Chapter-16 His plans (Part-3)

Then the Minister of Justice Ioannis Papadopoulos anxiously asked,

"Your Highness, can you guarantee that Great powers will not intervene in our war? After all, they are famous for meddling in conflicts. If they intervene, it will be a disaster for our war effort, Your Highness."

Otto answered him with a chuckle,

"Don't worry about it. I am going to make sure British never intervene. It is going to be a fight for our survival. So, just complete your tasks, alright, Ioannis"

Ioannis, reassured by Otto's word, confidently told him,

"Okay, Your Highness."

Otto then told him,

"We already have four major courts to solve crime cases in four major cities. Add twelve sub courts with them to make judiciary works better. This need to be done in five years. Also make two law schools in Napfilon and Patra from which we can recruit judge for these new sub courts. Make a board of judiciary education for them who will watch over the exams and curriculum of these law schools."

Then Otto turned to the Minister of interior Ioannis Koletis and ordered him,

"Koletis, I have read your reports about security and it is really a dangerous situation, now. So, I also agree with your request of making two schools for public security force training in Athens and Corinth. As for manpower shortage, use the retired soldiers in public security force. You can also recruit some veterans from military to as training instructors. As for curriculum for these schools, make a board for it who will decide it. Do you Understand?"

Ioannis Koletis agreed to his words. Otto then turned to the Minster of Public works Nicolas Souliotis.

"Nicolas, start reconstructing every all the four major cities, hire architects to design the cities. Hmm, also make sure to divide the industrial area and residential area properly in those designs. All the roads need to be properly constructed with proper plans. Every city also needs a proper drainage system. Oh, I nearly forgot. You also told me that you wanted a port near Athens. After analysing your reports, I also realised its importance. So, start looking for a good position where we will make the port."

Otto pauses for a moment then added,

"Also make a new Parliament House in Athens. This new Parliament must be consisted with two parts. One House of Lords and other House of Commons. Make the House of Lords as fast as possible. Add House of Commons later. Since it will be reserved for those who will be elected with the votes of ordinary citizens. But it needs to be ready before the end of Five-year policy. Do you all understand? "

Every Ministers agreed with it and nodded towards Otto with approval.

"That's good,"

Otto said. Then he started glancing over the financial reports that had just been delivered to him. After some time, he turned towards the Minister of Finance, Augustinos Kapodistrias.

"So, Augustinos, have you made a note of all the plans in the Five- year policy that I and the other ministers have agreed upon?"

Augustinos nodded.

"I have been reviewing the figures, and I am concerned about the state of our finances,"

he spoke.

"We are spending more money than we are taking in, and this is not sustainable. We also have a big debt on our head."

"I agree," Otto said. " But we have five years. So, make a proper timeline about when to start completing which projects. This may reduce some costs."

"That's a good idea, Your Highness." Augustinos said. "But, we could also cut back on some of our discretionary spending. We could also raise taxes, or we could find ways to increase our revenue from other sources."

Otto sighed. "I would like to avoid raising taxes, if possible," he said. "But we may not have any other choice. The state's finances are in a precarious state, and we need to find a way to raise revenue."

"I understand," said Augustinos Kapodistrias, the Minister of Finance. "I have been working on a proposal, and I believe that it is a fair and equitable way to raise taxes. The proposal includes both income taxes and property taxes."

"Please, go on," said Otto.

"The proposal is as follows," said Augustinos. "For those whose yearly income is lower than 100 drachmas, no taxes will be collected. For those whose income is between 100 and 300 drachmas, 15% of their income will be collected. For those whose income is between 301 and 700 drachmas, 20% of their income will be collected. For those whose income is between 701 and 1500 drachmas, 30% of their income will be collected. For those whose income is between 1501 and 4000 drachmas, 38% of their income will be collected. For those whose income is between 4001 and 7000 drachmas, 44% of their income will be collected. For those whose income is between 7001 and 10000 drachmas, 50% of their income will be collected. And for those whose income is above 10000 drachmas, 65% of their income will be collected.

"In addition to income taxes, we will also be imposing a house tax and a land tax on the wealthy. The house tax will be based on the size and location of the house. The land tax will be based on the size and value of the land. These taxes will be in addition to the income taxes."

Otto considered the proposal for a moment. "It seems fair," he said. "But I am concerned about the impact that it will have on the poor."

"I understand your concern," said Augustinos. "But I believe that this is the fairest way to raise taxes. The wealthy will be paying a larger share of their income, and the poor will be paying a smaller share. And the house tax and land tax will only apply to the wealthy, so they will not have a significant impact on the poor."

"I agree," said Otto. "I approve of your proposal. But set up a proper definition for wealthy people. So that no confusion happens during tax collection."

Augustinos smiled. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I believe that this will help to improve the state's finances."

Everyone presents nodded with Otto.

"I hope so," he said. "We need to do everything we can to ensure the future of Greece."

"I understand," Augustinos said. "I will continue to explore all of our options and come up with a plan that we can both agree on."

"Thank you," Otto said. "I know that this is not an easy task, but it is essential that we get our finances in order."

"I will do my best," Augustinos said.

"One more thing," Otto said. "I will bear all the expenses on building the Royal Palace in Athens."

The room was silent for a moment. Everyone was surprised by Otto's decision. They knew that royal families had their own businesses and a lot of money. But it was rare for even rich royal families to use their own money to build a royal palace instead of using the kingdom's treasury.

Ioannis Kapodistrias , who had been silent for some time, asked him,

"Are you sure? Your highness."

"Yeah. Because I believe that it is important for the people of Greece to have a symbol of their nation," Otto said. "And I want to make sure that the Royal Palace is a building that they can be proud of."

Otto believed wholeheartedly that by accomplishing this feat, no soul would dare point an accusing finger in his direction for utilizing public funds to construct the Royal Palace.

The people in the room were impressed by Otto's decision. They realized that he was a true leader who was willing to put the needs of his people before his own. If they knew his true thoughts, they would not be so impressed with him.

After some silence, everyone agreed with Otto's decision.

Then Otto spoke seeing the sun set through the window,

Otto looked out the window at the setting sun. "It's getting late."

He said. "Let's stop the discussions for today. We can continue talking about land reforms tomorrow. Kapodistrias, please invite the Kanaris, Kountouriotes, Mavrokordatos, Souliotis,Ypsilantis, Mousouros, Rallis, Trikoupis, Zographos, and Voulgaris families to join us in the discussion hall."

Kapodistrias answered,

"Alright. Your Highness."

Others also nodded.

Then everyone left the room.