December 12

Samuel Hood joined the Royal Navy in the early 1740s and fought in the War of the Austrian Succession and Seven Years’ War. He distinguished himself at battles such as Toulon and Ushant, earning rapid promotions. In 1782, Hood was made 1st Viscount Hood in recognition of his service. He later served as Commander-in-Chief of the Mediterranean Fleet during the French Revolutionary Wars. Hood also held a seat in the British House of Lords and briefly served as a Member of Parliament. Known for his strategic insight and calm leadership, he maintained a reputation as one of Britain’s foremost naval commanders. He died in 1816 at the age of 92, leaving a legacy honored by geographical names like Hood Canal in the United States.

William L. Marcy was born in 1786 in Massachusetts and began his career practicing law in Troy, New York. He served as a U.S. Senator from New York from 1831 to 1833 and then as the 11th Governor of New York until 1838. A leading Democrat, Marcy coined the phrase “to the victor belong the spoils” to describe patronage politics. Under President James K. Polk, he was appointed Secretary of War and then Secretary of State, guiding American diplomacy during the Mexican-American War. Marcy played a key role in negotiating the Oregon Treaty and shaping U.S. territorial expansion. His pragmatic approach to politics and governance left a lasting mark on American public service. He died in 1857, remembered as a skilled negotiator and influential Jacksonian Democrat.

John Sandfield Macdonald was born in 1812 in St. Raphael’s, Upper Canada, and studied law at King’s College. He entered politics as a moderate Conservative, serving in the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Canada. From 1862 to 1864, he was co-Premier of Canada West, navigating political reform and religious tensions. After Confederation in 1867, Macdonald was selected as Ontario’s first Premier, leading the new provincial government until 1871. His administration focused on building public institutions, expanding infrastructure, and accommodating linguistic and religious diversity. Known for his conciliatory leadership style, he secured support from both English and French communities. After leaving office, he served as Chief Justice of Ontario until his death in 1872. His pioneering role laid the foundation for Ontario’s governance.

Born on December 12, 1924, in The Bronx, New York. Served as the 105th Mayor of New York City from 1978 to 1989. Known for his brash personality, famous catchphrase How’m I doing? and hands-on leadership. Led the city through fiscal recovery and major urban development projects. Prior to mayorship, represented Manhattan in the U.S. House of Representatives. Remained a prominent commentator and television personality after leaving office. Remembered as one of New York's most colorful and influential mayors.

Miguel de la Madrid was born in Colima, Mexico in 1934 and earned a law degree from the National Autonomous University of Mexico. He held key government positions including Secretary of Budget and Planning before winning the presidency in 1982. His administration faced economic challenges from the 1982 debt crisis and implemented austerity measures and neoliberal reforms to stabilize the economy. De la Madrid also led reconstruction efforts after the devastating Mexico City earthquake in 1985. He promoted transparency and initiated political reforms that paved the way for democratic progress. After leaving office, he taught and wrote on public policy and governance. He passed away in 2012, leaving a complex legacy of modernization and crisis management.

Sharad Pawar is a veteran Indian politician known for his influential role in both Maharashtra state and national politics. He began his career in the Indian National Congress and served three terms as Chief Minister of Maharashtra. In 1999, he founded the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), shaping it into a significant regional force. Pawar has held key union portfolios, including Minister of Agriculture, where he advocated for farmers' interests and agricultural reforms. He has been instrumental in coalition politics and state development projects. Known for his political acumen and grassroots connections, he continues to be a major figure in Indian politics.

Gísli S. Einarsson is an Icelandic politician and media executive. A member of the Progressive Party, he served multiple terms in the Althing, Iceland's parliament. From 1988 to 1991, he held the position of Minister of Social Affairs, advocating for labor and welfare reforms. He later became Director General of RÚV, Iceland's public broadcaster, from 1998 to 2005. Under his leadership, RÚV expanded its programming and modernized its operations. Einarsson's dual career in politics and media has made him a prominent figure in Icelandic public life.

Chris Mullin is an English writer and politician who served as the Labour MP for Sunderland South from 1987 to 2010. Before entering politics, he established himself as a journalist and columnist for publications such as The Observer and The New Statesman. Mullin chaired the Home Affairs Select Committee and led high-profile campaigns, including the investigation into the Birmingham Six miscarriage of justice. He authored several books, including political diaries and memoirs like A View from the Foothills. Known for his outspoken style and commitment to civil liberties, Mullin remains an influential commentator on British politics. His dual career bridges journalism and public service, reflecting his dedication to accountability and transparency.

Marc Ravalomanana is a Malagasy businessman-turned-politician who founded the dairy company TIKO, transforming Madagascar’s dairy industry. He entered politics in 1999 and was elected Mayor of Antananarivo before becoming President in 2002. During his presidency, Ravalomanana pursued economic reforms, infrastructure development, and efforts to modernize agriculture. He faced political opposition and was forced into exile in 2009 following a popular uprising. Ravalomanana remains an influential figure in Malagasy politics and has attempted several comebacks. His tenure is noted for both his entrepreneurial vision and the controversies that led to his ousting.

Rehman Malik was born on December 12, 1951 in Karachi and rose to prominence as a human rights lawyer and advocate before entering politics with the Pakistan Peoples Party. As Interior Minister under Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani, he spearheaded critical counterterrorism operations and played a central role in national security strategy. Malik survived multiple assassination attempts and was known for his outspoken stance against militancy. He also served as a Senator in the National Assembly and held important positions within his party. Despite controversies over his tenure, he remained a prominent voice in Pakistani politics until his death in 2022. His legacy includes significant contributions to law enforcement reforms and intelligence coordination.

Martin Ferguson was born on December 12, 1953 in Melbourne and began his career as a trade union official before entering politics. Elected to the House of Representatives in 1996, he became a senior member of the Australian Labor Party. Between 2007 and 2013, Ferguson held the portfolios of Resources and Energy, and Tourism under Prime Ministers Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard. He played a significant role in shaping Australia’s resource development policies and promoting sustainable energy initiatives. After retiring from parliament, he continued to work in the resources sector and served on corporate boards. Ferguson’s leadership in both labor advocacy and governmental policy has marked him as an influential figure in Australian politics.

Stephen Smith was born on December 12, 1955 and entered politics as a member of the Australian Labor Party. He was elected to the House of Representatives for the seat of Perth in 1993 and held it until 2013. During his tenure, Smith served as Minister for Foreign Affairs from 2007 to 2010 and later as Minister for Trade, Investment and Tourism. He played a key role in shaping Australia’s international relations and trade agreements. After leaving politics, he took on advisory roles in both the public and private sectors. Smith’s contributions to foreign policy and trade have had a lasting impact on Australia’s global engagement.