USSR 1991

Page 219

"Citizens of East Germany, do you still want to live this life of anger and powerlessness?"

"Do you still want a group of lazy moths to devour everything from the German people?"

"Do you want your future in the hands of a government you don't trust?"

Krenz used three questions in a row, causing some passers-by to stop.Others didn't know what Krenz wanted to express, but they could clearly feel that this would be an unusual speech.

Krenz suddenly raised his voice, and he excitedly said to the audience, "Today, we stand here! Standing on the land of the Germans! Standing on Berlin, the land watered with the blood and dignity of our ancestors Behind me is the statue of Andre Corleone! He is a freedom fighter recognized all over the world! He is the light that guides the progress of human civilization!"

"In front of me stood the people of a country. After experiencing the surprise of the German merger in 1989, I couldn't see any joy on your faces. After the merger that declared Germany's victory ended, It turns out that the pride of the East German people is gone! Those refugees who floated over from the Mediterranean Sea ride on the necks of the East German people to do their best. They trample on our dignity at will, the dignity of the most noble nation on the European continent! Tell me Me, do you choose to be a freedom fighter like Benjamin Martin, or a slave?"

"Freedom Fighter!"

Finally, someone in the audience began to respond to Krenz's speech, and the number of people watching Krenz's speech began to increase, because he mentioned two issues that the East German people are most concerned about, the endless refugee crisis, and Long-term economic imbalances.And these two issues are also the ones that most stir up public sentiment.

"Yes, freedom fighters. You may say: Mr. Krenz, I need a level playing field. Yes. You are right, equality is too important. But I want to tell you. This There is one thing in the world that is more important than life, and that is freedom! That is dignity! The dignity of Germany! Tell me, why those refugees without any review can swagger to share our welfare, why don’t they go to other countries Go, but chose Germany? Because they think we are weak and can be bullied! We do admit the mistakes of the war, but we must not lose the Prussian iron spirit."

Krenz waved his hand, and the majestic posture as the leader of the country began to slowly return, "Look who is around us? A group of idiots fooled by human rights organizations, traitors of the German people! They put a group of slobs , murderers, and potential terrorists are all included in our country, if we don’t continue to stop this kind of behavior, Germany will end sooner or later, and Germany will not be our Germanic Germany, but the religious country of the Arabs.”

"I don't know how many German people my cry can wake up, but I stand up to protect my country, the East German people I once loved, and Germany will never perish."

After saying the last sentence, the dense crowd in the audience burst into thunderous applause. Under Krenz's provocative speech, there seemed to be some kind of fanaticism and longing in those long-silent eyes.

Chapter 491 Brexit

The events in Germany were further fermented according to Yanayev's plan. Krenz incited the people in East Germany to resist the policies of the Federal Government of Germany, while Merkel secretly assisted Krenz, using his political privileges to serve the "people" Opinion leaders" incited the masses to give the green light, and at the same time used the power of the government to help him clear some obstacles, so that Krenz could better become the leader of the East German people.

While the situation in Germany is developing in the direction planned by Yanayev, the UK has also entered the final voting stage of the referendum on leaving the EU.The whole of Europe is watching every move of the British people, including Yanayev.He is waiting for the final result tomorrow. Whether the UK chooses to leave the European Union will change the situation in Europe to a large extent, and there will even be a series of changes in the foreign policies of Western European countries.Therefore, in the case of the EU encountering an international economic crisis, the British's drastic action may become the last straw to weaken the EU's recovery.

The UK and the EU have been at odds since the European Community period. As early as 1960, the UK applied to join the European Economic Community, the predecessor of the EU, but was rejected by French President Charles de Gaulle.Because he believes that Britain has been practicing a "glorious isolation" policy, Britain cannot be regarded as an ally of Europe.

When the time came in 1973, British Prime Minister Heath restarted the negotiations on joining the European Community and became a member.But in 1975, British Prime Minister Wilson held a referendum, and the result was that the United Kingdom was decided to remain in the European Community.

Next year, British Prime Minister Tony Blair plans to join the use of the single European currency, the euro, but was blocked by then Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown.However, this matter may never have a chance to be realized because of John Major's move.

Prime Minister John Major recently submitted a motion on the referendum to the House of Commons of the United Kingdom, and will hold a referendum on leaving the European Union in the near future.This can also be regarded as Britain's retaliation against the European Union's desperate retaliation, leaving the big pit of Europe with both advantages and disadvantages.

"Now the UK can issue its own independent currency, which is conducive to maintaining its export competitiveness and has an independent fiscal policy. But it makes it difficult for it to really join the affairs of the European continent. Especially during the critical period of the European debt crisis, due to There are obvious differences in various interests, and this traditional power is gradually losing its status and right to participate in the EU." Ryzhkov said when analyzing the recent situation in the UK to Yanayev.

