Evening Update 14 Jan

The introduction of the new pay-as-you-earn tax regime will see nearly nine million French tax-payers receiving credits in their bank accounts tomorrow. The average €700 credit will apply to people who have recurring expenses, through the employment of a home-based employee, donations to associations or rental investments.

Menton will see more disruption to bus services tomorrow, as industrial unrest continues at Zest bus. Strike action will affect services mainly during the morning and afternoon rush-hours. Full details are available on the company website ZestBus.fr

President Macron has launched a three-month debate today, in response to the long list of grievances aired by the gillets jaunes. In an open letter Macron recognized protesters' demands to change some of his flagship policies, but he did not say whether he would scrap the contentious wealth tax policy, which has led to him being called ‘president of the rich.’

The Education Minister said a decision will be taken in the next two weeks, regarding the suppression of family allowance payments, to parents of violent children. The Minister confirmed he does plan to punish parents for their children’s behaviour but added financial penalties would not necessarily relate to family allowances.

Some late night trams will not be running in Nice for the next two weeks, as Lignes d’Azur carry out works to stop tram wheels squeaking. Replacement busses will be run where any late night trams are cancelled.

BUSINESS

Chinese exports had their steepest fall for two years in December. While exports fell 4.4% last month, China says its 2018 trade surplus with the United States was its largest in more than a decade. Despite Donald Trumps trade war, China's surplus with the U.S. grew 17% from a year ago.

American bank Citigroup has blamed recent turmoil on global markets, for a surprise drop in revenue. Fourth quarter revenue slipped 2% to $17bn, almost a half billion short of estimates. The bank said, income on its bond trading desks had slumped by a fifth, following fluctuations on financial markets in December.

SPORT

Football - OGC Nice supporters have begun an online petition asking OGC Nice President Jean-Pierre Rivère to stay. It follows yesterdays surprise announcement, that the club president is to give way to Barnsley MD Gauthier Ganaye.

AS Monaco has secured Fabregas on a three and a half year “no-fee” transfer from Chelsea. The club will pay bonuses to Chelsea based on Fabregas’ performances.

Tennis - At the Australian Open, Andy Murray produced a superb fightback in what may well have been his final match.  The Scotsman, battled brilliantly before losing 6-4 6-4 6-7 6-7 6-2. Afterwards he said that, if that was his last match, it was an amazing way to end.

Fellow Briton, Kyle Edmond is definitely out of the Open, after a disappointing 6-3 6-Luv 7-5 loss to Tomas Berdych.

Meanwhile, in the ladies competition, Caroline Wozniacki started the defence of her Australian title with an easy 6-3 6-4 win, while world number two Angelique Kerber also moved into the second round after her 6-2 6-2 win.