Lev Kamenev vs Sergio Mattarella

In October 1917, Kamenev and Zinoviev publicly opposed Lenin's plan for an armed uprising against the Provisional Government. They argued that the Bolsheviks were not strong enough to seize power, leading to a temporary split with Lenin and accusations of betrayal.

Kamenev served as chairman of the Moscow Soviet (city council) from 1918 to 1926. In this role, he managed the administration of Moscow during the early Soviet period, overseeing the implementation of Bolshevik policies in the capital.

Kamenev joined Zinoviev in forming the United Opposition against Stalin's policies. They criticized the growing bureaucracy and Stalin's moderate approach to the NEP, advocating for more radical industrialization and world revolution, but were defeated at the 14th Party Congress.

Kamenev was tried alongside Zinoviev in the first Moscow Show Trial in August 1936. Accused of terrorism and plotting with Trotsky, he was found guilty and executed on August 25, 1936, marking a key event in Stalin's elimination of Old Bolshevik rivals.

Mattarella was elected as the 12th President of Italy on the fourth ballot, succeeding Giorgio Napolitano. A constitutional court judge and former minister, his election was seen as a choice for institutional stability and anti-corruption.

After the 2018 general election produced a hung parliament, Mattarella appointed Giuseppe Conte as Prime Minister to lead a coalition between the Five Star Movement and the League. This marked a shift to a populist government.

During the COVID-19 pandemic and a government crisis, Mattarella appointed former ECB President Mario Draghi to lead a national unity government. This was seen as a move to secure EU recovery funds and manage the health crisis.

Mattarella was re-elected as President on the eighth ballot at age 80, after political parties failed to agree on an alternative. He initially declined but accepted to avoid a constitutional crisis, serving a second term.