NEWS
PM policy Speech - French Prime Minister François Bayrou's policy speech proposed reopening pension reform discussions with social partners for three months, warning that the current reform would remain if no consensus is reached. He emphasized addressing France's critical debt and announced a "democracy bank" to fund political parties. Political reactions in Côte d’Azur ranged from criticism of a lack of ideological direction to calls for bipartisan cooperation, with left-wing parties planning a censure motion.
Heavy Turbulence - Flights between Nice and Switzerland (Geneva and Zurich) are ranked the most turbulent in Europe due to the Alps disrupting airflows, causing sudden wind shifts and turbulence. These phenomena, though uncomfortable, are well understood and safely managed by pilots. Météo-France provides forecasts to help pilots anticipate such conditions.
Acquitted from Fraud Accusations - Fifteen individuals accused of fraud in the Tende Tunnel project, a key Franco-Italian infrastructure initiative in the Alps, have been acquitted by an Italian court due to "inexistence of facts" and statute limitations. Allegations included theft, falsified documents, and safety violations, which halted construction for years. The project, now managed by a new consortium, aims for partial reopening by spring 2025 and full completion by summer 2025.
Twinning of Menton and Sanremo - The unveiling of a sign marking the twinning of Menton and Sanremo at the Saint-Ludovic border has been delayed due to technical issues, though celebrations continued at Villa Maria Serena. This twinning, formalized in March 2024, highlights the historical and cultural ties between the two cities, with future plans for European territorial cooperation (GECT) to strengthen regional collaboration.
Revitalising Cagnes-sur-Mer Businesses - Cagnes-sur-Mer aims to revitalise the struggling Boulevard Maréchal-Juin by curating a diverse mix of businesses, focusing on food-related stores to attract shoppers. The city intervenes when possible, pre-empting vacant spaces to control the type of commerce introduced. Local merchants call for more "anchor" stores, accessible rents, and infrastructure improvements to compete with thriving shopping centers.
Mayor of Sorgues' House on Fire - The mayor of Sorgues, Thierry Lagneau, has experienced a fire at his home on Tuesday evening due to an electrical meter malfunction. Firefighters extinguished the fire within an hour, with no injuries or significant damage reported. Enedis secured the site, and the fire was fully extinguished by 8 pm.
Senior Residence Built from Roman Aqueduct - A senior residence with 84 affordable units will be built by 2027, offering amenities like dining, gardens, and activities near essential services in Antibes. The site, which contains remnants of a Roman aqueduct, will integrate these historical elements into the design. This €19.8 million project prioritizes local seniors, ensuring they can stay in their community as their needs evolve.
Prof. Dider Raoult Shifts to Anti-Aging Industry - Professor Didier Raoult, banned from practicing medicine for two years, has shifted to the anti-aging industry by launching a cosmetology startup, "Magnifiscience," with entrepreneur Nina Basri. The company focuses on stem-cell-based products to repair and maintain skin structures, blending scientific research with practical applications. Previously, Raoult explored the role of the microbiome in acne while leading Marseille's IHU.
BUSINESS
UK Treasury Minister Tulip Siddiq resigned amid scrutiny over ties to her aunt, former Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina, and allegations of corruption in Bangladesh. An inquiry found no evidence of wrongdoing by Siddiq but noted potential reputational risks. Siddiq cited her resignation as avoiding distraction while denying all claims.
A UK parliamentary report recommends extending paid bereavement leave to parents experiencing pregnancy loss before 24 weeks, addressing the inadequacy of sick leave for grieving. Advocates, including affected parents, stress the emotional and financial impact of current policies. The proposal is part of the Employment Rights Bill, which aims to strengthen workplace protections.
And - The city of Cannes is positioning itself as "crypto-friendly" ahead of hosting the Ethereum Community Conference (EthCC) in June 2025. The city will train local businesses on cryptocurrency usage, starting with a workshop on the 4th of February, to attract younger, international clients and boost its competitiveness. Plans include a "crypto-friendly" map to enhance visibility and appeal.
SPORTS
AS Monaco shone at the departmental cross-country championships in Opio, winning 10 medals in strong performances across all categories. The athletes thrived in favourable weather and a fast course, showcasing the club's depth and talent.
Tennis - British number seven Jodie Burrage gave a good account of herself against Coco Gauff but was unable to cause a seismic shock as she exited the Australian Open in the second round. Burrage, 25, lost 6-3 7-5 to the American third seed in Wednesday's night session on Rod Laver Arena.
Football - Everton manager David Moyes will "push the club forward", says predecessor Sean Dyche. Moyes was appointed on Saturday for his second spell in charge, two days after Dyche was sacked.
WEATHER
Mostly sunny with moderate winds and highs of 12 degrees in Marseille, 13 in Nice and Toulon, 14 in Cannes and 16 degrees in Saint-Tropez.
Tonight, clear skies with lows of 3 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, mostly sunny with moderate to strong winds and highs of 16 degrees.
Speed restrictions are in place on all major roads in the Alpes-Maritimes today because of a smog alert....
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A Marseille magistrate has been sentenced on the 17th of June in Nîmes for repeatedly avoiding motorway tolls using fake license plates. ...
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A major police stop-and-search operation along France's borders is being carried out today, involving 4,000 police officers, gendarmes and customs off...
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SFR has announced automatic compensation of 100GB of free mobile data for affected customers following a major network outage on the 16th of June....
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French President Emmanuel Macron will chair a high-level Security and Defence Council meeting at the Élysée Palace today Wednesday, June 18th at 4pm, ...
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