A recap of world news stories so far this week as seen by Newsendip: Tunisia refused European money, a lawsuit for forced birth control in Greenland, millions of victims in cryptocurrency pyramid schemes in Brazil, Netflix in Kenya and more.
Months after a migration deal, Tunisia rejects European Commission funds
After a controversial migration agreement in July, Tunisian president, Kais Saied, has rejected millions of euros in financial aid announced by the European Commission to fight migration and stabilize Tunisia’s economy.
Elephant fossils from the Cenozoic Era found by chance in Madrid
The government of Madrid found fossils of eight massive elephant bodies (Gomphotherium Angustidens) ancestors of the African Elephant. They were found, many in complete condition, during the construction of a firefighters’ logistical center. They lived supposedly 14 million years ago when they migrated to the inner part of Spain due to low temperatures and dry climate. They found a small citadel of resources at the site, which eventually led to their deaths when food and water ran out. Shortly after, a nearby river flooded, leading to the fossilization of their remains.
In the Czech Republic, the government backpedals on doubling hospital overtime for doctors
After the Czech government doubled the amount of voluntary hours overtime in hospitals, over 5,000 Czech doctors threatened to do no work overtime in December. “Choice in this context is simply an illusion,” argues Jan Přáda, obstetrician and member of the Czech Medical Chamber. Overtime accounts for about half of a hospital doctor’s pay.
Denmark faces lawsuit for forced birth control in Greenland
Sixty-seven Inuit women have come out to sue Denmark for a birth control program in Greenland without their consent. Last year, it was reported Denmark made at least 4,500 young Inuits have an intrauterine device for controlling population growth in the territory in the 1960s and 1970s. Earlier this year, the Danish government announced launching an investigation into what happened.
Netflix stops its free plan in Kenya
In 2021, Kenya was the first country where people could use Netflix — only on mobile with about a quarter of its catalog — for free. In an email sent to free members and reported by Business Daily, Netflix announced it would be stopped in November, hoping people would turn to the paid plans. In February, Netflix slashed subscription prices in Kenya in light of competition from Amazon Prime Video and South African video streaming service Showmax. Netflix’s basic plan decreased from 700 shillings ($4.7) per month to 300 shillings ($2).
Portugal removes a special tax treatment for foreign residents
For 14 years, Portugal applied a special income tax for foreign residents to attract highly qualified professionals. But the prime minister António Costa announced it would not apply for newcomers from 2024, considering it is a “fiscal injustice […] inflating the housing market.” The decision comes amidst inflation and a shortage of properties in real estate.
In Australia, Qantas Airlines faces multiple grievances
Pilots of Qantas Airlines went on strike for better pay causing disruption in air traffic during the holiday school period, while the company just promised to improve customer experience and regain trust. The company is facing allegations that it advertised and sold thousands of tickets for flights already canceled. The CEO stepped down last month after the company was found to have outsourced and fired 1,700 ground handler jobs illegally.
Brazilian cryptocurrency companies blasted for scamming investors through social media
A total of 2.7 million Brazilian investors, including a former world champion boxer, could have been defrauded by 20 billion dollars in pyramid schemes in six years by Brazilian cryptocurrency companies.
Also, in case you missed it:
- Slovakia’s early parliamentary elections show the return of former Prime Minister Robert Fico, who has taken a pro-Russia campaign stance. The slim-margin victory of Fico’s left-wing and populist SMER party increases concerns about European Union unity and fatigue regarding the war in Ukraine.
- A U.S. agency, the Federal Communications Commission, imposed the first-ever fine on the company Dish Network for leaving space debris orbiting the Earth, fining them $150,000.
- For the first time in U.S. history, the House of Representatives has removed its speaker, Republican Kevin McCarthy, days after he led a bipartisan effort to avoid a government shutdown. This unprecedented vote was pushed by far-right members of his own Republican party amidst power struggles within the Republican party, with Democrats voting against McCarthy as well. The House now has to elect a new speaker.
