The victory banquet Carlo prepared for Serrano and the other triumphant officials was suitably grand, though not excessively luxurious in scale. While an abundance of delicious food was served, it was predominantly Spanish cuisine, with only a scattering of Italian dishes. The wine flowed freely, sourced exclusively from Carlo's private winery, emphasizing a theme of self-sufficiency.
Many nobles also attended the banquet. To show the importance he placed on meritorious officials like Serrano, Carlo specifically invited several Spanish Grand Dukes and Dukes, including Duke Jacopo, to lend prestige to the occasion.
After the cheerful victory banquet concluded, the main event became the investiture ceremony in July.
As this was the first time Carlo had granted titles since his reign began, the Spanish government attached great importance to it. Especially since the Prime Minister and the Minister of War were also being ennobled this time, government officials dared not show the slightest slackness.
In stark contrast to the bustling officials, Carlo and the two central figures of the ceremony, Prim and Serrano, found themselves in a surprisingly relaxed state.
Serrano, upon learning of the assassination attempt on Prime Minister Prim, was initially aghast. However, seeing the unharmed Prime Minister quickly brought a wave of relief. Serrano understood the critical role Prim played in Spain's present circumstances. Only Prim possessed the influence and drive to push through essential reforms; his importance far outstripped his own.
"Have the culprits behind this been found?" Duke Serrano inquired.
The culprits behind this weren't just trying to assassinate Prime Minister Prim; they wanted to destroy Spain's future. As countries around the world grew increasingly powerful if Spain didn't keep up with the trend, push for revolution, and accelerate industrial and economic development, the gap between it and the great powers would only widen.
"Not yet, but I believe there will be results soon," Prim said with a touch of helplessness.
Although he had extorted a large amount of land and nearly 8 million pesetas from the church, the feeling of being plotted against was not pleasant.
If he found out who was behind this assassination attempt, Prime Minister Prim wouldn't mind sending them to meet their maker.
"So what are your plans next? To continue pushing for reform?" Serrano asked curiously.
"Of course." Prim nodded and replied, "Spain is too poor in all aspects; we must seize the time to carry out reforms.
At the same time, significant investment is needed in industry, agriculture, healthcare, education, and other areas, including the construction of railways and roads.
Good heavens, I don't even know how long the government's finances can last; this is simply a huge hole."
If it were just building one industry individually, the burden on Spain wouldn't be so great. But in Prim's plan, he wanted to develop industries, agriculture, education, healthcare, and transportation simultaneously, and the financial pressure required was unimaginable.
"Prime Minister, I think we must formulate a detailed plan," Carlo interrupted at this point. "If we develop so many industries simultaneously, it will be a huge burden on our finances, perhaps even unbearable.
Although we can also obtain funds through foreign loans, this method not only has high interest but also comes with some attached conditions.
If possible, I hope we can subdivide the tasks of reform and construction into phases and complete them one phase at a time."
"Your Majesty, could you elaborate?" Prim's interest was piqued at this moment, and he stared intently at Carlo with curious eyes.
"It's just a personal idea of mine," Carlo said with a smile. "For example, we can set a five-year period and formulate a five-year development plan.
Within these five years, we can set small goals for various industries and then take five years to achieve them.
Perhaps individual small goals are not enough to bring about massive results for Spain, but accumulating small gains can also have a huge impact on Spain.
Perhaps one five-year plan cannot complete Spain's reforms, but two or even three five-year plans will certainly bring about some new changes in Spain.
As long as we invest time and effort to complete the five-year plan, perhaps after two or three five-year plans, Spain will return to the ranks of the great powers. Isn't this the goal of our reforms?"
Neither in the development of other European countries nor in Prim's reform plans was there such a concept as a multi-year plan.
The reason was also simple. The terms of office for cabinets in European countries varied, and there were also significant differences in policy choices.
Prime Ministers like Bismarck served for decades. But if it were the Prime Ministers of Britain and Italy, their terms would be much shorter, some even less than a year.
In such circumstances, formulating a five-year development plan was too difficult. This was because the development plan might not even be completed before the cabinet ministers had been replaced batch after batch.
With constant changes in the top levels of government, which government would adhere to the development plan formulated at the outset?
However, this situation could be avoided in Spain. Given the prestige of Prim and Serrano, controlling the majority of seats in the Spanish parliament was easily achievable.
Not even Carlo could influence them; as long as they wished, they could remain in high positions.
In such circumstances, a five-year development plan had no impact on Prim. This was because the Prime Minister of Spain five years later would still be Prim, unless some accident occurred during this period, such as an assassination.
This also eliminated another reason that affected the creation of five-year plans, which was the current government worrying about the next government taking credit.
Because it was difficult to guarantee staying in the position of Prime Minister for a full five years, European politicians rarely formulated long-term development plans.
Otherwise, the development plan they worked so hard to promote could very likely benefit others, with the results being enjoyed by the next government.
"Excellent, Your Majesty, a truly perfect suggestion." Prim's interest was fully piqued, and he said to Carlo with a smile, "I still need to discuss the specific five-year plan with the government, but the general idea is indeed suitable for Spain at the moment.
Once the detailed content of the first five-year plan is finalized, I will submit the plan to you, Your Majesty."
Prim was not fixated on developing all industries simultaneously, which made Carlo breathe a sigh of relief.
If Prim had been too radical and wanted to complete all reforms in a short period, then Carlo really wouldn't have known how to stop Prim.
Radical reforms usually don't end well, and reforms that are too hasty and unprepared often don't have good results.
------------------------------
Please support my work and gain access to 15 advanced chapters at p@treon.com/Dannycifer.