Hayato Ikeda vs Ivan Duque

Prime Minister Hayato Ikeda announced the 'Income-Doubling Plan' in December 1960, a ten-year economic program aiming to double the national income through rapid industrial growth, increased productivity, and expanded trade. The plan successfully guided Japan's high-growth era, achieving its target in seven years and transforming the country into an economic powerhouse.

Ikeda's government pursued gradual liberalization of trade and capital flows, aligning Japan with international economic norms. This included joining the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Article VIII, which required removing restrictions on current account transactions, boosting foreign trade.

After the violent protests against the US-Japan Security Treaty in 1960, Ikeda adopted a 'low posture' approach, seeking dialogue with the opposition Socialist Party. He focused on economic growth and social welfare to reduce political polarization, successfully stabilizing Japanese politics during his tenure.

Ivan Duque won the Colombian presidential election as the candidate of the Democratic Center party, representing the conservative opposition to the peace process. He defeated leftist candidate Gustavo Petro in a runoff.

Duque proposed legislative changes to the FARC peace agreement, including tougher sentences for former guerrillas and restrictions on their political participation. The proposals faced opposition from the Santos administration and international observers.

Massive nationwide protests erupted against Duque's economic policies, proposed tax reforms, and perceived inaction on violence against social leaders. The protests lasted for weeks and resulted in clashes with police and multiple deaths.

Duque implemented strict lockdowns and a national quarantine to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The measures included economic relief programs but faced criticism for their impact on informal workers and the economy.