Wittenberg

Three different controversies have prevented the new Senäts from properly convening and doing its business, with knock-on effects on the Cosă and the formation of a new government. I am still technically representing a party to a Cort pü Inalt case in one of those controversies (the Cézembre election), so I will here comment on the other two.

The Maricopa Senäts election

When Txoteu Davinescù took his case to the CpI about improper organisation of the tiebreaker in this election, a lot of comment was negative towards him in that the Premier of Maricopa was pressed for time and so had to organise a poker match at 24 hours notice during US working hours. The argument that the Maricopa Senäts race had to be finalised quickly makes a lot of sense. But given that, what doesn't make a lot of sense is the Premier of Maricopa's decision to drag out the controversy in front of the CpI. Txoteu has given his consent for an alternative tie-breaker which could be done instantly - the Maricopa Premier has "acknowledged" that but clearly doesn't want to do it, preferring to stick to a Cort case (which might take weeks) insisting on their right to, um, organise a poker match at 24 hours during US working hours because time was a factor?

The Mençéi election

Traditionally the Mençéi, the "honorable President" of the Senäts and a member of the CRL responsible for checking legislation for defects, goes to a long-standing and experienced Senator, preferably from outside the governing party. So naturally, the newest Senator from the governing party nominated himself for the post within five seconds of assuming his seat - and his whole party supported him.

It's generally accepted that in the recent election, the TNC suffered a small setback in votes because opposition claims that they had a tendency to excessive partisanship and a dismissive attitude to those outside their party resonated with the voters. It seems to me that we are currently bogged down in organising Talossa's legislature, partly because of those very factors.

I would recommend that we adopt a principle of climbing down when insisting on our "right" to do things our way is derailing things; that the Premier of Maricopa accept Txoteu Davinescù's suggestion of an alternative tie breaker; the TNC Senators abandon their effort to make a brand-new Senator Mençéi (why not the Senator from Vuode, who at least has a bit of experience, if they must put up a candidate?); and we can get this show on the road properly.

The problem is compounded because without a Mençei and a Tuischach, we have no CRL and no bills can be put forward for the first Clark. I'd highly suggest that the current Seneschal call for a month of recess so these issues can be sorted out.

Quote from: Miestră Schivă, UrN on October 18, 2023, 04:08:20 AMThree different controversies have prevented the new Senäts from properly convening and doing its business, with knock-on effects on the Cosă and the formation of a new government. I am still technically representing a party to a Cort pü Inalt case in one of those controversies (the Cézembre election), so I will here comment on the other two.

The Maricopa Senäts election

When Txoteu Davinescù took his case to the CpI about improper organisation of the tiebreaker in this election, a lot of comment was negative towards him in that the Premier of Maricopa was pressed for time and so had to organise a poker match at 24 hours notice during US working hours. The argument that the Maricopa Senäts race had to be finalised quickly makes a lot of sense. But given that, what doesn't make a lot of sense is the Premier of Maricopa's decision to drag out the controversy in front of the CpI. Txoteu has given his consent for an alternative tie-breaker which could be done instantly - the Maricopa Premier has "acknowledged" that but clearly doesn't want to do it, preferring to stick to a Cort case (which might take weeks) insisting on their right to, um, organise a poker match at 24 hours during US working hours because time was a factor?

The Mençéi election

Traditionally the Mençéi, the "honorable President" of the Senäts and a member of the CRL responsible for checking legislation for defects, goes to a long-standing and experienced Senator, preferably from outside the governing party. So naturally, the newest Senator from the governing party nominated himself for the post within five seconds of assuming his seat - and his whole party supported him.

It's generally accepted that in the recent election, the TNC suffered a small setback in votes because opposition claims that they had a tendency to excessive partisanship and a dismissive attitude to those outside their party resonated with the voters. It seems to me that we are currently bogged down in organising Talossa's legislature, partly because of those very factors.

I would recommend that we adopt a principle of climbing down when insisting on our "right" to do things our way is derailing things; that the Premier of Maricopa accept Txoteu Davinescù's suggestion of an alternative tie breaker; the TNC Senators abandon their effort to make a brand-new Senator Mençéi (why not the Senator from Vuode, who at least has a bit of experience, if they must put up a candidate?); and we can get this show on the road properly.

