Support The Wine Industry
"Your Excellency, your request will be implemented," Banning said respectfully.
"I hope you can all accomplish something in the Kingdom," Constantine bid farewell to the two men earnestly.
As the steamship gradually disappeared from view, Constantine stood at the pier, his gaze fixed on the horizon for a prolonged moment.
"Your Excellency, it's time for us to go back," Schmidt reminded.
Turning around, Constantine boarded the carriage, and the convoy slowly traversed the city streets.
Arriving at the Prime Minister's residence, Constantine entered the office of Prime Minister Terry Kupis.
"Mr. Prime Minister, I'm here this time to discuss with you the issue of compulsory education in Greece," Constantine stated straightforwardly.
Trikupis rose from his desk and guided Constantine to a seat.
"Does it require the cooperation of Parliament?" inquired Prime Minister Terry Kupis from his place on the reception sofa.
"Yes, as you are aware, almost all European countries have implemented a compulsory education system in recent years," Constantine began. "We, Greece, cannot afford to lag behind."
The roots of the compulsory education system traced back to Prussia, and its transformative impact on Germany's military prowess underscored its significance. With Britain and France adopting similar systems, Constantine recognized the imperative for Greece to follow suit.
Given Greece's sparse population, the quality of its populace could not afford to lag behind that of European nations. Constantine, aware of the country's financial constraints, had devised a plan to divert part of the Congo's fiscal revenue to fund compulsory education in Greece.
The implementation of compulsory education, however, faced challenges. While education would be free, convincing parents, especially those in rural areas, of its benefits posed a significant hurdle. Constantine emphasized the need for Parliament to revise the compulsory education law, making it mandatory for school-age children to attend.
"Yes, Your Excellency, I will inform the Council and have them put the amendment to the compulsory education law on the agenda," Trikupis affirmed with satisfaction.
As a reformist within the Greek government, Trikupis's progressive stance aligned with Constantine's vision, fostering a cooperative relationship.
"Additionally, you should address the land issue in Thessaly promptly. The fertile land being used for grazing is too wasteful," Constantine urged.
The exchange of land between the original Thessaly landlord and overseas wealthy businessmen, in return for shares in the Greek Congo head office, had prompted Constantine to relinquish a significant portion of shares.
"Ensure that local farmers gain access to the land swiftly and engage in agricultural production," Constantine instructed.
Trikupis acknowledged Constantine's directives and expressed awareness of the raisin export issue raised by the royal family earlier. Trikupis sought Constantine's opinion on supporting the wine industry in Greece.
Constantine pondered Trikupis's proposal, questioning how the royal family would lend support.
"Can you encourage the royal court to collect and consume more Greek wines?" Trikupis suggested.
Observing Constantine's reaction, Trikupis explained that the plan involved using the royal family's influence to promote Greek wines, especially during official functions and interactions with other European dignitaries. The strategy aimed to enhance the popularity of Greece's domestic wine industry.
Constantine grasped the underlying intent—to leverage the royal family's preference for French wines as a means to promote Greece's wine culture. The plan involved presenting Greek wines as gifts during diplomatic exchanges and cultivating a taste for domestic wines within the royal court.
With a thoughtful nod, Constantine signaled his approval of the initiative, acknowledging the potential impact of such strategic promotion on the perception and consumption of Greek wines both domestically and abroad.