News
Former French surgeon set to go on trial - A former French surgeon is set to go on trial in Vannes, France, in the largest child abuse case in French history. 73-year-old Joel Le Scouarnec faces accusations of assault rape involving up to 299 children, mostly former patients, between 1989 and 2014, primarily in Brittany. While Le Scouarnec has admitted to some charges, he denies others. The trial follows years of investigation, revealing missed opportunities to stop him, including an FBI warning that he had been consulting child abuse websites, leading to only a suspended sentence. Claims suggest his family knew of his abuse but did nothing to intervene.
300 Kurds March in Toulon to Demand Release of Abdullah Öcalan's - Around 300 Kurds have marched in Toulon in the Var. The protest took place on Sunday to demand the release of their leader, Abdullah Öcalan, who has been imprisoned in Turkey since 1999. The demonstration, which included members of the Kurdish community from Draguignan, featured chants, moments of silence to honour victims of violence in Western Asia, and calls for a peaceful and free Kurdistan. The march was part of a global campaign for “a political solution to the Kurdish issue”, with similar protests held worldwide.
Frédéric Genta Plans Departure from Monegasque Government - Monaco’s “Mr Digital” Frédéric Genta, is to leave his post on March 1st, 2025, after submitting a report urging Monaco to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) to stay competitive. Under his seven-year leadership, Monaco has made significant strides in digital infrastructure, including creating a sovereign cloud, deploying 5G, and digitizing services. Genta stressed the need for Monaco to remain sovereign in AI, comparing its potential to the impact of electricity. Genta also highlighted unfinished projects like e-health, particularly the challenge of interconnecting medical records with France and Italy. Genta plans to move to a private-sector role leading a finance and investment company’s European branch.
Study – According to a recent study there has been a significant drop in gambling addiction amongst high school students here in Monaco. The 2024 ESPAD survey, showed that 87.6% of students had never made a bet or gambled. An increase from 78.7% back in 2019. Figures also showed that only 12.4% had gambled at least once, with most doing so no more than once a month, and the practice was predominantly male. Popular forms of gambling included lottery games and scratch cards, while online, sports betting was the most common. The survey highlights the importance of youth health in academic success, as noted by Lionel Beffre, government minister for National Education and Youth.
Stade Louis II to celebrate 40th anniversary – Monaco’s Stade Louis II, inaugurated by Prince Rainier III on January 25, 1985, is to celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2025. The iconic venue, known for its distinctive arches, has hosted a range of sporting, cultural, and community events over four decades. To mark the occasion, several events are planned, including an official ceremony on February 4th, reflecting on the stadium's origins and contributions to Monegasque life. An immersive exhibition, "Il était une première fois," will open in April 2025, showcasing key moments from the stadium's history, such as its first football match, world record, and concerts. A commemorative stamp will also be issued on March 18, 2025, to celebrate the anniversary.
La Poste Attempts to Resolve Mail Delivery Issues in Menton and Roquebrune-Cap-Martin - Mail delivery issues in Menton and Roquebrune-Cap-Martin have been addressed by La Poste due to services being affected since late last year. La Poste has cited factors such as staff absences due to flu, transport disruptions, and address problems as the causes, and in response has implemented solutions such as additional hiring and mutual aid, promising to resolve remaining issues by the end of January. However now in February it remains to be seen if the problems are now fully resolved.
Fresh Snow Brings Big Crowds and Smiles to Gréolières 1400 Resort - Finally, the local ski resort of Gréolières enjoyed a busy Sunday thanks to unexpected snowfall, with 30-50 cm of fresh snow falling between Friday and Sunday morning. Despite a slow start to the season, with only artificial snow on four slopes, the resort saw 17 of its 26 slopes and eight of its ten lifts open. Cross-country skiing tracks, newly opened this weekend, were also popular, with free access for skiers.
The fresh snow boosted local businesses. The resort’s focus on outdoor activities beyond skiing, including hiking, snowshoeing, and sledding, attracted many visitors. Gréolières is a family-friendly destination, offering a variety of activities for all ages.
Business
American President Donald Trump has stated that US tariffs on EU imports "will definitely happen," following similar moves against Canada, Mexico, and China. Trump also did not rule out imposing tariffs on UK goods, describing the country as "out of line" but suggesting the issue could be resolved with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who he described as "very nice."
Trump plans to speak with Mexico and Canada’s leaders today Monday 3rd February, as US tariffs of 25% on their goods and 10% on Chinese goods are set to take effect on Tuesday. Canada and Mexico are expected to retaliate, while China will implement countermeasures and file a lawsuit with the WTO. Asian markets, the first to open after the tariff announcements, have seen significant drops, reflecting investor uncertainty.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration has granted Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) access to the federal payments system, which controls trillions in government funds annually. Reports indicate that members of the non-governmental team within the administration, have gained access to sensitive personal data of millions of Americans.
Sport
Rugby Union - Former captain Jamie George has rejoined England's squad ahead of their second Six Nations match against France on Saturday. His return is the only change to the squad following their 27-22 loss to Ireland on Saturday. France, meanwhile, lead the Six Nations after a big win over Wales and Scotland beat Italy.
Football - In the Premier League on Sunday, Brentford lost 2-0 at home to Tottenham, Manchester United lost 2-0 at home to Crystal Palace and Arsenal beat Manchester City 5-1. This evening Chelsea are at home to West Ham kick off is at 9pm French time.
Golf - Rory McIlroy secured a two-shot victory at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am, marking his first PGA Tour win of the year. The 35-year-old claimed his 27th PGA Tour victory and first at the iconic California course.
Formula One - A Mercedes 'streamliner' driven by F1 legend Stirling Moss has sold for a record £42.75m (€51.155m) at auction. It becomes the most expensive grand prix car ever sold.
Weather
Sunny with a gentle breeze. Highs of 15 degrees in Monaco, 16 degrees in Marseille, 17 degrees in Nice, Antibes and Toulon. 18 degrees in Saint-Tropez. This evening going down to 7 degrees along the coast.
The outlook for tomorrow and Wednesday. Fine and sunny with highs of 14-15 degrees.
Sunrise 07.44am
Sunset 05.44pm
Weather elsewhere
London 9° light cloud.
Paris 6° foggy.
Dublin 12° sunny intervals.
Local snow report – Yellow avalanche risk is in place.
Isola 2000 – Sunny. Highs of 4°. 15/19 lifts operating. 41/46 slopes are open. 90cm snow.
Valberg – Sunny, highs of 10°. 11/15 lifts running. 25/42 runs open. 60cm snow.
Auron – Sunny, highs of 7°. 18/19 lifts running. 42/43 runs open. 100cm snow.
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