Chapter 160: The Nobles' Worries

Was the First Five-Year Plan under the leadership of Prime Minister Primo a success?

This is a question that requires no thought at all; of course, it was highly successful.

Judging by the results achieved by the Five-Year Plan, Spain has already transformed from an agricultural country into an agro-industrial one.

What does this mean? Although agriculture remains the pillar industry of Spain, industry has also reached a significant scale.

At present, the total number of workers across Spain has reached hundreds of thousands and is still constantly growing. The increase in the number of workers has also effectively raised Spain's per capita annual income; the rewards people can earn for their work have increased, which is also the reason why people are satisfied with the Primo government.

Behind the increase in Spain's economic volume by nearly 2 billion pesetas, the per capita annual income in Spain also grew from about 87 pesetas in 1869 to about 115 pesetas by the end of 1873; this is what ordinary Spaniards can actually see.

It is precisely because of these contributions that as long as Prime Minister Primo continues to run, his reelection is a matter of course, and it is something no one can stop.

However, the political situation in Spain at this moment has changed too much compared to five years ago.

When the first cabinet government was elected after the revolution, the candidate for the King of Spain had not yet been determined. At that time, relying on his lofty prestige in the revolutionary army and political circles, Primo successfully squeezed out Serrano and became the Prime Minister of the first cabinet government.

But for the current second cabinet government election, the situation is more complex than the first.

Ka Luo has already integrated the Royalist Party, composed of nobles and conservative forces, and the throne has also become quite stable.

Under such circumstances, even if Ka Luo cannot interfere with Prime Minister Primo's continued reelection, he can reasonably demand more power.

Whether a power struggle or even a conflict will break out between the gradually maturing Ka Luo and Prime Minister Primo is also the issue that members of parliament are most concerned about.

But no matter what the members of parliament think, the atmosphere between Prime Minister Primo and Ka Luo at this moment still looks very harmonious.

After Prime Minister Primo finished his brief summary report, it was the turn of the ministers of various departments to give detailed annual departmental reports.

Because they had Prime Minister Primo's summary report as a preventative measure, although the members of parliament were somewhat surprised by the performance of each department in the Five-Year Plan, it was not so unbelievable.

The reason why Spain did not achieve good development before was not because of a lack of national potential and foundation, but because Queen Isabel of Spain and the Prime Minister of the kingdom's government did not attach enough importance to it.

The upper echelons of Spain only cared about indulging in pleasure, and naturally, officials would not pay too much attention to the development of the economy and industry, which also created a vicious cycle.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Primo, the Spanish government has expressed high importance to the development of the economy and industry. Coupled with the previous promulgation of the official performance assessment bill, officials at all levels have truly begun to attach importance to developing industry and the economy.

After all, the development of industry and the growth of the economy are related to their own political achievements, and their political achievements are related to their own future.

With everything linked together, it is only natural that Spain's industry and economy have achieved good development.

As long as the cabinet government maintains top-level control and ensures that Spain's development is practical and effective, rather than just "political achievement projects" started hastily for the sake of credit, it will be fine.

This government annual work report meeting has ended, but for the Spanish political scene, the truly lively events have just begun.

As time enters 1874, Spain is also about to usher in a very important year.

Although the cabinet election is held in February, Spain in January already has a bit of the heated atmosphere of a cabinet election.

Although the cabinet government election has nothing to do with most commoners, the newspaper media will not let go of this hottest news. Starting from the new day of New Year's Day on January 1st, the streets and alleys of Madrid were filled with newsboys selling newspapers, shouting about the hot news in the papers, attracting people to stop and watch.

Although the cabinet election has attracted a lot of public attention, those with a discerning eye know that as long as Prime Minister Primo confirms his candidacy, the position of Prime Minister has nothing to do with anyone else.

January 12, 1874, inside the Royal Palace of Madrid.

Although Ka Luo has not taken any action, this does not mean that the Royalist Party forces and nobles who support Ka Luo have no thoughts of their own.

Since the Spanish Revolution, Prime Minister Primo has held control over power for five years. As the largest power class in Spain, it is impossible for the nobles to have no objections at all.

It is just because Ka Luo has always supported Prime Minister Primo's reforms, and coupled with the fact that the Spanish royal power was unstable at the time and whether the nobles could even exist was a question, that Spain has remained peaceful until now.

But now it is different. Ka Luo's royal power is already quite stable, and he can even pose a threat to Prime Minister Primo's authority. Under such circumstances, the nobles naturally think of using Ka Luo to achieve their own goals; at the very least, the nobles should have the power they deserve, shouldn't they?

Today, the Royal Palace of Madrid is very lively. These nobles seemed to have discussed it beforehand and came together to request an audience with Ka Luo.

These nobles requesting an audience are generally high-ranking nobles of the rank of Duke or above, so naturally, it is impossible for Ka Luo not to see them.

"Your Majesty!" A group of Grandees and Dukes arrived at the palace banquet hall with great momentum and bowed to Ka Luo, looking very respectful.

