News
France waits to see if new Prime Minister is named today - France is waiting to see if French President Emmanuel Macron will do as he promised and announce a new Prime Minister by the end of today, Thursday 12th December. Several names were circulating in France’s political circle on Wednesday, including president of the Democratic Movement party or MoDem, François Bayrou and former socialist Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve. Meanwhile, Macron is today traveling to Poland to discuss increased support for Ukraine in the run-up to peace negotiations. Meanwhile, according to a recent survey, the French are becoming more and more “impatient” with the ongoing political crisis and over half disagreed with Macron not inviting the far right or far left for discussion this week, saying that “while they may not hold the view of the far right or far left, all parties should be able to gather around a table and talk”.
Strike action - In other news strike action by the SNCF today is expected to have little impact. Two of the four unions have decided to strike with the SNCF saying that 8 out of 10 trains will be running. The action is not expected to affect TGV services but may cause some delays on regional networks.
Meanwhile, after-school services will be heavily disrupted today due to a strike organized by the FO Territoriaux union in Valbonne. Staff from schools, including animators, catering, and maintenance workers will participate, affecting 8 establishments where most services (midday and evening care, transport) will be closed. Despite a national suspension of the strike, Valbonne's local action will proceed as planned.
Shots fired in the Moulins district of Nice - One person has been injured after shots were fired on Wednesday evening in Les Moulins district of Nice. Shooting reportedly broke out at around 10pm and around ten cartridge cases were found by police who are investigating the incident. Les Moulins is a district located between Nice and Saint-Laurent-du-Var, in the southwest of the city of Nice. It is mainly composed of large social residential complexes and presents significant problems of poverty, exclusion and insecurity. It has over recent years been affected by organized crime, mainly cannabis and cocaine trafficking. In 2015 and 2017, two people were shot dead. The summer of 2020 saw three shootings, which led Prime Minister Jean Castex to make an official visit there and promise sixty additional police officers for the city of Nice18.
Fire in Cannes - A fire broke out on the night of the 10-11th of December due to an electrical issue at Ma Nolan's Irish Pub in central Cannes. The fire caused significant damage to the 300 m² establishment, especially on the ground floor and first floor. Firefighters extinguished the blaze by 3:30 am, with no casualties reported. The pub, considered a local institution, is temporarily closed along with the building housing it.
Blue Economy Index - On Wednesday the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, in collaboration with ODDO BHF Asset Management and Altitude Investment Solutions, launched the Blue Economy Index, which is aimed at promoting a sustainable ocean economy. The Blue Economy Index is set up to guide investments into companies demonstrating strong environmental, social, commitments.
Wild Boar Spotted in Eze - A wild boar has been spotted running on the road ignoring traffic lights and surprising onlookers near the beach in Èze, Alpes-Maritimes. Sightings of wild boars in urban areas near Nice have become more frequent, with past appearances on the Promenade des Anglais and in city waterways. Authorities may organize hunts to control their presence when they pose a threat to public safety.
Christmas Trees Throughout the Year - A French nurseryman, Olivier Bedel, offers to care for customers' potted Christmas trees throughout the year, encouraging reuse for multiple holiday seasons. His initiative promotes sustainability by reducing tree waste and supporting living plants that continue to absorb carbon. Despite this, most customers still prefer cut trees for convenience and lower cost, though Bedel highlights the environmental impact of their production and disposal.
Monaco Business Circle - Global estate agents and advertisers on Riviera Radio Savills Monaco along with Riviera Wellbeing will be inaugurating the Monaco Business Circle on January 22nd. An exclusive invitation-only forum tailored for CEOs, senior business leaders, and entrepreneurs. The initiative aims to create a space where senior leaders in Monaco can explore peak performance strategies and discuss what it takes to thrive in today’s fast-evolving business landscape. Attendees are invited to contribute 25 euros to Child Care Monaco, further supporting the community. Stay tuned to Riviera Radio when nex Wednesday 18th December Gavin Sharp of Riviera Wellbeing and Irene Luke will be live on the Full English Breakfast Show.
