Edouard Philippe vs Somchai Wongsawat

Philippe's government enacted labor code reforms by executive order, aiming to increase flexibility for employers. The reforms reduced collective bargaining power and simplified rules for hiring and firing, sparking protests from unions.

Edouard Philippe was appointed Prime Minister by President Emmanuel Macron. He led the government of the newly formed La R

Edouard Philippe resigned as Prime Minister, replaced by Jean Castex. His resignation followed a government reshuffle and was partly attributed to the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, though he remained a close ally of Macron.

Philippe was elected Mayor of Le Havre, a position he had previously held. He won the municipal election, solidifying his local political base after leaving the prime minister's office.

Somchai Wongsawat, Thaksin Shinawatra's brother-in-law, became Prime Minister after Samak Sundaravej's disqualification. His appointment was seen as an attempt by the pro-Thaksin faction to retain power, but it faced immediate opposition.

Somchai's tenure saw the intensification of Yellow Shirt protests, including the seizure of Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang Airport in November 2008. The protests paralyzed air travel and the economy, leading to a state of emergency.

The Constitutional Court dissolved the People's Power Party for electoral fraud, disqualifying Somchai from politics for five years. This ruling forced his resignation and led to the formation of a new coalition government under Abhisit Vejjajiva.