Ka Luo nodded indifferently, his gaze sweeping over these nobles, whether familiar or unfamiliar, with no expression and saying nothing.

"Your Majesty." Finally, one of the nobles could not help it, stood up, and said: "Next month is the cabinet government election. Has Prime Minister Primo confirmed his candidacy?"

Ka Luo's gaze turned to the noble who spoke, his expression as cold as ever: "Why? Do you have an opinion on Prime Minister Primo's candidacy?"

Anyone who pays attention to the political situation in Spain knows that Prime Minister Primo's attitude at the government annual work report meeting was already very clear, and that is to run for the seat of the next cabinet Prime Minister.

The joint arrival of the nobles was clearly not to ask whether Prime Minister Primo would run, but because they had other ideas.

The noble who was asked hurriedly shook his head; he dared not admit to such a question: "I am just curious about Prime Minister Primo's attitude. After all, there is less than a month left until the next cabinet government election."

Looking at these nobles, how could Ka Luo not know what was in their hearts? But Spain's development cannot be separated from a stable environment; at least for now, the Spanish government still needs Prime Minister Primo.

"Are you not clear about the summary report of the First Five-Year Plan? The Second Five-Year Plan has a role of connecting the preceding and the following, and it is very important for Spain.

And Prime Minister Primo, who proposed the First Five-Year Plan, is the most suitable candidate to launch the Second Five-Year Plan. For Spain today, Prime Minister Primo is the most qualified candidate to serve as Prime Minister, bar none." Ka Luo swept his gaze around the nobles and then said to himself: "

Whoever delays Spain's development is a sinner against Spain. At this moment, my goal and Prime Minister Primo's goal are the same, and that is to strive for the revival of Spain."

Some among the nobles were confused, but some had already understood the hidden meaning in Ka Luo's words.

Looking at Canovas, who was nodding secretly, Ka Luo showed a rare smile and said: "Minister Canovas, your work in the agricultural department during this period has been very effective.

I will recommend you to Prime Minister Primo to serve as the Minister of Industry for the new cabinet government, to make greater contributions to Spain's development."

Hearing Ka Luo's sudden words, Canovas hurriedly stepped forward, performed a noble salute to Ka Luo very respectfully, and said with excitement: "Thank you, Your Majesty. Canovas will continue to work hard for you, the royal family, and the future of Spain."

Canovas is not famous at this time, but he can be considered a big name in history. Canovas's full name is Antonio Canovas del Castillo, a famous Spanish politician and writer.

As a conservative, Canovas opposed constitutional monarchy, believing that the King is not a government tool established according to the national legal consciousness, but the legitimate ruler of this country, the great and supreme monarch of Spain.

It is precisely because of this view that in history, during the provisional government, the reign of Amadeo, and the republic period, Canovas was not given important positions.

It was not until the restoration of Alfonso XII that Canovas leaped to become the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Spain, and he served as Prime Minister of six cabinet governments in succession, with a total tenure of more than 12 years.

Such a figure is definitely not a mediocrity, and his philosophy of supporting the supremacy of royal power also earned him the trust of Alfonso XII.

However, in this world, Alfonso XII clearly has no chance. It can even be said that the Bourbon family has no chance in Spain at all, unless the Savoy family produces several incompetent monarchs in a row.

Canovas's answer carries a heavy philosophy of royal supremacy. The King comes first, the royal family second, and the country last.

Ka Luo also understands why Canovas would be so heavily used during the reign of Alfonso XII. Ask yourself, for a young king in his teens, when most of the domestic forces support a republic, who wouldn't be overjoyed to receive such flattery of royal supremacy and heavily use the minister who flatters them?

Although Ka Luo was quite satisfied with Canovas's attitude of loyalty, he would not show it on the surface. Looking at the very respectful Canovas, Ka Luo continued: "As for your position as Minister of Agriculture, let Jovellanos take over.

I support Prime Minister Primo's continued candidacy for the next cabinet Prime Minister. You and Jovellanos, as ministers in important positions in the cabinet government, must also support Prime Minister Primo's policies more and work together for the great revival of Spain.

Alright, that's enough said. As for the others, you are not members of the House of Representatives, and this cabinet election has nothing much to do with you, so you may all disperse."

Ka Luo does not intend to demand more power right now. Since Spain is still on the fast track of rapid development, the most important thing is naturally to promote the further development of Spain.

Only when the country is stronger can Ka Luo sit more securely on the throne and can the power in his hands become greater.

This also means that Ka Luo will not only not stop Prime Minister Primo from running, but will instead strongly support Prime Minister Primo's continued reelection.

Whether these nobles can understand the meaning behind Ka Luo's words depends on their own comprehension.

The many nobles came with great momentum, but left with heads full of questions.

Although they wanted to fight for more, it was clear that Ka Luo was not interested in the topics they wanted to propose. Since Ka Luo had already ordered everyone to disperse, the nobles did not dare to linger in the palace and could only obediently bid farewell one by one.

However, as the nobles gathered in twos and threes, their communication with each other still carried many questions, such as Ka Luo's attitude.

