"Questions to the Prime Minister!"
This was the second PMQ for Prime Minister Vangelis Dimitrious, the former Interior Minister who had been thrust into a position of power following the scandal that had brought down the previous United government. They were from the same party, but Vangelis was less of a politician, more of a public administrator. He was obviously good at delving into the details of public policy, helping decide the best options for running the government, making sure that the wheels kept turning.
Still, if news outlets were to be trusted, he was not so skilled as a politician, as a tactical operator who knew how to respond to attacks, how to tackle trick questions, how to not only set policy, but also make sure the environment was right to implement it, and survive to keep fighting for it. Then again, many had defended the Prime Minister. His average approval rating, following his first PMQ, remained high at 62%, which gave him plenty of wiggle room.
"Mr Dimitrious has shown himself to be an open book, honest about his policy priorities, even if they fall into the traps set by the Opposition. Yet, in the aftermath of the largest political scandal in recent years, that may be just what the electorate needs to see their confidence in public officials restored."
She had read that from The Byzantium Herald, a well regarded newspaper, just days ago. It had been colder than many had hoped for, but reasonably balanced. This second PMQ was widely expected as an opportunity to discard Vangelis as "all policy and no politics", or for him to prove his skill as a tactician.
"Aristides Kouvelas"
A Traditionalist, Kouvelas was one of the moderate ones, often voting across party lines in the less prominent bills. He rose, then spoke.
"May the Prime Minister list his engagements for the day?"