The Romanian village of Voinesti elects a dead man, Neculai Ivescu, to be their mayor.
Typical politician: He RAN as a dead guy, but he GOVERNS as one of the undead. Zombies, vampires and mummies move into Voinesti, turning it into a bustling metropolis (by night).
From mayor, it's but a short step to regional governor, to Prime Minister, to United Nations Secretary General. Resolution passed demanding tariff-free international trade in "BRAINS!!!" And also condemning Israel.
New worldwide transportation trend of "staggering" greatly reduces carbon emissions.