Logically speaking, Ka Luo's throne is already stable now, so how could he let Primo continue to control the position of Prime Minister?

Although the cabinet Prime Minister is "under one person and above ten thousand," if it is in Primo's hands, it is not certain who is under whom.

The nobles do not believe that Ka Luo is willing to continue to stay under Primo's authority and be a puppet king with no real power.

"Minister Canovas, what do you think His Majesty really means?" Beside Canovas, a Marquis asked the question he had been holding back for a long time.

Canovas had a smile on his face as he answered his friend: "Isn't His Majesty the King's meaning already very clear?"

"But, does His Majesty the King really want to let Primo continue to be reelected as Prime Minister? If Primo continues to propose reforms targeting us in the next Five-Year Plan, do we have to keep retreating?" the Marquis continued to ask.

The reason why these nobles gathered together to request an audience with Ka Luo was, of course, because they were worried that Prime Minister Primo would continue to make things difficult for the nobles after his reelection.

Previously, because of Primo's reforms, many nobles lost a large amount of land. Including the policy of land rent reduction, it caused the nobles' income to drop by at least one-fifth.

If Primo continues to be reelected, the power in his hands will be even greater. If he continues to target the nobles' wallets, even nobles with deep foundations cannot withstand such destruction.

"If Prime Minister Primo's reforms are reasonable, then for the sake of Spain's development, we should naturally make some sacrifices.

But if Prime Minister Primo's reforms are just to target the nobles, don't we still hold the two departments of industry and agriculture in our hands?

If we really want to confront him, how industry and agriculture are reformed is not up to us to decide?" Canovas said with a smile.

Ka Luo has not done nothing; the promise of Minister of Industry to Canovas and Minister of Agriculture to Jovellanos is the best example.

Industry and agriculture can be said to be the most important departments under the economy and national defense for Spain. Spain was originally an agricultural country, so the importance of the agricultural department goes without saying.

And as one of the main industries for Spain's future development, the position of Minister of Industry is destined to gain huge credit in the future.

Canovas naturally understands Ka Luo's purpose in letting him serve as Minister of Industry: occupying this department with considerable power can first balance Prime Minister Primo to a certain extent, and secondly, it is to divide the huge credit of the Second Five-Year Plan and prepare for his future rise.

Yes, Canovas is the successor to the Prime Minister in Ka Luo's plan after Prime Minister Primo's term ends.

This is also a helpless situation; after all, there are too few political talents Ka Luo can use. Canovas's qualifications are barely enough, and his loyalty is higher than that of Prime Minister Primo and Grand Duke Serrano.

"I say, old friend, although His Majesty the King said so, isn't the power to appoint cabinet ministers in the hands of Prime Minister Primo?

The Minister of Industry is an important position; will Prime Minister Primo agree to His Majesty the King's proposal?" The Marquis still had many questions, after all, the industrial department is quite important in the Five-Year Plan, and it can even be said to be the department Spain is focusing on developing, bar none.

The credit that the Minister of Industry can obtain is definitely the most among cabinet ministers; would Prime Minister Primo give such a position to Ka Luo for nothing?

"Our Prime Minister will certainly agree." Canovas nodded with a smile, his eyes carrying a hint of deep meaning: "Of course, I hope even more that he will not agree."

Looking at his friend who was a bit stunned, Canovas smiled and followed the flow of people out of the palace.

The cabinet government election has not yet begun, and Prime Minister Primo still controls immense power.

Prime Minister Primo was, of course, aware of the fact that many nobles went to the palace to request an audience with Ka Luo. Although he did not know what the nobles and Ka Luo had discussed, the nobles' purpose was actually not hard to guess.

Compared to Primo, who carries out reforms that infringe on the interests of the nobles, the nobles certainly hope that a more conservative guy who will not take a knife to the nobles will take office as the Prime Minister of the new cabinet government.

At this time, the only one who can pose a threat to Prime Minister Primo's reelection is the King of Spain, Ka Luo; this is the reason why the nobles requested an audience with Ka Luo.

However, Prime Minister Primo finally shook his head. Through his contact during this period, he considered himself to have a good understanding of Ka Luo.

No matter how you think about it, Ka Luo will not come forward to stop his reelection. What's more, the current King of Spain really does not have the qualifications to stop Prime Minister Primo's reelection, unless Ka Luo ignores opposition and dissolves parliament.

But this is even more impossible. The situation in Spain has tended to stabilize, and dissolving parliament at this time is undoubtedly throwing a huge rock into a calm lake.

It is not even beneficial to Ka Luo himself; a king who dissolves parliament for no reason, isn't this a manifestation of autocracy?

The last Queen Isabel, who engaged in autocratic monarchy, has already been cursed by the Spaniards. If Ka Luo has autocratic tendencies again, even if he has already won the favor of the Spaniards, it may not necessarily fail to arouse the anger of the Spaniards again.

Secretly shaking his head, Prime Minister Primo began to focus on reading the development reports submitted by the major regional governments to the cabinet government one after another, and conceiving the second five-year development plan in his mind.

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(End of this chapter)