Naomi Mataafa vs Simonetta Sommaruga

Mataafa led the FAST party to victory in the general election, becoming Samoa's first female prime minister. Her election ended the 22-year rule of Tuilaepa Malielegaoi and marked a historic shift in Samoan politics.

Following her election victory, Malielegaoi refused to step down, leading to a standoff. Mataafa was sworn in by the Head of State, and the crisis was resolved when the Court of Appeal ruled in her favor, affirming her legitimacy.

Mataafa's government repealed the controversial Land Titles Registration Act, restoring customary land tenure systems. The repeal was seen as a victory for traditional leaders and communities who opposed the previous law.

Mataafa pursued a balanced foreign policy, strengthening diplomatic and economic ties with China while maintaining relations with traditional partners like Australia and New Zealand. She also engaged with Pacific Island Forum initiatives.

Sommaruga was elected to the Swiss Federal Council on September 22, 2010, representing the Social Democratic Party. She took over the Federal Department of Justice and Police, later moving to the Department of Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications in 2019.

As head of the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications from 2019, Sommaruga oversaw Swiss climate policy, including the implementation of the CO2 Act and promotion of renewable energy. She advocated for the 2021 climate referendum, which was narrowly rejected.

Simonetta Sommaruga served as President of the Swiss Confederation in 2020, a year marked by the COVID-19 pandemic. She chaired the Federal Council and represented Switzerland internationally, while continuing her role as head of the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications.