News
Reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral - Paris welcomed international figures at the weekend for the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral. On Saturday, HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco joined French President, Emmanuel Macron, and other world leaders. US President-elect Donald Trump, Prince William and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky were all present for the occasion. For France’s Head of State, the reopening was a symbol of France's inner reserves of creative strength. In a speech he urged the world to see beyond the country's current political crisis and admire the determination, organisation and hard graft that have rescued one of France's most famous buildings in just five years. Saturday’s reopening ceremony was relayed by France 2 and watched by 7.23 million people.
Macron attempting to name a prime minister - Today however Monday 9th December, Macron will be back at work at the Elysée attempting to name a prime minister who will form a government able to survive another no confidence vote. The hard-left France Unbowed (LFI), which won the most seats in the national assembly, has said it will not accept Macron’s invitation to the Elysée for today’s talks.
A UK Electronic Travel Authorisation mandatory from April 2025 for Monegasque nationals – Meanwhile locally, Monaco has reminded Monegasque nationals that from the 2nd of April 2025, Monegasque nationals wishing to travel to the United Kingdom for business trips, tourism and airport transits will be required to have an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). The ETA is a digital document that authorises entry into the United Kingdom for visa-exempt travellers. This system applies to all persons who do not need a visa to travel to the United Kingdom for short stays, with the exception of British or Irish citizens. The ETA will be required for business, tourism and airport transit. Travellers will need to obtain this authorisation before boarding their flight, train or other means of transport to the United Kingdom. Eligible Europeans (including Monaco) will be able to apply for their ETA from 5 March 2025. It will be mandatory for Monegasque travellers to have an ETA to travel to the United Kingdom from 2 April 2025.
People who already have a UK visa or residence permit or who need to apply for a visa as part of their stay (trip of more than 6 months, work visa, student visa, etc.) do not need to apply for the ETA. ETA applications will be made online via a dedicated portal https://apply-for-an-eta.homeoffice.gov.uk/how-to-apply or a mobile app. The information requested will include personal details and passport information. Most applications will be processed quickly, but it is advisable to submit your application at least a few days before travel. The ETA costs £10 per application and will be valid for two years. After a new passport is issued, you will need to apply for a new ETA. Before any travel, it is recommended to consult the website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta#:~:text=An%20ETA%20gives%20you%20permission%20to%20travel%20to%20the%20UK
Road checks to combat dangerous driving - Police carrying out roads checks in the Antibes area have reported that 89 motorists and 21 two wheelers were checked resulting in fifteen fines being issued and 27 speeding tickets. For two hours, the national and municipal police conducted a major road check to combat speeding and other traffic violations. Three drivers were fined for driving after consuming drugs, two for driving without a license, one for not having insurance, six for not having a valid MOT. Four two-wheeler drivers were also fined for not wearing gloves. In total, 27 speeding offences were recorded. Police will be carrying out the controls on a monthly basis in our region.
Auction raises funds for animal associations in our region - An auction held at the famous Negresco hotel in Nice on Sunday December 8th, has raised money for animal shelters and associations in our region. Sponsored by French actress Brigitte Bardot, the event saw many items donated by famous French actors and singers go under the hammer. In total, 95 lots were put up for sale.
Ski season starts with special offer - Our region’s ski resorts which opened at the weekend have announced a special rate for the first week of business. Skiers are being offered a reduced rate for a daily ski pass at 15 euros instead of 42. Auron and Isola 2000 are taking part in the special deal, which is on offer until December 13th.
Inauguration of the 2024 Christmas Village – Monaco’s Christmas Village was officially opened at the weekend by Princess Charlene, and Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella. The Christmas Village has been set up on the Port of Monaco until January 5th. In his speech, the Mayor of Monaco congratulated and expressed his gratitude to all the staff mobilized daily to ensure the smooth running of this Village. This year, the Monaco City Hall invites the public to immerse themselves in a magical, warm and enchanting world of gingerbread and Christmas treats. The public will find concerts every Friday evening, creative workshops for children on weekends and every day of the school holidays as well as strolls and stage shows. The complete and detailed program is available on the website www.mairie.mc.
Business
US President elect Donald Trump called on Sunday for an immediate ceasefire and negotiations between Ukraine and Russia to end "the madness", prompting Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskiy and the Kremlin to list their conditions. Trump made his comments just hours after meeting Zelenskiy in Paris. Trump has vowed to bring about a negotiated end to the conflict, but so far has not provided details.
The UK Chanceller Rachel Reeves will today tell European finance leaders about the need for closer relations between the UK and the EU in order to boost economic growth. In the first address by a British chancellor to the Eurogroup since Brexit, Reeves will say resetting relations means "breaking down barriers to trade" as well as helping "businesses sell in each other's markets". While Labour has ruled out rejoining the bloc, it has repeatedly said it wants the UK to "deepen ties" with the EU.
And – TikTok has lost an appeal against plans to ban the video-sharing app in the US. The social media platform had argued the proposal was a breach of the US First Amendment, which protects freedom of speech. However, the petition was dismissed by the US Court of Appeals.
Sport
Football - French footballer Kylian Mbappe has promised he remains committed to playing for France despite being left out of their last two squads. The 25-year-old Real Madrid forward has 86 caps for France, helped them win the World Cup in 2018 and scored a hat-trick in the 2022 final defeat by Argentina.
In this evening’s premier league action West Ham are at home to Wolves. Meanwhile, in the Premier League on Sunday Chelsea put on a fine performance beating Tottenham 4-3.
Formula One - Lando Norris' victory at the Grand Prix at the weekend marked his fourth in what has been a breakthrough year in Formula 1. Carlos Sainz came second and Monegasque Charles Leclerc third.
Golf - Greg Norman says he expects to be replaced as the chief executive of LIV Golf. Norman, 69, has been chief executive of the Saudi-backed outfit since October 2021.
Weather
Light rain in places, with a gentle breeze. Clouds clearing and giving way to sunny spell by this afternoon. Highs of 14 degrees in Nice and Cannes, 12 degrees in Monaco, Saint-Tropez and Saint-Paul-de-Vence. This evening going down to 6 degrees.
The outlook for tomorrow and Wednesday, sunny intervals tomorrow and remaining dry, Wednesday mainly fine. Gentle breeze and highs of 14 degrees.
Sunrise 07.52am
Sunset 04.53pm
Weather elsewhere
London cloudy 9°. Cardiff cloudy 8°
New York heavy rain 10° Brussels light rain 5°
Dublin light cloud 9° Palma sunny intervals 15°
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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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