Just for what it is worth, the Senator from Vuode made it clear to his previous party leaders that he did not wish to hold any offices higher than that which he holds now. I know I am not intelligent enough nor do I have the time to do the position justice.

The Senate, nor the TNC, can be held responsible for a legitimate request from a citizen before the courts. As a senator, I hold the courts in high regard and am convinced that the judgment will meet our expectations.

I would ask the honorable member of the Cosa not to interfere in the decisions of the Senate. Moreover, senators are currently voting democratically on whether we should wait or proceed with the vote for the new Mençei, and the vote will conclude well before the start of next month.

I am also convinced that the court will deliver its judgment well before the end of the month. I also trust that the former Mençei can serve very well as an interim until then. The senator from Benito has my full confidence.

Mximo Carbonèl
Senator from Florencia

The Senator from Florencia is doing nothing to beat the allegations that the TNC's default response to feedback is "yeah, whatever, we do what we want"

If the members of our August body would show up and weigh in, a lot of this could be worked out.

Quote from: Miestră Schivă, UrN on October 18, 2023, 04:40:19 PMThe Senator from Florencia is doing nothing to beat the allegations that the TNC's default response to feedback is "yeah, whatever, we do what we want"

Your party has a bit of a reputation for bending the truth whenever it becomes convenient, and I think we're seeing that here again.

The premier of Maricopa is not a member of our party. We have enthusiastically invited him to join in the past, but he has indicated that he prefers to be independent. Obviously, if we had our choice, he would have just selected the candidate who showed some interest in the job. Instead and to my considerable frustration, he proposed a game of chance.

Carlus would do an amazing job as leader of the Senate. He's energetic, interested in the country, and has good judgment. Appeals to seniority are often just a way for entrenched powers to try to box out the future.

Quote from: Baron Alexandreu Davinescu on October 18, 2023, 06:36:47 PMCarlus would do an amazing job as leader of the Senate. He's energetic, interested in the country, and has good judgment. Appeals to seniority are often just a way for entrenched powers to try to box out the future.

Being "energetic, interested in the country, and hav[ing] good judgement" should be considered table stakes for being a Senator at all, not being the President of the Senate.

It's a sad reflection on the state of the Senate in general that mere competency, perhaps not unjustifiably, is seen as rare.

Quote from: Baron Alexandreu Davinescu on October 18, 2023, 06:36:47 PMCarlus would do an amazing job as leader of the Senate. He's energetic, interested in the country, and has good judgment.

And most importantly, he's a member of the TNC, the only people in Talossa who matter :D

Still, correction accepted that Danihel is not actually a TNC member; and that the TNC were actually telling him he should just pick Carlus. As to the Mençéisqåb (?), as for the Túischac'hsqåb, I would suggest that the vital qualities for the roles of Chairs of the House of the Ziu are cross-partisan acceptability, proven leadership skills, familiarity with Talossan "ways of doing things" and (for the CRL) proven understanding of how legal language works.

@Bråneu Excelsio Godspeed in bringing down the partisan temperature.

Quote from: Breneir Tzaracomprada on October 18, 2023, 08:22:04 PM@Bråneu Excelsio Godspeed in bringing down the partisan temperature.

To his great credit, the TNC Seneschal candidate has put his money where his mouth is in that regard.

Quote from: Miestră Schivă, UrN on October 18, 2023, 08:27:08 PM

Quote from: Breneir Tzaracomprada on October 18, 2023, 08:22:04 PM@Bråneu Excelsio Godspeed in bringing down the partisan temperature.

To his great credit, the TNC Seneschal candidate has put his money where his mouth is in that regard.

Yes, to his credit. I hope this can be a statement applicable to members of other parties soon.

Quote from: Miestră Schivă, UrN on October 18, 2023, 07:53:04 PM

Quote from: Baron Alexandreu Davinescu on October 18, 2023, 06:36:47 PMCarlus would do an amazing job as leader of the Senate. He's energetic, interested in the country, and has good judgment.

And most importantly, he's a member of the TNC, the only people in Talossa who matter :D

Still, correction accepted that Danihel is not actually a TNC member; and that the TNC were actually telling him he should just pick Carlus.

You just made a completely wrong accusation of reckless partisanship, so maybe you should cool off before you launch right back into it.  I mean, if you're trying to convince us that there's a chance to diminish partisan tension, maybe stop your frenzied efforts to crank the ratchet?

