Is this "cringe" or "beautiful"?

Hi Global Recap readers,

It’s true.

• I spend hours every day scouring social media and news platforms, looking for fresh content to share on Global Recap.

• Why? I want to go beyond the mainstream media narrative and highlight the raw reactions people have to current events. And when a viral issue arises, I ask you to share your thoughts too, of course. This helps challenge my own assumptions and gets the community more involved.

(Thank you, as always)

🔥 And the latest hot topic is: Members of Parliament performing a traditional ethnic dance during a voting procedure in protest.

Is this appropriate or not? 👇

🇳🇿 NEW ZEALAND
Māori MPs Dance Haka in Protest

Māori lawmakers in New Zealand disrupted parliament with a haka to protest a controversial bill redefining the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi.

🕺 What’s haka? It is a traditional Māori war dance, most widely recognized for its use in protests, ceremonies, and by New Zealand’s rugby team, the All Blacks.

Dramatic Protest

Māori MPs’ haka performance led to a suspension of the vote on the bill.

• Two lawmakers were ejected from the chamber.

• The gallery joined in, creating a loud and chaotic scene.

Controversial Bill

The bill aims to extend certain special rights currently available to Māori—such as access to healthcare, education programs, and political representation—to all New Zealanders.

• The bill seeks to redefine the 1840 agreement between Māori and the British Crown, which has been a source of contention for decades, largely due to the differences between the English and Māori texts.

• It was introduced by the ACT New Zealand party, a junior partner in the ruling coalition.

• The bill has passed its first reading but is unlikely to become law.

Maori Opposition

Many Maori see the bill as undermining their rights.

• Maori tribes were promised extensive rights under the Treaty of Waitangi.

• The bill is seen as a threat to these rights, leading to widespread protests.

• Hundreds of Maori protesters are marching to Wellington for a huge rally.

Political Support

The bill has limited support within the coalition government.

• ACT New Zealand leader David Seymour supports the bill, aiming to empower all citizens.

• Coalition partners National and New Zealand First only supported the bill through the first reading.

• Both parties have stated they will not support the bill to become law.

📊 Poll

Aside from the historical background, people online are really divided over the haka performance in parliament.

• Many argue that, despite its historical significance, this behavior is “cringe,” “immature,” and “entitled” in the context of modern Western society—particularly when legal matters are being discussed, where specific procedures must be adhered to.

• However, many others feel it “sends a strong message” and is “culturally significant,” seeing it as a protest against the potential infringement of the agreement made many years ago.

🇷🇺 RUSSIA
Food Prices Surge in Russia

Here’s some news that might be somewhat consoling for those significantly affected by inflation, for what it’s worth:

Food prices in Russia have skyrocketed, causing significant concern for the Kremlin as it struggles to balance military ambitions with domestic stability.

Price Increases

Staple food prices have surged dramatically.

• Potatoes are 73% more expensive than at the start of the year.

• Butter prices have increased by over 30%.

• Vegetables like onions and beets are up more than 20%.

• Other staples such as sour cream, milk, bread, and fish have risen by 12%-15%.

Impact on Citizens

Russians are feeling the pinch of rising food costs.

• Tatyana, a 72-year-old from Kirov, now spends two-thirds of her pension on food.

• She has had to cut back on expensive items like exotic fruit and red caviar.

🤔 My Thoughts: This is absolutely devastating, and it’s something I wouldn’t wish on even the worst of enemies.

Government Response

Officials are scrambling to control the situation.

• The Ministry of Agriculture and the Prosecutor General’s Office are investigating price increases.

• The Bank of Russia raised its key interest rate to a record 21% last month in an effort to combat both inflation concerns and actual inflation.

• Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin ordered measures to ensure the availability of fruit and vegetables.

Economic Factors

Several factors are driving the price hikes.

• Rising costs of logistics, production, and raw materials.

• The weakening ruble and war-related sanctions disrupting supply chains.

• A labor shortage in farming due to the war in Ukraine.

Government Measures

Authorities are using forceful measures to control prices.

• Food producers and retail chains have been recommended to cut prices on certain goods.

• Experts warn that such pressure is often temporary and not highly effective.

🤔 My Thoughts: However, as anyone who has studied price controls knows, this often ends up backfiring.

🇰🇵 NORTH KOREA
Kim Orders Suicide Drone Production

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered the mass production of suicide drones, emphasizing their strategic importance in modern warfare.

Perhaps they are filling the gap left by the Iranian HESA Shahed 136, which Putin has extensively used in Ukraine?

Kim's Directive

Kim Jong Un has called for the mass production of suicide drones.

• He guided a test of these drones and stressed the need for a serial production system.

• Kim highlighted the global competition in drone technology and its impact on military strategies.

Military Cooperation

North Korea's drone development may be linked to its cooperation with Russia.

• Kim's supervision of the drone test follows increased military ties with Russia.

• There are speculations about technical assistance from Moscow.

Drone Capabilities

The drones, also known as loitering munitions, have been used in various conflicts.

• These drones are designed to crash into enemy targets, acting as guided missiles.

• They have been deployed in conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Strategic Importance

Kim emphasized the need to update military theory and practice.

• He noted the success of drones in recent conflicts and their cost-effectiveness.

• The drones are seen as a crucial component of North Korea's military strategy.

Context

North Korea's drone development is part of its broader military strategy.

• The country has recently ratified a strategic partnership with Russia, including a mutual defense pact.

• North Korean troops have been deployed to Russia's frontlines in the war with Ukraine.

🇮🇷 IRAN
Elon Musk Meets Iran’s Ambassador

Elon Musk, a key adviser to President-elect Donald Trump, reportedly met with Iran’s UN ambassador to discuss easing tensions between the two nations.

🤔 If this is true: It means Musk is running multiple companies and engaging in foreign diplomacy. Is he a supervillain or just an overachiever? Let’s hope it’s the latter.

Secret Meeting

Musk reportedly met with Iran’s ambassador in a secret location.

• The meeting lasted over an hour and was described as “positive” and “good news” by Iranian officials.

• The session was held in New York on Monday.

Trump’s Influence

It is widely known that Musk contributed millions of dollars to help get Trump elected, viewing the potential election of Kamala Harris as an existential threat to American dominance and democracy.

• But if reports are true, Musk isn’t just a donor, but a close adviser to President-elect Trump.

• He has reportedly been involved in nearly every job interview during the transition.

• Musk played a key role in providing communications capability to Ukraine in the war with Russia.

Historical Context

The meeting could signal a change in US-Iran relations.

• Trump pulled the US out of the 2015 nuclear accord and imposed tough sanctions on Iran.

• He also ordered the assassination of Iranian General Qassim Suleimani in 2020.

Iranian Perspective

Iran is debating whether to negotiate with Trump’s administration.

• Some Iranian officials believe Trump likes to make deals and see an opportunity to lift sanctions.

• Others in Iran’s conservative faction oppose engagement with Trump.

Diplomatic Efforts

Iran’s foreign minister emphasized cooperation and dialogue.

• Abbas Araghchi stated that differences can be resolved through cooperation and dialogue.

• He made these comments after meeting with the head of the UN’s atomic watchdog.

Musk’s Role

Musk’s involvement provides a workaround for direct US-Iran talks.

• Iranian officials suggested Musk should obtain sanctions exemptions and bring his businesses to Tehran.

• Musk has been named co-director of a new extra-governmental agency named Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).