Felix Tshisekedi vs Lionel Jospin

Tshisekedi's government implemented a policy of free primary education, abolishing school fees for public primary schools. The policy led to a surge in enrollment but faced challenges including overcrowding, teacher shortages, and delayed salary payments.

Felix Tshisekedi was declared winner of the 2018 presidential election, succeeding Joseph Kabila. The election was widely disputed, with allegations of a backroom deal with Kabila, but Tshisekedi became the first peaceful transfer of power in the DRC's history.

Tshisekedi formed a coalition government with Joseph Kabila's Common Front for Congo (FCC) party, giving Kabila's allies control over key ministries and parliament. This power-sharing arrangement limited Tshisekedi's ability to govern independently.

Tshisekedi ended the coalition with Kabila's FCC, forming a new parliamentary majority called the Union for the Nation. This move consolidated his power, allowing him to appoint his own prime minister and cabinet, and reduce Kabila's influence.

Tshisekedi declared a state of siege in North Kivu and Ituri provinces, replacing civilian authorities with military and police officers to combat armed groups. The measure was controversial, with critics arguing it failed to improve security and led to human rights abuses.

Tshisekedi won re-election in the 2023 presidential election with over 73% of the vote, according to official results. The election was marred by logistical problems, opposition allegations of fraud, and violent protests, but Tshisekedi secured a second term.

After the Socialist Party won the 1997 legislative elections, President Jacques Chirac appointed Jospin as Prime Minister, beginning the third cohabitation in French history. Jospin led a left-wing coalition government (Plural Left) until 2002, implementing social and economic reforms.

Jospin's government passed the Aubry laws, reducing the legal work week from 39 to 35 hours by 2000. The reform aimed to reduce unemployment and improve work-life balance, but faced criticism from employers and debates over its economic impact, becoming a defining policy of his tenure.

Jospin's government introduced the PACS, a civil union contract for both same-sex and opposite-sex couples, providing legal recognition and rights without marriage. The law was a landmark for LGBT rights in France, though it faced opposition from conservative groups.

Jospin finished third in the first round of the 2002 presidential election, behind Jacques Chirac and far-right candidate Jean-Marie Le Pen, failing to qualify for the runoff. This shock result led to his resignation as Prime Minister and withdrawal from active politics, marking a major setback for the left.