Bettino Craxi vs Didier Burkhalter

Craxi became the first socialist Prime Minister of Italy in August 1983, leading a five-party coalition government. His premiership marked a shift in Italian politics, with the Socialist Party gaining prominence over the Communist Party.

Craxi's government lasted from August 1983 to April 1987, becoming the longest-serving government of the First Italian Republic. It implemented economic reforms, including the reduction of inflation and the reform of the pension system, while also facing criticism for its handling of the Mafia.

Craxi refused to allow U.S. forces to arrest the hijackers of the Achille Lauro cruise ship at the Sigonella airbase, asserting Italian sovereignty. This led to a diplomatic confrontation with the United States, but Craxi's stance was popular domestically.

Craxi was implicated in the Tangentopoli corruption scandal, which exposed widespread bribery in Italian politics. He was investigated for receiving illegal party funding, leading to his political downfall and the collapse of the Socialist Party.

Facing multiple corruption convictions, Craxi fled to Hammamet, Tunisia, in 1994 to avoid arrest. He lived in self-imposed exile until his death in 2000, never returning to Italy, and was convicted in absentia for corruption and illegal party financing.

Burkhalter was elected to the Federal Council and headed the Federal Department of Home Affairs from 2012 to 2019. He oversaw health, social security, and cultural policies, including reforms to the healthcare system.

Burkhalter was elected President of the Swiss Confederation for 2014, focusing on foreign policy and European relations. He chaired the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) during a critical period of the Ukraine crisis.

As OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Burkhalter mediated efforts to de-escalate the Ukraine crisis, including the Geneva Statement of April 2014. He worked to facilitate dialogue between Russia, Ukraine, and Western powers, though with limited success.

Burkhalter worked to strengthen Switzerland's bilateral agreements with the European Union, particularly in areas of research and education. He advocated for continued Swiss participation in EU programs like Horizon 2020.

Burkhalter announced his resignation from the Federal Council, effective at the end of 2019. He cited personal reasons and a desire to pursue new opportunities. His departure marked the end of a significant political career.