A/N: Written for fma_cya over on livejournal, for the beautifully broad prompt "Future story, how far in the future is up to the author. All I ask is that Roy and Riza are together. Maybe a little action/adventure if you'd like. Author's choice if they're both in the military still or if someone has retired". This is a prequel to my story Homecoming, but since it is essentially canon-compliant, you needn't have read that to follow this. It takes place seven years after the Promised Day (and five years before Homecoming).
As always, copious thanks to mebh, who makes everything I write better.
DEMOCRACY!
May 8th, 1922
CENTRAL CITY- Amestris changed forever today as Fuhrer Grumman made the announcement that he intends to end the absolute authority of the Fuhrer's office. "During times of war, Amestris needed the firm hand of the Fuhrer to guide her," Grumman said to a crowd outside the Fuhrer's Palace this morning. "But today, Amestris is at peace. It is time to return control of the government to her people."
Fuhrer Grumman declared that the office of the Fuhrer will remain, but most civil matters will be turned over to Parliament. In addition, he announced the creation of a civil police force, to replace the military police in most functions. Training of the police force will begin later this year, and he expects to be able to turn police functions over to them by the end of 1923.
The Fuhrer also announced that special elections will be held at the end of the year to choose a new Prime Minister and new representatives in most districts. "As the role of Parliament changes, we must make decisions about who is best suited to take up those new responsibilities," he declared.
Sources in the Fuhrer's office say that this is a decision that has been coming ever since the attempted coup in 1915 and the assassination of Fuhrer Bradley. According to an unnamed staffer, "Fuhrer Grumman has wanted to return Amestris to a democracy since the beginning, but he's waited to try to ensure a smooth and peaceful transition."
Not everyone is pleased with the decision, however. Sources inside Central HQ say that many high-ranking members of the military disagree with the Fuhrer, although for now they seem content to do it privately.