News
French President wishes UK a rapid return to stability - French President Emmanuel Macron has wished the UK "a rapid return to stability” following Prime Minister Liz Truss’s resignation. Truss made the announcement on Thursday after just six weeks in power and said her successor would be elected by the end of next week. Truss said "I recognise that given the situation I cannot deliver the mandate on which I was elected by the Conservative Party. I have therefore spoken to His Majesty the King to notify him that I am resigning as leader of the Conservative Party," adding that a leadership election for MPs to select her successor will be "completed within the next week”.
French government forces through first part of 2023 budget - Meanwhile the French government has forced the adoption of the first part of the 2023 budget, using a constitutional clause allowing the automatic approval of legislation without a parliamentary vote. The opposition has described the move as "an undemocratic subterfuge" and launched a motion of no confidence. Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne defended the decision to impose the disputed legislation, saying the country needs a budget.
An end to restrictions on petrol purchases - The prefect of the Alpes Maritimes has ended the limit on petrol for motorists from today Friday 21st October. Faced with the shortage of fuel linked to the strike in the refineries of Total, the prefect of the department had, on October 12th, limited to 30 litres the purchase at the pump for vehicles. A measure that ends today. In addition, from today the seven service stations of the Alpes-Maritimes reserved this last week for priority users are reopened to the public. However, the sales of petrol in jerry cans remains prohibited until Monday, October 24 inclusive.
Employees of France 3 Côte d’Azur strike against relocation - Employees of France 3 Côte d’Azur in Antibes have been demonstrating against plans to relocate to Nice. Thursday saw employees gather against the move for a second time after having already demonstrated back in March. The management of France Television has planned to invest between 15 and 20 million euros in a new building at the Victorine in Nice.
Saint-Tropez Classic - Nearly 1,000 runners have registered for this Sunday's "Saint-Tropez Classic". As usual for the 38th edition there will be two races, 8 or 16km. Each participant chooses their distance, and the artists of Saint-Tropez will participate as each participant will receive a medal for finishing the race created by artist Ivan Hor, while artist Monique Serrati will offer a painting of Saint-Tropez. In addition, money raised from the registration fees will be donated to the association "Help for Hope" which fights against cancer.
Local council unveils new project for city centre in Cavalaire - The local council of Cavalaire-sur-mer in the Var has presented the winning project for the modernisation of the town’s city centre. The project entitled the "Coeur de ville" has been awarded to the “Atelier du Pont”, a Parisian agency of architects and designers which was one of 73 agencies to submit a project. The cost of the work is estimated at 39.7 million euros.
Domaine du Rayol - Meanwhile, further restoration work is to be carried out just down the road from Cavalaire-sur-mer at the Domaine du Rayol, also known as the Jardin du Rayol, in Rayol-Canadel. After the Villa Rayolet, restored between 2017 and 2021 and then the Hôtel de la mer, the monumental pergola and part of the Maison de la plage will be renovated. The Domaine du Rayol was bought in 1989 by the Conservatoire du littoral with the sole aim of being protected and is well worth a visit for more information go to https://www.domainedurayol.org/
Former Minister of the Interior has his sights set on post in Principality - France’s former Minister of the Interior Christophe Castaner has been appointed head of the Supervisory Board of the Grand Port of Marseille. However, according to recent reports in French media Castaner, who was beaten in the last legislative elections of the Alpes de Haute-Provence, has his eyes on becoming the next Minister of State here in Monaco. Reports claim that Castaner has told French President Emmanuel Macron of his interest in the post. Since a cooperation and friendship treaty with France in 2005, the Minister of State of Monaco can be either French or Monegasque and is appointed by the Sovereign Prince.
Monaco Red Cross clearance sale - The Monaco Red Cross clearance sale begins today in Fontvieille. Today Friday 21st October and tomorrow Saturday 22nd October, donations will go on sale allowing visitors to grab a bargain and at the same time make a gesture of solidarity and eco-responsibility. Money raised will go to one of the many Monaco Red Cross missions and charities.
Princess visits SPA refuge - Princess Charlene of Monaco has visited the SPA refuge in Èze. Appointed president of the association the Princess paid a visit to the refuge on Thursday. Located in Eze the Monegasque association is planning a move by the end of next year to brand new premises in Peille.
Business
Markets reacted to British Prime Minister Liz Truss’s resignation as the pound rose against the dollar and government borrowing costs dipped. One analyst said investors were "relieved" by the news, despite a lot of uncertainty remaining. Business groups said the new prime minister would have to act quickly to restore confidence. Ms Truss said her successor would be elected in a Tory leadership contest, to be completed in the next week. Her resignation came after a key minister quit and Tory MPs rebelled in a chaotic parliamentary vote on Wednesday.
According to reports the damage to two subsea links which seriously disrupted communications to Shetland was likely caused by fishing vessels. Police declared a major incident on Thursday following the break in the cable connecting Shetland to the mainland.
And - Amazon shoppers in the UK could receive a share of £900m in compensation, once a legal claim is submitted against the technology giant. The proposed claim alleges the company breached competition law and caused customers to pay higher prices. The collective action is due to be filed before the end of the month. Started as an online bookseller, Amazon is now the biggest e-commerce company in the world. More than 80% of purchases on the site are made via featured offers in the "buy box". According to the claims independent sellers are excluded from the buy box, even when they offer the same product cheaper or on better terms - thus breaching UK and EU competition law.
Sport
Football - Aston Villa have sacked manager Steven Gerrard following Thursday's 3-0 Premier League defeat at Fulham. A club spokesman said: "We would like to thank Steven for his hard work and commitment and wish him well for the future." Villa have won just twice in the league this season and only sit above the relegation zone on goals scored.
Premier League action this weekend. Tomorrow, Nottingham Forest are at home to Liverpool in the lunchtime match. In the afternoon with a 4pm kick off, Everton play Crystal Palace, Manchester City play Brighton and Chelsea are at home to Manchester United. On Sunday Aston Villa play Brentford, Leeds face Fulham, Southampton are at home to Arsenal and Wolverhampton face Leicester, kick off for all the matches is at 3pm with a 5.30pm kick off for Sunday’s last match of the day; Tottenham are at home to Newcastle.
Tennis - Coco Gauff has become the youngest player since Maria Sharapova in 2005 to qualify for the WTA Finals in singles. The WTA Finals take place in Fort Worth, Texas, from 31 October-7 November.
Formula One - Lewis Hamilton says the future of Formula 1's budget cap depends on the punishment Red Bull are given for breaching it last year. Governing body the FIA said Red Bull committed a "minor" breach of the $145m (£114m) cap last year. The FIA has made an offer to Red Bull for the terms of what is known as an "accepted breach agreement" for them breaching the cost cap.
Weather
Thundery showers are forecast for the region. Highs of 22 degrees in Nice, Cannes and the Alpes Maritimes. 21 degrees in Toulon and the Var. A gentle breeze. This evening going down to 17 degrees with clear skies.
Outlook for Saturday should remain dry. Cloudy with highs of 21-22 degrees. Sunday sunny intervals highs of 23 degrees.
Sunrise: 07.51 Sunset: 18.37
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