National News France
Nicolas Sarkozy’s court case - France’s National Financial Prosecutor's Office the PNF has requested a seven-year prison sentence, a €300,000 fine, and five years of exclusion for former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, accused of accepting illicit Libyan funds for his 2007 election campaign. The PNF described Sarkozy as the "true decision-maker" behind a "corruption pact" with Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi. Prosecutors argued that prison sentences were necessary to protect society and restore balance, highlighting Sarkozy's "greed" and political ambition. Sarkozy, who faces up to 10 years in prison, maintains his innocence, dismissing the charges as “false and weak”. The prosecution also sought sentences for several other figures involved, including former ministers. The case centres on Libyan funds allegedly channelled into Sarkozy's election campaign through intermediaries, with the prosecution calling for convictions and sentences for all involved. The trial continues, with Sarkozy vowing to fight the charges.
Plan to improve tap water in France - In other national news in France, the French government is set to unveil today, Friday 28th March, its plan to improve the quality of tap water. A study shows that nearly three-quarters of the French believe water quality is declining. In response, the government aims to protect the most sensitive water sources. Between January of last year and January 2025, over 446,000 water samples were taken nationwide, with 21,150 failing to meet quality standards due to contaminants like E. coli and pesticides. Non-compliant samples were found in 25% of municipalities, especially in the Grand Est, Hauts-de-France, and Corsica regions. In 543 municipalities, more than half of the samples exceeded safe limits. Though water quality in most areas complies with regulations, some regions struggle with contamination. The Ministry of Health's inspections have revealed regional variations in testing methods.
World awareness month in the fight against Endometriosis - To mark World awareness month for the fight against Endometriosis France’s Health Minister will today Friday March 28th, visit the Nouvelle-Aquitaine to sign a charter aimed at improving the diagnosis and care of the disease, which affects between 1.5 to 2.5 million women in France. The initiative seeks to train healthcare professionals to identify and treat endometriosis, addressing the average seven-year delay in diagnosis. The charter will eventually be extended nationwide. In addition, the Ministry of Health will announce the introduction of saliva in 20 more hospitals, following promising results. These tests will be used before more invasive procedures. Endometriosis causes painful periods, fertility issues, and other complications. The French government is also partnering with educational authorities to raise awareness among high school students.
Local News
Man, fatally struck by train at Juan-les-Pins - In local news, a 40-year-old man has been fatally struck by a TER train at Juan-les-Pins train station. The fatal incident occurred on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at around 5:45 p.m. The incident caused train services between Cannes and Antibes to be suspended, with delays extending to Monaco station. Emergency services confirmed the man's death at the scene. A 19-year-old woman, who witnessed the event, was taken to Antibes Hospital in a state of shock. An investigation is underway.
Three nurses appear in court - Three self-employed nurses in the Alpes Maritimes have been accused of defrauding the region’s Primary Health Insurance Fund of over €983,000. The three appeared in court on Thursday only for the trail to be postponed to December 19th due to a change in one nurse's legal team. The nurses, aged 48 to 51, are accused of billing fictitious care and double billing for travel expenses. Under judicial supervision since February, they are barred from private practice but can work in care centres. Their assets have been seized, and witnesses, including patients, may testify about the alleged fraudulent billing methods.
Action to limit Airbnb - The town of Villeneuve-Loubet, near Nice, is taking action to limit the impact of Airbnb bookings. This month the town has adopted measures to restrict primary residences from being rented out on Airbnb to 90 days per year. The decision aims to address concerns about tourists disrupting local life and the lack of housing for residents, with 520 still waiting for accommodation. Residences can also choose to ban Airbnb rentals. Other towns along the Côte d'Azur, including Nice and Villefranche-sur-Mer, have also implemented similar restrictions.
Monte-Carlo Summer Festival 2025 – The star-studded lineup for the Monte-Carlo Summer Festival 2025 has been announced. The festival takes place from the 5th of July to the 15th of August. Highlights will include performances from Billy Idol, Benson Boone, Carlos Santana, Will Smith and the Scorpions. The festival blends legendary acts with fresh talent for an unforgettable summer here in the Principality.
French footballer thrilled at wax work - French footballer Kylian Mbappé was thrilled to see his new wax work at Madame Tussauds in London, exclaiming, "It's me! Amazing, magnificent!" The statue, which will be on display starting April 4th, shows him in his French national team jersey with his signature pose—arms crossed over his chest. Mbappé praised the talented artists behind the figure, saying, "It’s like looking at myself in the mirror. It’s surreal!" He expressed his excitement about being part of the Madame Tussauds family, calling it a great honour. In addition to this figure, Mbappé has two others at the Musée Grévin in Paris and Madame Tussauds in Berlin. His wax figure celebrates his success not only as a footballer but also as a cultural icon.
Gulf of Saint-Tropez Marathon - The Gulf of Saint-Tropez Marathon, which is expected to break participation records for its 5th edition, will take place this weekend on Sunday 30th March. With over 7,000 runners expected, including 267 elite athletes for the French Marathon Championship and 1,438 participants in the French 10km Championship, this event is set to be a significant highlight of the region’s sports calendar.
