Empire Rising: Spain-Chapter 59 - 58: The Five-Year Plan

Carlo prepared a grand celebration banquet for Serrano and others as well, though the specifications were not as extravagant.

Although there was a variety of delicacies, most of them were from Spain, with only a few Italian dishes mixed in.

The wine was from Carlo’s private vineyard, emphasizing a self-sufficient approach.

Many nobles attended the banquet. To show his appreciation for Serrano and others, Carlo specifically invited several Spanish Grand Dukes and Dukes, including Duke Jacopo, to lend presence.

After the cheerful celebration banquet ended, the main event became the ennoblement ceremony in July.

Since this was the first ennoblement during Carlo’s reign, the Spanish Government was quite attentive, especially as the Prime Minister and Secretary of State for War were among those to be ennobled, leaving the officials with no room for any neglect.

In contrast to the officials’ hurried preparations, Carlo and the two protagonists of the ceremony were quite relaxed.

Upon hearing of the assassination attempt on Prime Minister Prim, Serrano was initially shocked, then relieved upon seeing Prime Minister Prim unharmed.

Serrano also understood that Prim was quite crucial to Spain at the moment. Only Prim could push for the reform, and his importance greatly surpassed his own.

"Has the mastermind been found?" Duke Serrano inquired.

The mastermind behind this is not just attempting to assassinate Prime Minister Prim, but trying to destroy Spain’s future. As countries worldwide grow stronger, if Spain does not swiftly follow the trend by promoting revolution and accelerating industrial and economic development, the gap with major powers will continue to widen.

"Not yet, but I believe there will be results soon." Prim said with some helplessness.

Though a large amount of land and nearly 8 million Pesseta were extorted from the Church, being plotted against in such a manner felt unpleasant.

If the mastermind behind the assassination attempt is discovered, Prime Minister Prim would not hesitate to send them to meet their maker.

"So what is your plan going forward? Continue pushing for reform?" Serrano asked curiously.

"Of course." Prim nodded and replied, "Spain is terribly behind in every aspect, we must seize time for reform.

At the same time, we need substantial investments in industries, agriculture, healthcare, education, and more, including building railways and roads.

Goodness, I don’t even know how long the government’s finances can sustain this, it’s a mammoth gap."

If only one industry were to be developed individually, the burden on Spain wouldn’t be that heavy. But in Prim’s plan, he intends to develop industries, agriculture, education, healthcare, and transportation all at once, which requires unimaginable financial pressure.

"Prime Minister, I think we need to devise a detailed plan." Carlo spoke up, interrupting, "Simultaneously laying out so many industries is a huge burden on our finances, possibly even unbearable.

Although we could secure funds through foreign loans, this method not only comes with high interest rates but also some conditions.

If possible, I hope we can break down the tasks of reform and construction into phases, completing them stage by stage."

"Your Majesty, could you elaborate?" Prim became interested, his curious gaze fixed on Carlo.

"Just a personal thought," Carlo smiled and said, "For instance, we could set a five-year term as a timeline to create a five-year development plan.

During these five years, we can set a small goal for each industry, aiming to achieve it within five years.

Perhaps single small goals are insufficient to bring grand achievements for Spain, but gradually, they can have a significant impact on Spain.

Perhaps one five-year plan won’t complete the reform for Spain, but two or even three five-year plans will bring about some new changes for Spain.

As long as we invest time and effort to fulfill the five-year plan, perhaps after two or three five-year plans, Spain will return to the ranks of major powers, which isn’t that our goal for reform?"

Neither in the development of other European countries nor in Prim’s reform plans is there such a concept as a multi-year plan.

It’s quite simple. The terms of the cabinets across European countries vary, and the chosen policy strategies can differ significantly.

For example, Prime Minister Bismarck held office for decades. But the tenure for prime ministers in the United Kingdom and Italy is much shorter, with some even less than a year.

In such circumstances, formulating a five-year development plan is difficult, as the cabinet ministers might change several times before the plan is completed.

With constant high-level government changes, which government would adhere to an initially formulated development plan?

Yet such circumstances can be avoided in Spain. Based on the prestige of Prim and Serrano, controlling the majority seats in the Spanish Parliament is easily achievable.

Even Carlo cannot affect them; as long as they wish, they can remain in their high positions indefinitely.

In such a situation, a five-year development plan has no impact on Prim. Because five years later, the Spanish Prime Minister will still be Prim, unless unexpected incidents like an assassination occurs during this time.

This also eliminates another reason hindering the birth of a five-year plan, which is the current government fearing the next government would steal their thunder.

Since it’s hard to ensure one stays in the Prime Minister’s position for five years, European politicians rarely formulate long-term development plans.

Otherwise, their hard-earned development plan might likely be made a gift for others, with the achievements enjoyed by the next government. 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

"Brilliant, Your Majesty, a perfect proposal." Prim’s interest was thoroughly piqued, smiling at Carlo, "I still need to discuss the specifics of the five-year plan with the government, but the general idea indeed suits Spain now.

Once the details of the first five-year plan are determined, I will submit the plan for your review, Your Majesty."

Prim did not insist on developing all industries simultaneously, which relieved Carlo.

If Prim was too radical, wanting to complete all reforms in a short time, Carlo would truly be unsure of how to stop Prim.

The outcome of radical reform usually isn’t good, and overly hasty and unprepared reform often fails to deliver positive results.