News
Protesters clash with police - Protesters across France have blocked roads, set fire to barricades, and clashed with police over President Emmanuel Macron’s planned spending cuts. Large crowds gathered on Wednesday in cities including Paris, Toulouse and Lille as part of the “Bloquons tout” movement. Despite tensions and police interventions, the protests remained mostly controlled. Demonstrators called for better public services and fairer taxation, demanding higher taxes on the rich and relief for the poor.
French economist calls for 2% annual tax on fortunes over 100 million euros - Meanwhile, French economist Gabriel Zucman has told national TV that billionaires in France pay little or no income tax by using holding companies. He supports a 2% annual tax on fortunes over 100 million euros, which could raise up to 20 billion euros. Zucman says fears of tax exile are overstated and has suggested measures to prevent avoidance.
New Prime Minister calls meeting –France’s new Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu will meet central political leaders today to start consultations for forming a government. He has called for major political changes.
Survey – A survey by the French charity Secours Populaire reveals nearly 60% of French people know someone living in poverty. Over a third fear they might fall into poverty soon, and 59% worry about unexpected expenses. Young people are particularly anxious, with half unhappy about their living standards and nearly half struggling to access healthy food. The report highlights a worsening poverty crisis in France and across Europe.
Stabbing in Antibes - In local news, the 18-year-old who stabbed a teacher and student in Antibes on Wednesday had recently left psychiatric care and was under supervision. Both victims are hospitalised but in a stable condition. The suspect was arrested after being calmed by the headteacher. A second knife was found. He showed signs of radicalisation and was previously charged in 2024 over a planned school attack. Anti-terror prosecutors are monitoring the case.
Traffic Fines Go Digital - The French government plans to launch a secure online platform for traffic fines. Drivers will soon be able to receive, pay, and contest fines online via FranceConnect. Paper fines will continue for now, but the move is part of efforts to improve accuracy and reduce delays.
World Travel and Tourism Council - Finally, Monaco businessman Manfredi Lefebvre has been named Chair-Elect of the World Travel & Tourism Council. Lefebvre, chairman of Heritage Group and co-chair of Abercrombie & Kent, will officially take over in September at the WTTC’s Global Summit in Rome. A longtime council member with over 40 years’ experience in the cruise and leisure industries, Lefebvre is credited with transforming Silversea Cruises into a global leader. He also leads investments through his Monaco-based Heritage Group
Business
The South Korean President Lee Jae-myung says companies will be “very hesitant” to invest in the US after a major immigration raid at a Hyundai battery plant in Georgia. He called the situation “bewildering” and warned it could damage confidence in investing in US factories. He said Seoul is negotiating with Washington for better visa options.
And - Elon Musk briefly lost his spot as the world’s richest person to Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison on Wednesday. Ellison’s net worth hit $393bn (£290bn) after Oracle shares soared over 40% due to strong growth in its cloud and AI business. However, Oracle’s share price later dipped, returning Musk to the top of the billionaire rankings.
Sport
Football - Former Premier League referee David Coote has been charged with making an indecent image of a child. The 43-year-old is due to appear at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court today.
Cricket - England lost a rain-hit T20 against South Africa in Cardiff, with captain Harry Brook calling it a "shambles of a night". The next match is at Old Trafford on Friday, with more rain expected.
Athletics - The World Athletics Championships kick off in Tokyo on Saturday, with top athletes from around the globe competing over nine days. Tokyo is hosting its first major event since the 2020 Olympics, with extreme heat expected.
Rugby - Questions are mounting over the R360, a proposed breakaway rugby league aiming to launch a global franchise competition. The R360 still lacks key details and as a result, the league won't receive official approval at this month’s World Rugby Council meeting.
Weather
Sunny with a gentle breeze. Highs of 25 degrees in Monaco, 26 degrees in Nice and Toulon, 27 degrees in Saint-Tropez with moderate to strong winds in the Var and 28 degrees in Cannes. This evening going down to 18 degrees.
The outlook for Friday and heading into the weekend, tomorrow mainly fine similar to today. Rain is forecast for Saturday across the region. Clearing by Sunday to give way to sunny skies. Highs of 25-26 degrees.
Sunrise 07.05am Sunset 07.47pm
Beach weather
Sea temperature 25 degrees. UV level 6. Sunny with moderate to strong winds.
And Finally
A recent poll of 2,000 UK adults reveals that on average, Brits spend almost six days annually wishing they could undo past decisions. Common regrets include bad tattoos, cutting their own fringe, and staying in relationships too long. Nearly half have deleted all traces of ex-partners from social media and phones to move on, with some taking months or even over a year to fully recover from break-ups. The research, highlights how people cope with regret, often by focusing on friends, hobbies, or cutting contact with former partners.
Protesters across France have blocked roads, set fire to barricades, and clashed with police over President Emmanuel Macron’s planned spending cuts. L...
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Several people have been injured in a knife attack at a school in Antibes. The attack happened at the Campus Vert d’Azur horticultural school this aft...
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French President Emmanuel Macron has appointed Sébastien Lecornu as Prime Minister, following François Bayrou’s resignation. ...
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French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou submitted his resignation to President Macron this afternoon after losing last night’s no confidence vote in the...
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France is set to face widespread protests, transport disruptions, and school closures tomorrow, Wednesday, September 10th, as part of the nationwide m...
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