Several people have been injured in a fire in Nice this afternoon. According to local reports, two firefighters and at least one other person were injured when the fire broke out in a building on Boulevard de Cessole.
The Prefect of the Var has issued two decrees regarding prohibitions on fuel and fireworks during the end of year celebrations. The provisions of the decrees are in operation from December 24 at 8:00 a.m. to December 26 at 8:00 a.m. and from December 30 at 8:00 a.m. until January 2 at 8:00 a.m. They regulate the sale, use and transportation of fireworks and pyrotechnic articles and the retail sale of fuel, acid, chemical or explosive products. Full details are available on the Prefecture's website www.var.gouv.fr The prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes has made similar decrees. They regulate the sale, purchase and distribution of fuel and the transfer, sale and transportation of certain fireworks from December 23, at 12:00 a.m. to January 2 at 8:00 a.m. The consumption of alcoholic beverages on public roads, outside of restaurant terraces and authorized drinking establishments, is prohibited in certain areas of Nice from December 31 at 6:00 p.m. to January 1 at 8:00 a.m. Further details can be found on www.alpes-maritimes.gouv.fr
HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco has sent a letter to Petr Pavel, President of the Czech Republic following yesterday's mass shooting in which fourteen people lost their lives and twenty five were wounded. Prince Albert said that "our thoughts are with the grieving families of the innocent victims of this unspeakable act of violence". He said that he conveyed his deepest condolences on behalf of the people of Monaco, his family and himself, and assured the President of "our profound solidarity".
There's been another hoax bomb threat against a school. Students and staff at a school in Avignon were evacuated from buildings while checks were carried out after an e-mail was received this morning. There have been dozens of hoax bomb threats against schools and public buildings across France in recent months.
Seven people have been found guilty of terrorist conspiracy by a court in Paris today. The ultra left wing sympathisers were accused of planning violent action against the police in 2020. Prison sentences of up to two and a half years were handed down by the court.
This year has been a record year for filming in Nice according to mayor Christian Estrosi. He said that almost 600 days of filming had taken place on public property and 160 days at the Victorine studios. He added that he is proud to see "that Nice remains and will remain the most beautiful cinema setting but also a production location that lives up to its reputation".
BUSINESS
Revised figures have shown that the UK economy contracted between July and September. GDP fell by 0.1% in the quarter according to the revised data from the Office for National Statistics, whereas previous estimates suggested that growth had been flat. The ONS also revised GDP growth downwards for the April to June quarter to zero in contrast to the initial estimate of 0.2% growth.
The UK government has announced that regulated train fares in England will rise by up to 4.9% from March. Normally the fare increase comes into force two months earlier in January and is based on July's retail price index measure of inflation, plus 1%. However, the Department for Transport has decided to limit fare price increases below July's rate of 9%.
SPORT
Football... Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said that it is important to "look after fans". Arsenal rejected involvement in the revised European Super League proposal which was announced yesterday. Arsenal were one of twelve clubs who joined the original ESL plan in 2021. Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City and Manchester United are amongst other English clubs who have re-affirmed their commitment to Uefa competitions.
In the Premier League this evening Aston Villa are at home to Sheffield United. Tomorrow, West Ham play Manchester United, Fulham are at home to Burnley, Luton play Newcastle, Nottingham Forest play Bournemouth, Tottenham play Everton and Liverpool are at home to Arsenal. On Christmas Eve Wolves play Chelsea in the lunchtime game and on Boxing Day Newcastle play Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth play Fulham, Sheffield are at home to Luton, Burnley face Liverpool and Manchester United are at home to Aston Villa.
Eric Ciotti, leader of Les Républicains, has expressed cautious support for new Prime Minister Michel Barnier if his policies align with law and order...
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France has a new Prime Minister, after 51 days of waiting right-wing politician Michel Barnier was appointed Prime Minister on Thursday. ...
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Michel Barnier has been announced as the new French Prime Minister, tasked with forming a unity government. Barnier, a veteran politician and former B...
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The announcement of France's new Prime Minister is expected before 1 p.m. today, with Michel Barnier emerging as a leading candidate. Bernard Cazeneuv...
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Marseille has been hit by heavy rain with businesses in the old port of the city flooded on Wednesday afternoon. Shopkeepers found themselves taken b...
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