Enrico Berlinguer vs Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara

Berlinguer was elected Secretary of the Italian Communist Party (PCI) in 1972. He led the party through a period of significant growth and ideological evolution, advocating for Eurocommunism and a break from Soviet orthodoxy.

Berlinguer proposed the Historic Compromise, a strategy of cooperation between the PCI and the Christian Democracy party to address Italy's economic and social crises. This policy aimed to integrate the PCI into the democratic system but faced opposition from both the left and the right.

Berlinguer publicly criticized the Soviet Union for its human rights violations and lack of democracy, leading to a formal break between the PCI and the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. This move solidified the PCI's independent Eurocommunist stance.

Under Berlinguer's leadership, the PCI achieved its highest ever electoral result in the 1976 general election, winning 34.4% of the vote. This made the PCI the second-largest party in Italy and a major force in national politics.

During the kidnapping of Aldo Moro by the Red Brigades, Berlinguer refused to negotiate with the terrorists, maintaining a hard line against political violence. This stance contributed to the collapse of the Historic Compromise and strained relations with the Christian Democracy.

Berlinguer died suddenly on June 11, 1984, after collapsing during a speech in Padua. His death triggered an unprecedented outpouring of public grief, with millions attending his funeral, marking the end of an era for the Italian Communist Party.

Mara, as Chief Minister, led Fiji to independence from British colonial rule on October 10, 1970. He became the first Prime Minister of independent Fiji, a position he held for most of the next two decades.

Mara's government was overthrown in a military coup led by Sitiveni Rabuka. The coup was motivated by ethnic tensions and opposition to the Indo-Fijian-dominated government. Mara was removed from office.

Mara returned as Prime Minister after the 1990 constitution was adopted, which entrenched indigenous Fijian political dominance. He served until 1992, overseeing a period of political reconstruction.

Mara was appointed President of Fiji, a largely ceremonial role, serving until 2000. He provided stability during a period of political turmoil.

Mara resigned as President during the 2000 Fijian coup led by George Speight. He was briefly held hostage by coup supporters before being released and stepping down.