Babrak Karmal vs Mark Rutte

Babrak Karmal was installed as President of Afghanistan by the Soviet Union in December 1979, following the Soviet invasion. He led the Democratic Republic of Afghanistan during the early years of the Soviet-Afghan War, implementing unpopular reforms and relying on Soviet military support.

Karmal was replaced as General Secretary of the People's Democratic Party by Mohammad Najibullah in May 1986, under Soviet pressure. He was effectively sidelined, though he remained in Afghanistan until his death. This marked the end of his direct political influence.

Babrak Karmal died in Moscow in 1996, reportedly from liver cancer. He had been living in exile in the Soviet Union since his removal from power. His death went largely unnoticed in Afghanistan, where the civil war was raging.

Mark Rutte became the political leader of the VVD, the Dutch liberal-conservative party. He led the party through several election campaigns, eventually becoming prime minister in 2010.

Rutte became Prime Minister of the Netherlands, leading a minority coalition government with support from the Party for Freedom (PVV). His first term focused on austerity measures and immigration reforms.

Rutte oversaw the Dutch response to COVID-19, including lockdowns, vaccination campaigns, and economic support measures. His government faced criticism over the slow start of vaccinations and handling of the second wave.

Rutte's government faced a no-confidence vote after a parliamentary inquiry revealed that tax authorities falsely accused thousands of parents of fraud in childcare benefits. The scandal led to the resignation of his cabinet, though Rutte remained as caretaker prime minister.

Rutte announced he would leave politics after the 2023 general election, ending his 13-year tenure as prime minister. He cited the need for new leadership and the end of his political career.