News
Police investigate fatal shooting of former mafia boss in France – French police are investigating the fatal shooting of 71-year-old former mafia boss Jean-Pierre Maldera on a motorway near Grenoble in south-eastern France. Maldera, who was known as a "godfather" of the local mafia in the 1980s, was reportedly chased in his car and shot while traveling on the A41 motorway on Wednesday morning. The shooters fled the scene, and the burnt-out remains of their stolen Renault Megane were later found in a parking lot in Grenoble. His death comes ten years after the disappearance of his younger brother, Robert Maldera, another mafia boss reportedly nicknamed "the madman" by members of Grenoble's criminal underworld.
French MPs support Ukraine - French MPs have adopted a resolution in support of Ukraine, calling for the seizure of Russian assets. The resolution, which holds symbolic value, passed with 288 votes in favour and 54 against. It urges the EU, NATO, and allied countries to increase political, economic, and military support for Ukraine. The debate on Wednesday also touched on European defence and Ukraine's EU membership, leading to heated discussions in the chamber.
Doctors and health professionals in France call for stronger measure to address violence against them - In other news doctors and health professionals in France are calling for stronger measures to address violence against healthcare workers. Around 15 organizations held a demonstration on Wednesday March 12th, urging the government to act after a rise in attacks. In 2023, the Order of Physicians received 1,581 reports of violence, a 27% increase from the previous year. The Ministry of Health has committed to resuming the examination of a bill to strengthen safety for caregivers, with a focus on crisis training and tougher penalties. The collective is pushing for quicker implementation of the plan after it was introduced in 2023.
Measles on the rise in France - Meanwhile, the number of cases of measles is rising in France, prompting health authorities to warn of a potential wider spread. The Directorate-General for Health has called on healthcare professionals to remain vigilant and report cases, as the virus is highly contagious. According to reports imported cases, especially from Morocco and Romania, have contributed to the surge. The authorities stress the importance of vaccination, particularly for those who travel and emphasize that a 95% vaccination rate is needed to eliminate the illness. The virus is actively circulating, with over 100 cases reported so far in 2024.
TikTok challenge – And locally the "Paracetamol Challenge" on TikTok has led to a worrying rise in hospital admissions to A&E at the Lenval children’s hospital in Nice. The challenge involves ingesting large amounts of paracetamol, which can cause severe liver damage, sometimes requiring a transplant, and can even be fatal. Doctors are sounding the alarm as teenagers are being hospitalized in a serious condition. The hospital is urging parents and the public to remain vigilant, as the challenge spreads among young people.
French Council of State rejects appeal from motorcyclists over MOT regulations - The French Council of State has rejected an appeal from motorcyclists against the new mandatory MOT for two-wheelers, which was set to begin in April of last year. The French Federation of Angry Motorcyclists (FFMC) had called for a boycott and argued that the inspection was an overreach, requesting alternative measures. However, the Council upheld the government's decision, stating that the existing safety measures were insufficient to meet European directives on road safety. The new inspection applies to all motorcycles, scooters, and license-free vehicles, following a 2014 European Commission mandate. Early tests found that 45% of vehicles failed an MOT, with over 11% presenting serious safety risks.
City councillors in Ajaccio being investigation accused of embezzlement of public funds - Thirty city councillors from Ajaccio are being questioned by the courts in a case of alleged "embezzlement of public funds." The investigation, which began on January 9, centres on the sale of municipal land during a City Council meeting on November 7, 2024. The majority of councillors approved the direct sale of the land to a former councillor Jacques Simongiovanni for €300,000. The land was also where his villa was located. Investigators are exploring possible connections between the seller and the councillors involved.
Marriot Hotel sold to Swiss investment fund - Here in Monaco the Riviera Marriott Hotel in Cap d’Ail has been sold to a Swiss investment fund. The four-star hotel, located on the border of Monaco with views of Cap d’Ail's harbour, includes 186 rooms, a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, and eight meeting rooms. The sale price remains undisclosed, though the asking price was reported at €85 million.
