State Opening of Parliament

This Speech was originally given by the King, in the Storting of Balder, but is reproduced here for all Nations and Friends of Balder

Dear Talman of the Odelsting, President of the Lagting, Members of the Storting, and Citizens of the Realm;

My first announcement today is the appointment of Sarah Bread, as Statsminister, under The Instrument of State and Government Act, with the unanimous support of both Chambers of the Storting. Having served in this position previously earlier this year, as well as in high office elsewhere, she is both qualified and capable to serve the Realm in this position.

The past term has been one of consolidation, and has certainly not been as eventful as the precedent established by in the terms that came before it so far this year. Nonetheless there has been plenty going on. Culturally we have been busy, with a series of events including our participation in CARD during N-Day, The Liberty Gala, the Halloween Weekend, a weekend of Cooking with Lazarus, and the current NS 20th Anniversary Festival. Earlier in the term we also formalised our relations with The League & Concord, through the signing of the Treaty of Savotta and Ribe, followed by a Games Weekend with our new allies!

I'm really proud of what the Realm of Balder has achieved during 2022, with a series of new treaties with new allies whom I have great faith will help to protect and promote our Sovereign interests into the future, accompanied by consolidation and building on our traditional relations to cement our Independent heritage and make sure it is relevant to the future as well. There is no doubt whatsoever in my mind that Balder is positioned better now than it was a year ago, and even better still than it was when I acceded to the throne in 2018. Initially there were some dark days, as the unfortunate destabilising events of my predecessors fate were exploited by those that did not have Balder's best interests at heart, to try to cause further damage and weaken our position. I am pleased to say most of them have lived to regret this, and maybe others will think twice before attempting to exploit such things in the future.

The progress we have made over these past four years is difficult to comprehend so vast is its scope, so thorough its extent. That said, four years is a long time to hold a position such as Delegate of a GCR. Only a handful of individuals have ever served in excess of 1400 days, nevermind dedicated their WA in such roles for over 9 years, and it is a privilege to be counted amongst them. But yet, it is not merely sitting at the helm that counts for anything, it is ones actions - to steer the ship, that serve as the greatest measure of success in this role. Taking a wider perspective, if one is not moving forwards, then in this game, you are moving backwards, and it would be a detriment to all that has been achieved if things were to stagnate from here, due to a lack of time or motivation available from the Crown.

So it is with a heavy heart, but a strong conviction in the abilities and potential that lies before the Realm going forwards, that I announce my intention to retire from my roles as Delegate and King. Under the powers given to me by the Constitution of Balder, in the Instrument of State and Government Act, I hereby open elections for the position of Monarch of the Realm of Balder. Elections will conclude during November, and a new Monarch will be emplaced on the throne on December 1st, and will take power as Delegate some time before Christmastide. I will however continue to serve as the Root Administrative functions of the Discord and Forums for the foreseeable future.

And so I would like to thank everyone else; citizens, residents, and our friends abroad, one last time, for your support, and your contributions to Balder.

Fram!"

North East Somerset

King of Balder