Josef Matsson

Matsson in 2074

### Relatives

Frederik (Father), Elsa (Mother)Two Daughters, Karin and TanyaThree Grandchildren, Reuben and Laila (Through Karin) and Viktor (Through Tanya)

## Biographical information

### Place of death

Göteborg, Sweden (Now Götaland)

Josef Matsson was a British-Swedish politician, known for being the first Commissioner of Nordica. He served as commissioner between 2038 and 2082. He played a key role in establishing The Realm, and defined Nordica's geopolitical identity.

> **"He was a visionary, an architect who built a nation from the rubble of the old World."** - Kaia Halverson at the Centenary of Nordica.
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## Early life

Josef Matsson was born to Middle Income Swedish Parents, in **Sheffield, United Kingdom**, on the 1st November 2002. His father, Frederik Matsson (1974-2056) and mother Elsa Matsson, nee Hult (1973-2061) were both initially from Göteborg, Sweden, though moved to Sheffield in 1994, with Frederik taking a job with steel forging group Forgemasters, through his connections with Göteborg based SKF. His mother, meanwhile, worked as an accountant, and was particularly popular with European expats. It would be through her that they would meet Klaus Oberhauser, father of **Jurgen Oberhauser**, later Wolfgang Von Stuttgart, shortly after they moved to the city. Josef would be brought up with both Swedish and English, though due to schooling in the UK, was more fluent in the latter.

### Education

Josef was publicly schooled, showing interest in a number of subjects, especially Geography, History, and Politics. Although at this point not having started his A-Levels, he had intentions to study Geopolitics at the University of Sheffield, until the family left the city when he was 16, resulting from financial difficulties Forgemasters were enduring at this time. Moving to their home town of Göteborg, Sweden, with his father finding a job at SKF, Josef was enrolled instead in a Gymnasium in the city. He went on to study Geopolitics at **Stockholm University**, taking a four year course, although he spent much of his first and second years outside of the University, due to Coronavirus lockdowns. It was here that Josef met fellow swede Britta Weivers, who he would eventually marry. He graduated aged 21, in 2024.

## Political Career

After graduation, Matsson took on a formal apprenticeship to the Swedish ambassador to the United Kingdom. This uniquely afforded him the ability to move between the two countries, something many could not do, owing to the turbulent situation in The UK at the time, though there was a limit on the frequency of such trips. He quickly adapted to this lifestyle and became recognised for his work, however the ambassador would resign shortly afterwards, resulting from the distance with their family. This forced Josef to consider his options, especially as he became closer with Britta, as well as placing his apprenticeship in jeopardy, though he would eventually be retained by their successor. Matsson would continue to work at the embassy after his formal apprenticeship ended and would take over the role in 2034, aged 31. He would only serve for two years, however, as when Nordica unified in 2036, the diplomatic missions of Sweden were merged with those of the other Nordic Council nations, resulting in him being displaced by the more experienced Finnish Ambassador. As a result, Matsson applied for the role of Commissioner, and was one of the few that were selected for the final vote. He began campaigning for the role, and was elected the first Commissioner of Nordica in April 2038.

## Commission Years

Matsson's inauguration was largely successful, and he quickly became accustomed to the new role. His most notable early acts were surrounding the Realm of Nordica, expanding and later codifying the Realm program, as well as admitting a few states in Africa into the group. Though not initially his idea, he played a significant role in the establishment of its many institutions, to the extent that some even forgot the program existed before he became Commissioner.

Matsson also played an influential role as the political climate in Europe drastically shifted with the creation of GUASS and Anglo-Germany in the 2030s. At this time, Nordica existed in the orbit of the United States, as a continuation of it's pre-union alliances, but as that country pulled away from European matters, it became increasingly obvious to Matsson that the USA was a power in decline, especially as their interventions in Japan fell apart. He began to realise the US might not, and probably could not properly intervene on their behalf. Their failed intervention in the French Civil War was ultimately the final straw, and though it drew some fairly significant criticism, he would steer Nordica away from America's influence, opting instead for closer ties with the states that had formed on the continent. Matsson sought particularly close ties with the former Anglo-Germany, now **Neo-Europe**, lead by Wolfgang Von Stuttgart, at which he was aided by their own connections, given the two had known each other growing up. Not wanting to be completely subservient to Nordica's new allies though, he began to persuade former American allied states, such as Malaysia, The Philippines, and India to join the Realm, although the latter refused.

