Ioannis Komnenos stands up.

Senators of the Roman Empire, I wish to state my intention of running for the post of Megas Logothetes once again.

Under my leadership, I propose to return Roman control over all our former lands in the east, with the exception of Jerusalem itself. It is foolish to risk bringing the wrath of Western Christendom down upon our heads, misguided barbarians though they be. The allocation of the new lands will entirely up to those who conquer them, as has formerly been the case.

I also would strengthen our ties with the Kievan Rus. As you are all well aware, my wife is Kievan princess and so that task should not in itself be too difficult.

There have been many concerns that if I were given another term as Megas Logothetes, I would use it to destroy political rivals and feather my own followers nests. I wish to dispel these rumours by promising that I will not declare war upon either the House Asteri or the Order of St. John. Indeed, I have already written to my father asking for reconciliation to be negotiated between Antypatos Ksanthopoulos and myself.

We have expanded very rapidly over the past 15 years, and so after mopping up the last few Fatimid provinces, I will seek to reorganise our frontiers, basing large legions at four strategic centres, namely Tblisi, Aleppo, Sofia, and Corinth. A smaller force may quartered at Alexandria in order to protect Egypt. As you can see, this would enable houses to effectively protect their lands, and remove the burden from the Megas Logothetes from being responsible for the whole defence of the empire.

I also believe that reform is needed in our navy. Currently, we have scattered fleets, all of which are under the command of the Megas Logothetes. Such a concentration of naval power in the hands of one man is dangerous, and therefore I propose this Charter Ammendment.

Charter Amendment 5.1: The Roman Fleet, consisting of 8 ships, is to be stationed at Constantinople under the sole command of the Basileus. The Alexandrian Fleet, consisting of 6 ships, is to be stationed at Alexandria under the command of the Megas Logothetes. Each house containing at least one coastal province has a fleet consisting of 2 ships under the command of the house leader.

Senators, we cannot allow feuds to cause a catastrophic civil war. Let us move forward for the glory of Rome!

Ioannis resumes his seat.