Carlos Mesa vs Johann Schneider-Ammann

Before and after his presidency, Mesa worked as a historian and author, writing extensively on Bolivian history. His works include 'Presidentes de Bolivia' and other historical texts.

Carlos Mesa was elected vice president of Bolivia under President Gonzalo S

After Sánchez de Lozada resigned during the Gas War, Mesa became president of Bolivia. He served from 2003 to 2005, inheriting a deeply divided country.

Mesa held a national referendum on Bolivia's natural gas policy, which resulted in a vote to increase state control and export gas. However, the referendum did not resolve political tensions.

Mesa resigned the presidency in 2005 after months of protests and political deadlock over gas policy and autonomy demands from wealthy regions. His resignation led to early elections.

Schneider-Ammann was elected to the Federal Council and headed the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research from 2010 to 2018. He promoted free trade agreements, innovation, and dual education system.

Schneider-Ammann played a key role in negotiating a free trade agreement between Switzerland and China, signed in 2013. The agreement aimed to boost bilateral trade and investment, making Switzerland one of the first European countries to have such a deal with China.

Schneider-Ammann championed Switzerland's dual vocational education and training system, which combines classroom learning with on-the-job training. He advocated for its adoption internationally as a model for reducing youth unemployment.

Schneider-Ammann was elected President of the Swiss Confederation for 2016, focusing on economic policy and innovation. He emphasized the importance of vocational education and training for Switzerland's competitiveness.

Schneider-Ammann announced his resignation from the Federal Council, effective at the end of 2018. He cited a desire to return to the private sector. His tenure was marked by economic reforms and trade agreements.