Lex Manilia and Lex Gabinia
Lex Gabinia (67 BC) The proposal that Pompey would have extraordinary proconsular powers to fight pirates in the Mediterranean sea. This was not supported by Cicero as he believed that it gave one person too much power.
Lex Manilia (66BC) The proposal that Pompey should replace Lucullus as the supreme commander against Mithridates. This was supported by Cicero but not by most Optimates members of the senate.
Lex Manilia (66BC) The proposal that Pompey should replace Lucullus as the supreme commander against Mithridates. This was supported by Cicero but not by most Optimates members of the senate.
Opportunism or Principlism?
Cicero's support of Pompey can be seen as opportunsim as it provided Cciero with a military arm; Cicero had never fought so Pompey would have been able to provide Cicero with defence if he needed it in the future. It can again be seen as opportunism as Cicero only supported Pompey after he had proven himself against the pirates but did not support the proposition of Lex Gabinia. It can further be shown as opportunism as Cicero used these proposals to criticise and compare himself to Hortensius and thus developing his ethos (reputation).
However, Cicero's support of Pompey can also be seen as him sticking to his principles. This is shown by Cicero wanting to save the Republic by attempting to get the support of a capable commander who could remove threats to the Republic. Furthermore, it can be seen as principilism as it showed Cicero attempting to work with both the Optimates and Populares, concordia ordinum (harmony between the classes) in order to bring the Republic together.
However, Cicero's support of Pompey can also be seen as him sticking to his principles. This is shown by Cicero wanting to save the Republic by attempting to get the support of a capable commander who could remove threats to the Republic. Furthermore, it can be seen as principilism as it showed Cicero attempting to work with both the Optimates and Populares, concordia ordinum (harmony between the classes) in order to bring the Republic together.