Events

Otto stood at his balcony overlooking the city. Athens had come a long way in the past few years rising from a practical ruin to a rising city. Yet while the city itself had moved forward its people still cried out for more from his government. He sighed to himself, he could not say he did not somewhat understand, the Greek people had been used and abused for so long by the Turks, and now when free his old ministers had done similar. It was no wonder they wanted their own representation in how things were done. Indeed, Otto was for all his flaws well learned as a king should be, he knew what people in similar situations had done, overthrowing their monarchy in bloody revolts that destroy the nation for years.

He shudders; one would just have to look at the French revolution to see that play out not to long ago. Greece did not deserve that fate, and neither did he if he was totally honest with himself. Yet it seems such an extreme option was not yet being considered by the people, perhaps his actions in curbing the problems had at least been acknowledged by the populous even if they were unhappy still. Though how long this would last is any man’s guess. Something would have to be done he knew. 

The thought made Otto laugh, God if his former hated minister Armansperg was here Otto knew he would hate the very idea. Otto himself was mixed, for he was their king and thus ultimately the true power in Greece should reside with him, so that he might in turn better the lives of those under him. But in such thinking was it truly so strange that those he ruled have even a minor say in how things were done? As king he can just decide otherwise can he not? Had his friends in the British not shown the strength of such a system?

Yet this could perhaps help him in other ways than just calming the people. Otto knew that his own nobility and much of the established parties did not support him. Oh of course they did up front but none of the parties were ‘his’ so to say. They all supported one agenda or another, usually of different great powers, and none were in his camp. Of course if he did this then some of the landowners would be angered, but it would gain him the loyalty of many of the now enfranchised Greeks. Yes perhaps this is the way afterall…

With that the decision was made. King Otto Von  Wittelsbach decreed that the people would be allowed to vote for their government. Of course, it was restricted based on wealth of the individual as per the wishes of the upper class, but the deed was done and the Greek people rejoiced at finally being listened to. The fact that it was the king himself that pushed the change through earned him much endearment of the people, perhaps his monarchy was not doomed afterall. As for Otto well if this goes well he may just decide to take the idea further, and if not oh well he has already gained much from it to begin with.