After every department had delivered its report, Ernst and his subordinates continued discussing some old, familiar issues. With the future direction of development settled, the East African government was not particularly confused in the economic sphere. It simply needed to continue along the development path of the 1890s, steadily advancing the nation's agriculture and industry.
After dealing with economic matters, Ernst finally introduced the key work for 1900. He said, "At present, whether in territory, population, industrial level, or other important indicators, our country meets the standards of a great power. The relocation of East Africa's capital has now basically been completed as well. Therefore, in order to further raise East Africa's political and diplomatic influence, the title of kingdom clearly no longer suits the current reality of our nation. According to the original plan, our political system should also be raised by one level. An empire better matches East Africa's present national strength."
No one present was surprised by Ernst's words. After all, as early as a year ago, during the relocation of the capital, Ernst had already hinted at similar ideas.
Svit said, "Among the world powers at present, aside from Spain, all other monarchies are called empires—the Great British Empire, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Tsarist Russia, the German Empire, and so on. Therefore, I support His Highness the Crown Prince's proposal to elevate East Africa into an empire."
Ernst also said, "Of course, the transition from kingdom to empire will not have much practical impact on East Africa, so there is no need for an overly extravagant or complicated ceremony. The government should draw up a plan and establish a reasonable scope for how this ceremony should be conducted."
Once Ernst had finished speaking, everyone launched into a heated discussion. Ernst had made it sound simple, but this