As the Wars of Liberation concluded, the three emergent powers of Neo-Europe, GUISS, and The Realm of Nordica had carved up most of the world between their spheres of influence, though this brought increased strain on all of the powers, but especially Nordica, leaving it's Realm disorganised, with a confusing overlap between the roles of **Protectorates** and **Colonies**, one which was made clear by the admission of Karelia into the Realm as a protectorate in 2053. Programs were put in place to fast track the formerly GUISS held region into Nordica by the next round of elections in 2056, which highlighted that Colonies were not as equally revered as Protectorates and casting their futures into doubt. This sparked protests in Colonies across West Africa and America, that Matsson solved only by promising increased spending in their regions by Nordica. Around this time, tensions were also starting to mount in the East, where **Russian and Belarussian minorities** were more heavily present, though largely lacked representation, which in combination with the increased spending elsewhere left Nordica uniquely vulnerable. Though initially starting in GUISS, the Anarchist Crisis spread into Nordica, particularly affecting Sudriland, where much of the minority groups were concentrated, but also a number of other states. This quickly escalated from Protests, to terrorism, and then a full scale insurrection occupying parts of four states. The Nordican Civil War, as it would come to be known, placed Matsson's Commission into jeopardy, as he failed to gain the support of Neo-Europe, who were also dealing with the crisis. That, in conjunction with his failings in meetings with both NUF and Belarusian spokespeople, in order to negotiate an end to the conflict, led to a **vote of no confidence**, which he narrowly won. Matsson would find help from within the Realm, bought with more concessions, to end the occupation of it's east. Furthermore, Matsson negotiated a peace deal with the Belarussians, which would see Belarus admitted as an Autonomous Region. The formation of The Anti-Anarchist League between them and GUISS later in the year would help to cut down interaction between the Anarchists across borders, isolating the different factions from each other. This left the NUF out of options, and it was ultimately defeated. Matsson was present at the signing of the **Treaty of Luleå**, which ended the war, disbanding the NUF.

Post war, Matsson began to consolidate Nordica's holdings, admitting former protectorates in America into the country. He would begin to reorganise the Realm, allowing the Autonomous regions of **Malaya**, **Java**, and **Myanmar** to unify, forming Indomalaya in 2065. This calmed much of the tensions between Nordica and it's Realm, showing what can become of a nation under it's program, outlining the system that future Federations would follow in their unions. Now with a stabilised Realm, he would begin to expand, peacefully bringing in parts of Southeast Asia, placing them in Indomalaya's orbit, and admitting large parts of Latin America, which finalised it's status as the third Superstate.

With the Realm secured, Matsson began to look towards his retirement and he began a search for a successor, establishing a scholarship program to train new recruits in preparation for potentially becoming the next Commissioner of Nordica. Though finding many potential candidates, he gravitated towards the Norwegian, Kaia Halverson, believing her to be the best option for the country going forwards. He began to personally train Kaia to become his successor, and gave her an official backing in 2076. Matsson would resign on his 80th birthday, the 1st of November 2082.

## Post-Commission

Following his resignation, he would periodically advise his successor, helping to keep the still relatively inexperienced Commissioner from making a mistake detrimental to her career, or to the nation as a whole. He was one of a number invited to the funeral of Wolfgang Von-Stuttgart in 2088, which he attended alongside his successor. Matsson retired from all government duties in 2089, feeling he had been adequately replaced.

After his retirement, he returned to Göteborg, travelling frequently to his birth country. He reached 100 in 2102, receiving significant celebration.

He would die of a heart attack, aged 108, on the 8th May 2111.

## Personal Life

### Family

Matsson met the Swede, **Britta Weivers** in 2022, while at university in Goteborg, whom he dated on and off during this time. They started dating full time in 2026, and became engaged in 2030. The following year, Britta gave birth to their first daughter, **Karin**, who took her mother's surname. Josef and Britta eventually married in 2032, with Britta taking on her husband's surname, though their daughter's was unchanged. The pair had a second child, **Tanya** in 2036, who thusly inherited the Matsson name. Josef and Britta would remain married until her death from cancer in 2084, following a diagnosis several years back. Following this, Matsson would remain close with his two daughters until his own death in 2111.

Matsson's eldest daughter, Karin, would become a lecturer at **Stockholm University** in Criminology and Forensics. While she was a junior lecturer, she would help to tutor Kaia Halverson, and it was around this time that Matsson first became aware of her. Karin would marry **Lars Exner** in 2072, having two children, **Reuben** (born 2074) and **Laila** (born 2076). Karin retired from lecturing in 2096. Matsson would retain a close relationship with her, speaking almost daily, though she was somewhat jealous of the closer bond her father had with younger sister, Tanya.

Matsson's Younger daughter, Tanya, became a renowned racing driver, winning **6 Formula one world championships**, as well as winning **Le Mans on two occasions**. During her height as an F1 driver, (between 2062 and 2066), she was rumoured to be courting **Prince Otto** of Neo-Europe, due to his frequent appearances at race events, and their families' connections. This was later confirmed to be true in her Autobiography. However, a few years afterwards, she would begin dating her ex-teammate **Warren Pieterson**. Tanya would become comatosed for over four years following a crash in 2071 at Spa, when she collided with backmarker **Julian de Rais** during the race. She would come round in 2075, going on to have one child, **Viktor**, with Warren in 2078. It was through Viktor that Josef first became a great-grandparent, with Viktor having a child of his own in 2106. Tanya had a very close bond with her father, who would bankroll much of her junior racing career, and frequent many of her race events, wherever possible. He was devastated by her crash, and requested daily updates on her condition as a part of his briefings. He would support her through her forced retirement from sport, helping wherever he could to get her back on her feet financially.

