Josep Borrell vs Margaret Dongo

Josep Borrell became the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, succeeding Federica Mogherini. He also served as Vice-President of the European Commission, responsible for coordinating EU foreign policy.

Borrell served as coordinator of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) talks, attempting to revive the Iran nuclear deal after US withdrawal. He facilitated negotiations between Iran and remaining parties, though talks stalled by 2023.

Borrell visited Doha to engage with Taliban representatives after the fall of Kabul, focusing on safe passage for EU citizens and Afghan allies. The visit was criticized by some EU member states for legitimizing the Taliban.

Borrell presented the EU Strategic Compass, a defense strategy outlining threats and capabilities. The plan included a rapid deployment force, cyber defense, and increased military spending, aiming to strengthen EU autonomy in security.

Borrell coordinated EU sanctions against Russia and military aid to Ukraine following the 2022 invasion. He pushed for arms deliveries and trained Ukrainian troops, while also managing EU diplomatic efforts to isolate Russia internationally.

Margaret Dongo was elected as an independent Member of Parliament for Harare South, becoming one of the few women in Zimbabwe's parliament. She used her position to advocate for war veterans' rights and government accountability.

Dongo founded the Zimbabwe Union of Democrats (ZUD) as a political party challenging Robert Mugabe's ZANU-PF. The party focused on democratic reforms, anti-corruption, and war veterans' welfare.

Dongo led a campaign for compensation for Zimbabwean war veterans of the liberation struggle. Her activism pressured the government to pay gratuities, contributing to the 1997 war veterans' payout that destabilized the economy.