Evening Update 17 June

Abortion is to be de-criminalized in Monaco after the National Council voted unanimously to amend legislation relating to terminations. The Council also voted to extend maternity leave from 16 to 18 weeks, placing the Principality ahead of France, Germany and Belgium.

The businessman who founded the mobile, internet and television company Free, is looking to acquire a major stake in the Nice-Matin newspaper. Xavier Niel, who is also a co-owner of Le Monde, is looking to buy 34% of the publication, with the remaining shares held by a co-op society of employees.

The Marie in Menton has expanded the popular ‘Menton Ma Ville’ service with a new website where all residents can interact with the Town Hall for tasks such as housing and civil status to parking. The site can be viewed at mentonmaville.fr

A new bus with no driver will soon be seen on the streets of Monaco. Starting in July, the new self-driving bus will take passengers to four stops; the Place du Palais, the Cathedral, the Oceanographic Museum and Place de la Visitation. If successful, a second driver-less bus could be operational in the Larvotto area by autumn.

BUSINESS

An Italian proposal to issue small-denomination bonds, to help pay back government debts, could have disastrous consequences for the economy. The proposal would see the treasury issue small securities that could be used by the holder to pay taxes, or to buy goods or services, from state-owned companies. Supporters of the idea, believe the short-term barter scheme would help the government reduce its outstanding bills. However, critics argue it would lead to higher public debt, in a country that already has the second largest debt in the euro zone.

Huawei has said international sales of its mobile phones have shrunk 40% in the past month as a US-led backlash against the firm intensifies. The Chinese telecoms giant says it will slash production by $30bn.

WORLD CUP FOOTBALL

England defender Lucy Bronze says England are in a ‘far better position’ to beat Japan since they last met four years ago at the World Cup semi-finals in Canada. Back then, former champions Japan beat England 2-1 to reach the final.

This year England have guaranteed their place in the knockouts, but if they can draw or win against Japan on Wednesday, they will progress as Group D winners. 

The World Cup game, which is taking place in Nice, kicks off at the Allianz Riviera Stadium at 9pm. Tickets, from just €9, are available online.

In tonight’s matches we have France taking on Nigeria and South Korea v Norway at 9pm, while in half an hour it’s; China v Spain and South Africa v Germany.

Football - Francesco Totti says resigning as director of Roma after 30 years is like dying. The World Cup winner has spent his entire professional career at the Serie A club and retired from playing in 2017. Since then, his relationship with the clubs president James Pallotta has reportedly deteriorated.

Cycling - Tour de France champion Geraint Thomas says he is ready for a "huge" defence of his title when the world's biggest road race starts next month. Team preparations were dealt a severe blow, when four-time Tour winner Chris Froome suffered multiple injuries in a serious crash, however Thomas says his own preparations will not be affected by his team-mate's absence.