Nigeria: outrage at new presidential aeroplane
There has been widespread outrage after the government acquired an Airbus A330 for the presidential fleet despite the severe economic crisis. This move comes just weeks after nationwide protests over rising hunger and living costs. President Tinubu, who has implemented several economic reforms like the removal of fuel subsidies, justifies these changes as necessary for reducing government spending and fostering long-term growth. Despite announcing a 60% reduction in official travel delegations, he travelled to France using the newly acquired plane, which was bought to replace an older one. The cost of the plane and the purpose of his trip remain undisclosed. Many have condemned the purchase as insensitive, but officials said that the presidential fleet had a high maintenance cost due to the age of its planes, so it was a necessary investment.
Thailand: new PM sworn in
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, 37, has been officially endorsed by King Maha Vajiralongkorn as Thailand’s new prime minister, just two days after her election by parliament. The country’s youngest and second female leader, she follows in the footsteps of her father, former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, and her aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra, the country's first female premier. She has taken over after the dismissal of her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, by the constitutional court. In her first speech, she pledged to govern with an open heart, emphasising stability and continuity. She has vowed to maintain key policies of her predecessor, focusing on economic stimulus, healthcare reform, tackling illegal drugs, and promoting gender diversity. The economy is a real concern for voters, with many asking why her party has failed to fulfil its promise to give about $300 to every voter in Thailand.
Canada: unprecedented lockout will badly affect North American supply chains
Canada’s two major rail freight companies have initiated a nationwide shutdown and locked out nearly ten thousand workers after failed negotiations with the Teamsters union. This unprecedented rail stoppage threatens to severely impact the Canadian economy and disrupt cross-border trade with the USA, as the country relies heavily on rail transport for shipping goods like grain, potash, coal, petroleum, and aviation fuel. The lockout will also hit the mining, agriculture and retail industries. It comes after months of tense negotiations over worsening job conditions, which failed to yield an agreement. Industry groups have urged the Canadian government to intervene, warning that the stoppage could have a cascading effect on multiple sectors, including mining, agriculture, and aviation. However, Justin Trudeau has insisted that the dispute must be resolved at the negotiating table.
USA: huge seizure of crystal meth
Customs officers in San Diego have seized over $5 million worth of methamphetamines (often known as crystal meth) disguised as watermelons. A 29-year-old man attempted to smuggle the drugs across the US-Mexico border. However, further inspection revealed 1,220 packages wrapped to resemble watermelons, containing 2,080 kg of methamphetamine. This seizure highlights the evolving smuggling techniques used by drug cartels. The officers confiscated the drugs and the tractor-trailer, handing the driver over to Homeland Security Investigations. They were commended for their diligence in intercepting these sophisticated smuggling efforts. This success follows the recent seizure of 285 kg of meth hidden among celery, demonstrating the ongoing battle against drug trafficking.
