NEWS
Abortion Legalized in Monaco - Monaco is set to take a historic step by voting on a bill to legalize abortion (IVG), currently only permitted in rare cases. The proposal would allow abortions up to 12 weeks, remove criminal penalties for doctors, and provide financial coverage for the procedure. While the bill faces moral and religious debate, it aims to align Monaco with European standards and ensure women’s rights and access to safe abortion.
Former French President Sarkozy Bracelet Removed - Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has had his electronic ankle bracelet removed after being granted conditional release on the 14th of May. He had served just over three months of his one-year sentence in the wiretapping case and can now move more freely, under certain judicial restrictions. Sarkozy, who continues to work in Paris, still faces legal troubles, including a pending verdict in the Libyan campaign financing case.
Rockfall - Rockfall protection work is underway in the Cians Valley along the RD 28 road to Valberg, with alternating traffic and occasional short closures. Two main construction sites, in Beuil and Rigaud, involve purging unstable rocks, installing nets and cables, and reinforcing cliffs to prevent landslides. These measures aim to ensure safety for residents and tourists, with full traffic restoration expected between the 30th of May and the 1st of September.
Marseille Project Against Coastal Erosion - Marseille has launched a three-year pilot project using "posidonia mille-feuille" — layers of dead seagrass and sand — to naturally slow coastal erosion on four city beaches. This Mediterranean-native plant, previously removed from beaches, helps retain sand and has already led to an 8-meter gain in beach width since 2023. Posidonia meadows are vital to marine biodiversity, protect shorelines, and capture up to seven times more carbon than land forests, making them key to climate resilience.
Louis Sarkozy in Menton - Louis Sarkozy, the son of former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, has visited Menton to promote his new book on Napoleon, claiming he's only on a "literary campaign" despite persistent rumours of a political run. Locals are divided—some welcome the idea of fresh energy in politics, while others doubt his experience and ties to the city. Though he admits to having a residence in Menton and political views, Sarkozy insists he's not running for office—at least not yet.
Young People in Cannes Film Festival - For the first time, young people from disadvantaged backgrounds have been invited to the Cannes Film Festival through the "Quinzaine en Actions" initiative, giving them a rare glimpse into the glamorous world of cinema. Among them, Zakaria, who led the project from his foster home, brought joy and inspiration to his group by fulfilling his dream of attending Cannes. The evening was a powerful mix of social realities and red carpet magic, showing that dreams can take root even far from the spotlight.
6th Video and Board Games Fair - This weekend, Menton hosts its 6th Video and Board Games Fair featuring video games, arcade games, VR, and life-sized roleplay at the Palais de l’Europe. Events include tournaments (Just Dance, Mario Kart, FIFA 25), manga drawing contests, escape games, and lightsaber combat demos. Sunday adds outdoor fun in Biovès garden with pétanque, giant chess, wooden games, and a collector’s exchange by Geek Land.
Superbar - ‘SuperBar’ is a cozy, vinyl-filled atmosphere inspired by Japanese kissa bars, blending curated music, refined cocktails, and a stylish setting in Nice's Port district. Its drink menu features Japanese twists like whisky umeshu mixes and inventive creations such as tzatziki-flavored cocktails, alongside biodynamic wines and artisanal spirits. On the food side, a fusion Asian menu designed by a Michelin-trained chef includes dishes like lemongrass pork baos and ponzu oysters, aiming to pair perfectly with the cocktails.
2025-2026 Season Monte-Carlo Opera - The 2025–2026 season of the Monte-Carlo Opera spotlights female power and independence, with a strong thematic focus on iconic women like Joséphine Baker and mythic figures like Wagner’s Valkyries. Blending tradition with innovation, the program includes a grand revue dedicated to Baker, high-tech stagings of classics like La Walkyrie, and even the musical Cats, aiming to draw in younger and more diverse audiences. This inclusive, bold artistic direction—led by Cecilia Bartoli—celebrates freedom, resilience, and dreams, inviting all to discover opera as a vibrant and accessible art form.
BUSINESS
The IMF – International Monetary Fund – has approved a $1 billion loan to Pakistan despite India's strong objections, citing concerns over terrorism funding and Pakistan's poor reform record. India’s limited influence within the IMF, due to its smaller voting share and procedural constraints, made it difficult to block the bailout. Experts suggest India should raise such issues through the FATF instead, as IMF reform proposals to improve fairness have seen little progress and may inadvertently boost China’s influence.
And - Donald Trump claimed India agreed to eliminate tariffs on US goods, but India’s foreign minister swiftly denied it, stating trade talks are ongoing and no final deal has been made. India insists any agreement must be mutually beneficial, and has already lowered tariffs on some US products while rejecting broader concessions, especially in sensitive sectors like agriculture. Although both nations aim to boost trade, key details remain unresolved as India pursues deals with other partners like the UK and EFTA.
SPORTS
Football - Tottenham captain Son Heung-min has filed a criminal complaint with the South Korean police for being the victim of an alleged blackmail plot after it was reported that a woman threatened him with a false pregnancy claim. Gangnam Police Station in southern Seoul said it had detained a woman in her 20s and a man in his 40s on suspicion of extortion and attempted extortion, South Korean news agency Yonhap reported.
Cricket - England have confirmed Tim Southee as a fast-bowling consultant for the first part of the home summer. James Anderson has held the position since retiring from Test cricket but is unavailable because of his playing commitments with Lancashire - he is expected to make his return for the Red Rose against Derbyshire on Friday.
Tennis - Nick Kyrgios is looking forward to "having a bit of fun" as he returns to the French Open for the first time in eight years. The 30-year-old, who has not played at Roland Garros since 2017, will team up with fellow Australian Jordan Thompson in the men's doubles after struggling with a series of foot, knee and wrist injuries in recent seasons and has only played four singles matches in 2025.
WEATHER
Bright and clear this afternoon - though thunderstorms persist in Puget-Théniers and Draguignan. We’ll have highs of 23 degrees in Nice and Cannes, 24 in Saint-Tropez and Toulon and 25 degrees in Marseille with strong winds in the Bouches-du-Rhône department.
Tonight, risks of thunderstorms on the coast of the Alpes-Maritimes department with lows of 16 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, back to rain and thunderstorms in most of the region with highs of 22 degrees and strong winds. Thankfully storms should make way for clearer skies going into the weekend.
Cagnes-sur-Mer council has decided to temporarily close two of the town’s beaches due to suspected oil pollution. The slick was observed off the coast...
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The Var and the Alpes Maritimes department have been placed on a yellow weather warning due rain, flooding, and thunderstorms today. ...
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Monaco is set to take a historic step by voting on a bill to legalize abortion (IVG), currently only permitted in rare cases. ...
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- A taxi driver has been charged by French police with the theft of luggage and cash from UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and his wife, Nicola Green,...
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Sunny with a gentle breeze. Highs of 22 degrees in Nice, Monaco and Menton. 21 degrees in Saint-Tropez and reaching 23 degrees in Cannes for the Film ...
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