NEWS
Philippe Mettoux resigns from taking office as Monaco's Minister of State - Philippe Mettoux, who was set to become Monaco’s next Minister of State, has withdrawn before taking office, citing opposition and lack of support to carry out necessary reforms. He has expressed disappointment over entrenched resistance blocking his vision for modernization. Prince Albert II acknowledged the resignation and criticized harmful media attacks on Monaco. Isabelle Berro Amadeï will serve once again as interim leader until a replacement is named. Monaco’s political figures have voiced support for continued stability and reform.
New Rules - Several new rules will come into effect as of the 1st of July in France. Smoking is now banned at beaches, parks, and around schools or sports areas, with fines up to €750. A new anti-fraud medical leave form becomes mandatory to combat fake sick notes. Companies must take stronger measures during heatwaves to protect workers. Unemployment benefits are slightly increased by 0.5%, and some children’s myopia-control glasses are now partially reimbursed. Gas prices rise by 6.1%, and the electric car eco-bonus is restructured and increased for lower-income households.
Heatwave - France is experiencing an unprecedented heatwave, with 84 departments placed on orange alert for extreme heat on Monday and Tuesday, the highest number ever recorded. Temperatures are reaching up to 41°C in many regions, with the peak expected around Tuesday or Wednesday. This marks the 50th national heatwave since 1947 and is linked to climate change and a persistent heat dome over southern Europe. Emergency measures include school closures, water distribution, and a reactivated helpline, with relief expected later in the week except in the Mediterranean.
Monaco's National Day - Monaco has celebrated its National Day at the Osaka Kansai 2025 World Expo on the 18th of June with the Princely Family in attendance. The day began with a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, followed by official speeches and cultural exchanges emphasizing environmental preservation and international cooperation. The Princely Family visited both the Japan and Monaco pavilions, showcasing themes of sustainability, wonder, and ocean conservation. Prince Albert II also visited the Saudi and French pavilions, and the day concluded with a concert and dance performances symbolizing Monaco's commitment to culture and global friendship.
Car crash this morning - A three-car collision has occurred in the morning of Monday the 30th of June on Avenue Jules-Grec in Antibes, Alpes-Maritimes. The road was temporarily closed by local police and reopened around 10am. One person sustained minor injuries and was taken to the hospital.
Which cities are the most affected by overtourism - A new ranking by the site Ville de rêve lists Cannes, Nice, and Antibes among the French cities most affected by overtourism. These Côte d’Azur cities received the lowest rating due to high numbers of tourist rentals, housing market pressure, and dense hospitality sectors. Local officials reject the overtourism label, arguing that tourism is spread across the year and doesn't harm residents' quality of life. Critics, however, say the region is saturated, environmental resources are under strain, and urgent regulation is needed. The debate highlights growing tensions between tourism growth and sustainable living.
Natural disaster following storm Leslie - Three towns in the Alpes-Maritimes, namely Aspremont, Bendejun, and Le Tignet have been officially declared natural disaster zones following storm Leslie. The recognition covers landslides caused by heavy rainfall in late 2024 and early 2025. Affected residents now have 30 days to report their losses to insurers for compensation. Other towns may still request disaster status within 24 months of the event.
NEWS UPDATE
Mediterranean Sea temperatures - The Mediterranean Sea has recorded on the 29th of June its highest-ever surface temperature for June, averaging 26.01°C, about 3°C above seasonal norms, with even higher anomalies near France and Spain. Météo-France warns that the ongoing heatwave could lead to red-level heat alerts on the coast, the highest on the national heatwave vigilance scale. This alert signals extreme, prolonged heat with serious health and societal impacts. If triggered, it allows authorities to restrict public events and activities, especially outdoors. In 2023, red alerts were last issued for up to 19 departments in August.
Red heatwave alert - Starting at noon on Tuesday, the 1st of July, Météo-France has issued a red heatwave alert for 16 departments in central and northern France, including parts of the Paris region. These areas, crossed by major motorways like the A10, A11, and A86, are facing extreme heat conditions. VINCI Autoroutes urges drivers to travel outside peak heat hours, stay hydrated, take breaks, and protect vulnerable passengers and animals. All rest stops offer water refill stations. Drivers are also warned about the serious fire risk, especially from discarded cigarette butts, which can quickly ignite roadside vegetation.
