Adolfo Suarez vs Sakai Tadakiyo

King Juan Carlos I appointed Adolfo Suarez as prime minister on July 3, 1976, tasked with leading Spain's transition to democracy. Suarez, a former Francoist official, surprised many by pushing for democratic reforms against the wishes of hardline conservatives.

Suarez's government drafted the Political Reform Act, which was approved by the Francoist Cortes in November 1976 and ratified by referendum in December. This law dismantled the Francoist political system and paved the way for democratic elections.

Suarez legalized the Spanish Communist Party (PCE) on April 9, 1977, a key step in the democratic transition. This decision faced strong opposition from the military and conservative sectors, but Suarez's gamble allowed the PCE to participate in the 1977 elections.

Suarez led the Union of the Democratic Centre (UCD) to victory in the June 15, 1977 general election, the first free elections since 1936. His party won a plurality of seats, allowing him to form a government and continue the democratic transition.

Suarez's government facilitated the drafting of the Spanish Constitution of 1978 by a cross-party committee. The constitution was approved by referendum on December 6, 1978, establishing a parliamentary monarchy and democratic rights, and remains in force today.

Suarez resigned as prime minister on January 29, 1981, citing internal party divisions and political pressure. His resignation triggered a political crisis that culminated in the failed 23-F coup attempt on February 23, 1981.

Following the catastrophic Great Fire of Meireki that destroyed much of Edo, Tadakiyo oversaw reconstruction efforts including urban planning reforms. The fire led to the redesign of Edo with wider streets and firebreaks, shaping the city's modern layout.

Sakai Tadakiyo was appointed as tairo (great elder), the highest advisory position in the Tokugawa shogunate under Shogun Tokugawa Ietsuna. This made him the de facto ruler of Japan during Ietsuna's minority and weak rule.

As tairo, Tadakiyo centralized power in his own hands, controlling appointments, foreign policy, and domestic affairs. He sidelined other senior councilors and ruled through a network of loyal officials, maintaining stability but concentrating authority.

Upon Shogun Ietsuna's death, Tadakiyo attempted to install a candidate from the imperial family as the next shogun but was outmaneuvered by rivals who supported Tokugawa Tsunayoshi. He was forced to retire, ending his dominance.