Konev's words, though stopping short of explicitly saying "reckoning," still sent chills down the spines of the corrupt officials.
His methods were legendary. If he truly decided to deal with a corrupt official, even the highest authority couldn't save them.
As the officials grew increasingly nervous, Konev continued, "The decline of the Union is a complex issue, a tangled web of problems. Corruption among the higher ranks, misguided policies, and economic recession have fueled an ever-worsening industrial crisis.
We've hastily established various industries, but without sufficient planning, these endeavors cannot guarantee employment or produce quality products.
Ultimately, this has led to hardship for the people. Unrealistic policies, coupled with existing problems, have accelerated the pace of our decline.
Moreover, our enemies have infiltrated every sector, sowing chaos and discord. Both the government and the people face numerous conflicts. We have strayed further and further down the wrong path.
Many challenges still lie ahead. Though the situation has slightly improved, we are still teetering on the brink of collapse.
However, I want to emphasize that these are not the primary causes. Do you remember the Union's former strength? We had almost ten million soldiers, hundreds of thousands of advanced tanks, and thousands of nuclear warheads. And our vast territory and abundant resources...
But, do you think these were the true sources of our power?
The officials exchanged confused glances. They understood that these factors could win many battles, but they weren't enough to sustain the former glory.
"Comrades, the true source of our strength was the unity of our people," Konev concluded, his gaze sweeping across the room, sharp and piercing. "Back then, everyone, from the lowest ranks to the highest, worked together, pushing forward.
People worked tirelessly to drive national progress. Officials focused on policy and direction. Everyone strived for positive goals, each person fueled by hope.
With that nationwide unity, that fearless spirit, what challenge could have defeated us?
That was the true reason for our strength!"
His words were like a sharp blade, cleaving through the suffocating silence of the conference hall.
"But what about now?"
Konev paused briefly, scanning his audience, a serious glint in his eyes. "What have we become? Our former zeal has vanished. From the bottom to the top, everyone is self-serving, isolated from one another.
The hope of the nation and its people is fading, bit by bit.
With those words, the air in the conference hall grew heavier. The once-powerful Soviet Union, a shining beacon to the world, a pioneer in innovation and technology, had fallen into its current state, ravaged by internal corruption and the steady erosion by Western influence.
The officials, remembering the Union's former glory and their current state, felt a pang of bitter disappointment.
As the mood reached its nadir, Konev's voice boomed, "Though the Soviet Union is in decline, this is temporary!"
Each word echoed with strength. "The territories taken by the breakaway states will be reclaimed, together with those states. The mines, oil fields, factories they sold for pennies will be returned. Our land is still here, our people are still here. The foundation for the Soviet Union's resurgence is intact!"
His impassioned voice reverberated throughout the room, reigniting a flicker of hope in the audience. "To return to the pinnacle of the world, we must correct past mistakes. We must understand that the people are the cornerstone of the nation.
Improving their standard of living is our top priority!"
Konev gestured passionately, his eyes burning with determination. "We must commit ourselves to economic reform, develop policies that align with the Soviet Union's growth, and maintain vigilance, both internally and externally, constantly adapting!"
The officials nodded in unison, understanding that the fate of the nation hinged on this moment. "We need to update our policies, ensuring fairness and impartiality. We cannot close ourselves off. We must learn from other nations, adopt their advanced technology, collaborate with leading businesses, and invest heavily in infrastructure and social welfare."
"The economy is the driving force of progress, and we have made mistakes in this area." His voice suddenly rose, his gaze intense. "From now on, no one will be allowed to pursue short-term gains, selling off our strategic resources like mines and oil fields for paltry sums to other countries!"
"We can learn from other nations, but we will not blindly imitate the Western model," Konev asserted, his voice firm as steel. "Anyone who attempts to create monopolies or engage in corruption within the Soviet Union will be punished severely!
His eyes scanned the room, taking in every official. "As long as I am here, I will not allow these valuable resources to fall under the control of tycoons and high-ranking officials. If these economic resources are manipulated, the Soviet Union will continue its decline!"
"For those officials who engage in corruption, treason, or self-enrichment, the Soviet law enforcement will show no mercy."
Konev's expression was unwavering, his words devoid of compassion.
PS: I've updated the chapter. If you like this chapter, please consider giving it a flower or a vote.