National News France
China’s President meets with Macron today - China’s President Xi Jinping is on his first visit to Europe since 2019 meeting with French President Emmanual Macron today before heading to Serbia and Hungary. Macron is set to urge his Chinese counterpart to reduce trade imbalances and to use his influence with Russia over the war in Ukraine. In a statement released on his arrival Xi Jinping said that ties between China and France were “a model for the international community of peaceful coexistence and a win-win cooperation between countries with different social systems”.
European elections – In other news, according to a survey published today, Monday 6th May, 49% of French people are interested in the European elections. The elections which are being held on June 9th apparently attract the interest of 38% of those aged between 35-49 and 60% of those over 65. Top priority is the European economy followed closely by immigration and the environment.
Local News
Bin collectors strike looks set to continue - Bin collectors in Marseille have extended their strike action. The movement which started on April 30th in the 4th and 5th arrondissements has now extended to almost all sectors of the city and could continue until the 8th or 9th of May, coinciding with the arrival of the Olympic flame. Employees are protesting against poor working conditions.
Yacht destroyed following mistral in the Var - A boat has been completely destroyed in the port of Carqueiranne in the Var. The vessel was reportedly poorly moored when a strong mistral hit the region at the weekend leading to it being washed up against nearby rocks.
Armed robber stopped in Nice - Police have arrested an armed robber in a store in Nice. The incident occurred on Sunday in the port district. The man was found to be in possession of a fake gun and a knife. Police intervened after being alerted by the security system.
International Dog Show - The International Dog Show here in Monaco welcomed more than 1,400 dogs this weekend. Taking place at the Chapiteau de Fontvieille the event marked one of its busiest year’s with 247 breeds taking part. The Monaco Canine Society was created back in 1927.
Longest baguette - French bakers have set a new Guiness World Record on Sunday when they made a 461ft long baguette. The massive baguette beat a 435ft mega loaf baked in Italy back in 2019. Part of the baguette was shared with the French public in Paris and the rest was given to the homeless.
Meanwhile, in Nice the Petits Farcis World Championship took place at the weekend at the Cave de la Tour in the old town. This year saw the event celebrate its 10th anniversary.
Charity bike ride – Finally, congratulations to everyone who took part in the charity bike ride from Saint-Tropez to Monaco. The Champagne & Oyster Cycling Club of Monaco counted a brilliant turn out for this year’s event on Sunday, raising money for the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation which helps in the development and growth of awareness to water safety and the risks of drowning, help children to swim. A frightening statistic is that drowning is the 3rd leading cause of unintentional injury and death worldwide accounting for 7% of all injury related deaths. Several programs are now up and running and these can be seen on the foundation’s website - http://fondationprincessecharlene.mc
Business
China’s President Xi Jinping is in Paris today on a state visit to France and will be welcomed by French President Emmanuel Macron. The Chinese head of state visit comes as the world's second largest economy is struggling to revive in the post-Covid period. China has set its growth target at "around 5%" this year, a goal identical to that announced for 2023.
Australia's biggest airline Qantas has agreed to pay a A$100m ($66.1m, £52.7m) penalty to settle a legal case accusing it of selling thousands of tickets for flights it had already cancelled. Under the deal with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), the firm will also launch a plan worth up to A$20m to compensate affected passengers.
And - The boss of Eurotunnel has insisted there will not be long queues of cars at its terminals when a new EU travel system starts in October. Brits heading to and from Europe will need to register fingerprints and a photo at the border, which has prompted warnings of delays. Eurotunnel chief executive Yann Leriche said journeys would take five-to-seven minutes longer, but extra lanes and technology mean the process will go smoothly.
Sport
Formula One – It was a win for McLaren and Lando Norris as they beat Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in the Miami Grand Prix. Speaking after the race Norris said he was “over the moon” following his victory. Norris jumped to the front because he was able to make his pit stop when a safety car was deployed at about half distance while others had already stopped.
Football – In the Premier League on Sunday Brighton beat Aston Villa 1-0, Chelsea had a comfortable 5-0 win against West Ham and Liverpool bear Tottenham 4-2. This evening Crystal Palace are at home to Manchester United.
Rugby Union - Toulouse beat Harlequins to book their place in a first Champions Cup final for three years. The five-time winners cruised into a healthy lead in the south of France after five tries in the opening 40 minutes.
Cricket - Joe Root is leading calls from players to reduce the amount of domestic cricket and review a schedule that is “not fit for purpose”. Research from the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) has found 81% of players have concerns about the physical toll of the fixture list, and 76% are worried about unsafe travel between matches.
Weather
Light rain is forecast. Highs of 19 degrees in Nice,18 degrees in Monaco and Saint-Tropez. 20 degrees in Cannes. Light winds and this evening going down to 10 degrees with clear skies.
The outlook for tomorrow and Wednesday. Fine with highs of 21-22 degrees.
Sunrise 06.15am
Sunset 08.39pm
Sea Temperature
Cannes 15.8°
Weather elsewhere
London 10° light rain.
Glasgow 16° thundery showers.
Amsterdam 19° sunny intervals.
Paris 18° light rain.
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