Business
French manufacturing company BIC, best known for the ballpoint pen, has announced the acquisition of Tangle Teezer, a world leading detangling haircare company described as pioneering, fast-growing and profitable with its headquarters in London. Launched in 2007 as the world’s first expertly designed detangling tool, Tangle Teezer designs a unique range of brushes, allowing consumers to detangle hair while limiting damage. Its experienced management team developed an internationally recognized brand with an established position in Europe and North America, making Tangle Teezer the market leader in the UK and a growing player in the US. BIC acquired 100% of Tangle Teezer for a reported total of approximately €200 million.
Meta apps Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp have experienced technical issues as thousands of people reported outages for the apps on DownDetector on Wednesday afternoon. Meta’s breakdown on Wednesday comes after a global one back in in March that lasted more than two hours. Meta is ranked 24th on the Forbes’ Global 2000 list of the world’s largest public companies, according to sales, profits, assets and market value. Meta was listed with about $142.7 billion in sales, $45.8 billion in profit and a market value of $1.197 trillion as of June.
Tesla and Space X CEO Elon Musk has become the first man to have a fortune of more than $400 billion. Musk, already considered the richest man on the planet, has surpassed $400 billion in wealth, a first. According to Bloomberg Tesla's share price has increased by more than 65% since Donald Trump was elected in early November. In addition, SpaceX and its investors have agreed to buy up to $1.25 billion of the company's shares, boosting the value of the space company to about $350 billion (about €333 billion). This transaction increased Elon Musk's personal fortune by about $50 billion (about €48 billion), bringing it to $440 billion (about $419 billion). Now close to Donald Trump, Elon Musk has become the largest political donor in recent American history, donating more than $270 million (€255 million) during the presidential campaign to support the Republican.
And - In the UK Lego has topped the list of most wanted Christmas presents for first time in seven years. Royal Mail has revealed the toys children are asking for the most in thousands of letters to Father Christmas this year. In-demand gifts from Santa also include Barbie dolls, scooters, Squishmallow stuffed toys, and bikes. The top 10 of most wanted presents is completed by Nerf Guns, headphones, PlayStation 5, Hot Wheels and make-up.
Sport
Football - Arsenal achieved a 3-0 Champions League victory against Monaco on Wednesday evening. Meanwhile, Manchester City were beaten 2-0 by Juventus to leave their progress to the Champions League knockouts far from certain.
And world governing body Fifa has confirmed that the 2034 men's football World Cup will be held in Saudi Arabia, while Spain, Portugal and Morocco will be joint hosts for the 2030 tournament.
Formula One - The head of Austria's motorsport federation the OAMTC has said that he is "saddened" by proposed changes that will reduce accountability at motorsport's governing body the FIA. The chief executive officer of the OAMTC, said he had communicated his concerns to the president of the FIA, but he sadly feels that the changes will, nonetheless, be approved by member clubs on Friday.
Tennis - Jack Draper has cancelled his planned training week with Carlos Alcaraz because of a "little bit of a niggle" in his hip. The British number one was due in Spain to train with the Wimbledon champion next week but is limited to gym work at the moment. Draper is in the Great Britain team which will contest the United Cup from 27 December but is not yet sure whether he will be fit to play. The Australian Open starts in Melbourne on 12 January.
Weather
Sunny with a moderate breeze. Highs of 15 degrees in Nice, 14 degrees in Monaco, Antibes and Draguignan. This evening going down to 6 degrees.
The outlook for Friday and heading into the weekend. Tomorrow, light rain and a fresh breeze is forecast across the region. Highs of 14. Saturday and Sunday sunny intervals. Light rain forecast for Saint-Tropez on Saturday and highs of 13 degrees in the Var.
Sunrise 07.55am
Sunset 04.53pm
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