NEWS
First Council of Ministers of 2025 - Following France's first 2025 Council of Ministers, the government emphasized unity and responsibility amid political instability, aiming for cross-party dialogue on urgent issues like the state budget and pensions. President Macron expressed hopes for determination and collaboration, while agricultural protests and Mayotte's cyclone recovery remain pressing challenges.
Truck Accident - A 28-ton truck has crashed into a private property's fence, blocking traffic this morning in Grasse. The driver, who had just exited the vehicle, believes the handbrake wasn't properly engaged. Traffic was diverted but went back to normal by 11 am.
Tende Tunnel Construction Site - French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot is set to visit the Tende tunnel construction site, marking the first ministerial visit in its decade-long history. The project, which has faced significant delays and cost overruns, aims to secure commitments from Italy to ensure its completion. As Tabarot seeks to address these issues, an Italian group, "Musicisti anonimi," has gone viral with their song "Le tunnel des Merveilles," humorously mocking the ongoing delays and frustrations caused by long detours. Posted on the 28th of December, the song resonates deeply with residents in the Roya region, who share the ironic yet truthful sentiment of waiting for the tunnel’s long-overdue reopening.
Water Scam - Residents in the Alpes-Maritimes have fallen victim to phone scams falsely claiming local water is unsafe to sell purifiers and filters. Municipalities warn against these fraudulent calls, which use alarming, recorded messages to mislead people. Authorities urge anyone receiving such calls to report them to 33 700.
Jewellery Store Robbed - A jewellery store has been robbed over New Year's, with thieves breaking in through a hole in the wall of a neighbouring building in Hyères, Var. They stole €250,000 worth of items, including client jewellery, gold, and cash. Police are investigating, but no further details have been shared.
Sea Urchin Fishing Regulated - Sea urchin fishing is strictly regulated due to declining populations, with daily quotas and size limits in the Mediterranean. Following numerous violations, authorities in Alpes-Maritimes will increase enforcement, emphasizing sustainable practices. Violators face fines, confiscation of gear, and must release the urchins back into the sea.
Equestrian Centre Accused of Abuse - After a video sparked accusations of abuse at her equestrian centre, Sylvie Grente, the director, endured intense scrutiny and threats in the Var. The case was dismissed, and she now focuses on rebuilding her centre, which has regained trust and grown. Grente emphasizes her love for her horses and career, urging caution against hasty social media judgments.
Trees Planted in Ventimiglia - The Italian town of Ventimiglia has planted over 100 trees in 2024, including 20 large green oaks along the Pelagos cycling path, as part of a reforestation and green development plan. The initiative also includes replacing hazardous or dry trees and active maintenance of over 1,000 existing trees, with further planting planned for 2025.
Christmas Tree Recycling Campaign - A Christmas tree recycling campaign has been launched in the Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolis with over 550 collection points. Trees must be free of decorations and will be turned into mulch for public use, helping avoid waste and potential fines. Last year, 92,000 trees (300 tons) were recycled, easing waste management efforts.
BUSINESS
Sir Nick Clegg, Meta's president of global affairs and former UK deputy prime minister, is stepping down after nearly seven years. He will transition his duties to Joel Kaplan, a Republican and former White House deputy chief of staff under George W. Bush, signalling a shift amidst Donald Trump's return to the White House. Clegg, known for bridging tech and politics, plans to pursue "new adventures" after representing Meta at international gatherings.
And - Swedish start-up Northvolt, once hailed for building Europe's greenest battery factory, has filed for bankruptcy due to high debts, missed targets, and global competition. The collapse has raised concerns about Sweden's green tech leadership, though industry experts remain optimistic about its renewable energy potential. Critics call for stronger government support amid rising competition from US and Chinese green industries.
SPORTS
Cricket - Australia dismissed India for 185 on day one of the fifth Test but a fired-up Jasprit Bumrah struck with the final ball of the day to boost the tourists late on.
Football - Liverpool manager Arne Slot insists that defender Trent Alexander-Arnold is "fully committed to us" amid speculation over his future. The England right-back is out of contract in the summer and our sources say that Real Madrid have made an approach - but no offer - about signing him in January, which the Reds rebuffed.
Tennis - World number one Aryna Sabalenka reached the Brisbane International semi-finals by defeating Marie Bouzkova 6-3 6-4.
WEATHER
Mostly Sunny this afternoon with moderate to strong winds in the Var and the Bouches-du-Rhône. Highs of 11 degrees in Marseille, 14 in Toulon, and 15 degrees in Nice, Cannes and Saint-Tropez.
Tonight, partly cloudy with temperatures dropping to 11 degrees.
Outlook for this weekend:
Sat: Mostly cloudy with light rain inland with highs of 14 degrees
Sun: Mostly cloudy with rain making its way to the Cote d’Azur and highs of 15 degrees
Mon: Cloudy and rainy across the region with highs of 15 degrees and moderate to strong winds.
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