Lunchtime News Friday 10th July 2020

Beach in Saint Laurent du Var closed - The Landsberg beach in Saint Laurent du Var located between the promenade des Flots Bleus and Cap 3000 is to remain closed for the summer due to pollution. 

The beach, which is one of 5 in the town, is prohibited for swimming throughout the summer. The decision comes following a report from the Regional Health Agency (ARS).

House built without a permit demolished - The prefect of Vaucluse has ordered the demolition of a house built without a permit in a flood zone, in the town of Loriol-du-Comtat, in the Vaucluse.

The house built in a flood zone in Loriol-du-Comtat was rented until recently. This week the prefect enforced the judgment of the jucidiary court leading to its demolition.

Prime Minister and Minister of Interior visit Dijon - France’s Prime Minister and the Minister of the Interior are today in Dijon to visit the Grésilles district where violence broke out in June between Chechens and drug traffickers.

Speaking to journalists this morning Prime Minister Jean Castex said he wishes to send "a message of appeasement" to residents of the neighborhood who believe that they were abandoned by police during the confrontation in June.

Castex went on to announce that around twenty additional officers will soon be deployed at the police station at Place Suquet in Dijon, in response to requests from the police unions.

Travellers from at risk countries to be tested - Meanwhile France’s Minister of Health Olivier Véran has this morning announced that "all travelers who come from countries at risk of Covid-19 will be offered a test" and that "in order to simplify the procedures, testing campaigns will be carried out at airports"

Brigitte Macron interview - In an interview broadcast this morning on France Info French President Emmanuel Macron’s wife Brigitte Macron has said that she “does her best” referring to her “duties toward the French” adding that she does not "feel like a First Lady", but is only the "wife of the Head of State".

During the interview, she talks about her role at the Élysée and the "influence" that is often attributed to her.