What exactly do you - individually, and as a party - need me/the Free Democrats to do, Alexandreu? Feel free to answer as well if you want, Brenéir

We have some potential proposals being debated and voted-upon in the party, and I don't think I could speak for the party in that regard.  We chose leaders and they'll speak for us :) 

My point is a narrow one: you say you want to lower partisan tensions, but then you make a speech in which you make sweeping and wrong accusations about our entire party.  Since you're likely to be the FreeDem leader for the time to come, the tenor of your leadership and the way you interact with people ends up mattering a lot.  So if you want to build some mutual goodwill, maybe consider changing your rhetoric.  You could have made the same speech you began this with, minus the digs and jibes about the TNC.  It would have been more productive and better-received.

Quote from: Baron Alexandreu Davinescu on October 18, 2023, 10:34:39 PMWe have some potential proposals being debated and voted-upon in the party, and I don't think I could speak for the party in that regard.  We chose leaders and they'll speak for us :) 

My point is a narrow one: you say you want to lower partisan tensions, but then you make a speech in which you make sweeping and wrong accusations about our entire party.  Since you're likely to be the FreeDem leader for the time to come, the tenor of your leadership and the way you interact with people ends up mattering a lot.  So if you want to build some mutual goodwill, maybe consider changing your rhetoric.  You could have made the same speech you began this with, minus the digs and jibes about the TNC.  It would have been more productive and better-received.

What he said.

There is rhetoric on both sides and a history of mistrust. Perhaps the best step is for everyone to kinda take a breath and see if we can solve the current issues. I believe that everyone has the best interests of the kingdom at heart. We are the lucky few who share Talossa together.

Quote from: Sir Txec dal Nordselvă, UrB on October 18, 2023, 11:02:54 PMThere is rhetoric on both sides and a history of mistrust. Perhaps the best step is for everyone to kinda take a breath and see if we can solve the current issues. I believe that everyone has the best interests of the kingdom at heart. We are the lucky few who share Talossa together.

Well-said!

Okay, thanks for that. So how exactly do what you see as "sweeping and wrong accusations" make you (plural) feel? Because I can tell you how sweeping and wrong accusations about the Free Democrats make me feel, if you'd like.

I don't know that my own feelings enter into that much.  I think I have some importance within the party, and I'm certainly obnoxiously vocal, but I'm not doing the negotiating or representing us.  We have a great party leader in Therxh, and a great future Seneschal in Braneu.  And I think both of them are level-headed.  The effect on the TNC is much more going to be on the ongoing debate and discussions over the various proposals undergoing a vote.  If a proposal predicated on new partisan comity is going to succeed, it's not going to be while the leader on the other side is launching public partisan attacks.

I imagine that any criticism of the Free Democrats feels quite personal, since you personally are so strongly identified with the party.  You have referred to it as the "Miestra Schiva fan club" in the past, and so when someone says something you think is an unfair criticism, it must feel as though you yourself are being attacked.  That's unfortunate.  As you know, I think you're wonderful in many ways.  You are so passionate about what you believe, and you have such a love for your vision of Talossa.  You're also articulate and a fantastic organizer of people.

Okay, thanks for that. What I'm hearing is that you want "partisan political attacks" to no longer be a feature. What I am worried about is the lack of a firm line between that, and "legitimate criticism and robust political debate". I feel defensive and irritated, because IMHO I'm doing the latter.

By the way, when you refer to statements that I've made in the past, but were made in a different context and IMHO are no longer applicable, I also feel defensive and threatened. As I see it, the FreeDems of the 59th Cosa are far less reliant on me, partly because the new political atmosphere under TNC leadership has led to a realignment of centre-Left politics. And when given fulsome praise by someone who is by far my harshest and most cogent critic, I'm afraid I don't feel good. I feel suspicious, like I'm being manipulated.

In any case, the agreement that was brokered between me and Bråneu is supposed to *lead* to an atmosphere of less partisan distrust and anger, rather than be a reward for it? If that makes sense?

Quote from: Miestră Schivă, UrN on October 19, 2023, 03:03:45 AMOkay, thanks for that. What I'm hearing is that you want "partisan political attacks" to no longer be a feature. What I am worried about is the lack of a firm line between that, and "legitimate criticism and robust political debate". I feel defensive and irritated, because IMHO I'm doing the latter.

