Guntis Ulmanis vs Ignazio Cassis

Guntis Ulmanis was elected President of Latvia in July 1993 by the Saeima, becoming the first president of the restored Republic of Latvia. He was a former agricultural economist and a member of the Latvian Farmers' Union, and his election marked the end of the transitional period after independence.

Ulmanis negotiated the withdrawal of the last Russian troops from Latvia in August 1994, completing the country's full independence. The agreement was reached after prolonged talks, and the troops left by the end of the year.

Ulmanis was re-elected for a second term in June 1996 by the Saeima. His second term focused on economic reforms, integration with Western institutions, and strengthening Latvia's democratic institutions.

Cassis was elected to the Swiss Federal Council on September 20, 2017, representing the FDP.The Liberals. He became the first Italian-speaking Swiss president in years, taking over the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, shaping Swiss foreign policy.

Ignazio Cassis served as President of the Swiss Confederation in 2022, a year marked by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He chaired the Federal Council and represented Switzerland in international diplomacy, including navigating Swiss neutrality and sanctions against Russia.

As head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Cassis led Switzerland's response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, including adopting EU sanctions while maintaining neutrality. He also facilitated humanitarian aid and diplomatic efforts, balancing international pressure with Swiss tradition.