NEWS
New Laws in Monaco - Monaco's National Council has unanimously approved four new laws, including one to formalize internships, setting rules on age, duration, and mandatory agreements to prevent exploitation. Another law strengthens patient safety by managing healthcare-related risks, while a third gives health inspectors more authority to combat diseases like dengue and Ebola. The final reform introduces "plea bargaining" to speed up judicial processes and align Monaco with anti-money laundering standards set by Moneyval.
The Aspé Dam - The Aspé Dam is nearing completion, with workers installing a crucial geomembrane to ensure watertightness in Saint-Raphaël, Var. The massive structure (198m long, 70m wide, 15m high) will regulate water flow and prevent flooding, holding up to 186,000 m³ of water. Despite weather delays, it is set to be operational by January 2025, with a total cost of €5.5 million.
Rail Service Between Tende and Limone - Due to ongoing construction on the Tende tunnel, the Paca region will strengthen rail service between Tende (France) and Limone (Italy), providing six daily round trips until the 31st of March 2025. This cross-border agreement with the Piedmont region is funded equally by both parties (€650,000 total) and includes free transport for French school groups. The agreement, initially set to end in 2024, is now extended to December 2026, with adjustments possible if the tunnel reopens.
Fires - Two fires broke out just minutes apart on Thursday night in Valréas, Vaucluse. An abandoned farmhouse and an agricultural shed containing farm equipment and hay were partially destroyed. Firefighters managed to save the farm equipment, and no injuries were reported.
SeaGlider - Nice is exploring a partnership with U.S. company REGENT to introduce the SeaGlider, a 100% electric hybrid between a boat and a plane. This zero-emission craft floats like a boat, rises on hydrofoils to gain speed, and "flies" above water at 290 km/h using ground effect. With plans for a 100-passenger model by 2030, sea trials with human passengers will begin this year in Rhode Island, USA.
Nice-Cap d'Ail Maritime Shuttle - The Nice-Cap d'Ail maritime shuttle project, proposed in 2020, remains stalled due to technical, financial, and regulatory challenges. Efforts to secure 100% zero-emission hydrogen or electric vessels capable of reliable daily service have been unsuccessful. Economic viability is also a concern, with authorities suggesting that only significant state funding from France and Monaco could make the project feasible.
Pope Francis to Visit Ajaccio - Ahead of Pope Francis' visit to Ajaccio, French police conducted a security operation at Toulon port on the 12th of December. Officers, including a canine unit, inspected 95 vehicles and 130 passengers traveling to Corsica, leading to two arrests for drug-related offenses. The suspects were detained, and their vehicle was impounded.
Christmas Gifts for the Elderly - Children from 14 schools have crafted Christmas gifts and cards for elderly residents in local care homes on the 12th of December, culminating in a heartwarming intergenerational gathering, in Nice. The kids, aged 3 and up, sang carols and gifted handmade cards to seniors, fostering moments of joy and connection. The initiative aimed to bring holiday cheer to isolated elderly residents, filling both young and old with warmth and festive spirit.
Valberg Ski Resort Opening - Valberg ski resort will open its slopes for the season on Saturday, the 21st of December, with a festive launch day featuring free lift passes, beginner ski lessons, and holiday-themed entertainment. The resort is freezing its lift pass prices for the season, offering discounts for youth, students, and seniors, as well as a "2-for-1" pass option. Visitors can expect a range of activities throughout the winter, including snowshoeing, torchlit descents, and New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Cinderalla in Nice Opera - The Nice Opera will present a captivating ballet adaptation of Cinderella from the 17th to the 29th of December. Choreographed by Thierry Malandain to Prokofiev's music, it features a minimalist stage, powerful emotional storytelling, and male dancers as the wicked stepsisters for a humorous twist. This modern yet faithful retelling celebrates love, dreams, and human resilience.
New Metal Band Clip - The new metal band KAAGORAH is releasing its debut music video The Beginning on December 13, filmed at the scenic Fort of Tende as a tribute to the site. Despite chaotic weather, the group aimed to capture the energy of their song, which conveys themes of resilience and self-confidence. Formed in 2024, KAAGORAH hopes the video will boost their presence in the growing metal scene of the Alpes-Maritimes and beyond.
BUSINESS
A new housing project with 76 to 90 state-owned apartments is planned for Monaco's Jardin Exotique district, featuring a 20-story building on Avenue Hector-Otto. The 2025 budget includes €13 million for the project, with land agreements secured to avoid delays. This development aims to address future housing shortages, alongside other ongoing projects like Bel Air and La Luciole.
The European economy faces slow growth ahead, with ECB forecasts lowering 2024 growth to 1.1% despite interest rate cuts. Structural issues in Germany and political divides in France add to the uncertainty, while Spain and former crisis countries like Portugal and Greece show stronger performance. The EU faces pressure to reform as it lags behind a booming US economy, with looming trade tensions under a new US administration.
And - Royal Mail has been fined £10.5m by Ofcom for missing delivery targets for the second year in a row, with only 74.7% of first-class and 92.7% of second-class mail delivered on time. Ofcom criticized Royal Mail's excuses and called for faster improvement, while the company blamed strikes and financial strain. Citizens Advice highlighted the impact on consumers, and Royal Mail's parent firm faces a potential takeover by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky.
SPORTS
Football - Pedro Martinez Losa has left his role as head coach of Scotland women after the team failed to qualify for Euro 2025. The Spaniard's side lost 2-0 on aggregate to play-off opponents Finland this month, having also missed out on the 2023 World Cup via the play-offs.
Formula 1 - Rwanda is bidding to host a Formula 1 grand prix, the country's President Paul Kagame says. F1 is keen to hold a race in Africa and talks with Rwanda have been known about for some months.
Rugby Union - Exeter boss Rob Baxter says he could make just a handful of new signings for next season despite his side's poor form. The Chiefs are bottom of the Premiership having lost all seven of their games and their only victories this season have come in the Premiership Rugby Cup.
WEATHER
Cloudy with light rain and strong winds. Highs of 13 degrees in Nice and Toulon, 14 in Cannes, and 15 degrees in Saint-Tropez and Marseille.
Tonight, light rain persisting in most of the region with a gentle breeze and lows of 10 degrees.
Outlook for this weekend:
Sat: mostly clear with gentle to moderate winds and highs of 15 degrees,
Sun: Fine and bright with strong winds in the Bouches-du-Rhône and highs of 17 degrees.
Mon: Fine and bright with a gentle breeze and highs of 17 degrees
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