Evening Update Thursday 2nd October 2025

NEWS
Monaco closer to legalising abortion - Monaco’s parliament has approved a law to legalise abortion, and the government has until the 15th of November 2025, to decide whether to adopt, modify, or let it automatically become a bill. The decision balances public support, religious opposition, and the Prince’s final approval.

Yesterday's protests - Unions have staged protests today in Nice, Toulon, Draguignan and across France against the government’s austerity budget plans. Participation was lower than in September, but students and workers marched together demanding fairer taxation, higher wages, and stronger public services.

Pink October, women are urged to get tested - As part of “Pink October,” Monaco’s government is highlighting the importance of early breast cancer screening, which greatly improves survival rates and treatment outcomes. With modern imaging tools and medical expertise available locally, women are urged to get tested.

Monaco stresses the need to attract young Monégasques to public service - Monaco officials have stressed the need to attract more young Monégasques to public service, noting many posts go to French staff instead. The judicial training institute also aims to expand internationally by linking with other small states and European networks.

Chikungunya - France has recorded 630 local chikungunya cases, including over 100 in Antibes, Alpes-Maritimes, the hardest-hit city. In response, authorities have launched the largest mosquito-control operation ever in mainland France to curb the spread of tiger mosquitoes.

Serious car crash - A serious crash between a car and a microcar has left a 15-year-old badly injured and a 9-year-old lightly hurt in Bormes-les-Mimosas, Var. The teenager was airlifted to Marseille’s La Timone hospital for treatment.

Police chase - A police chase has ended with two patrol cars rammed and five officers assaulted while arresting a driver and passenger in Hyères, Var. The driver, an undocumented man in his 20s, was jailed for a year and banned from France, while his passenger was ordered to leave the country.

Drug dealer arrested - A 23-year-old man has been arrested and sentenced for selling highly dangerous synthetic cannabinoids via Snapchat in La Seyne, Var. Authorities warned these substances, far stronger and more addictive than natural cannabis, can cause severe health risks including hallucinations, seizures, and even death.
 

NEWS UPDATE
Hurricane Humberto - A Category 4 storm called Hurricane Humberto, with winds over 250 km/h, is heading toward Europe and expected to hit the UK and Ireland tomorrow with strong winds and heavy rain. France may see unsettled weather, but the Mediterranean coast should remain mostly spared this weekend.

Confinement in School - The confinement of 250 students at Draguignan’s Général-Ferrié middle school was caused by fumes from the misuse of a microwave, which sickened four staff members and one student. Firefighters secured the site, and classes later resumed safely. 

Today's strikes - The CGT has reported nearly 600,000 protesters across France during a nationwide strike against the government’s budget plans today. While turnout was lower than in September, unions still called it part of a “historic social movement.”

Helmet use for scooter riders - Helmet use will be mandatory for all e-scooter riders starting on November the 1st in Nice, following a surge in serious accidents. Mayor Christian Estrosi also hinted at extending the rule to electric bicycles in the future.

Road accident - A serious accident between a car and a two-wheeler has occurred in Saint-Laurent-du-Var this afternoon, leaving the rider gravely injured. He was taken to Pasteur 2 hospital, while firefighters and local police secured the scene.
 

BUSINESS
Small-scale fishermen in Saint-Louis, Senegal, say BP’s offshore gas project is destroying their livelihoods by restricting access to rich fishing grounds, leaving them with dwindling catches and incomes. Promised artificial reefs to offset the loss have not materialised, while a recent gas leak has deepened fears over environmental and economic impacts.

And - Shein will open its first permanent physical stores in France, starting in Paris before expanding to five other cities, creating about 200 jobs. The move comes despite ongoing criticism of the fast-fashion giant’s environmental impact and labour practices. For the time being, there are no plans to open any Shein stores on the Côte d’Azur.

 

SPORTS
Basketball - After a close defeat against Lithuania, losing 84-89 in the Euroleague, AS Monaco’s Roca Team prepares to face Dubai tomorrow at 7:30pm in the Salle Gaston Medecin. On Sunday, they will go against Elan Chalon at home again.
Billetterie officielle | ROCA TEAM - AS Monaco Basket

Football - Striker Josh Magennis has returned to the Northern Ireland squad for this month's 2026 World Cup qualifying fixtures.

Tennis - Defending champion Coco Gauff beat Eva Leys in straight sets 6-3 6-4 to reach her third consecutive China Open semi-final.

 

WEATHER
Mostly cloudy with occasional sunny intervals as light rain persists near Tende accompanied by moderate to strong winds. Highs of 20 degrees in Nice, 21 in Cannes, and 22 degrees in Saint-Tropez, Toulon and Marseille.

Tonight, cloudy still with temperatures dropping to 15 degrees.

Outlook for tomorrow, mostly cloudy across the region with highs of 21 degrees and a gentle breeze before sunshine welcomes us into the weekend.

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