News
France’s Prime Minister discusses taxes, pensions and immigration - French Prime Minister Michel Barnier appeared on national television in France, France 2, on Thursday evening, discussing issues such as taxes, pensions and immigration. Two days after giving his general policy speech to the National Assembly, the Prime minister asked “everyone to make an effort” in his first major interview. He spoke on the situation in the Middle East saying that "Israel is acting in a state of legitimate defence", he also spoke on his relations with the far-right party the National rally, saying "I am not negotiating with Mrs. Le Pen". Concerning the six-month postponement of the pension reform he said, "I am asking everyone to make an effort". Regarding savings measures he declared, that the government was going to merge public services to reduce State spending. On immigration: he assured that he is the one who "sets the line" no doubt in response to a recent comment from France’s Minister of the Interior, Bruno Retailleau who declared to French media that “immigration is not an opportunity for France". Finally on agriculture, he promised to "support farmers".
Airports and ports blocked in Corsica - In other news, Airports and ports have been blocked in Corsica as tensions rise between the State and local elected officials. A spontaneous social movement took place on Thursday October 3rd, leading to airports and ports being blocked. Hundreds of travellers were affected by the action as unions fear a threat of private ownership resulting in redundancies.
New fuel on offer in Grasse - A new sort of diesel has been distributed in a service station in the Alpes-Maritimes for the first time in France. The Campanettes service station in Grasse is the first in France to sell XTL fuel to customers. XTL is produced from waste and has been on offer to motorists at the service station since mid-September. Used in many European countries, and until now reserved in France for company vehicle fleets, the French government authorized its sale to individuals in June. An opportunity seized in mid-September by David Rolland, manager of the Campanettes service station in Grasse.
Rainy September - The month of September 2024 was the wettest in 25 years across France, with record-breaking rainfall, exceeding annual levels by the end of the month in the Alpes-Maritimes. Mandelieu-la-Napoule saw 261.4 mm of rain, breaking its all-time record, and rainfall across the region was 62% above normal. Despite recent rain, parts of the Var remain under drought alert.
20th Anniversary of Monaco's Accession - H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco has given a speech celebrating the 20th anniversary of Monaco's accession to the Council of Europe. On Thursday he highlighted Monaco's commitment to human rights, the rule of law, and democracy, referencing constitutional reforms and legislative progress. He also announced Monaco's first presidency of the Committee of Ministers in 2026, and its hosting of the 2026 Conference of Sports Ministers, focusing on governance, gender equality, and child protection in sports.
Fête de la Science – Finally, the city of Cannes is celebrating the 2024 ‘Fête de la Science’ from the 4th-14th of October, offering free science events for students and the public. Highlights include astronomy conferences, environmental awareness activities, and screenings focused on ocean preservation. The event promotes understanding of science with a theme of "Ocean of Knowledge" and features exhibitions, interactive sessions, and stargazing.
Business
France’s Prime Minister Michel Barnier has announced that some "300 companies" in France will be affected by temporary tax increases. Barnier wishes that companies with a turnover of more than one billion euros make a temporary exceptional effort, for one or two years. The Prime Minister has set himself the goal of reducing France's debt, while the public deficit risks reaching 6% of GDP this year, far from the 3% set by the European Union. Other tax increases are also expected targeting the wealthiest to "recover two billion euros". This would concern for example, a couple with a taxable income of 500,000 euros per year.
And - The UK car industry has warned that its efforts to support the transition to electric vehicles cannot be sustained indefinitely as it faces fines for missing climate-linked sales targets. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said that a government mandate, which requires its members to sell a minimum percentage of zero-emission vehicles each year, was proving to be problematic as the share of electric vehicle (EV) sales in the UK had stalled below 18%.
Sport
Football – In the Europa League on Thursday evening Manchester United managed a 3-3 draw against Porto and Nice lost 4-1 to Lazio.
In the English Premier League tomorrow Crystal Palace are at home to Liverpool in the lunchtime game kick off is at 1.30pm French time. Afternoon matches will see Arsenal play Southampton, Brentford face Wolves, Leicester are at home to Bournemouth, Manchester City face Fulham, West Ham play Ipswich and Everton play Newcastle.
In other football news French team Paris Saint Germain are leading the race to sign Mohamed Salah from Liverpool. Salah contract with Liverpool expires at the end of the season. And France’s head coach Didier Deschamps has not selected Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe for matches against Israel and Belgium. Mbappe has been left out of the France squad for upcoming Uefa Nations League matches despite returning from injury this week.
The Real Madrid forward missed the 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid on Sunday with a thigh injury, but came off the bench during a surprise 1-0 defeat to Lilli in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Basketball – Congratulations to AS Monaco basketball team which ran past Milan last might in the opening match of the season winning 93-80. Monaco led from start to finish and their lead was never in danger in a superb performance.
Tennis - Carlos Alcaraz came from a set down to edge out world number one Jannik Sinner in a dramatic China Open final. The 21-year-old continued his fine run of form against the Italian and has now won each of their last three encounters after coming through 6-7 (6-8) 6-4 7-6 (7-3). It is the Spaniard's fourth ATP Tour title this year and 16th of his career.
Cycling - Sir Mark Cavendish says he is still committed to completing his 2024 race schedule after receiving his knighthood at Windsor Castle. Cavendish, 39, has not competed since he broke the Tour de France stage wins record with his 35th victory in July. The 'Manx Missile' said following the final stage of his 15th Tour this summer that it was "likely" the final race of his career.
Weather
Météo France has placed the Alpes Maritimes on a yellow weather alert due to heavy rain and possible flooding. The warning was issued on Thursday evening and runs until this Friday morning with thunderstorms expected up until 4pm this afternoon.
Highs of 18 degrees in Nice and Saint-Paul-de-Vence, 17 degrees in Monaco, 19 degrees in Hyères and Saint-tropez. Strong winds are forecast in the Var region. This evening going down to 13 degrees.
The outlook for the weekend; Saturday, fine and sunny with highs of 20 degrees. Sunday, sunny intervals and a gentle breeze in Nice. Drizzle with light winds and highs of 19 degrees in Saint-Tropez.
Sunrise 07.31am
Sunset 07.05pm
Weather elsewhere
London 17° sunny intervals.
Dublin 16° drizzle.
Madrid 25° sunny.
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