NEWS
New Government - Bruno Retailleau has assumed his role as France's new Interior Minister on Monday, prioritizing restoring order in his agenda. Prime Minister Michel Barnier emphasized the need for his government to act with modesty and integrity, focusing on actions rather than communication. Additionally, Didier Migaud took over as Justice Minister, following a handover from Eric Dupond-Moretti.
USM Demands - The Union of Monaco Trade Unions (USM) is pushing four key demands: raising the minimum wage to €2,538, providing universal green health cards for better healthcare coverage, reversing the 2012 pension reform that reduced retiree benefits, and standardizing salary scales across all sectors for fairer pay. They aim to address rising living costs, income inequality, and better social protections.
Flooding in Cannes, Frustrated Mayor - The mayor of Cannes, David Lisnard, has expressed frustration over the lack of warning before severe flooding hit the city, criticizing "specialized" services for failing to anticipate the intense rainfall. A weather alert was issued an hour after the flooding began, despite the city already experiencing torrents of water. While no injuries were reported, Lisnard urged the prefect to investigate and improve future forecasting. The municipality managed the event with quick action, closing low-lying areas and activating pumps, while schools and nurseries remained safely open. Around 80mm of rain fell, leading to a 15km traffic jam on the A8 motorway.
Broken Down Vehicles - During heavy rain, several vehicles got stuck in about 40-50 cm of water, leaving their engines flooded at the Badine roundabout in Antibes. Around 10 vehicles ventured onto the flooded roundabout, causing their cars to break down.
Loud Detonations in Vallauris - Several loud detonations were heard in the early hours of this morning, prompting calls to the police in Vallauris. Despite a thorough search, no evidence of fireworks or gunshots was found, and surveillance cameras showed no disturbances. Investigations are ongoing, but no clear source of the noises has been identified.
4th Ocean Fest in Nice - The 4th Ocean Fest, set for the 16th of November, will feature Indochine, Worakls Orchestra, and Vernis Rouge among others at the Palais Nikaïa in Nice. This festival aims to raise funds for ocean protection, benefiting associations like Sea Shepherd France and Paddle Cleaner, which organizes Mediterranean coastline clean-ups. With a mix of music and environmental activism, the event highlights both popular and local artists, including DJs Umbree and Magmay, while raising awareness about environmental preservation.
Monaco Yacht Show - Monaco is preparing for the Monaco Yacht Show which starts this Wednesday 25th September, and Riviera Radio sponsors and leading yacht brokerage Northrop & Johnson are promising a distinguished line up of yachts at this year’s show which is on until Saturday 28th September. Among the vessels brought to this year’s show by the international brokerage house Northrop & Johnson is the 2021 Sanlorenzo superyacht Blue Angel that boasts Italian craftsmanship and cutting-edge design. Also on display is the 37m Perini Navi Norfolk Star, which features a sleek steel hull and impressive cruising capabilities. For more information on the show go to www.monacoyachtshow.com
BUSINESS
Monaco’s Société des Bains de Mer (SBM) shareholders have approved all resolutions during their General Meeting on 20th September 2024, including the financial statements for 2023/2024. SBM reported consolidated revenue of €704 million, driven by growth in hotel, gaming, and rental sectors. A dividend of €1.50 per share was approved, and authorization was renewed for a share buyback of up to 5% of capital.
Boat rental between individuals is growing on the Côte d'Azur, frustrating professional boat rental companies who feel disadvantaged by "wild competition" and are calling for stricter regulations. Private rentals are often cheaper, affecting businesses like Jean-Bernard Meunier’s, whose revenue dropped by 20% in Siagne. Some ports, such as Saint-Laurent-du-Var, have imposed additional fees on private boat owners who rent out their vessels to level the playing field.
And - Australia's consumer watchdog, the ACCC, is suing supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths for allegedly misleading customers by falsely claiming to have permanently reduced prices on hundreds of items. The ACCC accuses both chains of temporarily raising prices before offering discounts, leaving prices either unchanged or higher than before. The ACCC seeks penalties and stronger regulations, while both companies deny wrongdoing and are reviewing the claims.
SPORTS
Tennis - Spain's Carlos Alcaraz sealed a straight-set win against American Taylor Fritz to lead Team Europe to a 13-11 victory at the Laver Cup in Berlin.
Golf - America's Billy Horschel held his nerve to beat Rory McIlroy in a thrilling play-off and clinch the BMW PGA Championship title.
Rugby Union - Sale Sharks edged Harlequins 12-11 in an attritional contest at the Salford Community Stadium to open their Premiership campaign with a victory.
Football - A new three-year agreement has been reached with Barclays to remain the title sponsor of the Women’s Super League and Women’s Championship. The deal is understood to be in the region of £15m a year, including investment and marketing, double the previous arrangement which runs out at the end of this season.
WEATHER
Rain and thunder this afternoon throughout the region. Highs of 21 degrees in Nice and Cannes, 23 in Marseille, and 25 degrees in Toulon and Saint-Tropez.
Tonight, the sky should clear up by this evening and remain this way throughout the night. Lows of 17 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, cloudy with sunny spells with highs of 24 degrees and gentle to moderate winds.
BEACH WEATHER
Sea temperatures 22 degrees.
Air temperatures 25 degrees near Saint-Tropez with a gentle breeze
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