Two of the main French rail unions have called for today's industrial action to be extended into Wednesday. As a result, it's expected that train services will continue to be disrupted tomorrow, with 2 out of 3 TGV trains running on average nationally, but about 3 out of 5 running in our region in the south-east. 1 out of 2 local TER trains are expected to operate on average nationally, but again with variations depending on region. About half of inter-city trains are expected to operate.
Thousands of people have taken to the streets of France to demonstrate against pension reforms today. 20,000 people demonstrated in Nice according to unions, but 7,000 according to police. There was an even wider difference in the reported number of people marching in Marseille, with unions putting the figure at 205,000, compared with just 15,000 according to police. There are significant disruptions to train and bus services. No trams are running in Nice today. As usual on days of industrial action, on street parking is free in Nice. There have been delays and cancellations today at Nice Cote d'Azur Airport, mainly to and from Paris Orly, but also several other international destinations. EDF workers reportedly reduced the power output at various electricity generating stations as part of the industrial action but no power cuts have been reported. Meanwhile the general secretary of the CGT union, Philippe Martinez, said that more numerous and larger strikes may be necessary and that the union will try to have a larger strike on the next day of industrial action on Saturday.
The Covid-19 incidence rate in Monaco almost doubled last week but is still very low. The incidence rate per 100,000 people in the week to last Sunday was 69, up from 36 the previous week. 27 new positive cases of Covid-19 were detected in the week. As of Sunday February 5, just two residents were hospitalized at the Princess Grace Hospital. No one was being treated in intensive care. Twelve people were being followed by the Home Monitoring Centre.
The Monaco government has sent a message of support to the Turkish government after the recent earthquakes in which several thousand people lost their lives. The Monaco government expressed its most sincere condolences to the Turkish Government and people. It also said its thoughts are with the emergency services and those who come to the aid of the injured.
An investigation has been opened after the body of a woman was found at a property in a village in Normandy. The 45 year old mother of three was found by firefighters with knife injuries. The woman's husband was apprehended and, according to the local prosecutor, has confessed to attacking his wife with a pocket knife.
BUSINESS
Energy giant BP has reported record annual profits of $27.7bn in 2022, which is almost double the previous year. It also announced that it is scaling back plans to reduce the amount of oil and gas it produces by 2030. The company had previously promised that emissions would be 35-40% lower by the end of this decade but today said that it is now targeting a 20-30% reduction.
There's been a higher than expected fall in German industrial production, which fell by 3.1% in December from the previous month. Production in energy intensive industries was down by 6.1%.
Meanwhile, Germany has recorded its strongest increase in nominal wages since 2008, with wages rising 3.4% in 2022 on the previous year. However, high inflation led to the strongest drop in real wages for employees since comparable records began in 2008.
SPORT
Rugby Union...It's been announced that Richard Cockerill will leave his role as England forwards coach after the Six Nations. He's joining French club Montpellier. Reports say that Saracens’ Ian Peel is expected to replace him.
Motorsports... Alfa Romeo have unveiled their 2023 Formula 1 design. The new C43 car has revised aerodynamics. The Switzerland-based team are entering their final year under the Alfa Romeo name. Also known by its original name of Sauber, it's in the process of being taken over by Audi for their official entry into Formula 1 in 2026.
Eric Ciotti, leader of Les Républicains, has expressed cautious support for new Prime Minister Michel Barnier if his policies align with law and order...
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France has a new Prime Minister, after 51 days of waiting right-wing politician Michel Barnier was appointed Prime Minister on Thursday. ...
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Michel Barnier has been announced as the new French Prime Minister, tasked with forming a unity government. Barnier, a veteran politician and former B...
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The announcement of France's new Prime Minister is expected before 1 p.m. today, with Michel Barnier emerging as a leading candidate. Bernard Cazeneuv...
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Marseille has been hit by heavy rain with businesses in the old port of the city flooded on Wednesday afternoon. Shopkeepers found themselves taken b...
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