Demonstrations have been held across France as part of a national day of action against the rising cost of living and pension reform. Industrial action has affected public transport and schools. At midday today the Ministry of National Education said that 10.69% of primary school teachers and 11.33% of college and high school teachers were taking industrial action, but those figures are disputed by unions who claim that the number of those participating is higher.
An investigation is underway after the shocking news this morning that the body of a teenager was discovered on the premises of the International Centre of Valbonne. Reports say that the discovery was made early this morning. Authorities have set up a psychological support cell. The Mayor of Nice Christian Estrosi expressed his "deep emotion" and extended his "most sincere condolences" to the teenager’s family and his support to the educational community and his colleagues. President of the Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur Region, Renaud Muselier, extended his condolences to the student's family and said that "this terrible tragedy affects all his colleagues, teachers and supervisors of whom we are thinking".
The Town Hall of Cannes is equipping the motor vehicle crews of its Municipal Police with stop-stick car control devices designed to puncture car tyres. The town hall said they are being introduced because of the increasing number of refusals to comply which have led to 33 arrests in Cannes since the beginning of this year. The Town Hall said that the use of these light and easy-to-use devices falls within the legal framework and meets two objectives - to react effectively and quickly to this type of situation and to reduce the risk of accidents during interventions.
Storms and flooding are once again affecting some areas of south-west France. The Pyrénées-Atlantiques department near the border with Spain is under a Meteo France Orange alert for heavy rain and flooding and a yellow alert for storms.
BUSINESS
Former Bank of England governor Mark Carney has accused the UK government of "undercutting" the UK's key economic institutions. Mr Carney told the BBC that the government's tax-cutting measures were "working at some cross-purposes" with the Bank. He also pointed to a decision not to publish economic forecasts by the Office for Budget Responsibility alongside Friday's "mini-budget".
Inflation in Germany hit 10% in September. The non-EU harmonised inflation figure is the highest since the early 1950's.
The head of the port of Dover has said that cross channel ferry users could face long queues at the port when the EU's new border control IT system is introduced at the end of May. Doug Bannister told the BBC its introduction could mean "a tough start to the summer". Under the Entry/Exit System, or EES, those entering the bloc from non-EU countries will need to register fingerprints and a photo with their passport details.
SPORT
Football... England's women's team will play their final two games of 2022 against Japan and Norway in November. They will play the games in Murcia in Spain.
Rugby League... Former Australia international Luke Keary and ex-England player Richie Myler have been included in Ireland's squad for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup. Ireland will be captained by Hull KR prop George King, with their campaign starting against Jamaica on 16 October.
A powerful Mistral storm has swept through Provence, with wind gusts exceeding 150 km/h in some areas. ...
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France’s recently appointed Prime Minister François Bayrou has promised a new government "before Christmas" and reserves the possibility of using 49....
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A four-day strike at DHL has caused delays in package processing, raising concerns about on-time deliveries for Christmas....
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French judges in Avignon will today Thursday 19th December, deliver their verdicts in a mass rape case against 51 men that has appalled France and the...
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Monaco Info and TV Monaco are set to make way for a new television channel on September 1st of 2025. During the debates on the 2025 preliminary budget...
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