There is indeed no firm line between those things.  Agreeing to reduce partisan tensions by lowering partisan attacks means that -- by definition -- you will not be able to criticize as robustly as before.  It means that the campaign will mostly be over, and there won't be much place for broadly characterizing a rival political party in critical terms.  Instead, more constructively attempting to solve specific disagreements or level specific criticisms would be the order of the day.  You could have done that in your speech which began this thread, and you'd have found a lot more success -- if you hadn't tried to announce your conclusions about the TNC's character as a party, you wouldn't have made fundamental errors about motivation about Danihel, nor would you have really upset anyone.

I mean, your sniping continued immediately.  When acknowledging your error, you made sure to include a dig about how we think "the only people in Talossa who matter [are TNC]" and that "Danihel is not actually a TNC member; [but] that the TNC were actually telling him he should just pick Carlus."  Both of those statements are taunts meant to reinforce the broad partisan attack you've been launching on the TNC for months.

You could just not do that.

This stuff just isn't symmetrical.  This isn't "both sides."  The TNC just doesn't really do that kind of thing.  Our campaign emails were not built around attacks on the FDT as a party of deceit or a similar sort of thing, and none of us have made speeches about how we're worried about how much you lie and how it's causing a problem with some situation.  When we do make criticism or attacks of that kind, it's almost always in response.

I know you might not feel that this is true, but it really is.  It's a deliberate choice that we've made and that we've discussed.

Quote from: Miestră Schivă, UrN on October 19, 2023, 03:03:45 AMBy the way, when you refer to statements that I've made in the past, but were made in a different context and IMHO are no longer applicable, I also feel defensive and threatened. As I see it, the FreeDems of the 59th Cosa are far less reliant on me, partly because the new political atmosphere under TNC leadership has led to a realignment of centre-Left politics.

From the outside, you remain almost the exclusive leader of your party.  You speak for them in private, make announcements in public, and set the priorities.  But if that changes someday, I think that will only be to the good.

Quote from: Miestră Schivă, UrN on October 19, 2023, 03:03:45 AMAnd when given fulsome praise by someone who is by far my harshest and most cogent critic, I'm afraid I don't feel good. I feel suspicious, like I'm being manipulated.

I have consistently espoused this high opinion of you, in public and in private, for more than ten years.  I certainly have many criticisms and I might whine about you, but one benefit of telling the truth is that I don't have to worry about that sort of inconsistency.  I think you have a lot of great qualities.  You actually know this for a fact, because you got to read a lot of the private RUMP emails when Tim left the country.

Quote from: Miestră Schivă, UrN on October 19, 2023, 03:03:45 AMIn any case, the agreement that was brokered between me and Bråneu is supposed to *lead* to an atmosphere of less partisan distrust and anger, rather than be a reward for it? If that makes sense?

Sure, but that's going to depend on the perception that the agreement both could and would be implemented.  If I talk about how I'm going to be a vegetarian around a mouthful of steak, people might be doubtful.

Okay, thanks for that. When you talk about "the broad partisan attack you've been launching on the TNC for months" - and that's certainly true, in the context of electoral politics - how exactly do you (plural, your party) feel about that? I'm trying to get at what exactly the bad feeling on your side is.

Azul,

I don't really understand what's partisan about this. We are simply asking that every province should have a siting senator in order to start to vote. Once again, the matter is before the courts. It would be ill-advised to give instructions to the court. I strongly believe in the independence of the court for the sake of our institutions. I cannot see myself ordering the court to pass judgment. We must have confidence in the work of the judges. Once again, there is nothing partisan here.

I don't understand why we're making a mountain out of a molehill. We're talking about democracy and equality between provinces. It's a principle enshrined in our constitution. The vote on the issue is proceeding cordially in the Senate, and I once again ask the honorable member of the Cosa to let the Senate manage its internal affairs.

With all my respect,

Mximo Carbonèl
Senator from Florencia

Quite aside from the "partisanship" debate, I would caution against too broad a principle that all Senators must be seated before a Mençéi can be elected. The question is, in this case: given the presumably-ongoing legal action, is the Senator from Cézembre seated, or not? Do legal challenges (absent an actual injunction) mean the vote has to be delayed?

