The trial of former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has opened in Paris today. He is facing charges relating to the alleged illegal financing of his 2007 election campaign by the late Libyan leader Colonel Gaddafi. Nicolas Sarkozy has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. He is expected to appear in court multiple times over the next several months to answer the charges. Twelve other defendants, including several former ministers, are also on trial in the case.
French farmers have staged a go-slow or "operation escargot" on the roads towards Paris today. A similar operation has been taking place near Lyon, where tractors blocked the A7 motorway. The action by farmers could last three to five days, according to unions. They are protesting at proposed free trade agreements and the imposition of EU rules on France.
The newly-appointed French transport Minister has given a timetable for the much anticipated re-opening of the Tende tunnel. Visiting the region over the weekend, Phillipe Tabarot said that alternating traffic will be in place in June and the historic tunnel will be fully open in 2027.
Lignes d'Azur has put new timetables in operation on the Nice tram system from today. A new "Line B" will run between the airport and Cadam. Line 2 runs from Port Lympia to the airport but with no stop at Cadam and Line 3 runs from the Port to Saint-Isidore direct. Full details of the changes are available on www.lignesdazur.com
Train services were disrupted in many areas of France earlier today because of high winds. The areas affected were mostly in the north, including Paris, and the east.
One person died from gunshot wounds in the Rhone department. One other person is injured after the occupants of a car reportedly opened fire in the parking lot of a fast food restaurant near Lyon.
BUSINESS
President Biden has announced a ban on offshore oil and gas drilling along much of the US coast. The ban covers the entire Atlantic coast and eastern Gulf of Mexico, as well as the Pacific coast off California, Oregon and Washington state and a section of the Bering Sea off Alaska. Incoming President Donald Trump has pledged to "unleash" fossil fuel production in an effort to reduce energy costs.
Business confidence in the UK has slipped to its lowest level since just after the mini-Budget in the Autumn of 2022, according to a new survey. The British Chambers of Commerce said that 63% of businesses say taxation is now a concern following the Chancellor's Budget, which is the highest level since 2017. A majority of firms now expect prices to go up in the next three months, with labor costs the biggest driver. The survey also showed that almost a quarter of businesses have decreased investment in the past three months.
A vehicle congestion charge has come into force in New York. The city is the first in the United States to introduce such a charge. A range of prices apply to different vehicle types. Cars will be charged up to 9 dollars per day. The Metropolitan Transit Authority said that it has installed over 1,400 cameras as well as 110 detection points and more than 800 signs.
SPORT
Rugby Union....Ulster's Tom O'Toole has received a six-game ban from the URC following his red card against Munster. The organization's disciplinary process said O'Toole breached its law which says that "a player must not drop their weight on to an opponent or target the lower limbs". The ban means that he'll miss Ireland's first two Six Nations games.
Football… Robbie Keane has been appointed manager of Hungarian side Ferencvaros. Keane was the Republic of Ireland's record cap holder and goal scorer, and has also played for Tottenham and Liverpool.
Tennis... Novak Djokovic says he still experiences "a bit of trauma" when he visits Melbourne, three years after he was deported because of Australia's Covid-19 regulations. He's arrived in Australia for this year's Australian Open tournament which starts next Sunday. He missed the 2022 edition after his visa was canceled because he wasn't vaccinated.
It's been announced that French politician Jean-Marie Le Pen has died at the age of 96. He founded the far-right National Front party in 1972...
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The Sirens will exceptionally be heard throughout the Alpes Maritimes tomorrow Wednesday, January 8th...
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A 30-year-old man has been seriously injured in Nice following a collision between a car and an electric scooter. ...
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The Princess Grace Rose Garden is preparing to bring the 40th anniversary celebrations to an end tomorrow, Wednesday 8th January. ...
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A rare aircraft has been spotted in Nice for the first time. Last week, an A340 plane that had never been to Nice landed twice on the airport tarmac w...
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