Barham Salih vs Inigo Urkullu

Barham Salih was elected President of Iraq by parliament, succeeding Fuad Masum. As a Kurdish politician, his election continued the tradition of a Kurdish president in the post-2005 political system.

Salih proposed a reform agenda including anti-corruption measures, economic diversification, and improved governance. His proposals came amid widespread protests demanding political change and better public services.

Barham Salih left the presidency after his single term ended, following the 2022 presidential election. He was succeeded by Abdul Latif Rashid, another Kurdish politician.

Urkullu was elected as the seventh Lehendakari (President) of the Basque Autonomous Community, representing the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV). His election marked a continuation of moderate Basque nationalism and a focus on economic recovery and self-government within Spain.

Urkullu was re-elected as Lehendakari after the PNV won the Basque parliamentary elections. His second term focused on consolidating economic growth, expanding social policies, and negotiating a new fiscal pact with the Spanish government.

Urkullu's government successfully negotiated a new Economic Agreement (Concierto Econ

Urkullu led the Basque government's response to the final dissolution of the armed group ETA. He promoted a policy of reconciliation and support for victims, while navigating the political implications of the end of decades of conflict in the Basque Country.

Urkullu secured a third term as Lehendakari after the PNV won the 2020 Basque elections. His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and continued advocacy for Basque self-government were central to his re-election.