Becoming a Russian Oligarch After Rebirth
Chapter 777 Joint Declaration_1

Chapter 777: Chapter 777 Joint Declaration_1

Grezlov made valid points.

He and Wang Ye, who are the party leaders for the first and third factions respectively, are the faction helms too!

If someone was to undermine them, surely there should be some response. Otherwise they would be deemed incompetent.

Grezlov had called Wang Ye over today to discuss and brainstorm on how to respond.

The people who had already left were lost causes and could not be won back.

But for those who remained, they couldn’t continue to be poached, that would be unbearable.

The general election was nearly a year away and it was predictable that Khodorkovsky would utilize this time effectively.

His side would continue to expand their strength, pulling more people into their faction.

Many of the first, second and third faction Duma members haven’t joined them yet as they are still in their terms and might be unwilling to resign voluntarily.

However, when their terms near an end, if the other side promises to fund their re-election bid for the Duma, there might be many who would be tempted.

Perhaps a substantial number of Congressmen might "defect" to the other side.

This was Grezlov’s biggest worry...

"What’s your suggestion?" Wang Ye asked.

Grezlov nodded, waving his hand firmly and said: "We must give those who are tempted a warning! I have no issue with Khodorkovsky. He set up a new faction, and participated in the election, even pulling some people his way, which was all legal. But those who switch sides just to satisfy their personal desires are very objectionable!"

Maybe he genuinely had no issues with Khodorkovsky, or perhaps he was simply avoiding badmouthing Khodorkovsky in front of Wang Ye.

Regardless, Grezlov’s target was the "defectors", not Khodorkovsky, which didn’t bother Wang Ye.

He continued to ask with interest: "So, are you suggesting legal action to cut off these individuals’ retreat?"

Grezlov wasn’t just the faction party leader but also the Duma Speaker and head of the "Force Power" committee, so this was well within his authority.

If two of them could come to an agreement, no one in the Duma could oppose them, hence Wang Ye made this guess.

Grezlov shook his head and said with a smile, "There’s no need for such a grand mobilization. Things aren’t that serious yet. What we need to do now is just send a warning to those who are scheming."

Wang Ye, too tired to guess anymore, spread his hands and asked, "Then just say it, how do you want me to cooperate? If it’s feasible, I have no objections."

He had just declared his position with Gavriil yesterday; if he cooperated with Grezlov to put on a "show" now, the effect would be better, so he naturally had no objections.

"We two, along with the leader of the second faction, will jointly issue a statement in the name of our factions, condemning the new faction for disrupting the normal work of our fractions, causing many Congressmen to be distracted from their work..."

Grezlov elaborated his thoughts and explained them to Wang Ye.

In essence, it involved the three major faction leaders jointly issuing an oral warning!

First, it expressed dissatisfaction with Khodorkovsky’s poaching actions.

Secondly, it signaled to some individuals not to have ulterior motives, as the leaders of the three major factions were now very disgruntled about this issue.

If similar situations were to arise subsequently, they retained the right to take further measures!

As for what measures, that would be discussed at that time.

These could include, but were not limited to, setting legal restrictions, like not being allowed to participate in the next Duma election if they switch factions, or prohibiting them from holding government positions for a certain period!

...

Wang Ye pondered for a moment and felt that Grezlov’s proposal was feasible.

Verbal condemnation, after all, couldn’t cause much harm to Khodorkovsky’s side, and if it really worked and could deter some individuals from defecting, then it would be a good thing.

He sincerely didn’t want Khodorkovsky to stir up any major actions.

If the three of them could thwart Khodorkovsky’s intentions to participate in the general elections through more gentle means, Wang Ye would be willing to play the villain!

He nodded vigorously, and said agreeably, "No problem! I will participate in this. When do we issue the joint statement?"

Grezlov revealed a faint smile, "The Duma Congress is coming up this month. I will draft a statement in advance, and then the two of you can sign it. I will officially read out the statement at the congress."

A Speaker, two Deputy Speakers, all of whom were leaders of the three largest factions in the Duma!

Although this statement was essentially an oral condemnation and did not have legal effect,

it was clear that no one dared to dismiss it lightly!

Because at any time, if they wanted, or if they saw a need, they could easily turn the joint statement into a substantial law or document!

...

A few days later, at the Duma’s monthly meeting,

After discussing some trivial matters according to the regular procedure, the meeting was nearing its end when Grezlov suddenly spoke.

"Honorable Congressmen, after discussion with Deputy Speaker Mikhail and Deputy Chairman Krov,

we issued a joint statement regarding the recent incidents of some Congressmen switching factions

..."

The entire Duma fell silent.

Everyone knew what Grezlov was referring to, and some of them had even been in contact with Khodorkovsky’s side.

For various reasons, they haven’t switched factions yet, but they had their own considerations.

Perhaps they were observing the situation; if Khodorkovsky’s momentum continued to grow, they would immediately defect over there.

Or maybe they were waiting for their term to end, at which point if the current faction did not promise to continue supporting their Duma candidacy or going further, they would turn to Khodorkovsky’s side, since they had a lot of campaign funds...

But now, hearing the announcement of the joint declaration from the three faction leaders read by Grezlov,

many felt a bit unsure in their hearts.

As Grezlov made clear in the statement, the three major factions will not tolerate such incidents from happening again!

And they pointed out that when necessary they will join hands to take corresponding measures to limit the political futures of these individuals,

because these individuals were not loyal to the faction, and were not thinking about the interests of the country and the people, but were engaging in political speculation!

Such people were not worthy of being Duma Congressmen, nor were they fit to be in any public office...