Alexander Van der Bellen vs Maximilien Sully

Alexander Van der Bellen was elected President of Austria on December 4, 2016, in a runoff election against Norbert Hofer of the Freedom Party. He won 53.8% of the vote, becoming the first president from the Green Party.

As president, Van der Bellen swore in Sebastian Kurz as Chancellor on December 18, 2017, despite concerns about the coalition with the Freedom Party. He emphasized the importance of democratic values and European integration.

Van der Bellen was re-elected for a second term on October 9, 2022, winning 56.7% of the vote in the first round. His victory was seen as a reaffirmation of centrist and pro-European values against far-right challengers.

Sully was appointed Superintendent of Finances by Henry IV. He implemented reforms to reduce corruption, increase revenue, and pay off the royal debt, restoring France's financial stability after the Wars of Religion.

Sully introduced the Paulette, an annual tax that allowed officeholders to bequeath their positions. This stabilized royal finances and created a hereditary bureaucracy, but also entrenched venality of office.

Sully oversaw the construction of the Canal de Briare, linking the Loire and Seine rivers. This canal facilitated trade and transport, boosting the French economy and serving as a model for future canal projects.

Sully published his memoirs, the Royal Economies, detailing his financial reforms and service under Henry IV. The work became a key source for understanding French state-building in the early 17th century.