Vaccine Card Conspiracy

Author

Global Recap
March 20, 2024 • Read in: 6 minutes

Hi Global Recap readers,

Brazilian VAX not wax.

If you clicked for Brazilian wax, I am sorry to have disappointed you.

COVID vaccines are not behind us folks, it’s back to haunt a former president. 👇

(⏰ Reading Time: 5 mins)

BRAZIL

Vaccine Card Conspiracy

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was indicted for allegedly falsifying COVID-19 vaccination data.

This occurred shortly before he entered the US, a country which, at the time, required entrants to have received a COVID vaccination.

  • 🔍 Investigation. The indictment claims Bolsonaro asked his aide to insert false data to fabricate vaccination certificates for himself and his daughter while he was president.

  • ⚖️ Legal Risks. If charged, Bolsonaro faces up to 12 years in prison for tampering with public records.

  • 📉 Political Fallout. Despite the indictment, Bolsonaro retains a strong political base, which views the charges as persecution.

HONG KONG

Liberty Erodes

The Hong Kong legislature passed a stringent security law, further suppressing dissent and eroding civil liberties promised at the handover from British rule.

  • 🔒 Security. The new law criminalizes a broad range of actions as threats to national security, with life imprisonment for severe offenses like treason and insurrection.

  • 🏛️ Legislation. The Legislative Council, filled with Beijing loyalists, expedited the law’s approval, reflecting a “disabled accountability system,” according to John Burns, honorary professor at the University of Hong Kong.

  • 🌐 Global Concern. International entities, including the UN and the EU, express apprehension over the law’s vague terms and its potential to stifle Hong Kong’s role as a global business hub.

VIETNAM

President Resigns

Vietnam’s president, Vo Van Thuong, resigned amid political turmoil.

  • 🔍 Scrutiny. The resignation follows a government statement citing Thuong’s violation of the Vietnamese Communist Party rules, negatively impacting public opinion and the party’s reputation. Thuong’s departure comes amid an anti-corruption campaign.

  • 💼 Leadership Shuffle. This marks the second presidential departure in a year, challenging the nation’s image of political stability.

    • Last year, former President Nguyen Xuan Phuc stepped down following accusations from his party of "violations and wrongdoing” committed by his subordinates.

  • 🌐 Global Impact. The political shake-up concerns foreign investor confidence and potential policy slowdowns in Vietnam.

What’s next for Vietnam’s leadership?

EU

EU’s Grain Strain

The EU extended trade liberalization for Ukraine, balancing agricultural imports with local farmers’ concerns.

  • ✍🏻 Context. Essentially, the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has resulted in Ukrainian imports being inexpensive. This low pricing makes it challenging for local farmers to compete.

  • 🌾 Quota. Despite Poland and France’s push for stricter import caps, the EU opted for a compromise, maintaining limits on Ukrainian sugar, poultry, and eggs, aiming to protect its farmers amidst protests.

  • 🤝 Compromise. The European Parliament’s additional restrictions include import caps on honey, maize, oats, and groats, and a quicker response to import surges.

WORLD

Nordic Nations Nudge Ahead

The 2024 World Happiness Report reveals that Nordic countries continue to dominate the happiness rankings.

  • 🏆 Ranking. Finland retains its title as the world’s happiest country for the seventh consecutive year, with its capital Helsinki symbolizing the nation’s contentment.

  • 📉 Decline. Young North Americans are reportedly less happy than older generations, contributing to the United States’ fall from the top 20 happiest countries.

  • 🌍 Diversity. Despite the ongoing conflict, Israel surprises by maintaining its top 10 happiness ranking, showcasing the report’s nuanced approach to measuring contentment.

List