"Moreover, there are 'Eurosceptics' within the British Conservative Party. Not only that, they also believe that the policies within the EU have a negative effect on the EU, and some future policy trends may also damage the interests of the UK. The spread of the economic crisis has not only made the UK The rapid ferment of European suspicion has also accelerated the pace of Brexit. On the other hand, the policies facing the EU in recent years, on the surface, are for the development of the European economy, but in fact they are aimed at the British economy. I think the UK should also Seeing clearly what kind of actions the EU is taking, that's why we are vacillating between leaving the EU and staying in the EU."

John Major also realized that the European Union was trying to weaken the competitiveness of the United Kingdom with the integrated economy, but for the United Kingdom, they did not belong to the European continent, so they didn't care much about the irreversible accidents after leaving the European economy.On the contrary, the recent EU situation made them realize that it is time to make up their minds.

Ryzhkov continued, "Correspondingly, people in other EU countries are increasingly dissatisfied with the unreliability of the United Kingdom, believing that the United Kingdom, as a member of the European Union, has been passive in the process of integrating into the European Union and has been playing a role of dragging its feet. , it not only vetoed the euro, did not participate in the EU's crisis rescue plan, did not contribute to alleviating the crisis, but also opposed all financial regulatory policies. Therefore, the UK's exit is a good thing for the development of the EU. Even smaller. Mutual trust between the two sides has fallen to a historical low. This is why France and Germany are indifferent to the threat of Brexit.”

"Polls show that the support of the British Workers' Party has slumped, and John Major's Brexit referendum speech may help him regain some of the votes that flowed to the independent party that supports Brexit. Cameron also hopes to use this as a bargaining chip. The EU negotiated to obtain more favorable membership conditions for the UK, with the intention of getting a bigger share of the EU. But it seems that Prime Minister Major’s wishful thinking was in vain, and the EU’s move is really surprising.”

"Tomorrow is the day of their referendum, and I am really looking forward to the unexpected ending at the end."

A thick layer of ice had formed on the Volga River. Yanayev stood by the river, looking at the mother river of Russia with some regret.Ryzhkov next to him was wearing a thick windbreaker, and he was always unable to withstand the ravages of time when he was a freshman.

"It's hard to say." Ryzhkov held his hand on the railing by the river, and took a mouthful of hot air, but it quickly dissipated in the cold winter air.He turned his head and said to Yanayev, "Whether you stay in the EU or leave the EU, doing so means that the EU has gains and losses. Losing an economy with constant friction, maybe it can develop better?"

The sky began to dim, and the street lamps by the river sequentially emitted a dim yellow and warm light, illuminating the dark and narrow embankment.

Yanayev said to himself, "But for us, Britain's departure from the European Union is the best outcome. Prime Minister Major miscalculated the time. If he proposes a referendum one step earlier or one step later, it will not be worse than The next event will be bad." Yanayev remained optimistic about Britain's departure from the European Union.

"What does that mean?" asked Ryzhkov.

Yanayev's face was half hidden in the shadows, with only a rough outline showing. He turned his head and said to Ryzhkov, "Because of Scotland, such a major move to leave the EU will inevitably have an impact on Scotland. Don't forget Losing the North Sea oil field is in the hands of the Scots, and losing the big family of the European Union, what kind of embarrassing situation will Scotland face?"

"But wouldn't this be the same as cutting off the Scots' independence?" Ryzhkov said that he didn't know the Scots very well.

Yanayev corrected Ryzhkov's statement, "It didn't cut off their retreat, but stimulated the ambition of the Scots to be independent. How many years have passed since Scotland shouted independence, especially when the economy is getting worse every year? There will be calls for independence from time to time, and now that the economy is bad and political turmoil, the Scots will never be reconciled if they don’t make trouble at this time. Once the flames of Prometheus for Scotland’s independence are ignited, Great Britain will fall from the European powers A second-rate country in Europe."

After a long silence, Ryzhkov asked, "So will they let it go?"

At night, the wind on the Volga River began to become cold. Just like Europe now, it is facing a terrible mess due to the economic downturn. Leaders of all countries are thinking about the way out.Except for the Soviet Union, almost all major countries in Europe are struggling to find a way out of the economic downturn.

"Certainly not."

Yanayev replied very positively to Ryzhkov, "If the referendum alone can solve the problem, Ireland will not launch a war of independence in 1919, and the British Parliament will not send troops to suppress it by force."

The independence of Ireland came at a very delicate point in time. At that time, the First World War had just ended and the great powers were preparing for an agreement to carve up the world. The impact of the war on the economy was beyond doubt, and one of the Irish independence movements The underlying incentives are also economic.

If you look back at this period of history, you will be surprised that the development is very similar to the current situation in the UK.

