Hailemariam Desalegn vs Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu

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.

Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu became the close confidant and favorite of Shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, rising from a minor page to the highest ranks of the shogunate. His influence grew as he managed Tsunayoshi's personal affairs and policy decisions.

Yoshiyasu was appointed roju, formalizing his control over shogunate policy. He used this position to amass wealth and power, appointing allies and suppressing critics, becoming one of the most powerful officials in Edo Japan.

Yoshiyasu patronized Confucian scholars like Arai Hakuseki and supported the publication of historical works. He also sponsored the construction of temples and gardens, contributing to the cultural flourishing of the Genroku era.

Upon Shogun Tsunayoshi's death, Yoshiyasu lost his protector and was forced to retire from his official positions. His influence ended abruptly, and he spent his remaining years in retirement, though he avoided execution or exile.