Jacinda Ardern vs Margaret of Parma

Jacinda Ardern became Prime Minister after the Labour Party formed a coalition government with New Zealand First, supported by the Green Party. At 37, she was the youngest female head of government in the world at the time.

Following the terrorist attack on two mosques in Christchurch that killed 51 people, Ardern's government swiftly enacted gun law reforms, banning military-style semi-automatic weapons. Her empathetic leadership and wearing of a headscarf gained international praise.

Ardern's government implemented a strict nationwide lockdown and border closure in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. New Zealand successfully eliminated community transmission for several months, with low case numbers and deaths compared to many countries.

Jacinda Ardern announced her resignation as Prime Minister, stating she no longer had 'enough in the tank' to lead. Her departure marked the end of a transformative but increasingly challenging tenure.

Margaret of Parma was appointed Governor of the Netherlands by her half-brother King Philip II of Spain. She governed during the early stages of the Dutch Revolt, implementing policies that sought to suppress Protestantism and maintain Spanish control.

Margaret issued an edict moderating the anti-heresy laws in the Netherlands, allowing limited Protestant worship in an attempt to quell unrest. This concession failed to satisfy Calvinist radicals and contributed to the outbreak of the Iconoclastic Fury later that year.

Calvinist mobs destroyed Catholic church art and statues across the Netherlands. Margaret's government was unable to prevent the widespread destruction, which deepened the religious divide and prompted Philip II to send the Duke of Alba with an army to restore order.

Margaret resigned as Governor of the Netherlands after the arrival of the Duke of Alba, who was sent by Philip II to suppress the revolt. She opposed Alba's harsh policies and left the Netherlands, returning to Italy.