The continuous introduction of new Italian technologies and machines shows the good situation of the booming Italian economy.
Some economists once asserted that if Italy continues to develop like this, it will surpass France within ten years and become the third largest economy in Europe.
However, for Prime Minister Cruz, who has just left the palace, Italy's booming economy is no longer the focus of the next stage.
Because the matter the king wanted to discuss with him today was too important, it made him feel uneasy.
Because today, the king informed him that he plans to spend 40% of Italy's fiscal revenue on the military. Having been prime minister for so long, Cruz certainly knows what spending 40% of Italy's revenue on the military means.
Although the arms race among various countries is currently in full swing, its highest military expenditure is only 36.7% of Germany's. And Germany has to compete with France in the army and compete with the United Kingdom in the navy to reach this level. As for other countries,
It will only be lower than Germany.
In the past, Italy's military expenditure accounted for about 30% of fiscal revenue, but now it suddenly rises to 40%. How can the government accept this?
This is also the reason why Carlo approached Cruz. If he wanted to get the government to agree, Carlo's pressure as a monarch alone would not be enough. He needed to convince them. And Carlo's method of dealing with it was very simple, that is, to convince the prime minister, and then let the prime minister do it.
Talk to the heads of various government departments.
Of course, how to talk about it depends on the Prime Minister's ability.
For Cruz to accept this challenge, in addition to his responsibilities as prime minister, there is also a way out for Italy itself.
Regardless of whether the Italian economy is currently flourishing or not, this is just a first-mover advantage. Countries have responded and have begun to support their own companies in shipbuilding, automobile manufacturing, petrochemical and other industries. According to government surveys, Italy is currently in these industries
The proportion of strong industries has been slowly decreasing. As the scale of these industries continues to grow, it seems that Italy's exports are still strong. However, it is not without worries. The biggest worry at present is Italy's largest overseas market, and an outbreak in the Far East.
A revolution.
The nationalists of the great country in the Far East raised the flag against the Manchus, the ruling class, in a city called Wuchang.
However, due to conflicts with Yuan Xiangcheng, an old friend of Italy, the top leaders of the government failed to send troops in time, which plunged the entire south into an uprising. The chaotic situation in the Far East seriously affected Italy's local interests. After more than 20 years of hard work,
, Italy’s annual trade with it has reached 800 million lire.
This also resulted in the trade between Italy and the Far Eastern countries shrinking by 50% of the same period in the past two months after the uprising broke out. This affected many traders and factories, and was quite unfavorable news for the Italian economy.
Previously, his government had made a mysterious operation, asking whether it could hire Italian troops to quell the rebellion. This was obviously a decision made by his noble group out of frustration after the conflict with Yuan Xiangcheng was not going well.
This request was directly rejected by the ambassador to the Far East. If Italy was involved, wouldn't this destroy the image it has maintained in the Far East for many years?
Since there are so many uncertainties in the Italian economy, the most important thing next is to find a market for Italy.
That's right, it's about finding a market. At present, because of Europe's early development and the gathering of major countries, the market has long been divided. It is not easy for Italy to move a small piece, and it may even trigger a war. Currently, it is relatively
The only area that is easy to get started is the Balkan Peninsula which was previously occupied by the Ottomans.
However, although this place is easy to get started, there are many people watching. The Austrians and Russians are the two countries that care most about it. It is very difficult for Italy to intervene.
Europe is difficult, so we can look at the world. Currently, the North American market is the most dynamic, but this is the territory of the United States. Even the powerful British Empire can only rely on Canada for scraps.
In South America, that is the sphere of influence of Britain, the United States and France. Italy can only rely on its good relationship with Argentina to share the water. If it wants to expand its scale, it will definitely be suppressed by the three countries. (As an aside, in history, the first war against the United States
The biggest effect is to drive the British and French forces out of the Americas, making the entire America the back garden of the United States, so the United States does not get nothing)
It's impossible in America, so how about changing to another place.
Africa?
A very good raw material base, forget about the market. If the black uncles in Africa want to become a market, it will take at least a hundred years of cultivation.
Asia is currently dominated by Britain and France. It is a gift from God that Italy can open up a large market in the Far East.
So looking at it, if Italy wants to win new markets, it must compete for it from other countries. Or it can break the current pattern and give Italy an opportunity to take advantage of it. Germany, which is also a rising star, is also planning for this, so Germany
It is Italy's best ally now, at least for now.
This is also the reason why Italy is very satisfied with the Triple Alliance.
Now Italy wants more markets to meet the needs of its own people.
You must know that the population of Italy is now 14 million more than in history, which is the result of Italy's rapid economic growth in recent years. These additional Italians who have grown up need work or land to support themselves and their families.
However, the cultivated land in Italy is not enough, and the land capacity captured in North Africa and the Balkans is not large. It can only vigorously develop industry to accommodate the larger population. And the goods produced by industry cannot be consumed in Italy at all, and more markets are needed to accommodate it.
Just fine.
Otherwise, there will be no outlet for goods and people will be unemployed on a large scale. When these people without income break out, it will definitely be a big bomb that can blow Carlo and the Italian government to pieces.
Therefore, for the sake of own safety and the safety of the Kingdom of Italy, we must find ways to seize the market, and force is also considered.
Since it wants to seize the market, Italy needs to show greater strength in the upcoming war. After all, in this era, strong fists have more say.
However, Italy has no extra accumulation, so it must explode with greater power than others. Therefore, it is definitely not suitable for Italy to follow the step-by-step approach like other countries, and it needs to prepare in advance.
Therefore, raising military spending to a higher level has become an inevitable option for Italy. Since it is going to end, it must be prepared in advance.
Of course, if you want to seize the market, you also need to be strategic. For Italy, there is still a trump card that can be used, and that is the Roman Empire.
As long as you have an understanding of European history, you will know that the Roman Empire had a great influence on European countries. Although it has been dead for so long, basically every country with ambitions will use it as their own sign.
Italy is definitely the most suitable successor to the Roman Empire. After all, Rome is the capital of the kingdom.
The slogan of restoring the glory of ancient Rome will definitely make most Italians proud.
For example, Prime Minister Cruz's National Socialist Party relies on this to become bigger and stronger.
So for this prime minister, when Carlo proposed that increased military spending be used to restore the glory of the Roman Empire and make Italy greater, he could only choose to accept it.
After all, this is also the unanimous pursuit of the National Socialist Party, and it is impossible for him, the party leader, to go against the will of the entire party.
Now that he has accepted the king's philosophy, Cruz needs to consider how to achieve his goal next.
After pondering for a long time in the car, Cruz said, "I'll call Zarger, Caleb, Andri... and tell them to come to my house for a party tonight and they have something important to discuss."
The names mentioned by Cruz are all ministers belonging to the National Socialist Party in the cabinet. Priority should be given to negotiating with ministers within the National Socialist Party before negotiating with other ministers.
After all, this requires cutting off the budgets of many departments, and this kind of thing is not easy at all.
