Gjorge Ivanov vs Jalal Talabani

Ivanov won the presidential election as the candidate of VMRO-DPMNE, succeeding Branko Crvenkovski. His presidency was largely ceremonial but he wielded influence over foreign policy.

Ivanov issued pardons to politicians implicated in the wiretapping scandal, including Nikola Gruevski, sparking massive protests. He later revoked the pardons under pressure from the EU and the opposition.

Ivanov refused to sign the Prespa Agreement, arguing it violated the constitution and national identity. He instead referred it to the Constitutional Court, delaying ratification but ultimately failing to block it.

Ivanov's term ended in 2019, and he was succeeded by Stevo Pendarovski. His presidency was marked by controversy over the name change and the wiretapping scandal.

Jalal Talabani was elected President of Iraq by the National Assembly, becoming the first Kurdish head of state in the country's history. His election was a landmark for Kurdish representation in post-Saddam Iraq.

As president, Talabani played a key role in negotiating the new Iraqi constitution, which established a federal system and recognized Kurdish autonomy. The constitution was approved by referendum in October 2005.

Talabani was re-elected for a second term as president, reflecting his continued role as a unifying figure in Iraq's fragile political landscape. His tenure saw ongoing sectarian tensions and the withdrawal of US troops.