Francesco Cossiga vs Hastings Banda

Cossiga served as Minister of the Interior from 1976 to 1978 during the Years of Lead. He oversaw security measures against terrorism, including the response to the kidnapping and murder of Aldo Moro by the Red Brigades in 1978.

Cossiga served as Prime Minister from August 1979 to October 1980. His government focused on combating terrorism and economic instability, but fell after losing parliamentary support over economic policies and the Bologna massacre.

Cossiga was elected President of the Italian Republic in June 1985. His presidency was marked by a shift from a ceremonial role to an active political intervention, earning him the nickname 'picconatore' (pickaxe) for his attacks on the political establishment.

Cossiga resigned as President in April 1992, two months before the end of his term, citing political isolation and frustration with the party system. His resignation was a dramatic gesture that highlighted the crisis of the First Italian Republic.

After resigning as President, Cossiga automatically became a senator for life. He continued to be an active and controversial figure in Italian politics, often criticizing the political class and advocating for institutional reforms.

Banda returned to Nyasaland after decades abroad and assumed leadership of the Nyasaland African Congress. He led the push for independence from British colonial rule, becoming the central figure in the nationalist movement.

Following constitutional changes and elections, Banda became Prime Minister of self-governing Nyasaland. On July 6, 1964, Malawi achieved full independence from Britain, with Banda as its first Prime Minister.

Banda declared Malawi a republic and himself President. He consolidated power by making the Malawi Congress Party the sole legal party, banning all opposition and establishing an authoritarian regime that lasted for three decades.

Banda became the first African leader to establish formal diplomatic relations with apartheid South Africa. This controversial decision provided Malawi with economic aid and trade benefits but drew sharp criticism from other African nations.

After decades of authoritarian rule, Banda was defeated in Malawi's first multi-party elections since independence. Bakili Muluzi of the United Democratic Front won the presidency, ending Banda's 31-year rule.