Business
A day after US President Donald Trump announced a 25% import tax on foreign cars and car parts, many of the world’s biggest automakers were left stunned, anticipating major disruption to the industry. Investors sold off shares of carmakers in Japan, Germany, and the UK, causing billions in losses for companies like Toyota, BMW, and Jaguar Land Rover. American firms, including General Motors, were hit hardest, with GM down more than 7%. However, Tesla's shares, which are linked to US factories and CEO Elon Musk, a close Trump adviser, remained unaffected, ending the day flat.
Chinese technology giant Tencent has made a €1.2bn ($1.25bn) investment in a spin-off from Ubisoft, the maker of the Assassin's Creed video games. Tencent will own about a quarter of the new business, with Ubisoft holding the rest of the new subsidiary, which is valued at around €4bn. The unit will run some of the French firm's biggest franchises, including Assassin's Creed, Far Cry and Rainbow Six. Tencent, which is one of the world's biggest video games developers, is also known for its internet-based services, including the hugely popular messaging app WeChat.
Fashion retailer H&M will use artificial intelligence (AI) to create digital "twins" of 30 models for use in social media and marketing, with the models' permission. Chief creative officer Jörgen Andersson said, "We are curious to explore new creative ways to showcase fashion and embrace technology while staying true to personal style." Despite H&M's claim to maintain a "human-centric approach," some fear the move could affect models, photographers, and make-up artists.
Sport
Football - Chelsea captain Millie Bright has expressed confidence after her side secured a third consecutive semi-final clash with Spanish giants in the Women's Champions League. Chelsea showed their belief with a dominant 3-0 win over Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.
Darts - Luke Littler has extended his lead at the top of the Premier League with a dominant performance on night eight in Newcastle. The 18-year-old world champion beat Stephen Bunting, Rob Cross, and Luke Humphries to secure his fourth win of the 2025 event.
Formula One - Red Bull has confirmed that Liam Lawson will be demoted and replaced by Yuki Tsunoda, effective immediately. The move comes after Lawson completed just two grand prix for Red Bull.
Rugby Union - Rugby Football Union CEO Bill Sweeney has survived a vote of no confidence at a special general meeting, with 65% voting against the motion to terminate his employment. The motion, backed by the referees' union and Championship clubs, cited perceived governance failures under Sweeney's leadership.
Basketball - The NBA is exploring the launch of a new European league in partnership with FIBA, basketball's global governing body. The proposed league would feature 16 teams, with 12 permanent and 4 qualifying annually. The NBA stated the league would integrate into Europe’s current basketball scene, with teams still competing in their national leagues. The NBA, based in the US and Canada, is the top basketball league in the world.
Golf - Officials lobbying for a mixed golf competition at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics are "optimistic" the proposal will be accepted by the International Olympic Committee. A meeting on Monday will discuss golf's submission for a two-day mixed event, to be held between the men's and women's individual tournaments. Golf's Olympic return has been a success, with Justin Rose winning men's gold for Great Britain in Rio 2016, the first Olympic golf event in 112 years.
Weather
Hazy sunshine to start, clearing as the day goes on. Moderate to strong winds are forecast for the Var region by this afternoon. Highs of 19 degrees in Nice and Marseille, 17 degrees in Monaco, 22 degrees in Saint- Tropez and Draguignan. This evening going down to 10 degrees along the coast with clear skies.
The outlook for the weekend, sunny intervals tomorrow along the coast, light rain and possibly some thunder inland in the Var region. Moderate winds in the Var and highs of 19 degrees. Sunday, clear skies and sunshine with a gentle breeze and highs of 21 degrees which is how it is expected to stay heading into the first week of April.
Don’t forget that on Sunday March 30th the clocks go forward by an hour and if you’re in the UK Sunday March 30th is Mother’s Day.
Sunrise 06.18am
Sunset 06.52pm
Weather elsewhere
London 14° light rain.
Dublin 11° light rain.
Paris 16° heavy rain.
And finally
Get ready for an epic adventure! The "Queens of Football," a team of incredible women over 50 from Trémolat and Calès in the Dordogne, are heading to South Africa today for the ultimate "World Cup for football Grannies!"
These fierce ladies, who play with heart and determination, have been dreaming of this moment, and it's finally happening. On March 30th, they’ll be flying out to compete in an international tournament for women 50 and over. They’ve already faced off against teams from the US, Spain, and even some African countries, and they’re ready to bring their strength and spirit to the world stage. These ladies are determined and ready to show the world that age is just a number!
Far-Right deputy Marine Le Pen and eight other RN MEPs have been found guilty of misusing EU funds in the parliamentary assistants' case. ...
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Judges are due to announce today their decision in the trial of French far-right leader Marine Le Pen over the alleged embezzlement of European Parlia...
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The weather this weekend will be mixed in the Alpes-Maritimes department, with sunny spells on Saturday morning followed by thunderstorms in the after...
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France’s National Financial Prosecutor's Office the PNF has requested a seven-year prison sentence, a €300,000 fine, and five years of exclusion for f...
Read More
Get ready for an epic adventure! The "Queens of Football," a team of incredible women over 50 from Trémolat and Calès in the Dordogne, are heading to ...
Read More