Once again, it is not for the Senate to tell the court what to decide. It would also be ill-advised for us, the elected officials, to comment on a case before the courts. Once again, I respect the independence of the judiciary. However, I do note that a member from another chamber seems to want to direct the Senate proceedings. I therefore ask you once again to respect the internal decisions of the Senate and strongly advise you not to comment on a case before the courts.

Mximo Carbonèl

Max, I have no idea what you're talking about. Unless I'm really misreading things, the matter of how the Senäts elects a Mençéi is not before the Cort. Judge Perþonest declined the application for an injunction. (https://wittenberg.talossa.com/index.php?topic=2807.msg23444#msg23444) The question of the Maricopa tiebreaker is irrelevant to what I'm saying.

I would also remind my colleague from Florencia that the right of citizens to comment on the affairs of government is an important cornerstone of an open society.  D:na Miestra has every right, and perhaps also responsibility, to comment on parliamentary proceedings in a public forum.

For what its worth, I agree with her.  The idea that a Lord President cannot be elected unless all Senators are seated is a nonsense precedent, especially given that there are easy mechanisms for replacement should the balance of the body's will change upon the seating of a new individual.  Which the Justice also noted in your failed petition for injunction.

It would then be immensely easy to derail the Senats through a process of "strategic resignation."  Working under the assumption, as you and those who voted with you are stating, that the body should just... not conduct business if there is an absence.

Let us say, for example, that a Senator resigns.  According to the precedent we are setting, the Senats needs to suspend operations, as a province is going unrepresented.  An unscrupulous provincial executive waits until JUST BEFORE the power to name a replacement Senator lapses to Cunstaval/King, and names the recently resigned Senator.  Who is seated and then immediately resigns again.  There appears to be almost nothing in the law to prevent this.  Heck, with the way some of the provinces are functioning these days, the executive and senator could be the same person.  So the Senats is paralyzed for a full Cosa term in this way.  Which means no legislating can get done at all, again, all resting on the precedent that the Senats has set in this override vote.

And if you think "someone would never do that."  I have a bridge to sell you.

Quote from: Eiric S. Bornatfiglheu on October 20, 2023, 08:50:52 AMThe idea that a Lord President cannot be elected unless all Senators are seated is a nonsense precedent

That's not the precedent.  The law says, "The Senäts shall, after every general election of a senator, choose one of its members to be the President of the Senäts" (Org.III.10).  I believe this very clearly states that the election for that office happens after any senator is elected in a general election.  It makes the most sense to interpret this as meaning that the election should wait if one of the election results is unsettled, because the general election of a senator would be pending.

Also, common sense says that electing a leader from a group of eight people probably should try to wait for everyone.  There's no reason to rush and try to get it done when there are empty seats unless you're trying to exclude someone from the vote.

Quote from: Eiric S. Bornatfiglheu on October 20, 2023, 08:50:52 AMIt would then be immensely easy to derail the Senats through a process of "strategic resignation."  Working under the assumption, as you and those who voted with you are stating, that the body should just... not conduct business if there is an absence.

A mid-session special appointment is not a general election.

Quote from: Baron Alexandreu Davinescu on October 20, 2023, 09:09:05 AMThere's no reason to rush and try to get it done when there are empty seats unless you're trying to exclude someone from the vote.

Screw it.  I'm done.  Consider this my resignation as Senator and citizen.  Slimy insinuation like this is the most toxic part of this country.

I did the best I could run a deliberative body through a weird situation.  I'm not going to stick around to get slimed on for my troubles.  Figure it out yourselves.  Bye.

@Sir Txec dal Nordselvă, UrB

I think that's hasty, and you should hold off.  I apologize -- you're right, that did look I was implying that you personally were trying to exclude someone.  I'm not sure why you want to have an election so fast, but I have no reason to think that's the reason.  I shouldn't have phrased things in such a way that implied that was your motive.  I'm sorry.

Congratulations!

Quote from: Baron Alexandreu Davinescu on October 20, 2023, 09:09:05 AMAlso, common sense says that electing a leader from a group of eight people probably should try to wait for everyone.  There's no reason to rush and try to get it done when there are empty seats unless you're trying to exclude someone from the vote.

Eiric followed the Standing Rules of the Senate to the letter and performed admirably under messy circumstances. He wasn't trying to do anything you insinuated just now. If you have an issue with the rules, 1) get someone to propose a rule change; 2) blame it on me who wrote them in the first place.

