With the elections for the new Minister for Magic coming up in May, we took the opportunity to interview Minister Shacklebolt. Fortunately, he was able to grant us a little of his time to shed some light on recent events and what is yet to come. We were saddened by the fact that the New Year's Gala was post-poned due to a fire break-out at the Ministry of Magic, but our Minister assures us a big event will take its place in due time. So no need to cry over newly acquired (and expensive) dress robes, because your investment was not lost! Minister Shacklebolt explains.
"I'm sure there are quite some rumours going around about the candidates to fill my position, but I feel this is neither the time or the place to reveal their identies. Yet. We will grant them the opportunity to prepare themselves and their campaigns a little more, before turning the spotlight to them.
I understand that this may be unusual, but everything I've changed during my own years as Minister of Magic has been a little unusual - in Wizarding terms. But I felt our community had become stuck in its narrow-minded, rusty habits and opinions, thus there was the need for change.
For one, we will try and communicate more openly with Britain's Wizarding population. This was - and still is - my biggest goal. In the past, the public was often kept in the dark for too long. It's wrong to decide for them what they can and cannot know. They deserve to know what is going on.
Speaking of open communication, I will officially state that the fire within the Ministry is still under investigation. Therefore, I am not exactly allowed to divulge any further information - as is always the case with ongoing investigations - but I will say that our best people are working towards clear answers. As soon as we know more, we will inform the public.
The New Year's Gala is not exactly cancelled, but will simply be held on Saturday, February 14th and - of course - be renamed as the Valentine's Gala. We are currently negotiating a new location and organisation, but the wizards and witches of Britain should not be concerned; you will receive the details within the next week, along with a personal invitation via owl post.
At this event, the Ministry will also introduce the new candidates running for Minister for Magic. They will have the opportunity to introduce themselves and their ideas to the general public. Attendees may have the chance to talk to them personally as the evening progresses.
Naturally, there will be live music and an open bar. It's bound to be a successfull evening for everyone!"