Fumio Kishida vs Laurentino Cortizo

Kishida unveiled a 'new capitalism' economic policy aiming to redistribute wealth and promote growth. The plan included raising wages, increasing investment in green technology, and addressing income inequality in Japan.

Kishida was elected as Prime Minister of Japan after winning the LDP leadership election. He succeeded Yoshihide Suga and formed a cabinet focused on economic recovery and COVID-19 response.

Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was assassinated during a campaign speech in Nara. Kishida, as sitting prime minister, led the government's response, including security reviews and a state funeral for Abe.

Laurentino Cortizo, a former agriculture minister and member of the Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD), won the 2019 presidential election. His campaign emphasized social programs, anti-corruption, and economic stability, defeating a fragmented opposition.

Cortizo's administration faced the COVID-19 pandemic, implementing lockdowns, economic relief measures, and a vaccination campaign. Panama was one of the first countries in Latin America to secure vaccines, but the pandemic caused significant economic contraction and public health challenges.

Cortizo's government signed a controversial 20-year contract with Canadian mining company First Quantum Minerals to operate the Cobre Panama copper mine. The deal sparked massive protests over environmental and economic concerns, leading to widespread civil unrest and calls for his resignation.