NEWS
Drinking Water Contaminated in France - In France, drinking water is heavily contaminated with "forever pollutants," particularly trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), as revealed by two studies from Eurofins and associations UFC-Que Choisir and Générations Futures. With 96% of water samples showing high levels of PFAS chemicals, experts call for stricter regulations, but effective solutions are lacking as bottled water and filters are also affected. Monaco, partly reliant on French water, supports EU efforts to ban PFAS due to their environmental and health risks, while research continues on their toxicity.
Be Wary Investements Scams - Investment scams on social media are increasingly exploiting people's dreams of quick and effortless wealth. So-called "money gurus" lure victims with flashy lifestyles and promises of high returns, pushing risky or fraudulent investments, particularly in cryptocurrencies. These schemes often involve paid courses, exclusive "expert" advice, and recruitment tactics that can resemble pyramid schemes.
Marseille's Budget Annulled - The Marseille administrative court has annulled the city's 2024 budget, citing a lack of detail in the budget orientation report, particularly around investment plans. The city has until the 1st of August to propose a revised budget. The opposition has criticized Mayor Benoît Payan's administration for "amateurism," as this is the second budget annulment in four years.
Fatal Fire in Nice - A fire broke out on the 19th of February, killing a 92-year-old retired nurse in the Joly 2 residence in Nice. A young man acted heroically by attempting to extinguish the flames and cutting the gas from the kitchen stove, likely preventing a larger disaster. 2 other women, aged around 80 and 70, were in shock but were treated and handed over to their families. The fire appears to have been accidental, and an investigation is underway.
Lawyer Suspended - Avignon-based lawyer Nadia El Bouroumi faces a potential 18-month suspension after being summoned to a disciplinary hearing for posting courtroom photos on social media and allegedly violating professional ethics. The decision will be announced on the 23rd of April. El Bouroumi, known for her involvement in the Mazan rape trial, will face further disciplinary action related to that case.
White Supremacist Sentenced - A 37-year-old white supremacist from Nice has been taken into custody after performing a Nazi salute during his sentencing at a Paris court, where he received a one-year prison term for hate speech and promoting crimes against humanity. Previously extradited from Bosnia and in pre-trial detention for a year, the man was also ordered to pay damages to SOS Racisme. He has a history of convictions in France for violence, weapons offenses, and has fought with Ukraine's far-right Azov Battalion.
Wines of Bellet - The wines of Bellet, the only appellation in the Alpes-Maritimes, will represent the region at the 2025 Salon de l'Agriculture in Paris alongside 25 other local producers. The event offers a major opportunity for recognition, with winemaker Carine Dalmasso hoping to win a medal for her white and red wines. The Bellet appellation, established in 1941, covers around 650 hectares, with 50 currently in production.
Next Ninja Warrior in Cannes - The 9th edition of "Ninja Warrior, le parcours des héros" will be filmed in Cannes from the 26th to the 21st of March, hosted by Christophe Beaugrand, Denis Brogniart, and Iris Mittenaere. The Cannes City Hall and TF1 Production are offering free tickets to Cannes residents to watch the show’s filming on the Pantiero esplanade. Registration is open to locals aged 10 and up from the 20th of February to the 7th of March via the city’s website, with limited spots available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Metropaw - On the 26th and 27th of February, from 3 to 6 pm, the Metropole Shopping Monte-Carlo will host "Metropaw," a two-day event dedicated to dog well-being. Activities include a ball pit, a photo booth, cashmere dog apparel, osteopathy assessments, massage therapy, behavioural advice, nutrition tips, and dog portraits. Local animal associations will also be present to promote animal welfare.
NEWS UPDATE
Monaco Residents Need ETA To Visit the UK - Monegasque citizens and residents will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to visit the UK for business, tourism, or airport transits starting on the 2nd of April. The ETA is a digital document required for short stays by travelers who don’t need a visa, excluding UK and Irish citizens. Applications open on the 5th of March through an online portal or mobile app, and all travelers, including children, must have an ETA before departure.
Fire in the Var - A 46-foot boat undergoing renovation has been destroyed by a fire on an agricultural plot in Gassin, Var. The fire, extinguished by around 20 firefighters, occurred on an unsuitable site where the landowner had illegally rented parcels to businesses. The site had previously faced legal scrutiny for environmental violations, and the mayor of Gassin expressed frustration over the situation.
Changing Paper Driver's Licences - All French paper driver's licenses ("cartons roses") must be replaced with biometric versions by the 19th of January, 2033. Since 2013, new licenses have been issued in a plastic, bank card-sized format and must be renewed every 15 years. Replacements can be requested through the French National Agency for Secure Documents (ANTS) website.
BUSINESS
Monaco, through its Monaco Private Label (MPL), is actively targeting wealthy British residents, leveraging the UK's less favourable tax reforms to attract high-net-worth individuals to the principality. Recent initiatives included a visit to London and events like "Monaco Day" at the World Economic Forum in Davos, with plans to expand outreach to Italy, the Netherlands, the UK, and investment hubs in the Middle East and Asia. Monaco is also courting Singaporean investors, highlighting itself as a European investment platform.
The US Federal Reserve warned that President Trump's proposed tariffs could lead to higher prices for American consumers and disrupt the disinflation process. Meeting minutes revealed concerns about economic uncertainty and the potential impact of new trade, immigration, fiscal, and regulatory policies. Despite Trump's push for lower interest rates, the Fed kept rates steady in January and is unlikely to cut them significantly in 2025.
And - Apple has launched the iPhone 16e, a more affordable model with AI features and the same A18 chip as the flagship iPhone 16, but with lower specs like fewer cameras. Priced at £599, it aims to boost sales with enhanced "Apple Intelligence" tools, including integration of ChatGPT into Siri. Analysts are cautiously optimistic, noting potential appeal in markets like India and hopes to draw new users into the Apple ecosystem.
SPORTS
Rugby Union - Dan Sheehan will captain Ireland against Wales in Saturday's Six Nations game in Cardiff. The hooker will lead the team for the first time with regular skipper Caelan Doris ruled out because of a knee injury.
Football - Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said "nothing is eternal" after his side were knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid. City have enjoyed great success under Guardiola, with their trophy haul under the former Barcelona boss including six Premier Leagues and the European Cup in 2023.
Lastly - Newly appointed head of the 2030 Winter Olympics organizing committee, Edgar Grospiron, acknowledged the challenge of managing the Games in the Alps with a tight €2 billion budget. He emphasized finding solutions despite the limited funds, with budget constraints influencing key decisions like the choice of Olympic venues. Grospiron remains determined, stating, "These Games will happen," despite potential challenges and criticisms.
WEATHER
Partly cloudy with sunny spells and gentle to moderate winds. Highs of 14 degrees in Nice, Cannes and Marseille, and 15 degrees in Saint-Tropez and Toulon.
Tonight, mostly clear with lows of 9 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, cloudy with sunny spells. Highs of 15 degrees with moderate winds.
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