Authorities have removed several yellow vest encampments in the Alpes Maritimes this morning. Traffic was disrupted during this morning’s rush hour as police removed protestors from the ground they had been occupying at Nice Saint-Isidore. In Cantaron, near Drap, two people were arrested after a roundabout was set on fire last night. In Cagnes-sur-Mer, reports say that a dozen yellow vests attempted to resist being evicted, but police eventually cleared the area. Demonstrators gathered outside the central police station in Toulon last night to protest at what they say is police violence against yellow vest protestors. On Saturday, a police commander was filmed striking protesters.
The Mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi has announced plans to constuct two hotels in the port area of Nice. He said that discussions had already started with potential hotel operators for the opening of hotels of 3 or 4 star standard. The mayor made the announcement while touring the works taking place for Line 2 of the tramway, which will open in Nice port this autumn.
The French government has announced an exceptional payment of 200 euros net of deductions for 40,000 tax officials. The payment is intended to reward those employees who worked on the implementation of the withholding tax.
Flags at the Hotel Negresco in Nice have been flying at half-mast today following the death last night of the illustrious patron of the hotel, Jeanne Augier at the age of 95. She died in her apartment on the 5th floor of the emblematic palace of the Promenade over which she reigned for more than 60 years. Tributes have been paid to a daring entrepreneur, a strong-headed woman, who built an extraordinary empire.
A 50 year old homeless man has died in Hyeres. He was found by members of the public on a road in the town centre yesterday. Medics were unable to revive him.
BUSINESS
German industrial output has fallen for a third consecutive month. Production by the eurozone's largest economy fell by 1.9% between October and November. It was also 4.7% lower compared to November last year.
In the UK, shoppers spent a record £29.3bn at supermarkets over the 12 weeks to 30 December, according to figures from Kantar Worldpanel. The big winners were Aldi and Lidl with two-thirds of households shopping at either of the stores over the Christmas period, giving them a highest-ever combined market share for the season of 12.8%.
Manchester United is to open a series of club-themed entertainment and experience centres in China. The club said in a statement that fans who visit a centre "will be able to experience the thrill of a matchday at Old Trafford" as well as learning about the history and heritage of Manchester United. The complexes will also include restaurants and club retail stores.
SPORT
Golf…Padraig Harrington will captain Europe when they defend the Ryder Cup in 2020. Harrington was a vice-captain when Europe won the trophy in France in September. He has played in six Ryder Cups and was part of the winning team on four occasions.
Rugby Union… Scarlets coach Wayne Pivac says that Leigh Halfpenny has been ruled out for three to five weeks and is likely to miss the start of the Six Nations. The Wales full-back has already missed two months with concussion after suffering a head blow against Australia on 10 November. Wales' Six Nations campaign starts against France in Paris on 1 February.
Football… The Confederation of African Football has announced that Egypt will host the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. Original host nation Cameroon was stripped of staging duties in November because of slow preparations. Egypt has just six months to prepare for the expanded 24-team finals, which start in June.
Gary Rowett has been sacked by Championship side Stoke City after less than eight months in charge. Rowett was appointed in May following the club's relegation from the Premier League.
The first of the English League Cup semi-finals is being played tonight. Spurs host Chelsea at Wembley Stadium.
France is preparing for severe weather as Storm Benjamin sweeps in from the British Isles, bringing violent winds, heavy rain and powerful coastal wav...
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Storm Benjamin is on the way. It’s expected that the Atlantic coast and parts of north-west France will be worst affected, but Meteo France have yello...
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Dozens of left-wing activists have marched through Nice, protesting plans to name a public square after former president Nicolas Sarkozy, the march oc...
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Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy has started a jail sentence for campaign finance conspiracy today...
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A 61-year-old British woman died of a suspected heart attack while on a cruise off the coast of Cannes during the night of Saturday 18 to Sunday 19 Oc...
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