Imperial Consul
Overview
The Imperial Consul is an Imperial title appointed by the Imperial Senate. It was created by the Senate during the Summer 379YE summit, and sparked considerable controversy leading to a clash between the senators and the civil service over the recommendations of the Constitutional Court.
During scrutiny by the Constitutional Court, however, several significant issues were raised. These issues included concerns about the use of the Right of Address, the implicit authority of the title to command other Imperial citizens, and the use of the word "High" in the original title. The Constitutional Court returned the motion creating the title to the Senate with a series of proposed amendments, leading to extensive and energetic debate between the Senators and Magistrate Karkovich. After spirited discussion, the administrative motion suggesting changes to the presentation of the title was accepted by the Senate.
Responsibilities
The Imperial Consul is expected to liaise with Imperial ambassadors and similar positions and report back to the Senate. The Imperial Constitution is clear that authority for negotiation with foreign powers lies with the appointed ambassador- the Consul has no legal right to direct the ambassadors in their work - their role is to liaise with the Imperial ambassadors and help keep the Senate abreast of diplomatic developments.
The Imperial Consul is however responsible for handling diplomatic relations with any foreign and barbarian power with which the Senate has not created a seperate ambassador. The Imperial Constitution grants the power of authority for diplomatic relations to the Imperial Senate - by creating this title, the Senate divests itself of their remaining authority in this area to the Consul. When dealing with such a nation, their responsibilities are similar to those common to an ambassador
Foreign nations have agendas of their own, and may seek to draw the Empire into their intrigues. The existence of the Imperial Consul does not automatically mean that a foreign nation will engage with them - most nations are disinclined to deal extensively with the Empire while there is no embassy. The civil service and the Secretary to the Diplomatic Corps will do their best to appraise such nations of the role of the Imperial Consul.
Limitations
The Imperial Consul represents the Empire in dealings with foreign or barbarian nations only where there is no other title - almost always an Imperial ambassador - with responsibility for doing so. It does not matter if the ambassador is present, or whether the title has been elected - the existence of such a title is sufficient.
Powers
Right of Address
The Imperial Consul has the right to make a Senate address once per summit. This is intended to allow them to present important information for the senators consideration. To make an address, the Consul must inform the Speaker for the Senate of their intention, so that the Speaker can add the address to the agenda for the next Senate session.
Representative of the Empire
The civil service provide support to help an ambassador to speak on behalf of the Empire when dealing with foreign dignitaries from the relevant nation. Formerly, if there was no ambassador, then the Imperial Senate would have to handle such negotiations (a daunting prospect), but henceforth that responsibility will lie with the Consul.
As such, the Imperial Consul has the power to receive a delegation and compose a treaty when dealing with a foreign or barbarian nation where no Imperial ambassador exists. They may also receive a briefing from the civil service about such nations, although the content is likely to be minimal in the absence of an embassy.
Empire to foreign nations.
Appointment
The Imperial Consul is an Imperial position appointed by the Senate. Any Imperial citizen can hold this title, and the consul serves for a year. They can be revoked by the General Assembly and by the Assembly of the Nine.