President Macron has warned of what he called "the end of abundance". Speaking before the start of this morning's council of ministers meeting he said that "we are in the process of living through a tipping point or great upheaval". He added that we seem to be living through a series of crises and that it would require sacrifices to be made, calling for government unity.
After the meeting French government spokesperson Olivier Veran called for national unity in the face of the challenges currently facing France such as climate change and rising energy costs. He said that the issue of the lack of drinking water in certain municipalities will be looked at by the government and a major project will be launched to replant the forests which have been destroyed by fire over the summer. As regards energy prices, he said that the price cap will remain in place until the end of the year but increases may be discussed at the beginning of next year.
The Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur Regional Health Agency has released it's weekly Covid-19 update. As at August 23, compared to the data of the last published report, 830 people were hospitalized, which is down by 55, 59 people were in intensive care, which is down 8. 13 people died from the virus during the week, meaning that 12,969 people have died since the start of the epidemic.
An anti-Israeli demonstration planned for the OGC Nice match against Tel Aviv has been cancelled. The pro-Palestinian demonstration was being organised by students from a campus of the Sciences-Po located in Menton and was to take place outside the Alliance Riviera stadium tomorrow night. The students said this evening that they had cancelled the event after pressure from their educational establishment and "threats" from OGC Nice supporters and residents of Menton. Several local politicians including Nice mayor Christian Estrosi had spoken out against the demonstration.
Ukranian nationals have marched on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice today to commemorate the 31st anniversary of the country's independence. About 350 people took part in the march according to police.
Meanwhile, the Prefect of the Var has inaugurated a new accomodation centre for Ukranian refugees which is built from shipping containers. The centre in Draguignan is the first of its kind in France. Eventually, it will be able to accommodate 109 people in the modular accomodation. It's the eigth accommodation centre for Ukrainian nationals set up by state services in the department.
BUSINESS
Peru's consumer protection agency is suing Spanish oil firm Repsol over an oil spill last January. The spill leaked more than 10,000 barrels into the Pacific Ocean. The civil lawsuit seeks $3bn for environmental damage and $1.5bn in damages to compensate local people. Repsol has denied responsibility.
Spain's tourism industry has rebounded to a similar level to those seen before the pandemic. The statistics office of the Spanish government said that bookings in July were sixty per cent up on the previous year. Hotel prices rose by 16% over the year.
The UK Office for National Statistics has said that imports of goods from Russia decreased to £33 million in June 2022 and are at the lowest level since records began in January 1997 because of economic sanctions. There were no imports of fuels from Russia in June for the first time since records began.
SPORT
Cricket... England have recalled pace bowler Ollie Robinson to the squad for the second Test against South Africa. He replaces Matthew Potts. The second test gets underway at Old Trafford on Thursday. South Africa are 1-0 ahead in the series so far.
Rugby Union... Emmanuel Iyogun has signed a new "long-term" contract with Northampton Saints ahead of the new Premiership season. He's made 25 appearances for the club since his first-team debut in 2020.
Train traffic is completely halted after 5:30pm today, Thursday 17th of October.
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A 26-year-old biker has died following a road accident behind the Eze-Village tunnel.
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Thirteen departments in southern France are under orange weather alert for rain, flooding, thunderstorms, and/or river surges. ...
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All schools in the Alpes-Maritimes will be closed today Thursday 17th October, due to the orange weather alert which is to be reinstated from 9am this...
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The Alpes-Maritimes and Var regions were placed under an orange weather alert for storms and rain-induced flooding on Wednesday, the 16th of October,...
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