### Friends

Having attended the same school in Sheffield, Matsson was relatively good friends with the first emperor of Neo-Europe, Wolfgang Von Stuttgart, then Jurgen Oberhauser. The two remained in contact with each other until 2026, with Matsson becoming more preoccupied by his relationship with Britta. Contact was resumed in 2036, when Matsson announced he would run for Commissioner of Nordica, which drew Wolfgang's attention. With the establishment of Neo-Europe, their personal history helped to foster good diplomatic ties, especially in the late 2040s. It is ultimately a result of their own personal friendship that their two countries were so intertwined across their history.

Matsson found an unexpected acquaintance in his successor, Kaia Halverson, who he felt he had a very strong connection with, treating her almost as an adoptive daughter (sometimes theorised to be a result of grief from temporarily losing Tanya to a coma). Though initially referred to Matsson by his eldest daughter, the two would not actually meet until she became a part of his scholarship program. In the following months, she would quickly become his favourite candidate, to the point he offered her direct tutelage, something he had not initially planned to do. As a result, they would only become closer, with Josef officially nominating her as his successor in 2076. Despite this, they were known to have a few major disagreements, mostly political. Regardless, the two were very close, both within and outside of their roles.

## Legacy

Matsson defined many of the roles and expectations of a commissioner, both in their ceremonial and diplomatic functions, as well as their generally apolitical stance. His tenure is seen as something to be replicated, with the next five commissioners following his model. To this end, when future commissioners Halverson, Lund, and Truelson resigned, they chose the date of his resignation. At the time, he was a very respectable, if not slightly controversial political figure, however, to modern eyes, more of his policies have been questioned, with many being seen as ethnically motivated. His biggest controversy at the time, initial criteria for statehood including a 'percent Nordic' requirement, has become key to interpreting his views on The Realm of Nordica, with people describing it as a Neo-Colonial empire. Some historians have previously attributed this, and some of his more radical decisions to pressure from close friend, Wolfgang, who likewise passed similar policies without resistance in his native Neo-Europe, though there are also numerous occasions where Matsson would resist pressure to implement these ideas, citing his people's more left leaning tendencies. Though this is not as commonly held an interpretation in the present, as much of the reasoning behind this comes from secondary accounts, mostly from the time of the second and third commissions, trying to clean up their image. Primary sources seem to suggest that Matsson, though less extreme than Wolfgang, pursued these policies entirely of his own accord. And while he believed he was and should be accountable to his people, he also largely pursued policies without proper input from them, believing that if they truly disagreed with his decisions, the people would pressure their Representative of State to use their right to a vote of no-confidence to remove him.

Matsson became a topic of contention again with the discovery of the Fellowship of the Radiants due to Wolfgang's confirmed involvement. People initially believed that due to the close working relationship, and similar attitudes of Josef and Wolfgang, that he was likely also a member of the group. Multiple investigations were carried out, though no connection was ever found between him and the group. Despite this, there are conspiracy theories that claim he was either a founder, or member of the group, with the most outlandish alleging he orchestrated the crash that comatosed his daughter, intending to kill her - though this has been extensively disproven. In reality, it is highly unlikely he ever even knew of its existence, and even if he did, his ideals were pretty distant from that of the secret society.

Upon his resignation from the role of Commissioner, he would donate his Stockholm residence to Kaia Halverson, establishing it's future role as residence of the Commissioner, which would continue until 2269, when it was replaced by a dedicated building in Azura, Bruniland, upon the foundation of the Atlantic Confederation. It would briefly return to use in 2287, following the **Siege of Azura**.

## Quotes

Speech made around the American stance on the French Civil War, 26/6/2040:

> "The American Age has ended, and it is time for us to find a new path. If we tie ourselves, and our futures to them, then a slow decay is all we can expect."
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A statement made in response to the announcement of a vote of no confidence, 18/10/2056:

> "If the people of Nordica truly feel I am doing a bad job in representing them, then it is their right to vote me out. I serve them, not the other way around - I am no emperor."
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Transcript from a phone call with Neo-European emperor Wolfgang Von Stuttgart, following his criticism of the Anti-Anarchist League, 12/4/2057:

> "I would sign a pact with the devil himself if it would save my people. My responsibility is to them and them alone, and I will not stand by as they are raped, tortured and murdered by these anarchists. If The Anti-Anarchist League is just that, then I will have done my duty."
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Excerpts from a particularly controversial interview surrounding the policy of state admission, 5/2/2062:

> "Nordica is a nation of Nordic people. I do not want to needlessly dilute its identity by admission of Colonies of the Realm."
> "I am not creating an ethnostate because Nordican is not an ethnicity. By its very nature, it is a collection of people groups."
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Part of a briefing to candidates for his successor, 25/8/2073:

> "It is not for a Commissioner to involve themselves in policy. We are unelected - our involvement would be tantamount to a dictatorship."
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