Johann Schneider-Ammann vs Sergio Mattarella

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.

Mattarella was elected as the 12th President of Italy on the fourth ballot, succeeding Giorgio Napolitano. A constitutional court judge and former minister, his election was seen as a choice for institutional stability and anti-corruption.

After the 2018 general election produced a hung parliament, Mattarella appointed Giuseppe Conte as Prime Minister to lead a coalition between the Five Star Movement and the League. This marked a shift to a populist government.

During the COVID-19 pandemic and a government crisis, Mattarella appointed former ECB President Mario Draghi to lead a national unity government. This was seen as a move to secure EU recovery funds and manage the health crisis.

Mattarella was re-elected as President on the eighth ballot at age 80, after political parties failed to agree on an alternative. He initially declined but accepted to avoid a constitutional crisis, serving a second term.