This press message was released by the Government of the Free Commonwealth of New Endralon.
President's speech
I am very pleased to be here today and I am grateful for the invitation to speak to you here at the National Assembly.
Today we are rich country but it was not always so. Free Endralon used to be one of the remotest and poorest countries in region. Having a foundation built on democracy, good governance has made it possible for us to become one of the most competitive countries in the world.
Welfare and competitiveness are not mutually exclusive. I firmly believe in the so-called New Endralon welfare state model. It combines the dynamism of the market economy with strong sense of responsibility and social well-being by private sector.
Our economy has made exceptional progress since the severe recession we faced in the past years under socialism. Those were not easy times and we had to make difficult decisions to come out from the situation. For years now, our economic performance has been strong and the economic growth is estimated to continue at a fast pace.
This year, the number of people in employment will most likely already exceed 65 per cent of the working-age population. The number of unemployed persons is decreasing and the unemployment rate is expected to drop to 6 per cent. According to the economic forecasts, the positive trend will continue in future.
Our system is based on the principle that we must help people to survive over the bad times and help them find new jobs. At present, we enjoy a favourable economic situation and new jobs are emerging, which makes it easier for people to find new opportunities.
New Endralon's decision to agree a liberal economy model was a logical step in a long process. The decision was both political and economic. We wanted to be a full member in a group of countries with which we share the same values and objectives of fair capitalism.
This gave naturally our businesses new important opportunities and it had a positive impact on our economic development.
Fellow citizens, fellow colleagues
Elections are an important component in a democracy. About three and half year ago today, we were in the midst of a presidential election campaign, which brought up a number of important social issues and challenges. The essential message from you was that the President must take an active role in the debate on matters in our society. I have taken this to heart and have endeavoured to put it into practice.
I would like to thank you for the confidence you placed in me in the election and for the support you have given me in the past years. I would like to thank all the other candidates and their supporters too. The high level of activity during the elections gave it great social significance.
Now we are facing a choice again.
I strongly urge all citizens to take an active role. By asking the candidates about things that concern you, you make important issues out of them and you get to know the candidates in the process. Every vote counts. Make use of your right to vote.
Thank you.Signed,
the Government of the Free Commonwealth of New Endralon
