Government work is often serious business, and 2025 was no exception. So, as it ends, let’s take a moment to celebrate the absurd, chaotic and outright odd.
As we do each year, we’re back with the weirdest and most unexpected stories from around the world of government. Here is a selection of our favourites, from Buffalo beauty pageants to electoral rap battles.
Did we overlook something weird and wonderful from your part of the globe? Let us know in the comments! ⬇️
The AI minister pregnant with 83 digital assistants
In November, Albania’s government-appointed AI‑generated minister of artificial intelligence announced she was “pregnant” with 83 digital assistants — one for each member of parliament. The goal was for these brand-new AI ministers to clean up public procurement, boost transparency and reduce human error.
Scottish MSPs called for a Scotland-wide seagull summit to tackle divebombing gulls, whose behaviour was causing concern amongst residents, businesses and tourists alike. With rising reports of injuries and disruption, ministers said coordinated action was needed before someone was seriously hurt.
Thailand’s water buffalo beauty pageant
Thailand kicked off its annual water buffalo beauty pageant to celebrate their bovine agricultural workers against the rise of tractors and other farming technology. The beauty contests help support farmers and promote the raising of healthy and well-cared-for animals.
Sliding towards a better economy
In Bucarasica, Colombia, the mayor and residents transformed their steep main street into a giant water slide to boost tourism and shed the town's troubled image. This splashy annual event, born from an electoral campaign promise, now draws visitors to the town of only 6,000 residents, boosting the local economy and improving the image of the region.
A man in Ontario, Canada, took a city bus for a four-mile spin while the real driver was on a break. But this wasn't a traditional highjacking: the man in question stopped at red lights, obeyed traffic rules and didn't alarm a single passenger during the heist. A bus driver in the making, perhaps?
The “polygamous” civil servant
A "polygamous" British civil servant took multitasking to new heights back in 2023, juggling three full-time government jobs. The National Fraud Initiative uncovered his triple employment this year, after discovering that he held three roles in three government departments during two separate time frames.
New Zealand’s haunted playground
Every Thursday night, New Zealand’s Parliament transforms into a haunted playground with its weekly ghost tours. Guides lead thrill-seekers through shadowy halls, revealing tales of tragic deaths, restless spirits, and ghostly whispers of long-gone politicians. “It was spookier than expected,” said one visitor.
The Tamil Nadu government in India has installed an AI-powered warning system near Coimbatore’s railway tracks that has enabled around 2,800 safe elephant crossings. Officials say the technology helps prevent train collisions and shows how public policy and AI can protect wildlife and infrastructure.
Pennsylvania man caught green-handed
A Pennsylvanian man was recently caught green-handed at Newark Airport in New Jersey, USA while trying to smuggle a live turtle through customs. TSA scanners and a pat-down exposed the stowaway. While the passenger didn't make the flight, we're pleased to report that the turtle appears to have emerged unharmed from the incident.
South Korea’s K-drama election night
South Korea’s broadcasters turned June’s election night into a K-drama spectacle. Government-backed coverage featured rap battles, action spoofs and tearjerkers starring candidate avatars to draw in younger viewers and shift polling night from solemn tradition to shared pop culture event, nudging a new generation toward the ballot box.
Make sure to share your own thoughts with the author by leaving a comment below
Log in or sign up to continue the conversation