French Transport Minister Clement Beaune has announced that bus and tram services will return to normal operations across France this evening. Services had recently been stopping at 9 or 10pm for public order reasons. However, the minister added that local changes may be made depending on conditions in the area.
The Minister for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises, Olivia Gregoire has said that, at the request of merchants, there will be an exceptional opening of shops this Sunday, organized by local Prefects, and there will also be a one week extension of the sales period until August 1. The minister has also announced that merchants impacted by the riots will be able to benefit from a deferral or cancellation of social and tax charges.
Inquiries are still continuing to establish the cause of the explosion which demolished a building in Paris two weeks ago. According to a Paris council member, sixty families are still not able to access their accomodation. Four people remain in a critical cindition in hospital. One person died in the explosion on rue Saint-Jacques in the fifth arrondissement.
Motorway operator Vinci Autoroutes have said that many departures are expected from Friday afternoon towards the south of France. Heavy traffic is expected mainly on Friday 7 and Saturday 8 July, in the direction of departures, in the Paris region, in the Rhône valley and around the Mediterranean, in particular on the A9 motorway. In our region, disruptions are to be expected around Nice, Marseille, Aix-en-Provence and Toulon from Friday afternoon, as well as Sunday evening. On Saturday morning, traffic is expected to be heavy in the Aix-en-Provence sector.
Thirty people in Cannes were fined in June for offences related to the consumption of nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas. A municipal decree issued several years ago prohibits the consumption of nitrous oxide in public spaces and its sale to minors.
Monaco has reaffirmed its support for the Green Climate Fund. The government has announced a contribution of 3.3 million euros to the Green Climate Fund as part of the process of replenishing its resources for the period 2024-2027. The fund is the largest multilateral fund dedicated to building climate resilience and energy transition in developing countries.
The Handiplage site at the Larvotto beach in Monaco has reopened for the summer. The Soroptimist Club has been offering a Handiplage service at Larvotto for 18 years. People with reduced mobility or disabilities can once again enjoy the beach for free, 7 days a week, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until 3 September. More details can be obtained by calling the Handiplage team on 06 43 91 97 57.
BUSINESS
The UK new car market grew by just over 25% in June with over 177,000 vehicles registered, according to the latest figures from industry body the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. The June performance marks the eleventh consecutive month of growth as the industry gradually overcomes the pandemic-induced supply chain shortages that constrained production for much of the previous two years. Battery electric vehicle registrations grew again, with the segment up 39.4%, meaning that such vehicles represent almost eighteen per cent of the total market.
Train companies have confirmed plans to close hundreds of station ticket offices across England over the next three years. Some ticket kiosks would remain in large stations, but elsewhere staff would be on concourses to sell tickets, offer travel advice and help people with accessibility. The plans have been met with concern from unions and disability groups. A 21-day public consultation has been launched to collect passengers' views.
SPORT
Tennis.... At Wimbledon eighty seven matches in the first and second rounds are scheduled for today after heavy rain affected play yesterday. Proceedings were once again disrupted by showers this morning. This afternoon Britain's Jodie Burrage lost 6-0 6-2 to 11th seed Daria Kasatkina. Play was disrupted on court 18 after two protesters scattered orange confetti.
Cricket... England have made three changes for the third Ashes Test, bringing in Mark Wood, Chris Woakes and Moeen Ali. Ollie Pope has been ruled out of the series. The Test begins at Headingley tomorrow with England needing to win to prevent Australia retaining the Ashes.
Athletics... Jake Wightman has announced that he won't defend his 1500m title at the World Championships in Budapest in August because of injury. He is yet to race this season.
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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