s something I believe the PGU needs to step in and intervene in. Especially after humanitarian disasters such as the indiscriminate bombardment of Kosada, it is imperative that the PGU becomes a stronger force for good to at least offset the terrible suffering now upon this planet.”
“The proposals I would like the PGU to focus on range from relief for civilians - such as with increased civilian medical aid, airdropping of vital supplies, Union-wide peacekeeping operations, and the establishment of civilian safe-zones - to more forceful intervention such as the heavy promotion and hosting of peace talks, arms embargoes, or even organisation-wide economic sanctions against warring states to economically force them to come to a peaceful solution; an extreme option, but still an option nonetheless.”
“Additionally, with the recent arrest of Kurt Ventur Jr, there’s almost certainly a power vacuum created in the arms smuggling network, and it is essential that the PGU crack down on arms smuggling while it’s still fractured and disorganised if it wants any attempt to de-escalate global conflicts. This would be just one measure of ways to suppress the economic capacity of warring states, reducing bloodshed and ensuring this dark era the world is entering is as short as it could possibly be.”
He took a second to breathe, before continuing. “It is absolutely critical that this wave of instability is halted as soon as it can be, and this can only be accomplished with the full cooperation of each of the member states here today. I hope, no matter the result of this election, that at least the PGU comes out this year with a coherent and unified response to this bloodshed. However, I do hope that you delegates assembled here vote for me to serve as Speaker, holding the first Xentheridan elected term, to turn the tide of violence and foster peace and stability within nations worldwide.”
He sat back down, taking a final sip of water, but after putting the glass down he noticed it was full again. Maybe that was why there was a never ending supply, and how everyone seemed to perpetually sipping.