Brandin Defends Govt in Parliament, Spars With Vincent_Wolff

In his most powerful performance as President yet, Brandin defended his government's record and plans before the Parliament today and angrily fought Vincent_Wolff, whom he accused of carrying out a "slanderous assault on character".

"I'm not going to entertain you today because Parliament is for government business, not personal feelings" said the President in response to the DNP leader's accusation that his government has failed due to his supposed laziness and incompetence. "We're here in this session to pass bills and create a better Demarcia, not to find the next sound bite for the news."

The DNP leader then accused the President of having no agenda for the people of this country, of having announced no policies, and of being out of touch with the Demarcian public. The DNP leader asked him why he is even seeking re-election. At one point, the Speaker even interrupted the DNP leader, stating that it didn't sound like she was asking a question.

The President once again responded angrily and defensively.

"Mr. Speaker, the reason it didn't sound like a question is because it wasn't one" he said, "It was once again the opposition's failure to control emotions - which is why they are not in power, and I am."

In her response, the DNP leader proceeded to repeat her earlier statements word-by-word and faced accusations of sounding like a "robot".

Vincent_Wolff then asked the President how he feels about "the fact that half his party appears to be deserting him" and asked if he does not see that "socialism is dead and pretty much discarded for good". Finally, Brandin gave a definitive answer that will mark his presidency.

"This is the last time addressing if you don't have any tangible questions. I have a country to run" he declared. "Demarcia struggles with citizenship. That is no surprise. Step outside of make believe and there are only six of us active, of those six, all [of them were] President. We have a problem. And with the Bureau of Citizenship and Public Engagement, we plan to combat that with results being more citizens, more parties, more participation in debates and elections, to see this country thrive. Hence why you supported my bill to create the Bureau."

The President then added, "So in terms of my lacking policies, and my failed attempt at forming a government, with the pieces I have, I think we're doing a damn good job. We've found the source of the problem, and now we're correcting the source"

The President then issued a slightly emotional, personal appeal to Vincent_Wolff, reaching his hand out to work for the common good.

"As you can see, plain as day, our numbers aren't there. We couldn't even pass the bill today, because of lack of engagement. So help me. Don't hinder me. Because as President, I am Demarcia. And when I succeed, Demarcia succeeds"

President Brandin's comments were met with an applause and standing ovation from Penstubal, now the leader of Action 2022, who then proceeded to give the President his respect for the speech he had given before the dispatch box. It is also noted that Penstubal approached him following the session and told him he had done a "brilliant job" and "defended [himself] strongly".

Today was quite a ferocious clash between two heavyweights in Demarcian politics. While Vincent_Wolff has demonstrated once again her capability to strike at the heart and soul of the country's leaders, no matter who it is, the incumbent President defended himself in ways that pundits failed to anticipate.

After this evening's performance, the President's support surely will hold firm and confidence in his leadership will skyrocket.

Laura Cooper,

Demarcian Inquirer.