NEWS
Taxi Protests Leads to Major Traffic Jams - Taxi drivers staged protests on Monday, causing major traffic disruptions around Toulon and in the Var, including slow-moving convoys on the A50 and A57 motorways. The protests target a reduction in per-kilometre rates for transporting medical patients, a service that constitutes up to 90% of their income, as outlined in a new health insurance agreement. The rate is set to drop from €1.50 to €1.00 per kilometre.
Nice's CRA Escapees - Eight individuals have escaped from Nice's detention centre (CRA) on Sunday night, while a ninth individual has been caught. Authorities have opened an investigation into the incident at the small, high-capacity centre used mainly for post-prison deportees. The facility is monitored by 70 border police officers in shifts.
Student Brawl in Menton - Around 30 young people from different schools have been involved in a brawl near Lycée Curie and later near a tennis court in Menton. Police intervened, controlling the group and arresting one individual carrying a knife, who was placed in custody. Authorities suspect school rivalries as the motive and have increased patrols around schools to prevent future incidents.
Police Operates Against DZ Mafia in Marseille - Police have conducted a major operation on the 2nd of December targeting the DZ Mafia, arresting 21 individuals, including six already in prison, in connection with a summer attack suspected of targeting Marseille rapper SCH. The attack, following his performance at a nightclub in La Grande-Motte, resulted in the death of a close associate and injury to another, allegedly due to extortion attempts. Authorities believe the DZ Mafia, known for drug trafficking and violent vendettas, was hired to carry out the attack.
Road Fatalities in Monaco Prompts Sticter Measures - Six road fatalities in 2023 in Monaco have prompted the government to propose stricter measures against driving under the influence, including increasing random breath and drug tests. Current laws limit such checks to accidents or visible signs of intoxication, but officials plan to introduce broader legislation in January.
Charles De Gaulle Aircraft Carrier Departs for Missions - The French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle has departed Toulon to begin the Clemenceau 25 mission, which includes training and operations across the Mediterranean, Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and Pacific. Initially delayed by unspecified reasons, the carrier is now en route with its naval group, including frigates, a submarine, and a support ship. It is not expected to return to Toulon for four to five months.
Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption Nears Repair - The iconic bell tower of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption in Saint-Tropez, a symbol of the town, is at risk of collapse due to severe weathering and structural damage. Urgent renovations, estimated to cost €450,000–€500,000, are planned, with funding divided between the Ministry of Culture, the town hall, and donations. A fundraising campaign has already raised €140,000 of the €180,000 needed, and restoration is set to begin in late 2025.
BUSINESS
President-elect Donald Trump has threatened 100% tariffs on goods from BRICS nations if they pursue a rival currency to the US dollar, citing the need to maintain dollar dominance. While BRICS leaders have floated the idea of a shared currency, internal disagreements have stalled progress. Trump's threats are seen by some as negotiation tactics, leveraging tariffs to secure favourable outcomes.
And - An investigation found that "Italian" tomato purees sold in UK and German supermarkets may contain tomatoes from China's Xinjiang region, linked to forced labour of Uyghur and other minorities. Supermarkets and suppliers dispute these claims, but undercover evidence ties Italian suppliers like Petti to Chinese tomato imports. The findings highlight gaps in regulations against forced labour in supply chains, with calls for stricter oversight in the UK and EU.
SPORTS
Formula 1 - McLaren have called for an inquiry into the penalty Lando Norris was given for ignoring yellow flags during the Qatar Grand Prix.
Rugby Union - Exeter boss Rob Baxter says his side's 19-15 loss at Premiership leaders Bath was "a step in the right direction". The defeat was a seventh-successive league loss - a club record - but Exeter led at half-time and scored a late try to ensure a losing bonus point.
Cricket - Durham Cricket have announced all-rounder Scott Borthwick has signed a two-year contract extension to become a player-coach ahead of the 2025 season.
Meanwhile, Jacob Bethell said he would have asked to bat at number three on his Test debut had he not been given the "surprise" invitation to do so by England.
WEATHER
Mostly clear this afternoon with a gentle breeze. Highs of 15 degrees in Nice, 16 in Cannes, Toulon and Marseille, and 18 degrees in Saint-Tropez.
Tonight, mostly clear with lows of 6 degrees with gentle to moderate winds.
Outlook for tomorrow, bright and clear with highs of 16 degrees and moderate to strong winds in the Var and Bouches-du-Rhône departments.
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