Abdelaziz Belkhadem vs Leonid Kuchma

Abdelaziz Belkhadem was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs by President Abdelaziz Bouteflika in 2005. He played a key role in Algerian diplomacy, including mediating in the Mali conflict and strengthening ties with the African Union.

Belkhadem became Secretary-General of the FLN, Algeria's ruling party, in 2005. He led the party during a period of internal divisions and declining popularity, overseeing its support for Bouteflika's policies.

Belkhadem was appointed Prime Minister of Algeria in May 2006, serving until 2008. His tenure focused on economic reforms and implementing the national reconciliation policy aimed at ending the aftermath of the civil war.

Kuchma won the presidential election, defeating incumbent Leonid Kravchuk. He campaigned on closer ties with Russia and economic reform. His victory marked a shift in Ukrainian politics toward a more pro-Russian orientation.

Kuchma signed the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, and Partnership with Russia, which recognized Ukraine's borders and sovereignty. The treaty also addressed the status of the Black Sea Fleet and Crimea.

Journalist Georgiy Gongadze was murdered, and leaked audio recordings allegedly implicated Kuchma in ordering his abduction. The scandal, known as the Cassette Scandal, led to mass protests and damaged Kuchma's legitimacy.

Kuchma's presidency ended amid the Orange Revolution, a series of protests against the rigged 2004 presidential election that favored Viktor Yanukovych. Kuchma attempted to mediate but ultimately handed power to Viktor Yushchenko.