National News France
Unrest in New Caledonia – The French Pacific Territory New Caledonia has been hit by a new surge of overnight unrest with buildings being set on fire. The unrest comes after seven independence activists linked to a group accused of orchestrating deadly riots last month were sent to mainland France for pre-trial detention. Riots, street barricades and looting broke out in New Caledonia last month over an electoral reform that would have allowed long-term residents to participate in local polls.
Woman attacked by wolves in animal park outside of Paris - A 36-year-old woman is in a critical condition in hospital after being attacked by wolves while jogging in an animal park near Paris. The incident occurred on Sunday when the victim, who was staying at a lodge within the wildlife park strayed into the main safari zone, which is reserved for cars. She was set upon by three arctic wolves and suffered severe bites to her neck, back and a leg. It is not clear why the woman entered the car-only safari zone. The woman was rescued after park attendants heard her screams as she was being attacked. An investigation is underway.
Protests - Thousands of women have taken to the streets in cities across France to protest against Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally. The protests on Sunday came as polls published indicated the party could win the upcoming parliamentary elections. According to the Ipsos survey, France's far right National Rally (RN) party and its allies are leading the first round of France’s parliamentary elections with 35.5% of the vote, the left-wing New Popular Front (NPF) alliance is in second place with 29.5% of the vote and President Emmanuel Macron's centrist alliance was seen in third place, winning 19.5% of votes.
Meanwhile, it was on Sunday that France’s Head of State Emmanuel Macron addressed the French in a letter published in the regional daily press calling for voters to choose "the third way" which he embodies, against the National Rally and the New Popular Front. Macron encouraged a presidential majority rather than "the extreme right or left" during the parliamentary elections on June 30th and July 7th. According to the President of the Republic, “this third way is the best for France”. Emmanuel Macron also defended his role as President and justified his decision to dissolve the National Assembly saying, “I took this decision with responsibility, seriousness and after several weeks of contemplation”.
Local News
Pink Parade - Locally it was a very political 20th edition of the Pink Parade on Sunday in Nice as between 4,500 and 10,000 marched not only for freedom but also denouncing the threat of the far right in France. One of the associations SOS homophobia said “we are worried” adding that the rise of the far-right continues to ravage human rights making it a real danger”.
Shots fired over the weekend in Cannes la Bocca – Police have been mobilised in Cannes La Bocca after shots were fired on both Friday and Saturday night in a district on the town known for drug trafficking. The shots were fired from a car, no casualties were reported. The mayor of Cannes David Lisnard has in response requested that France’s interior minister deploys a team of CRS (anti-riot police) to patrol the area.
Strike action in Marseille by VTC drivers - Drivers of chauffeur driven transport cars (VTC’s) in Marseille have planned strike action this Monday morning June 24th, with a “go-slow” of around a hundred cars leaving the Saint-Charles train station and heading towards the City’s town hall passing by the prefecture. The drivers are protesting to defend their purchasing power and fight against unfair competition. Traffic in the area is expected to be difficult due to the movement. Like their taxi colleagues, the VTCs of Marseille also consider that the introduction of the RTM shuttle at the Colline de la Garde is unfair competition. The Régie des transports métropolitains (RTM) announced on May 29th an improved services of night buses in order to compensate for the metro which stops at 9pm.
Bau Pointu fort sold to French businessman - The Bau Pointu fort has been sold for more than 400,000 euros. The small fort in Valletta near Toulon in the Var, was sold at auction after more than three months on the market. The site was put up for sale by the French State at the start of the year. Nestled in the heights of Valletta, the fort has been purchased by a French businessman. Quiet and historic, but without water and electricity the fort was built 140 years ago at more than 630 meters above sea level and had long been of military use, particularly during the Second World War. Then as State property it was used as a workshop for an artist for many years and welcomed visitors from the four corners of Europe. However, since last year, the fort has been abandoned. Offering an exceptional view over the port of Toulon it is not yet known what the new owner plans for its future.
AS Monaco Omnisport - AS Monaco Omnisport has celebrated its 100th anniversary with a major sports festival on Port Hercule here in Monaco. Organisers installed a sports village on the Quai Albert-1er on Sunday to highlight its 23 sports from Athletics to medieval combat.
Business
The Chinese internet technology company ByteDance is working with U.S chip designer Broadcom on developing an advanced AI processor. The move would help TikTok's owner secure sufficient supply of high-end chips and comes amid tensions between the U.S and China. However, the chip would be compliant with U.S. export restrictions and manufacturing work would be outsourced.
The risk of soaring Chinese electric car prices in the EU could be easing after both sides agreed to negotiate a planned series of import taxes. The call marks the first time the two sides have agreed to negotiate since the EU threatened China with electric vehicle (EV) tariffs of up to 38%. The EU said Chinese EVs were unfairly subsidised by its government. In response, China accused the EU of protectionism and trade rule breaches.
And – A rare early Beatles single is expected to sell for up to £9,000 at auction after it attracted interest from bidders across the globe. The 1962 demonstration record contains the band's hit songs Love Me Do and P.S I Love You and is one of only 250 in the world. It is unique due to Paul McCartney's surname being incorrectly spelt as "McArtney". The seven-inch vinyl is set to go under the hammer in the UK today Monday 24th June.
Sport
Football – Scotland have crashed out of the Euro 2024 in dramatic fashion losing 1-0 to Hungary. Furious Scotland head coach Steve Clarke has condemned the decision not to award his side a penalty. Meanwhile hosts Germany scored a late equaliser as they drew 1-1 against Switzerland to top Group A.
This evening with a 9pm kick off in Group B, Croatia play Italy and Albania fact Spain.
Meanwhile, France’s Kylian Mbappe scored twice in a practice match in his first action since breaking his nose in France's Euro 2024 opener. France’s captain Mbappe remained on the bench for the goalless draw against the Netherlands on Friday after suffering the injury against Austria on Monday. France plays Poland in their final group D match in Dortmund on Tuesday.
Cricket – In the T20 World Cup England have charged into the semi-finals with a ruthless 10-wicket thrashing of the United States. Chris Jordan took a hat-trick as the USA were dismissed for just 115 in Barbados.
Formula One - Red Bull’s Max Verstappen won a strategic battle with McLaren’s Lando Norris to win the Spanish Grand Prix. Lewis Hamilton took his first podium finish of the year for Mercedes in third, ahead of Russell, as Britons finished second, third and fourth. Charles Leclerc was fifth, leading home Ferrari team-mate Carlos Sainz.
Tennis - Jannik Sinner has claimed his first title as world number one with victory over Hubert Hurkacz in Germany. Sinner has lost just three matches this season and will now be the top seed at Wimbledon, which begins on the 1st of July.
Weather
Light rain with sunny intervals to start. Thundery showers forecast by late afternoon. Gentle to moderate wind. Highs of 25 degrees in Nice and Cannes, 24 degrees in Monaco, 23 degrees in Antibes and Saint-Tropez. This evening going down to 16 degrees in along the coast in the Var and 19 degrees in Nice.
The outlook for Tuesday and Wednesday, light rain with a gentle breeze and sunny spells in places. Highs of 24-25 degrees.
Sunrise 05.49am
Sunset 09.16pm
Sea temperature
Monaco 21.2°
UV level 6
Weather elsewhere
Paris 28° sunny.
London 27° sunny intervals.
Dublin 25° sunny intervals.
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