WesWorld

Nordmark’s announced interest in purchasing the passenger liner Victoria Luise has stirred an unexpected amount of controversy in Germany. Politicians on both the left and the right have voiced their opposition to any kind of deal, but for different reasons.

Ernst Ludwig, a member of the Kommunistiche Partei Deutschlands said, “We are adamantly opposed to any action that would help the Nordmark elite and their money-grubbing lackeys. Their own actions have put them in this predicament. Why should the people of Germany help them out of it?”

Meanwhile, Wolfgang Meyer, with the Deutschnationale Volkspartei, also opposes a deal, for somewhat different reasons. “Nordmark and Germany have always been rivals; we have fought on many occasions, and they are one of the nations that imposed the humiliating Versailles Treaty upon us. Why should we now help them out?”

Despite this, there are some who think that selling Victoria Luise would be a good thing. Max Mueller, a union leader in Cuxhaven, spoke to this reporter via telephone. “There’s a reason that the Allies didn’t claim Deutschland - sorry, the Victoria Luise - and that’s because she’s a lemon. If HAPAG sells her, they can replace her with new construction, and that would put much needed money in the pockets of my colleagues.”

In the midst of this storm of controversy, Chancellor Joseph Wirth stated, “Although the Government is not entirely comfortable with a sale of this nature, we have no legitimate reason to interfere with it. This is a private matter between HAPAG and Nordmark.” The statement drew jeers and boos from the Reichstag, in a rare showing of left and right-wing unity on any issue.

For its part, HAPAG has said little publically, other than stating, “HAPAG is interested in examining the potential for a transaction with the Government of Nordmark, and is committed to an outcome in the best interests of the company, its employees, and its shareholders.”