Whether the military was willing or not, Austria's disarmament resolution had been finalized. The government's focus shifted from military affairs to local development.
More importantly, compulsory education remained the key national policy. To mobilize the bureaucrats' enthusiasm, Franz decided to adopt an evaluation system.
That was to say: the results of compulsory education would be tied to officials' promotions.
At its core, this was still about promoting the Austrian language. After all, the purpose of this compulsory education was not so simple; it was mainly intended to unify language and culture, laying the foundation for national integration.
"Have the assets purchased from the Church been tallied yet?" Franz asked with concern.
Finance Minister Karl replied, "Your Majesty, they are still being counted. Many of these assets are intricately entangled and difficult to evaluate.
"Preliminary figures show approximately 4.78 million hectares of land, including farmland, forestland, and pasture; 386 mines of various sizes, including deposits of gold, silver, copper, iron, coal, and other minerals; as well as real estate such as shops, residences..."
Franz nodded. These assets truly were difficult to value. Cash, antiques, paintings, and calligraphy had long since been divided up and emptied out by the clergy.
Even if any artworks remained, they would be kept inside churches, and the Austrian government could hardly go in and take them.
Quite a few of these properties had become the private assets of certain clergymen, but under pressure from the Austrian government, they had been forced to hand them over.
They had no choice in the matter. Real estate could not be hidden; if they refused to surrender it, they would be sent to the Papal States to serve as death squads.
"Take your time assessing the value of these assets. First estimate their annual income. About how much is it?"