French and Riviera News Friday 21st November 2025

News

‘World in crisis’: France releases new national emergency survival guide - France has unveiled a new 20-page emergency survival guide urging everyone living in the country to prepare for crises ranging from natural disasters to cyber-attacks and war. Published on Thursday, the Tous Responsables (“Everyone Responsible”) guide was first announced by President Emmanuel Macron in his Bastille Day address and is intended to help residents react effectively in a wide range of emergency situations. Opening with the warning that “every day, you witness a world in crisis”, the guide stresses the need for national resilience and encourages citizens to be active participants in their own safety. It covers responses to wildfires, floods, earthquakes, chemical or nuclear accidents, health crises, cyber disruption, misinformation campaigns and terrorist incidents. Many systems already exist—such as FR-Alert text warnings and nuclear-zone iodine distribution, but the government says individuals should also take practical steps.

A central recommendation is assembling a survival kit stocked for at least three days. This should include six litres of water per person, non-perishable food, blankets and warm clothing, torches, first-aid supplies, essential medication and copies of prescriptions, plus a radio with spare batteries in case internet and mobile networks fail. The guide also suggests keeping cash, copies of key documents, spare keys, and even simple entertainment such as books or games. Citizens are encouraged to take first-aid training and consider volunteering with local emergency services. A full section is devoted to combating misinformation, warning that hostile actors may exploit crises by spreading false or AI-generated content. Residents are urged to rely on official government and local authority channels for updates. The guide is currently available only online and in French, though local authorities may choose to distribute printed versions.

French general sparks outcry with stark ‘prepare to lose children’ warning – Meanwhile, France’s top military chief, General Fabien Mandon, has triggered a political backlash after saying the country must be ready “to lose its children” in the event of a wider conflict with Russia. Addressing local mayors, Mandon said France has the economic and demographic strength to deter Moscow but lacks the “spirit” to endure hardship or sacrifice if war were to escalate. He warned that the nation would be “at risk” if it refused to accept such possibilities. His comments — using the French word enfants, which can also mean “the people” — drew condemnation from across the political spectrum. Communist leader Fabien Roussel called the message unacceptable, RN’s Louis Aliot said few French citizens would die for Ukraine, and Nice mayor Christian Estrosi labelled the remarks “shocking”. The controversy comes as French leaders continue to caution that Russia may seek to push further if its invasion of Ukraine succeeds.

One of the coldest days of the year expected on the Côte d’Azur this Saturday - A sharp blast of Arctic air is set to hit the Côte d’Azur this weekend, with temperatures dipping to –4°C in parts of the Alpes-Maritimes and the Var. After weeks of unusually mild, almost spring-like weather, residents will need to reach for coats, gloves, hats and scarves. Météo France is forecasting conditions worthy of January, describing the incoming chill as a “polar cold spell.” According to La Chaîne Météo, tomorrow, Saturday 22nd of November is likely to become the third-coldest day of the year. Winter has arrived early on the Riviera. Stay warm!

Monaco Telecom steps up efforts to tackle electronic waste - During the 16th European Week for Waste Reduction (22–30 November), dedicated this year to electrical and electronic waste, Monaco Telecom has highlighted an ambitious strategy focused on extending the lifespan of digital equipment, giving new value to older devices, and ensuring all unusable items are systematically recycled. Electronic waste is a growing environmental concern, fuelled by the ever-increasing number of connected devices in homes. These items contain both valuable materials and potentially harmful components, making proper handling essential. As CEO Martin Peronnet notes, the digital sector “is innovative but inevitably generates waste,” adding that the company’s responsibility is to ensure no device ends up abandoned or improperly discarded.

Monaco Telecom now treats or repurposes 100% of the equipment it collects, from internet boxes and TV decoders to Apple TV units. Working with French recycling specialist RSB, each device is assessed and either repaired, dismantled, or recycled. In 2024, more than 3,000 devices were refurbished—a rise of 50% on the previous year—ready to be used again rather than replaced. Unrecoverable equipment is used for spare parts, while the rest enters a recycling stream that extracts plastics, metals and electronic components. The initiative underscores the operator’s commitment to environmental responsibility and a more sustainable digital ecosystem.

Estrosi defends transparency over his private-sector remuneration - Questions have been raised by union representatives at an aeronautical maintenance firm regarding the role and remuneration of Christian Estrosi. In response, the mayor of Nice—currently seeking a fourth term—issued a formal right of reply through his lawyer. The statement stresses that, like many local elected officials, Estrosi carries out a professional activity that he describes as fully transparent, serving as a company director based on recognised expertise. He holds a political science degree and a 2021 certification in corporate governance, qualifications cited to justify his position at Revima, a group with no direct or indirect link to the City of Nice or his public mandates. According to the reply, Revima’s president has confirmed Estrosi’s regular attendance at board meetings. The mayor’s income, his lawyer insists, is “fully declared, published and monitored.” The unchanged amounts reported for 2024 and 2025 are attributed to HATVP rules, which require updates only when there is a substantial change. As the figures remain the same as previous years, they will be included in the next declaration.

Nice Woman Assaulted at Home After Winning €10,000 at the Casino - A 66-year-old woman was attacked on Tuesday 18 November in Nice after returning home with €10,000 she had just won at the Casino Barrière Le Ruhl. The suspect, a 45-year-old man, reportedly spotted her at the casino, followed her to her building near the Negresco, and assaulted her as she reached the lift, stealing her winnings and her ID documents. The victim suffered facial bruising. Thanks to the city’s CCTV footage, police quickly identified and arrested the suspect, who was taken into custody for robbery with violence. A search of his home confirmed his involvement and also linked him to a similar incident in August 2025. Already known to the authorities for previous violent offences, he is now facing immediate trial for violent theft committed in legal recidivism.

Road closures and detours for Beking Monaco this Sunday - Beking Monaco returns on Sunday 23rd November, bringing elite cyclists and a lively community programme to Port Hercule, along with significant traffic and parking disruptions. From 4am to 6:30pm, key roads around the port will be closed, including Quai des États-Unis, Route de la Piscine, Avenue J.F. Kennedy and Darse Sud. Limited, controlled access to the Jules Soccal dock will be permitted at set times, while Boulevard Albert I will operate only via its service lane. Quai Antoine I will become one-way towards the Esplanade des Pêcheurs. Parking bans start early: from 6am on Thursday 21st to 6am on Monday 24th November, parking will be prohibited across major sections of the port area, with further restrictions on Boulevard Albert I from late Saturday and on Quai Antoine I throughout race day. Public transport will also be rerouted. CAM Line 1 will divert via Avenue d’Ostende, suspending the “Kennedy” and “Auditorium Rainier III” stops, while “Spélugues”, “Citronniers” and “Place du Casino” will only be served by Lines 5 and 6.

 

 

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