French and Riviera News Monday 15th January 2024

News

French President to hold a televised press conference - In France’s national news this morning it’s been announced that French President Emmanuel Macron is to hold a press conference on Tuesday evening at 8.15pm. After a difficult year in 2023, marked by the pension reform and the introduction of the immigration bill, the Head of State is trying to breathe new life into his five-year term. The initiative is part of the “meeting with the nation” announced by the Macron and will be broadcast from the Elysée on TF1 and France 2. It was back in April of 2019 that the French head of state offered a similar press conference with the same format during the “yellow vest” protest crisis. Last week Macron appointed a government led by the youngest Prime Minister in the history of the Republic, Gabriel Attal, and called on his ministers to be "revolutionaries" and not "managers".

Strike action – Locally, VTC drivers have planned strike action today in our region with a go slow or “operation escargot” between Cannes and Nice. Drivers are reclaiming regulations to be put in place by public authorities. The movement looks set to bring chaos to the region’s roads especially during rush hour. There are 7,200 VTC drivers in the Alpes-Maritimes and 2,100 in the Var.

Knife attack in Nice - A young man has been injured in a knife attack in Nice. The incident occurred on Sunday morning on Boulevard Gambetta at around 7am. The victim attempted to flee the scene before being taken to hospital. An investigation is currently underway to determine the circumstances of the attack.

Three men arrested following death of a 24-year-old in Toulon - Three men have been arrested in connection with the death of a 24-year-old man on Saturday evening in Toulon, in the Var. The circumstances of the incident are not yet known; however, three individuals were placed in police custody over the weekend.

Grimaldi Forum marks record turnover - The Grimaldi Forum here in Monaco looks set to make a record turnover for 2024.  With 21.5 million euros recorded in 2023 generated by 115 events the Grimaldi Forum looks set to exceed its record turnover of 24 million euros this year marking a historic year for the conference and culture centre.

Mamma Mia to return to Monaco - Finally, the musical Mamma Mia is to return to Monaco in 2024 for six shows from October 9th to 13th.   The musical Mamma Mia headlined the Grimaldi Forum back in 2008 after the show premiered in 1999 in London's West End. Touring the world ever since. It has become a global success which has been seen by 65 million spectators. Translated into sixteen languages, the show in Monaco will be in English with screens at the sides of the stage offering French surtitles.

Business

A new device for motorist is set to become mandatory on new cars in France this summer. The AIV or ISA (Intelligent Speed Assistance) in English, aims to better inform drivers in real time of the maximum speed authorized enabling them to respect speed limits more effectively. Based on a camera and/or the vehicle's GPS, the super speed limiter compares data such as the speed indicated on speed limit signs or on a GPS map with the actual speed of the vehicle. The principle is that the driver is always responsible for compliance with applicable traffic rules and that the ISA system. According to estimates put forward by the European Parliament in a press release, the super speed limiter alone should reduce the number of deaths by 20% roads in Europe.

According to a new analysis Artificial intelligence is set to affect nearly 40% of all jobs. The data from the International Monetary Fund the IMF show that "in most scenarios, AI will likely worsen overall inequality" adding that policymakers should address the "troubling trend" to "prevent the technology from further stoking social tensions".

And – In the UK six people have been arrested on suspicion of a plot to disrupt the London Stock Exchange. The Met Police said information suggested activists from the Palestine Action group were intending to target the exchange on Monday. The force said it was believed those involved were planning to cause damage and "lock on" in an effort to stop the building opening for trading. Arrests were made in London, Liverpool and Brighton on Sunday. All six people are currently in custody.

Sport

Football – In the Premier League on Sunday Everton drew 0-0 at home to Aston Villa and under the eager eye of Sir Jim Ratcliffe Manchester United managed a 2-2 against Tottenham. The 71-year-old cut a shy figure as he addressed the media, saying he was "excited" to be inside the stadium.

Rugby Union – The head coach of Racing 92 Stuart Lancaster has confirmed his interest in signing Saracens and England fly-half Owen Farrell for next season. Last week the French club released a statement denying reports of an agreement. 32  year old Farrell, had ruled himself out of this year's Six Nations to prioritise his and his family's mental wellbeing.

Tennis - Russian third seed Daniil Medvedev survived a scare as he fought back from behind before French opponent Terence Atmane quit in tears because of cramp in the Australian Open first round.

Athletics - Kenya's Agnes Ngetich has become the first woman to run 10km in under 29 minutes as she won the Valencia Ibercaja Road race in Spain. The 22-year-old triumphed in 28 minutes 46 seconds.

Weather

Sunny with a moderate breeze. Highs of 15 degrees in Nice, 14 degrees in Monaco, 13 degrees in Marseille and 15 degrees in Saint-Tropez with strong winds. This evening going down to 5 degrees with clear skies.

The outlook for tomorrow, mostly fine with highs of 14 degrees. Light rain is forecast for Wednesday highs of 12 degrees and a moderate breeze.

Sunrise       08.01am

Sunset        05.18pm

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