Antonio de Oliveira Salazar vs Cyril Ramaphosa

After the May 28, 1926 coup, Salazar was appointed Minister of Finance by President

Salazar oversaw the promulgation of a new constitution on April 11, 1933, creating the Estado Novo (New State). This corporatist, authoritarian regime replaced the unstable First Republic, concentrating power in Salazar's hands as Prime Minister and suppressing political opposition, trade unions, and free press.

Throughout World War II (1939-1945), Salazar kept Portugal officially neutral while leaning toward the Allies. He allowed the Allies to use bases in the Azores from 1943, while continuing to sell tungsten to Germany. This policy preserved Portuguese sovereignty and avoided invasion.

When anti-colonial wars erupted in Angola (1961), Guinea-Bissau (1963), and Mozambique (1964), Salazar refused to grant independence, declaring Portugal's African territories as 'overseas provinces.' This decision led to the Portuguese Colonial War, lasting until 1974 and draining Portuguese resources.

In September 1968, Salazar suffered a severe stroke that left him incapacitated. President Am

Ramaphosa co-founded the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and became its General Secretary. He led strikes and negotiations, becoming a prominent figure in the anti-apartheid movement and the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU).

Ramaphosa chaired the Constitutional Assembly that drafted South Africa's post-apartheid constitution. The constitution, adopted in 1996, established a democratic framework and bill of rights.

Cyril Ramaphosa was elected President of South Africa by the National Assembly after Jacob Zuma resigned. He had previously served as Deputy President and was seen as a reformist leader.

Ramaphosa launched his presidency with the 'Thuma Mina' (Send Me) initiative, emphasizing anti-corruption and economic revival. He pledged to restore the credibility of state institutions and attract investment.

Ramaphosa's government pursued land reform, including a constitutional amendment to allow expropriation without compensation. The policy sparked intense debate and was criticized by some as threatening property rights.

Ramaphosa's government implemented one of the strictest lockdowns in the world to combat COVID-19. The response included a massive economic stimulus package and social grants, but also faced criticism for enforcement and economic damage.