NEWS
French Politics - Bruno Le Maire, outgoing Minister of Economy, has delivered a farewell speech, reflecting on his seven years in office and criticizing those opposed to austerity. Meanwhile, Michel Barnier is forming a new government, with opposition from the far-right RN party, which rejects any tax increases. The Socialist Party, led by François Hollande, excludes joining the government, and President Macron visited Le Havre to mark the city's liberation from Nazi occupation.
H.S.H. Prince Albert II Visits Tuscany - H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco will visit Tuscany between the 14-15th of September, for a cultural and memorial trip. On 14th of September, he will visit the La Verna Sanctuary, honouring Saint Francis of Assisi and commemorating Princess Grace’s 1968 pilgrimage. On the 15th of September, he will visit "Rondine Cittadella della Pace," an organization focused on peacebuilding and conflict resolution through education, where he will meet students and support their global peace initiatives.
Anti-Corruption Meeting in Monaco - The Monaco government, led by the Minister of State, has held a meeting with anti-corruption experts Marc Segonds and Gilles Duteil to develop measures addressing corruption. Following a July 2024 GRECO report, the session focused on implementing concrete actions to meet GRECO’s recommendations, while respecting Monaco’s institutions. A separate session was also held for senior government officials.
Weather Prevention Campaign - The French government has launched its 9th prevention campaign targeting 15 Mediterranean departments prone to heavy rains and flooding. It urges over 9 million residents to follow safety measures, such as avoiding travel, staying indoors, and preparing emergency kits, during the critical autumn and winter months. Flood episodes have become twice as frequent and more severe since the 1960s, with most fatalities occurring during vehicle or pedestrian movement. Additionally, the Col de la Bonette in the Alpes-Maritimes has been closed until further notice.
Violinist Denied Boarding on Ryanair Flight - Violinist Esther Abrami, originally from Aix-en-Provence, has been denied boarding on a Ryanair flight because her violin exceeded the cabin baggage size limit by 1 cm, leading to what she described as a "public humiliation." Despite offering solutions, including paying extra or holding the violin on her lap, all were refused. Abrami later booked a flight with another airline but expressed concern for musicians who might lose vital professional opportunities due to such incidents.
New Ice Cream Shop with... interesting Falvours - A new ice cream shop, Terre Adélice, offering 57 unique flavours, including goat cheese and Roquefort sorbets has opened in Old Nice. The fully organic ice creams are made with fresh milk from the Ardèche plateau and crafted using a method that preserves intense flavours. The shop is open daily from 1 PM to 11 PM at 1 rue Jules Gilly.
Poeverty in the Alpes-Maritimes - The Secours Populaire's 18th poverty barometer reveals a 4% rise in people facing or nearing poverty in France, with 62% of respondents reporting experiencing it. In the Alpes-Maritimes, the situation is dire, with 19,000 people left with only 15 cents per person per day after expenses. Rising costs, including rent and energy, worsen conditions for low-income households, with many struggling to make ends meet despite earning the minimum wage.
Refusal to Comply Leads to Injured Policeman - A 16-year-old scooter driver, who tested positive for cannabis, will be prosecuted for injuring a municipal police officer during a police chase in Nice. After fleeing two traffic stops on September 10, the driver hit the officer, resulting in 45 days of medical leave for the policeman. The driver faces charges for involuntary injuries, endangerment, and will be placed under judicial supervision.
Drugs Seized in Vaucluse - Police have recently conducted two successful drug busts, arresting seven individuals and seizing large quantities of cannabis, cocaine, and heroin In Vaucluse. On the 11th of September, a raid in Orange has resulted in the confiscation of cannabis, cocaine, and cash. A few days earlier, in Avignon, another suspect was arrested with over 800 grams of drugs and cash.
Cirque Benzini - The owner of Cirque Benzini, currently set up in Marseille without permission, defends himself against accusations of animal mistreatment after a video showing a distressed camel sparked outrage online. The owner explains the camel becomes anxious when separated from horses, with which it’s usually kept. Despite criticism and past incidents, the circus insists on staying until September 22, claiming the local government is unfairly trying to prevent them from working.
Cardiac Episode on a Cruise Ship - A 59-year-old woman suffering from a cardiac episode whilst aboard a cruise ship between Cannes and Barcelona has been airlifted by a French Navy helicopter. The rescue, coordinated by Cross-Méd, involved medical assistance at sea and the woman was later hospitalized in Toulon. The incident occurred near the island of Porquerolles.
BUSINESS
Rightmove rejected a £5.6bn takeover bid from REA Group, a Rupert Murdoch-backed Australian property site, calling the offer "wholly opportunistic." Rightmove's board said the proposal undervalued the company, while REA plans to apply for a secondary listing in London. REA has until 30 September to submit another bid.
And - US inflation slowed to 2.5% in August, the lowest since February 2021, despite rising housing costs. While prices for essentials like petrol and groceries fell, other costs, such as rent and insurance, continued to climb. Analysts expect the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates soon but at a gradual pace due to lingering inflation concerns.
SPORTS
Formula 1 - McLaren are to prioritise Lando Norris over team-mate Oscar Piastri in their bid to win both Formula 1 world championships this year.
Tennis - Great Britain's Sonay Kartal beat Japan's Mai Hontama in straight sets at the Jasmin Open in Tunisia to reach the first WTA quarter-final of her career.
Rugby Union - England scrum-half Natasha Hunt says she is relishing the revival of her international career as she prepares to take on New Zealand at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh says the Wallabies will offer serious competition to the British and Irish Lions next summer. Australia suffered the heaviest defeat in their 125-year Test history on Saturday when they were swept aside 67-27 by Argentina.
WEATHER
Mostly cloudy with moderate to strong winds. Highs of 22 degrees in the Bouches-du-Rhône, 25 degrees in the Var and 27 degrees in the Alpes-Maritimes department.
Tonight, mostly clear except for Nice and Cannes where risks of thunderstorms are expected. Lows of 17 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, fine and bright across the region, though risks of thunderstorm will threaten Nice’s sky. Highs of 23 degrees with moderate winds.
BEACH WEATHER
Sea Temperatures 25 degrees.
UV levels 4.
Air Temperatures 26 degrees near Nice with moderate winds.
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