News
French President gives televised interview - In a televised interview on Sunday evening, French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to ask fuel distributors to sell “at cost price” abandoning plans to “sell at a lost”, which had been suggested to help the purchasing power of French households. The Head of State also mentioned a new aid for low-income workers of up to 100 euros, in order to “support French people who drive”.
Macron went on to announce a bill “to reopen commercial negotiations with large industrialists” which will be presented to the Council of Ministers this Wednesday. Furthermore, the president declared that he wanted "an agreement on moderating the margins" of industrial groups. The head of state also decided to “focus” on job creation to reduce job insecurity.
Macron confirmed 40 billion euros for ecological planning in 2024, with France converting its two last coal-fired power plants still in operation, by 2027. The President of the Republic also addressed immigration saying that France “cannot accommodate all the misery in the world” calling for better "cooperation" with other countries. Finally, two months after the coup d'état in Niger, Macron confirmed that France will cease its military cooperation with the country's authorities and recall its ambassador.
Pope Francis focuses on migration during visit to Marseille – Meanwhile, during his visit to Marseille at the weekend Pope Francis gave a speech promising a message of tolerance on migration, amid a bitter row over Europe’s approach to asylum seekers. The two-day visit, which focused on Mediterranean crossings saw the Pope Francis say “we should not get used to seeing disasters at sea as mere news stories and those dying at sea as numbers. No, they have names, faces and stories. They are broken live and shattered dreams”.
Arrest of man suspected of preparing a terrorist attack - A man suspected of preparing a terrorist attack has been arrested and placed in police custody in Nice. Known for several years for radicalization and after being monitored by the General Directorate of Internal Security (DGSI) the man in his thirties, was arrested on Friday afternoon in Nice. Weapons were found on the premises and an investigation has been opened.
Knife attack - Police have opened an investigation following a knife attack in a hotel in Saint-Isidore in Nice. The victim, a woman in her thirties, was taken care of by emergency services on Saturday afternoon and a man was arrested. The incident occurred after a brawl broke out in a meeting room at the Kyriad hotel located on avenue Auguste Verola, in Saint-Isidore in the west of Nice. A man allegedly got up from a chair and stabbed the victim. The exact circumstances remain to be determined.
French, Americans and British top three visitors to Monaco – Finally, recent data has shown that French, Americans and British form the top three visitors in July and August to the Principality, with Italians in fourth position. Compared to 2019 this year has seen a growth in non-European customers, including an increase in visitors from the Middle East and Australia. The summer of 2023 shows an occupancy rate in hotel establishments of 75% in July and 72% for August, below the record year of 2019.
Business
The state-owned British Business Bank (BBB) set up in 2014 has reported a £147m annual loss. The economic development lender says wider economic problems led to a drop in the valuation of businesses it has invested in. BBB was set up to lend money to and buy stakes in smaller UK businesses to help them start up and expand. The bank said the value of its investments fell by £146m. That compares to a gain of £619m in the previous year.
An industry body has said that new Brexit trade rules covering electric vehicles could cost European manufacturers £3.75bn over the next three years. The rules are meant to ensure that EU-produced electric cars are largely made from locally sourced parts. But manufacturers on both sides of the Channel say they are not ready.
The UK's competition watchdog has said Microsoft's revised offer to buy the Call of Duty maker Activision Blizzard "opens the door" to the deal being cleared. The Competition Markets Authority (CMA) said the updated deal appeared to address concerns it had raised. Under the new proposals, Microsoft will not buy the cloud gaming rights owned by Activision Blizzard. Its original $69bn (£59bn) deal was blocked by UK regulators.
Amazon is set to introduce adverts to its Prime Video streaming service in 2024 as it seeks to put more cash into creating TV shows and films. UK Prime customers, along with those in the US, Germany and Canada, will see ads early next year unless they subscribe for an "ad-free" option at an additional cost.
Sport
Rugby World Cup - In the Rugby World Cup at the weekend, on Saturday, Ireland beat South Africa 13-8, Georgia drew 18-18 against Portugal and England beat Chile 71-0. On Sunday in Nice Scotland beat Tonga 45-17 and Australia, one of the tournaments favourites lost to Wales 40-6 as ecstatic Welsh fans watched in joy and disbelief. The remarkable performance means that Wales seal their place in the Rugby World Cup quarter finals.
Football – In the Premier League on Saturday Crystal Palace drew 0-0 against Fulham, Luton drew 1-1 against Wolves, Manchester City had a home win against Nottingham Forest 2-0, Everton beat Brentford 3-1 and Burnley lost at home to Manchester United 1-0. On Sunday it was a 2-2 draw for Arsenal against Tottenham, Brighton beat Bournemouth 3-1, Chelsea lost at home to Aston Villa 1-0, Liverpool beat West Ham 3-1 and Newcastle thrashed Sheffield United 8-0.
Formula One - Red Bull's Max Verstappen dominated the Japanese Grand Prix to take his 13th victory of the year and help his team clinch the constructors' title.
Weather
Sunny with a gentle breeze. Highs of 27 degrees in Saint-Tropez, 26 degrees in Marseille and Puget Theniers, 25 degrees in Toulon and 24 degrees in Nice and Monaco. This evening going down to 16 degrees along the coast and 9 degrees inland with clear skies.
The outlook for tomorrow and Wednesday, remaining fine with highs of 25-26 degrees. Possible peak in temperatures in the Var with 30 degrees forecast.
Sunrise 07.20am
Sunset 07.22pm
And Finally
If you’ve ever suffered from garlic breath, then scientists may have found a solution. Scientists say that eating some natural yoghurt could help get rid of the stink of garlic on your breath. Researchers have discovered that proteins found in whole-milk plain yoghurt work well to neutralise the sulphur-based compounds that cause the smell. They discovered yoghurt was 99 per cent effective at reducing the major odour-producing garlic compounds.
A powerful Mistral storm has swept through Provence, with wind gusts exceeding 150 km/h in some areas. ...
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France’s recently appointed Prime Minister François Bayrou has promised a new government "before Christmas" and reserves the possibility of using 49....
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A four-day strike at DHL has caused delays in package processing, raising concerns about on-time deliveries for Christmas....
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French judges in Avignon will today Thursday 19th December, deliver their verdicts in a mass rape case against 51 men that has appalled France and the...
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Monaco Info and TV Monaco are set to make way for a new television channel on September 1st of 2025. During the debates on the 2025 preliminary budget...
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