THE ULD ANNOUNCES THEIR MINISTERIAL CANDIDATES; THERE ARE A FEW SURPRISES
Vespa-Baldassare announced the candidates for his potential third cabinet.As per ULD tradition, Vespa-Baldassare convoked a congress of the ruling party to announce the new ministerial candidates, that would take their seats if the ULD would enter the next Government. However, unlike the last time, the possible members of the next candidate ended up being pretty big surprises.
However, let's start with the beginning. The congress was held in Trivendito, regarded as a ULD stronghold, in the largest city of the region, Triesta. In the usual Liberal Democratic fashion, it was a show, as it was opened by a... firework show, and a clip of President Lepera warming up the members from a chair in the Presidential Palace, explaining his absence, saying that he had "too much to do", but that he'll watch the show live and chat with others viewing the transmission (which he did).
However, the first proper speech was given by the 74-year-old Phineas Abercrombie, one of two living past leaders of the party. He mostly congratulated Vespa-Baldassare (who was present on the stage with him) and his ministers, while complaining about the other parties. He also said that he wants his grandson (Anastasio Balotelli) to work harder as the Deputy Leader, while also congratulating him on his progress.
He was followed up by the party leader himself, who announced that the party will support Lepera for a third term, while announcing his ministerial candidates, which are as follows:
The candidate for Foreign Affairs
Adriano Manfrin, the Deputy Chairperson of the ULD (overall leader in parliament), business specialist, economist, one of the party Vice-Chairs (not the first one), ex Vice-Prime minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, and ULD representative on the meetings of the international groups to which it belongs.
The candidate for Internal Affairs
Grimaldo Simonette, a relative newcomer, ex-member of the youth wing and current minister of Science and Technology, Simonette studied administration at the Triestran university, and headed the party structures in the city before becoming the Youth Wing leader and later, minister.
The candidate for Finance
Mauro Petralia, the long-term minister of Finance and current Deputy Prime Minister will have a chance to sit for a third term, if this proposition is to hold up.
The candidate for Defence
Imraan al-Din, the current minister of Defence and ex-Minister of Foreign Affairs is set to retain his position, if this is to be true. Apparently most of the party backs him.
The candidate for Justice
Thamra al-Odeh, the candidate for this position for the third time in a row. She is the current party president.
The candidate for Infrastructure and Transport
Antero Reale, the leader of the structures of the party in Padagna, once a university professor, and ex-mayor of Genevia.
The candidate for Health and Social Services
Qhizma Nassar, the current president of the Chamber of Deputies, once party Deputies Leader, professionally a doctor.
The candidate for Education and Culture
Editta Lionetti regains her nomination, after losing it last time. She is currently an MP and one of the party's Vice-Chairperson.
The candidate for Science and Technology
Islam Shamon-Baz: Manfrin's right-hand man and student, Shamon-Baz also currently serves as a delegate and MP from Romula.
The candidate for Food and Agriculture
Diana Falanga; the mayor of Ulbia, ULD vice-leader in her region. Also, an e-leader of the party's youth wing.
The candidate for Environment and Tourism
Carmen Din Asa, the only nominated senator, she is a vice-whip in the higher chamber.
The candidate for Trade and Industry
Faust Adriani, Mario Zanussi's nephew, the party's finance speaker and vice-minister of finance.
Balotelli, unlike expected, did not become the candidate for the minister of DefenceThe cabinet itself seems very professional and fitting, built out off specialists. However, the candidates thmeselves, as the lack of some, seem peculiar and spark interest;
Simonette as the Candidate for Minister of Internal Affairs, Manfrin as the candidate for minister of Foreign Affairs seems out of place, as most suspected that al-Din would be the candidate, while he retains his position as minister of Defence, which brings up the biggest topic; the lack of Balotelli, Gani and Mascara-Santi among the candidates. Balotelli was expected to take al-Din's position as Minister of Defence (he served in the army, worked in arms-producing companies, plus his position in the party itself), Gani was seen as a possible candidate for Environment and Tourism, as alongside his position as the party's Vice-Chairperson, he also serves as the leader of the parliamentary Environment commission. Mascara-Santi was expected to become the candidate for Trade and Industry, which she didn't become. However, many speculate that that may be due to her recent pregnancy (however, it would most likely end before the possible cabinet would be voted in).
Many speculated that Vespa-Baldassare's daughter culd possibly take the sit of Minister of Education and Culture, which did't happen.
Instead, Balotelli, who had the speech after Vespa-Baldassare, announced that he will accompany the president in his foreign visits, while also announcing that he'll try to "follow in his grandfather's footsteps", which provoked whispers in the party's leadership itself.
However, as it seems unlikely that any party will rule singlehandedly, which includes the ULD, it would be difficult for Vespa-Baldassare to bring all the candidates to their supposed positions.
