NEWS
Emmanuel Macron Will not Resign - French President Emmanuel Macron’s televised address after accepting Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s resignation sparked sharp criticism from opposition politicians in the Alpes-Maritimes and Var, who labelled him "irresponsible" and "detached." Critics accused Macron of deflecting blame for political chaos following the government’s collapse due to a censure motion, while some allies, like Renaud Muselier, supported his decision to avoid further elections. Macron pledged to remain in office until his term ends, with discussions on appointing a new prime minister ongoing.
Motorcycle Accident - A 25-year-old motorcyclist has been seriously injured on the 6th of December after being dragged several meters following a collision with a bus in Nice. The incident occurred on Rue Pacho, near Notre-Dame-du-Port church. Emergency services transported the man to Pasteur 2 hospital, and police have opened an investigation into the accident.
Stabbing - A 25-year-old man has gravely injured after being stabbed multiple times on the night of the 5th to 6th of December in a hotel in Saint-Raphaël. The victim was later transferred to Nice’s Pasteur Hospital as his condition worsened. The 47-year-old suspect, who confessed to the attack after seeking medical help for a hand injury, was apprehended by police.
Tramway Line 4 - The completion of Nice's future tramway Line 4, connecting Nice to Cagnes-sur-Mer, has been delayed from 2028 to 2030 due to funding reallocation caused by COVID-19 and storms Alex and Aline. Construction is set to begin in 2025 with a 285-space park-and-ride in Saint-Laurent-du-Var by 2026. Officials highlight its convenience and added value for local access compared to trains.
Beausoleil To Enhance Pedestrian Mobility - Beausoleil plans to enhance mobility and reduce car dependency with projects like a pedestrian tunnel connecting Moneghetti to Monaco’s train station, 11 new escalators, and a fifth underground parking lot. Existing efforts, including public elevators, escalators, and Monabike stations, have already reduced traffic and improved residents’ quality of life. Funding collaborations with Monaco are key to advancing these sustainable initiatives.
Auron Ski Station to Open Tomorrow - With 430 snow cannons compensating for limited natural snow the Auron ski station is set to open its slopes this Saturday. They will also offer a 15-euro lift pass until the 13th of December. Preparations include piste grooming, safety checks, and stocking up by local businesses. Nearby resorts Isola 2000 and La Colmiane will also partially open this weekend before opening every day during the Christmas Holidays.
BUSINESS
Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy have introduced "DOGE" (Department of Government Efficiency), an advisory group aiming to cut federal regulations, spending, and bureaucracy, with the backing of Donald Trump. Though not an official government body, it promises radical reforms, including mass layoffs and reducing government size by 2026. Critics question its feasibility, while some bipartisan support has emerged for specific cost-cutting proposals like trimming the defence budget.
And - Thames Water, the UK's largest water provider, faces financial turmoil with debts projected to hit £18bn by March 2024. Multiple bidders, including Castle Water and Covalis (supported by Suez), are interested in taking over, with potential plans to restructure or list the company on the stock exchange. Rising household bills and debt-driven challenges, exacerbated by inflation, complicate efforts to stabilize the firm.
SPORTS
Football - Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor says attackers Lauren James and Sam Kerr will not return to action before the end of the year due to calf injuries.
Formula 1 - Ferrari's Charles Leclerc has been given a 10-place grid penalty for the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix that will decide the constructors' championship between the Italian team and McLaren. Ferrari have had to fit a new battery pack to Leclerc's car, taking them beyond their permitted allowance for the season.
Tennis - Nick Kyrgios has used his protected ranking to secure a place in the main draw of January's Australian Open. Kyrgios, 29, has not played at a Grand Slam since September 2022 when he lost in the quarter-finals of the US Open.
WEATHER
Mostly sunny with strong winds in the Var and Bouches-du-Rhone departments. Highs of 16 degrees in Nice and Cannes, 17 in Marseille, 19 in Toulon and 21 degrees in Saint-Tropez.
Tonight, mostly clear with lows of 7 degrees.
Outlook for this weekend:
Sat: Cloudy with chances of rain inland and highs of 16 degrees with strong winds.
Sun: Partly cloudy with highs of 14 degrees, still strong winds.
Mon: Partly cloudy with highs 14 degrees and with winds easing into a breeze.
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