NEWS
Justice Minister Outlines his Priorities - French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin has outlined his priorities when he was in Marseille: combating money laundering and corruption, supporting judicial staff, and isolating the country’s top 100 drug traffickers in prison to disrupt their activities. He emphasized the need for stronger measures against threats to magistrates, tougher penalties for corruption, and more resources for enforcement. Additionally, he announced initiatives to improve prison security, including blocking illicit phone usage and conducting operations to reduce targeted violence orchestrated from behind bars.
1st of January Changes - Every 1st of the month in France changes are introduced and the 1st of January is no different. This first day of the month, France has introduced new reforms including a ban on plastic food containers in childcare, schools, and medical facilities in towns over 2,000 residents to reduce waste and exposure to harmful chemicals. Updates to the child health record (“carnet de santé”) will include prevention advice on screen use and early detection of neurodevelopment disorders. Additionally, housing aid (“APL”) calculations are being adjusted to better align with 2025 economic realities.
Banning Natural Disasters - The mayor of Breil-sur-Roya has humorously issued a decree "banning natural disasters" to highlight his town's dire insurance situation after losing coverage for 70 municipal buildings. Without insurance since the 1st of January, the town faces financial ruin in the event of a disaster. The mayor hopes this action will prompt reform in the French municipal insurance system.
Fundraising Appeal in Cannes - The Cannes City Council and the Heritage Foundation have launched a fundraising appeal to restore the 17th-century Fort Royal on Sainte-Marguerite Island. The project, supported by €300,000 from the Mission Patrimoine, aims to renovate and secure the site, including a building used for youth educational stays. A public subscription was launched on January 6, 2025, alongside a tour of the restoration areas.
18-year-old in Custody - An 18-year-old man is in custody for attempted homicide after turning himself in to authorities following a New Year’s Eve stabbing at Isola 2000. Three people, including a minor, were injured, but none remain in life-threatening condition. Investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances and motive.
Squatter Finally Leaves - After more than three years of squatting, Juliette has finally regained access to her homefollowing a lengthy legal battle and media coverage in Marseille. The property was left in disrepair, requiring €10,000 in renovations, but Juliette is relieved and grateful to move forward. Now, she hopes to sell the house to fund care for her husband with Alzheimer’s, closing a difficult chapter in her life.
Northern Lights - Northern lights were visible on the 1st of January in parts of southern France, including the Var, Bouches-du-Rhône, and the Alpes, due to solar activity affecting Earth’s magnetic field. Residents in mountain villages witnessed colourful displays of green, purple, and blue in the night sky. The phenomenon, linked to the sun’s cyclical eruptions, could recur in the coming months but may diminish after 2026 as the solar cycle concludes.
BUSINESS
Russia has halted gas exports to the EU via Ukraine after a decades-long agreement ended, marking a significant shift in European energy reliance. The EU has prepared alternative supply routes, but nations like Slovakia and Moldova face economic and energy challenges. Ukrainian President Zelensky accused Russia of exploiting energy as a political weapon, while Poland pledged support for Ukraine amid potential electricity shortages.
And - Starting January, England's bus fare cap will rise from £2 to £3 per single journey, running through 2025, to support rural travel. Campaigners warn of financial strain for low-income riders, while some regions will retain lower caps via subsidies. The government provides £150m in funding and plans to ensure regular bus services for towns with over 10,000 residents.
SPORTS
Tennis - Great Britain's hopes of reaching the United Cup semi-finals rely on Katie Boulter beating five-time major champion Iga Swiatek after Billy Harris narrowly lost to former world number six Hubert Hurkacz.
Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic kept his hopes of winning a 100th career ATP title alive with a straightforward 6-3 6-3 win against Gael Monfils in the Brisbane International last 16.
Cricket – The second test between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan has started after rain delay in Bulawayo.
Football - Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says that calmness was the key to a 3-1 win over Brentford that lifted them back up to second in the Premier League, six points behind Liverpool.
WEATHER
After sparring us for a bright start of the year, the clouds are not as kind today and have decided to cover most of the region accompanied by strong winds in the Alpes-Maritimes. Highs of 15 degrees in Saint-Tropez, Toulon and Marseille, and 16 degrees in Nice and Cannes.
Tonight, cloudy still with light rain inland and lows of 5 degrees.
Outlook of tomorrow, rather cloudy still with moderate to strong winds across the region and highs of 15 degrees.
Expect heavy traffic this weekend in the Alpes-Maritimes and the Var as the school holidays end.
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Following France's first 2025 Council of Ministers, the government emphasized unity and responsibility amid political instability, aiming for cross-pa...
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H.S.H Prince Albert II of Monaco has expressed in an official statement to US President Joe Biden, his “profound sorrow and sadness following the car-...
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This week, police and gendarmerie are conducting a large-scale roadside operation targeting drug and alcohol-impaired drivers in the Alpes-Maritimes....
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As part of Monaco's energy transition, the government is replacing outdated fluorescent and sodium lighting in its tunnels with energy-efficient, long...
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