Road safety Day - Finally, the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation will host its first Road Safety Day on March 23rd, focusing on bicycle safety and core skills. The event, from 10am to 5pm on the Promenade du Larvotto, is in collaboration with the Monaco Red Cross, Monaco Fire Department, BEKING, and Monabike. The day will include a road safety circuit, educational stands, a pump track, and a fun smoothie bike activity. A key highlight will be the Bike Challenge, where six teams of local sporting personalities and Monaco representatives will cycle through Monaco for eight hours, promoting sustainable mobility and road safety. The Foundation, established in 2012, is dedicated to promoting education through sports and drowning prevention. This event continues its mission by combining physical activity with road safety awareness.
Business
US President Donald Trump has pledged to impose more tariffs following his decision to introduce import taxes on steel and aluminium, which prompted retaliation from the European Union (EU) and Canada. Trump said he would respond to these countermeasures, repeating his warning to introduce "reciprocal" tariffs next month on countries worldwide. The threat marks an escalation in the ongoing trade war, which has caused concern in financial markets over the potential impact on global economies and consumers, including those in the US.
Meanwhile, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll a majority of Americans believe President Donald Trump is being too “erratic” in his efforts to shake up the U.S. economy, as his imposition of tariffs on key trading partners has impacted stock markets. The two-day poll, which closed on Wednesday, found that 57% of respondents— including one in three Republicans— believe the president's policies have been unstable.
And – According to latest reports Russia has presented the U.S. with a list of demands for a deal to end its war against Ukraine and reset relations with Washington. It is unclear what exactly is on Moscow’s list or whether it is willing to engage in peace talks with Kyiv before their acceptance. Russian and American officials have discussed the terms in both in-person and virtual conversations over the past three weeks.
Sport
Football – In the Champions League Real Madrid beat Athletico on Wednesday evening after a bizarre penalty was allowed. Aston Villa beat Club Brugge 3-0 and Arsenal drew 2-2 against PSV.
Formula One - Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has signed a new five-year contract, extending his role until 2029. Domenicali, who has been in charge since 2021, previously led Ferrari and Lamborghini. The deal was announced ahead of the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. An F1 statement praised his contributions to the sport's growth. Domenicali expressed his honour in continuing to lead, emphasizing the importance of fans as the "heartbeat" of the sport.
Rugby Union - England will face Wales at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday, 15 March, with kick-off at 5.45pm French time. Marcus Smith returns to England's full-back, while Tommy Freeman moves to outside centre for the Six Nations finale. The final day of the Six Nations will also see Italy play Ireland at 3.15pm French time and leaders France will face Scotland with a 9pm Kick off French time.
Athletics - The 2025 London Marathon is set to make history as the world's largest marathon field. More than 56,000 runners are expected to complete the 26.2 miles on Sunday, 27 April, surpassing the current record of 55,646 finishers set by the New York Marathon in November. Since its debut in 1981, over 1.3 million runners have completed the London Marathon. This year, more than 840,000 people applied for the ballot, breaking the previous record of 578,304 applicants for the 2024 race. Of the UK applicants, 49% were female, and there was a 105% increase in applications from people aged 20-29.
Weather
Sunny intervals, clouding over by this afternoon and winds picking up in the Alpes Maritimes. Highs of 14 degrees in Monaco, and Saint-Tropez, 15 degrees in Antibes and 16 degrees in Nice. This evening going down to 8 degrees along the coast with cloudy skies.
The outlook for Friday and heading into the weekend. Light rain and with sunny intervals and highs of 15 degrees.
Sunrise 06.45am
Sunset 06.34pm
Weather elsewhere
London 8° light rain. Palma 18° heavy rain
New York 11° sunny intervals. Brussels 8° light cloud
Dublin 8° light cloud Milan 24° sunny intervals.
French police are investigating the fatal shooting of 71-year-old former mafia boss Jean-Pierre Maldera on a motorway near Grenoble in south-eastern F...
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Locally the "Paracetamol Challenge" on TikTok has led to a worrying rise in hospital admissions to A&E at the Lenval children’s hospital in Nice. ...
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The number of cases of measles is rising in France, prompting health authorities to warn of a potential wider spread....
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French MPs have adopted a resolution in support of Ukraine, calling for the seizure of Russian assets. ...
Read More
Over 100 lightning strikes were recorded on Tuesday evening in the Var, six times more than in the Alpes-Maritimes. ...
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