Yanayev continued, "If the two moves of Britain and Germany are done well, then there will be a very exciting political change, and this change has only one result, that is, at least two of the major Western European countries will be in the same position. Collapsed in this turmoil. Now there are a few guys waiting for something to happen in Europe to share their victory."

Ryzhkov asked, "Is it like us back then?"

"Yeah, they'll treat them the same way we did back then, poor fellow."

Yanayev was right to give up the line of fighting for hegemony. The Soviet Union's current policy of maintaining a comprehensive defense has prevented the United States from finding loopholes in offense, and it has also reduced their funding for European countries.At the very least, he saw that the current Western European countries have become unfamiliar white-eyed wolves.

"Now we just have to wait quietly for the result of the referendum."

Chapter 492 Historic moment

The Brexit referendum vote has entered the final counting stage, and almost all the leaders of European countries closely related to it have gathered in front of the TV to wait for the final result.For example, the German Chancellor has asked the press secretary to prepare two completely different press releases, one for Britain's departure from the European Union and the other for the failure of the EU referendum.Germany is well prepared for this.

French President Chirac is discussing with Juppe about a series of political and financial tsunami after the UK leaves the European Union, and Juppe predicts that the first day of Britain's departure from the EU may trigger a bloodbath in European stock markets.

"I have summarized the situation of the UK's departure from the European Union here. First of all, the stock index has plummeted. The European economy, which has been sluggish for a long time due to the economic crisis, may lead to a new round of shocks. This shock will spread to the world. All European economies. Maybe S&P and Fitch Ratings will lower the UK’s sovereign rating. And it may lead to a decline in the wealth of most European rich people.”

"The British have also worked hard in the EU for so many years. I dare not say that they have accumulated a large amount of capital, but they also have a certain foundation. This time they chose to leave the EU so rashly. In fact, they are the ones who have suffered the most." Jupe said. Chirac said that for the EU, what is actually lost is only an ally, while what the UK loses may be their future.Taking the future as a dangerous bet, Chirac didn't know what Prime Minister Major was thinking.If it is said that the United Kingdom has left behind, but there is no politician in France who can analyze where the United Kingdom's "foresight" lies.

"So what can we do now?" Prime Minister Chirac asked.

"Wait, now we can only wait. After the referendum in the UK is over, we will definitely develop in the future. But this must change the outcome of the entire EU." Juppe said pessimistically. However, he is worried that after the UK leaves the EU, it will trigger a series of waves of Brexit, which will deal a huge blow to the European Community they created.

He even suspects that the UK intends to jump out of this box and set up a new branch, just like the French "Mediterranean circle", but the latter is at most creating a small group within the EU, and Jupp is not sure whether the UK has Get other people to fight against the idea.

It is possible that the European Union will split and become a broken Europe with its own small groups.

Thinking of this, Zhu Pei shuddered a little. He would rather believe that he was thinking too much than go any further.After all, everything can happen before the result appears.

"It has entered the final stage of counting votes, and now the counting of votes has entered the final stage. Some experts pointed out that 90% of the British economy has nothing to do with trade with the EU, but it is still constrained by EU regulations. Getting rid of the EU will make the UK a lot Small and medium-sized enterprises are not subject to EU rules and regulations, and employment opportunities may increase as a result."

The reporter’s speech on the TV did not move Yanayev’s emotions. He only said one side of leaving the EU, but covered up the other negative side. The loss of EU membership made it difficult for the UK to rely on the EU in Europe If it plays an important role in international and world affairs, then its international status and influence will be greatly reduced.Then in terms of trade, the UK and Europe have always been closely related, and half of the trade volume comes from other European countries.If the towering tree of the EU is separated from the EU, the trade relationship between the UK and Europe will be affected, and even London's status as an international financial center and a safe haven for funds will be affected. If a large amount of investment is withdrawn from the UK, the economic outlook may further deteriorate.Major financial institutions in the UK have issued warnings, pointing out that Britain's attempt to renegotiate its relationship with the EU may constitute an uncertain prospect and harm the interests of the business community.

Without influence in Brussels, Berlin and Paris, the UK would be even more shunned by Washington and sidelined on a host of transnational issues such as the environment, security and trade.The United States wants Britain to stay in the EU and continue to be a tool to manipulate the EU for him. Once it leaves the EU, the UK may become an isolated country.

"John Major's move is as stupid as Gorbachev's move to abandon the leadership of the ruling party and adopt a multi-party system. Didn't he realize that doing so would probably separate Britain from Europe Outside? Of course I thought that the UK was going to infiltrate the EU to implement its continental balance policy, but I never thought that I would voluntarily give up my position and jump outside."

Yanayev looked at his watch. It was three o'clock in the afternoon, which meant that the final counting of votes in the UK was about to be completed, and the blockbuster would shock the whole of Europe.

"Comrade Ryzhkov, has the UK been closer to any country in terms of economy and trade recently?" Yanayev turned to the people around him and asked.