NEWS
Génération Monaco - Marc Mourou, Chairman of the Social Interests and Miscellaneous Affairs Committee, has launched a new political movement, Génération Monaco, alongside Aude Berlin and former national councillors of Monaco. The group aims to build a long-term political program, focusing on healthcare access, education reform, and social equality. They plan regular public meetings to shape their policies ahead of Monaco's next elections.
Decathlon Recalls Whey Protein Sachets - Decathlon is recalling 30g chocolate whey protein sachets (lot 2429700006, best before 01/02/2026) due to a risk of metal contamination. The product was sold in stores across France and online between the 31st of December, 2024, and the 25th of January, 2025. Customers should not consume it and can return it for a refund or exchange.
Ai-Powered Cameras in Supermaket - A supermarket uses AI-powered cameras to monitor self-checkouts, reducing theft and cashier interventions while improving customer experience in La Farlède, Var. The success of this system has prompted plans for expansion across Intermarché, Netto, and Bricomarché stores. AI is also making strides in retail and crowd management, with major companies like Walmart adopting French AI solutions and Cannes hosting a global AI festival in February.
Anti-Narcotrafficking Law - The French Senate passed an anti-narcotrafficking law, but lawyers warn it threatens fundamental rights by limiting defence access to evidence and increasing judicial opacity. Some measures, like a national anti-organized crime prosecutor's office, are welcomed, but others risk undermining due process. Lawyers argue the real issue is the chronic underfunding of the justice system, not their profession.
End-of-Life Care in Monaco - Monaco's National Council is reviewing a proposed law on end-of-life care, aiming to improve palliative care, prevent excessive treatment, and allow patients to express their final wishes. Consultations with doctors, associations, and religious representatives will help shape the legislation.
Nice Fenoglio Street Case - The suspected shooter in the Nice Fenoglio Street case has admitted to being hired for €2,000 to intimidate, but ended up killing a 30-year-old man in a drug-related turf war. He was arrested and charged with organized murder, while four other suspects, linked to drug trafficking, were caught with weapons and narcotics. Authorities highlight the growing territorial rivalries between criminal gangs.
Large Police Operation - During a large police operation against irregular migration in southern France, four people have been arrested in Avignon, Vaucluse - two for being undocumented and two for using fake documents. Authorities targeted vehicles transporting workers, highlighting exploitation in construction and agriculture, where some earn as little as €50 per day.
Monaco Run Gramaglia - The Monaco Run Gramaglia 2025 will take place on the 8th and 9th of February, causing temporary road closures and parking restrictions around Port Hercule and key routes. Urban bus lines will be rerouted on the 9th of February until noon, with some stops not served. Interurban buses may experience delays, and certain stops will be replaced along the Monaco-Menton route.
13th Pink Ribbon Monaco - The 13th Pink Ribbon Monaco walk will take place on the 9th of February, to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research. The 5 km route through Monaco’s landmarks welcomes all, including children and pets. Proceeds will support a breast cancer screening study at Princess Grace Hospital.
2026 Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters Dates - The 2026 Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters dates have been announced! The tournament will take place from the 5th to the 12th of April 2026. The ATP has already announced the dates, even before the 2025 edition (April 6-13) begins. The tournament remains one of the few Masters 1000 events played over a single week.
BUSINESS
A senior health official has warned that post-Brexit border checks are failing to prevent illegal, potentially disease-ridden meat from entering the UK. Critics say lorries are avoiding inspections due to weak enforcement, leading to illegal meat becoming widespread in high street shops. The government insists the system is working, but an inquiry is now underway to assess its effectiveness.
Australia has banned Chinese AI startup DeepSeek from government devices over national security concerns, though it denies the move is due to its Chinese origins. The chatbot, which rivalled US models at a lower cost, has faced global scrutiny over data privacy, with investigations in multiple countries. The ban follows broader Western concerns about Chinese tech, similar to restrictions on Huawei and TikTok.
And - Monaco’s Société des Bains de Mer (SBM) has reported a revenue of €638.6 million for the first nine months of 2024-2025, a 10% increase. Growth came from hospitality (+16%) and rentals (+12%), while gaming revenue dropped by 2%. SBM expects this positive trend to continue into the final quarter.
SPORTS
Rugby Union - Marcus Smith is set to start at full-back and Fin Smith at fly-half for England in Saturday's Six Nations match with France at Allianz Stadium. If confirmed, it will be a first Test start for Northampton's Fin Smith, 22, after winning his previous seven caps from the bench.
Tennis - Britain's Emma Raducanu lost in the first round of the Abu Dhabi Open as she went down in straight sets 6-3 6-4 to former Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova.
Cricket - Australia captain Pat Cummins is "hugely unlikely" to be fit for the Champions Trophy, says coach Andrew McDonald. Fast bowler Cummins, 31, is absent from the ongoing Test series in Sri Lanka because of the birth of his second child but also has an ankle problem.
WEATHER
Bright and clear this afternoon with gentle to moderate winds. Highs of 15 degrees in Nice, Toulon and Marseille, 16 in Cannes, and 17 degrees in Saint-Tropez.
Tonight, clear skies with temperatures dropping to 8 degrees.
Outlook for tomorrow, much the same, mostly sunny with highs of 16 degrees and a gentle breeze.
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