Evening Update Friday 5 April

Two bodies have been discovered in the countryside near Aubagne.  The bodies of a man and a woman were discovered in a ravine in Gémenos.  The bodies, which were in an advanced state of decomposition, were found near a two wheeled vehicle.  Inquiries are attempting to shed more light on the circumstances of the deaths.

Customs Officers have been demonstrating at Nice airport this morning. They were protesting at the lack of resources for dealing with Brexit, particularly with the potential for a large number of tax refunds to visitors from the UK after Brexit. The demonstration, in Terminal 2, didn’t affect the normal operation of the airport.

The Minister of Ecological Transition, François de Rugy, is visiting the Var today.  He has been in Sainte-Maxim and Ramatuelle to discuss the situation regarding the recent oil pollution affecting the coastal areas of the department and also to discuss the recent forest fires.

A fire caused significant damage to a building in the centre of Marseille overnight. Six people were hospitalised after being affected by smoke and fumes during the blaze on rue Goudard, in the 5th arrondissement.

Residents in some areas of the Var could be forgiven for being surprised when they heard sirens today.  The sirens, which are part of the alert and population information system, were undergoing tests in several areas including Pierrefeu, Brignoles, Hyères, and La Farlède.

A survey published today shows that only 29% of French people consider Europe to be a source of hope, compared to 61% in October 2003. The low figures show French people's doubts about the effectiveness of the European Union. 43% of them think that it has been effective in the fight against terrorism, a rate that drops to 29% with regard to the environment, 19% for employment, 18% for immigration and taxation.

A 41 year old man has allegedly been posing as an estate agent in Frejus. The man who had no business card made false rental contracts. He was unmasked when a landlord reclaimed outstanding rent for a property he was supposedly managing. 

The Canneseries TV event is getting underway at the Palais des Festivals today. Some of the best creators in the world of TV series come together at the event, which is in its second year this year. There’s also international competition for a wide range of genres.  It’s free and open to the public. It comes just before one of the long-standing media events on the Riviera, MIPTV, which begins in Cannes on Monday.

 

BUSINESS

The EU competition body has told BMW, Daimler and Volkswagen that they breached EU antitrust rules.  In its preliminary findings, the EU said that from 2006 to 2014 the car makers had colluded to restrict competition on the development of emissions technology.

Germany's statistics office has published data showing industrial output rose by 0.7% in February, more than the 0.5% forecast. The figure for January was revised upwards to indicate that production was flat rather than the 0.8% contraction reported previously.

US non-farm payroll numbers rose by 196,000 in March. Data for February was revised up to show payrolls rising by 33,000 jobs instead of the previously reported 20,000. The jobless rate held steady at 3.8%

 

SPORT

Football…There’s a shortened programme in the English Premier League this weekend because of the FA Cup semi-finals. Liverpool can reclaim top spot again if they beat Southampton at Anfield while tomorrow Bournemouth play Burnley. Relegated Huddersfield play Leicester and Newcastle host Crystal Palace. On Sunday Everton play Arsenal while Chelsea play West Ham on Monday. In the FA Cup semi finals Manchester City play Brighton tomorrow and Watford play Wolves. Both ties are at Wembley Stadium.

Racing… 40 horses will line up for the Grand National at Aintree tomorrow with Tiger Roll bidding to become the first horse to win back-to-back Nationals since Red Rum in 1973 and 1974. Tiger Roll is currently the 7-2 favourite with strong money for Rathvinden at 10-1 , Annibale Fly at 11s and Vintage Clouds at 12-1. The big race starts at 6.15 French time tomorrow evening.

Rowing.. The annual University Boat Race takes place on the River Thames in London on Sunday. The Olympic gold medallist James Cracknell will become the oldest person to compete in the race after being selected by Cambridge. He’s currently reading for a masters degree in human evolution at the university. Cambridge won the race last year meaning that they have an 83-80 lead over Oxford in the event’s history.The women’s Boat Race is also taking place on Sunday at 3.15 French time with the men’s race at 4.15.

Rugby Union.. There’s one game in the Gallagher Premiership in England tonight. Sale play Harlequins while in the Guinness Pro 12 Glasgow Warriors play Ulster and Munster host Cardiff Blues.

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