Nice mayor in Custody - The president of France Télévisions, Delphine Ernotte, the mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, and his wife Laura Tenoudji-Estrosi have been taken into police custody in Marseille on Monday the 30th of June. This is part of an investigation into the organization of events in Nice in 2023, including the Junior Eurovision Song Contest and the Nice Climate Summit. The case was transferred to Marseille's specialized interregional jurisdiction. Around ten people were summoned in total. Jean-Christophe Tortora, president of La Tribune, was also questioned.
BUSINESS
China has lifted its ban on seafood imports from most parts of Japan, except for 10 prefectures including Fukushima and Tokyo, after a two-year suspension over nuclear wastewater concerns. The ban was imposed following Japan's release of treated water from the damaged Fukushima plant, which suffered a meltdown after the 2011 tsunami. China cited long-term monitoring data showing no abnormalities in the treated water. Japan welcomed the partial lift as a "positive" step and will continue pushing for full import resumption. Exporters must now reapply for approval and face tighter supervision under China’s conditions.
U.S. President Donald Trump says he has a group of wealthy buyers ready to purchase TikTok, which was banned in the U.S. over national security concerns. The sale, which still needs China's approval, must be finalised by the 17th of September due to a U.S. law mandating TikTok’s divestment. Trump has delayed enforcing the law three times, despite criticism for overriding Congress. A previous deal collapsed in April amid US-China tensions over tariffs. Although Trump once opposed TikTok, he now supports keeping the app in the US, seeing it as influential in his 2024 election win.
And - A new US-UK trade deal has come into effect, cutting import tariffs on UK cars and aerospace exports. UK carmakers can now export 100,000 vehicles to the US at a reduced 10% tariff. In exchange, the UK will remove tariffs on US beef and ethanol, sparking backlash from British farmers and the bioethanol industry. Tariffs on UK steel and aluminium remain unresolved and may double to 50% if no deal is reached by the 9th of July, causing major concern for UK exporters. The agreement, signed at the G7 summit, partially rolls back Trump-era tariffs and is expected to save British industries hundreds of millions. Uncertainty remains high for businesses like Sheffield-based Marcegaglia, which face risky shipment decisions ahead of the looming tariff deadline.
SPORTS
Rugby Union - Toulon scrum-half Ben White admits "I haven't stopped shaking" after being called up as an injury replacement for the British and Irish Lions just as he was preparing to play for Scotland on Saturday. The 27-year-old got the call from Lions head coach Andy Farrell after Wales' Tomos Williams was forced off the field with a hamstring injury after scoring a try in the 54-7 win over Western Force in Perth on Saturday.
Golf - Ian Poulter's bid to play his first Open for three years could be thwarted by his son Luke, who is also trying to make it to the championship. They are among 72 players competing over two circuits of Royal Cinque Ports in Kent on Tuesday. This family venture to reach Royal Portrush for the 153rd staging of golf's oldest major is one of several enticing storylines from final qualifying.
Football - Crystal Palace co-owner John Textor has resigned from his leadership position on the board of French club Lyon. The American, who has agreed to sell his 43% stake in Palace to New York Jets owner Woody Johnson, owns 77% of Lyon through his Eagle Football Group company. Lyon were demoted from the French topflight to Ligue 2 last week because of the club's poor finances.
WEATHER
Mostly clear on the coast with gentle to moderate winds while showery thunderstorms will cover the inland areas of the region accompanied by moderate to strong winds. It’s very warm today with highs of 33 degrees in Nice, Cannes and Marseille, 35 in Toulon and 37 degrees in Saint-Tropez.
Tonight, mostly clear with temperatures dropping to 27 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, clear skies on the coast with showery thunderstorms persisting inland with highs of 33 degrees and moderate winds.
Philippe Mettoux, who was set to become Monaco’s next Minister of State, has withdrawn before taking office, citing opposition and lack of support to ...
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A nationwide ban on smoking in all outdoor places that can be accessed by children, including beaches, parks and bus stops – but not café terraces – h...
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The Var and the Alpes-Maritimes are on an orange heatwave alert from midday tomorrow, Saturday. A yellow alert is in force for the rest of Friday unti...
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The mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, has agreed to remove the Israeli flags outside Nice city hall.
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Three people have died in a serious accident on the A8 motorway this morning. Two cars were involved in a head-on collision near the Mandelieu East in...
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