Besides, you know full well that when the vote began, the race was settled and the Senate had a full roster.


EDIT: I wrote this before even noticing the outcome of the Mençei election vote, which again Eiric handled perfectly both in how he set it up and how he reacted to the outcome.

A flawless interpretation of procedure, and he's being pushed out like this. Worrying times.

Quote from: mximo on October 19, 2023, 07:40:11 PMWe are simply asking that every province should have a siting senator in order to start to vote.

That, indeed, was the case.

Quote from: Sir Lüc on October 20, 2023, 11:07:40 AM

Quote from: Baron Alexandreu Davinescu on October 20, 2023, 09:09:05 AMAlso, common sense says that electing a leader from a group of eight people probably should try to wait for everyone.  There's no reason to rush and try to get it done when there are empty seats unless you're trying to exclude someone from the vote.

Eiric followed the Standing Rules of the Senate to the letter and performed admirably under messy circumstances. He wasn't trying to do anything you insinuated just now. If you have an issue with the rules, 1) get someone to propose a rule change; 2) blame it on me who wrote them in the first place.

The standing rules of the Senats certainly cannot overrule the Organic Law.  But also, while I'm not a senator, I don't see where they do oblige the election commence immediately.  "At the beginning" doesn't seem like it has to happen right after the election is over.  I mean, here the process started on 10/6, which is a day before the election was even certified -- I think, anyway.

But even if a strict reading obliged it to start after the election was certified, any rule can be ignored or waived by majority vote: wouldn't that be the move here, under these unusual circumstances?  I mean, as far as I can tell, that's what just happened, and it was the right move.

My basic point is not even that ESB did anything wrong, anyway -- I was making the more narrow point that waiting for the election was not establishing the precedent he was suggesting.

Azul,

All of this is a bit dramatic. I humbly ask my esteemed colleague, the senator from Benito, ESB, to reconsider his decision and not to resign. The Senate has settled the matter; we must wait, and I understand that the court is asking the parties to provide their arguments quickly to regularize the situation in the province of Maricopa. Once again, it's normal for parties to defend their interests. But this should not lead to the loss of distinguished citizens.

I am not questioning the work of my humble colleague, the outgoing Mençei, who has, up to now, done his job. In fact, flawlessly in my opinion.

Sincerely,

Mximo Carbonèl

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I'm afraid we *have* lost ESB. I've confirmed this in a Facebook chat with him. He says he just doesn't have the "spoons" for Talossa any more. So the election of a Mençéi is now dragged out even longer until Benito chooses a replacement.

I want to be very careful with what I say here. Eiric reacted badly to what he saw as an insinuation of wrong-doing, on top of an extremely stressful few days doing his job (as I think all agree) diligently and to the letter of the law. I myself had to quit Talossa for six months over a similar event at one point. But we all have to own our own emotional reactions, even if the provocation is deliberate (which I don't believe it was in this case).

I can only speak to my own feelings, but: the worst times in Talossa for me have been when I have felt wrongly accused of unethical behaviour, of "cheating" or worse. Of course, if such accusations come from barely-active citizen Joe Random, who cares, they're probably just funny. If such accusations come from a very prominent Talossan, a political leader of long standing, someone with *excellent* rhetorical skills and the energy to lead campaigns... then, I begin to think that those accusations will become reality in people's minds. And I will no longer feel safe or able to participate in Talossa. So, I get very defensive.

I'm sure that there will be reactions saying that things that I've said have made other Talossans feel unsafe, attacked or defensive. I invite anyone who has that reaction to speak up, now. The point that I'm making is that partisan temperatures in Talossa are currently so high that relatively innocuous comments are driving people to renounce. This is not safe for anyone. We all have a role to play in turning down the heat.

For those unfamiliar, the spoons analogy is a common way for the disability community to describe their capacity to deal with events and decisions on a day-to-day basis. The basic idea is that you have a certain number of spoons each day, and everything you do costs you a spoon. And so sometimes you have to choose what can happen in a day, because you only have so many spoons. It's a very useful analogy so a lot of people have adopted it.

I definitely agree that we need to lower partisan tensions. I regret that my poor phrasing led to this. I tried to apologize as quickly as I could, to hopefully give him time to reconsider, but, yes, things are too tense in this situation. I know coalition negotiations are ongoing, but we should make efforts along these lines even if that doesn't work out.