Giuseppe Conte vs Hailemariam Desalegn

Conte was appointed Prime Minister by President Mattarella, leading a coalition between the Five Star Movement and the League. A law professor with no prior political experience, he became the head of a populist government.

After the League left the coalition, Conte formed a new government with the Five Star Movement and the Democratic Party. This shift moved the government from right-wing populism to a more centrist, pro-European stance.

Conte's government implemented one of Europe's strictest lockdowns to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. Italy became the first Western country to impose a nationwide quarantine, with significant economic and social costs.

Conte resigned after the Italia Viva party withdrew support from his coalition, triggering a government crisis. He was succeeded by Mario Draghi, who formed a national unity government.

Hailemariam Desalegn was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs under Prime Minister Meles Zenawi. As a southerner and engineer, his appointment signaled the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front's effort to broaden regional representation.

Following the death of long-serving Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, Hailemariam Desalegn succeeded him as Prime Minister. He became the first Ethiopian leader from the southern region, but faced challenges in consolidating power within the EPRDF coalition.

Hailemariam resigned as Prime Minister in February 2018 after widespread anti-government protests and a state of emergency. His resignation was seen as an attempt to pave the way for political reforms, leading to the appointment of Abiy Ahmed as his successor.