12 February 2023
Today, newly appointed Minister of Corporations Owen Itzen is receiving backlash after denying the registration of a new business in Phillip, citing a minor political disagreement between him and the owner. Itzen was appointed to run the Ministry of Corporations by President Renny only four days ago. After much contemplation on the President's part, they struck a deal allowing Itzen to be Minister. In return, President Renny would receive a leadership role in ten of the companies that Minister Itzen claims to administer. His appointment created a small controversy as many expected him to run the Ministry unfairly and only approve of businesses that supported him and his corporations' interests. This afternoon, he did exactly what was expected and abused his powers to support himself.
On the 11th of February, Minister of Fish & Wildlife Reed Von submitted an application to establish the "Bolston Shipping Corporation". In Minister Von's own words, the purpose of the company is to "solidify the economic backbone of Philip by using planes, trains, boats, and automobiles to ship goods across the nation." It would be the first company of its kind in Phillip, not including the claim to ownership that Minister Itzen's ONSG Inc. has over multiple international shipping companies such as A.P. Møller - Mærsk. Despite the potential economic benefits that could come with the establishment of the business, Minister Itzen denied his application.
According to Minister Von, Minister Itzen had reached out to him earlier this morning to discuss a bill he had written called the "Business Bill Part II". The bill aims to increase the power and rights of corporations in Phillip, even giving them a seat in the National Assembly. It failed to gain support in last Friday's National Assembly session, but he is planning to revise the bill and present it for a second time next session. He approached Von, who is known by politicians in Phillip for not making political promises, looking for support on this bill. He reportedly did not directly state his support or disapproval of the bill. Minister Itzen viewed his response as hesitant and decided to use his powers as the Minister of Corporations to deny Von's application for registering his new company. This decision goes to show how prevalent corruption in Phillip's government has become. It can be assumed this corruption in the Ministry of Corporations on behalf of Itzen will continue until President Renny decides to do something about it. In response to the backlash from this situation, Minister Itzen and Minister Von have both released official statements.
Minister Von's official statement:
"I did not know Mr. Owen has blocked my business. It is obvious that he does not want to promote the good hardworking people of Phillip with economic lives, and he does not care about having good sound infrastructure to support our glorious country. I find it especially shocking that he denied it... I feel Owen’s corruption is too much, and he truly wants to support himself, and not the everyday citizen of Phillip."
Minister Itzen's official statement:
"Aspiring entrepreneurs who oppose Businesses Bill Part II - b’s cooperation between the National Assembly and business owners, humanitarian aid, and regulation shall not be allowed to start a business. Interference with cooperation and the free market will result in failure for your capitalist aspirations."
Phillip Daily subsequently learned that Minister Itzen withheld information regarding Minister Von's actual response to supporting his bill. He wanted the Phillip Daily to refrain from mentioning that Von had not directly stated his position on the bill and participate in "yellow journalism." i.e., change an aspect of the story to misinform the readers.