Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has pledged to veto a congressional bill aimed at reducing the prison sentence of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who was sentenced to over 27 years for orchestrating a coup attempt. Meanwhile, Canada faces a rare population decline due to changing immigration policies, and the United States has announced a significant arms sale to Taiwan, escalating tensions with China. Additionally, South Korea has made strides in food waste management through innovative recycling systems.

Brazil's Political Landscape
President Lula's commitment to veto the bill comes after lawmakers passed it late Wednesday to shorten Bolsonaro's prison term, which could potentially reduce his confinement from a minimum of six years to just over two. Lula emphasized the necessity for accountability for those who threaten Brazilian democracy, stating, "Those who committed crimes against Brazilian democracy will have to pay for their acts." The bill's approval has raised concerns among many Brazilians, who fear it may signify a retreat from democratic progress.

Canada's Immigration Challenges
In Canada, the population has recorded a rare decline of 0.2% in the third quarter of 2023, marking the largest drop in over five decades. This decrease is attributed to a significant reduction in the number of international students and migrant workers as the government seeks to control immigration levels. Prime Minister Mark Carney's administration has implemented measures to cut the issuance of study permits and work permits, reflecting a shift in public sentiment towards more restrained immigration policies.

US-Taiwan Arms Sales
The United States has announced a substantial arms package to Taiwan valued at over $10 billion, which includes missile systems and drones. This move has provoked strong condemnation from China, which views it as a violation of diplomatic agreements and a threat to regional stability. The US State Department maintains that these sales are essential for Taiwan's self-defense and regional security, amidst ongoing tensions regarding China's claims over the island.

Innovations in Food Waste Management in South Korea
In South Korea, a significant transformation in food waste management has been achieved through the implementation of radio frequency identification (RFID) bins. These smart bins allow residents to track their food waste precisely, contributing to a recycling rate of 96.8% in 2023. The country's rigorous waste disposal rules and processing infrastructure have successfully addressed the food waste crisis, which poses a major environmental challenge globally. The system encourages households to minimize waste, with residents adopting various techniques to reduce moisture and costs associated with waste disposal.

Wrap-up
As global political tensions rise with Brazil's shifting judicial landscape, Canada's immigration policy adjustments, and US arms sales to Taiwan, nations are also innovating to address pressing environmental issues such as food waste. The interplay between governance, public sentiment, and environmental responsibility continues to shape international relations and domestic policies.

Sources
theguardian.com
newsis.com
theguardian.com
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team