Francois Hollande vs Kyriakos Mitsotakis

Hollande defeated incumbent Nicolas Sarkozy in the presidential election, winning 51.6% of the vote. His campaign promised to renegotiate the EU fiscal compact, raise taxes on the wealthy, and stimulate growth, marking a shift to the left.

Hollande's government passed the law allowing same-sex marriage and adoption, making France the 14th country to do so. The law faced strong opposition from conservative groups and sparked large protests, but was upheld by the Constitutional Council.

Hollande declared a state of emergency and ordered airstrikes against ISIS in Syria after coordinated terrorist attacks in Paris killed 130 people. He also proposed a constitutional amendment to strip convicted terrorists of French citizenship.

Mitsotakis led New Democracy to a decisive victory in the July 2019 Greek legislative election, winning 158 seats. He became Prime Minister, succeeding Alexis Tsipras. His campaign focused on economic growth, tax cuts, and attracting foreign investment after the debt crisis.

Mitsotakis implemented early lockdowns and travel restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in relatively low infection and death rates in Greece during the first wave. His government also launched a digital vaccination platform. The response was praised internationally but faced criticism over economic impact.

Mitsotakis signed a strategic defense and security agreement with France in September 2021, including a mutual defense clause. The deal included Greece purchasing French Rafale fighter jets and frigates. It aimed to strengthen Greek deterrence against Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Mitsotakis won a second term in the June 2023 Greek legislative election, securing 158 seats. The election followed a brief caretaker government after the May 2023 election failed to produce a majority. His victory was seen as a mandate for continued economic reforms and modernization.