Chapter-19 His Plans (Part-4)

It was the next day morning.

The morning sun cast its warm glow through the windows of the grand hall, illuminating the polished marble floors and ornate furnishings.

If someone watch the hall room now, they could see the Greek politicians gathered around their king, discussing with each other about policies.

"So, you are telling me that we must consider about making an institute only for technology, Athanasios."

Otto leaned forward as he addressed loudly Minister of Education Athanasios Kanakaris with his chin resting on both of his hands.

"You do know that we lack funds for such endeavours. Then why???"

Athanasios felt nervous watching his king's stare. Even though he cleared his thought and said,

"Your Highness, now all the western European countries has been facing a boon in Industries. So, they have made a lot of technical institutes to educate students about technologies. I fear that the need of technical institute will increase day by day. So, we need to be prepared for that. That's why I want you consider about this."

Otto thought Athanasios had some point in his words. But the problem was always money. For now, postponing this issue should be best. He got a good suggestion in his mind. So, he proposed to Athanasios

"Your suggestion is good but I don't think we need to make separate technical institutes for now. Let's do this. Kapodistrias, add this suggestion as a must do project. We will make three institutes five years later in three separate cities. Focus on Athens University. If needed, make more sits for technical students. Let me remind you again, include those studies in university where we can give jobs after graduation no matter whether is it literature study or technical study. "

Athanasios nodded.

"One more thing, since our university is going to be the first modern university in Balkans. Make sure to accept students from other parts of Balkans in a low number and spread among them that Greeks are basically related to every nationality in Balkans from ancient times. Let's take an example. In 14th Century, Serbian Emperor Uros IV Dusan took the title of Emperor of Serbs and Greeks to increase friendly relations among his all subjects. Serbians, Bulgarians, Greeks intermarried with each other for a long time. They also adopted a lot of cultures from each other's. So, we are all brothers, we should unite. Spread this ideology slowly. We may get some unexpected benefits. Is there any objection?"

Otto added and hearing his words every minister had similar thoughts that their king was really ambitious. But they decided to follow his suggestions. So, everyone nodded.

Otto then remembered that he forgot asking about issues in medical fields. So, he asked Nikolaos Souliotis, Minister of Public Works

"How much registered hospitals do we have, Nikolaos?"

"It is estimated we have 32 hospitals, Your Highness." Nikolaos answered

Otto thought that this number was too low. So, he proposed,

"Let's make it triple. Add it to five-year policy. We will make more hospitals in rural and town areas. Cautiously select lands for making these hospitals so that these hospitals can access healthcare properly. Healthcare costs also need to be cheaper. Also establish two medical colleges in Corinth and Patra. Their education also handled by a separate board committee. Also add a medical brunch college with Athens University."

"Alright, Your Highness." Nikolaos agreed to follow his words.

"Your Highness," asked Nikolaos again, "As per your previous instruction to construct highways linking our main cities, even though it is a good suggestion. I must humbly offer a different perspective. I also believe like you that the major cities need to relate with highways. While connecting these major urban centres is undoubtedly important for improved transportation, I also think we must also focus our attention on connecting the smaller towns with a network of smaller roads. Neglecting this aspect could potentially hinder the overall effectiveness of our transportation system which may harm us in many ways."

Otto frowned at first when heard his words then realised that he really forgot about smaller towns. So, he ordered

"Continue." the Nikolaos added, emboldened by Otto's receptive demeanour,

"By building smaller roads, we can bring our smaller towns closer, fostering social cohesion, promoting trade, and enabling residents to access essential services and opportunities without having to travel great distances. It will spur growth in these regions, encouraging businesses like local markets along the roads and attracting investments that will benefit not only the towns but also the entire kingdom. So, I humbly request that we must focus on this matter seriously."

After Nikolaos finished his word, Otto, impressed by his far-sightedness praised him with his heartfelt words,

"Hmm, you have brought out an urgent and vital perspective, Nikolaos. It is really needed for our country. Thank you for your suggestion. So, let us revise our plans to include both highways for the major cities and a well-designed network of smaller roads that will pass through our smaller towns. This way, we can create a transportation system that serves the needs of all our people, increasing unity and vitality across our entire kingdom. Add this plan in our Five-year policy."

Nikolaos replied,

"It is my duty to help you, Your Highness."

After that, Otto called Ioannis Papadopoulos

"Papadopoulos, I want to establish a strict law on labour. A labour law which guarantees a minimum wage of 120 drachmas for every individual, and their working hours should be limited to a range of 8 to 10 hours per day. It will ensure the fulfilment of basic needs of workers"

Otto don't want communism in his country. He had seen the brutal effects of communism firsthand, in the Soviet Union and in other countries. He knew that it led to poverty, oppression, and the loss of individual freedom. He didn't want that to happen to his own country. So, he thought that he would have to improve the living conditions for workers. It needed to be done in slow steps. So, he decided to slowly add more laws in favour of workers.

Then Otto declared,

"Lastly, I hope to make a constitution for Greece. This constitution will ensure all citizens have their basic rights like food, house and security. This constitution will have a Monarch as figurehead with powers similar to the President of United States of America or France. I hope you all will help me in making this constitution. In the meantime, educate people about who to vote for and how to vote. This will help people make informed decisions about where to cast their ballots. Their minimum education qualification needs to be high school passed out. I believe that all citizens who want to run for office should have a clean criminal record and should be required to disclose their personal assets and their work for the citizens. This information should be made public before the election so that voters can make a better choice. Let's take time to make this constitution."

Everyone felt happy with Otto's decision to make them part of this endeavour. They never thought that their king would easily decide to make constitution. So they nodded.

Then Otto said

"Alright. Also, I hope that you all will cut off all your connections with great powers. I know that you all try to appease them to get benefits for our Greek Kingdom. Do you know why Britain agreed to make us independent from Ottomans? It's just for fighting against incrementing Russian influence. We are nothing but a mere protectorate buffer state to them. They never want us to increase our lands. If they have really wanted to help Greeks, they would give us all the Greek lands in Balkans and Anatolia." Otto was silent for a moment and then angrily said

"They would never make my father to take an oath for stopping me going against Ottomans. Those bastards would let me also take the title of King of Hellenes if they wanted. Well, they fear I will use that title to take back Greek lands. Tell me is it wrong for me to take back our own lands and unite them together. Don't you feel frustrated by begging to them time to time for help. Tell me everyone?"

He shouted at them. All the ministers felt shameful on that time. They didn't know about these oaths. They really thought Great powers would help them since Ottomans were the target of Greece. As for restrictions and interference in Greek politics, it might be for helping them to rule properly. But now they felt like they were fooled. They realised that they would never get independence from them if they cling to them like this.

So, Alexandros Mavrokordatos replied solemnly,

"Your Highness, I, as the leader of British party, announce the disbandment of the British party."

Ioannis Kolettis, Theodoros Kolokotronis also followed his steps and declared respectively,

"Your Highness, from today onwards, French party will be disbanded."

"Your Highness, from today onwards, Russian Party will be disbanded."

Otto added ,

"You all do have shame. That's good. I hope you will not surrender our country to foreigners. That's all for today."

After that, everyone left with a deep grudge against Great powers. They realised that their necessity to be united to fight against them. This concept would vitalize the birth of The United Greek Party with Otto's leadership in the upcoming future.