NEWS
Kremlin Criticizes Macron - The Kremlin has strongly criticized Emmanuel Macron’s speech on the Russian threat, calling his remarks "stupid" and "conflict-driven," accusing him of wanting the war to continue. Russian officials, including Dmitri Peskov and Sergei Lavrov, compared Macron to Napoleon and Hitler, condemning his stance on nuclear deterrence and potential troop deployment in Ukraine. Moscow insists that peace can only come if Western arms deliveries to Ukraine stop.
Possible Liquidation in Var Clinic - After a fire severely damaged the Sainte-Marguerite Clinic in Hyères, Var, the facility is now facing possible liquidation, leaving 267 employees unpaid for February. Staff are in distress, fearing job losses and uncertain patient care, while they await action from management and insurers.
Mazan Rape Trial to Continue? - Caroline Darian has filed a rape complaint against her father, Dominique Pelicot, who was already sentenced to 20 years in prison in the Mazan rape case. She claims she was ignored during the trial, despite evidence suggesting she was also a victim. In her new book, she calls for justice for all victims of drug-induced sexual assault.
Bruno Retailleau Vows to Fight Drug-Related Violence - French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau vowed to fight drug-related violence after a series of shootings in Avignon, Vaucluse. He announced a three-pronged strategy (judicial, security, and administrative) and highlighted recent police crackdowns. Public transport has been disrupted, and Retailleau hopes to one day declare "Avignon liberated."
Drugs and Weapons Possession - Police have arrested a 33-year-old driving instructor after discovering a cannabis grow setup and a small arsenal in his apartment in Toulon, Var. Officers found two cannabis plants, 89g of cannabis, cash, and drug packaging materials, along with several firearms, including a revolver, rifles, and a pistol with a silencer. The suspect, who tested positive for THC, claimed to be a former hunter and sport shooter before being placed in custody.
Mad Fisherman Sentenced - A French poacher known as the "mad fisherman" has been sentenced to one year in prison for illegally catching protected species and posting his exploits on social media in the Bouches-du-Rhône. The Aix-en-Provence court also banned him from fishing and hunting for five years. Authorities hope the ruling will deter others from glorifying wildlife crimes online.
Lignes d'Azur Rechargeable Card - Lignes d'Azur in Nice no longer allows recharging 100 trips at once at ticket machines, limiting it to 50 per transaction. While their website states a 1 to 100 trip option, a full recharge is only possible if the card has zero balance. Through the app, up to 90 trips can be purchased at once.
School Uniforms No Longer Adopted in PACA Region - After six months of testing school uniforms in two high schools, the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region has cancelled the experiment due to financial concerns. The program cost €500,000, and without state funding, officials deemed it too expensive to expand. Other schools in the region may still voluntarily adopt uniforms with local funding.
Le Bistrot de Jan - Chef Jan Hendrik Van Der Westhuizen has opened Le Bistrot de Jan in Nice, next to his Michelin-starred restaurant, offering a more relaxed and affordable dining experience inspired by his South African roots. The Bistrot blends chic Parisian décor with playful culinary creations, featuring local ingredients and nostalgic dishes. Guests can also explore the restaurant’s behind-the-scenes, bridging the gap between fine dining and casual gastronomy.
NEWS UPDATE
Wildfire - A wildfire has burned 15 hectares of forest since Wednesday evening near Breil-sur-Roya, in the Menton hinterland, Alpes-Maritimes. Canadair planes and specialized firefighting teams have been deployed due to the area's inaccessibility. No homes are threatened, but efforts continue to contain the flames.
France to Increase Military Budget... but How? - France plans to increase military spending due to the Russian threat, but without raising taxes. The government is considering a new wealth tax, private sector investment, and a special savings plan for citizens. A meeting with investors on the 20th of March will explore funding options.
Accident - A four-car accident on the A8 near Nice is severely disrupting traffic towards Aix-Marseille. Only the right lane is open, and drivers face a 45-minute delay for 6 km of congestion. Vinci Autoroutes advises avoiding the area.
BUSINESS
Trump temporarily exempted North American carmakers from a new 25% import tax on Canada and Mexico, after automakers lobbied for relief. The tariffs, meant to curb drug trafficking and migration, sparked retaliation from Canada and Mexico and fears of a trade war. Trump hinted at more exemptions but remains committed to broader tariffs worldwide.
The US has charged 12 Chinese nationals for allegedly running a state-sponsored hacking scheme, targeting US dissidents, government agencies, and foreign ministries. The hackers, linked to China's Ministry of Public Security, sold stolen data to Chinese agencies. The US is offering a $10M reward for information on those involved.
And - France will transfer €120 million in VAT to Monaco in 2025 as part of a long-standing tax-sharing agreement from 1963. This system treats both countries as a single VAT territory, ensuring Monaco gets its share of VAT revenue. The amount fluctuates yearly based on economic activity and consumption between the two nations.
SPORTS
Football - Bayern Munich captain Manuel Neuer has been ruled out "for the foreseeable future" after tearing a muscle in his right calf. He was replaced by debutant 21-year-old keeper Jonas Urbig in the 59th minute as Bayern went on to secure a comfortable 3-0 win.
Cricket - Former Pakistan Test head coach Jason Gillespie has called his successor Aaqib Javed "a clown" and accused him of undermining him and former white-ball coach Gary Kirsten in order to take over their roles. Gillespie and Kirsten were appointed to their respective positions in April 2024 but both resigned and were replaced by Aaqib before the end of the year.
Tennis - Former champion Naomi Osaka said her Indian Wells first-round exit was the "worst match I've ever played in my life" after losing 6-4 6-4 to Camila Osorio.
Meanwhile, Britain's Cameron Norrie made light work of Luca Nardi to reach the Indian Wells second round, winning 6-0 6-3.
WEATHER
Mostly sunny with cloudy intervals and strong winds. Highs of 16 degrees in Nice and Saint-Tropez, 17 in Cannes and Toulon, and 18 degrees in Marseille.
Tonight, partly cloudy with temperatures dropping to 10 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, cloudy with chances of rain in the Var. Highs of 17 degrees with strong winds persisting.
Strong winds of up to 95 km/h and heavy rain are expected in the Alpes-Maritimes and Var departments starting Sunday, lasting several days. ...
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Former French President Charles de Gaulle’s vision of French strategic independence has never seemed more relevant. In the 1960s, De Gaulle had warned...
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The Kremlin has strongly criticized Emmanuel Macron’s speech on the Russian threat, calling his remarks "stupid" and "conflict-driven," accusing him o...
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French President Emmanuel Macron has emphasized the growing "Russian threat" facing Europe, including Russia's aggressive actions in Ukraine, cyberatt...
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Starting on the 5th of March, travellers to the UK must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which costs £10 (~€12) and is valid for two y...
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