French and Riviera News Thursday 16th October 2025

News

France’s National Assembly to debate motions of censure today - The French National Assembly will today debate two motions of censure filed by the far-right National Rally and the far-left LFI, just days after new Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu suspended the pension reform until 2027 in his policy speech. For the motion to pass, it must gather at least 289 votes. If successful, the government must resign.

Monaco signs updated tax transparency deal with EU - Monaco has strengthened its commitment to tax transparency by signing a revised agreement with the European Union in Brussels this week. The updated protocol, aligned with OECD’s 2023 standards, increases reporting requirements for financial institutions. The Principalities Finance Minister Pierre-André Chiappori has called the move essential to keeping Monaco in step with global expectations, while stressing the need to balance cooperation with the EU and the Principality’s fiscal sovereignty. The new rules will take effect from 1st January 2026.

Rights groups challenge UK-France asylum deal – Human rights organisations in the UK and France are taking legal action against the "one in, one out" asylum treaty signed in July. The deal swaps one UK-arriving asylum seeker for one from France. Critics say it lacks safeguards and bypassed French parliamentary approval. The UK government insists it’s a deterrent to illegal crossings.

Speed camera sets national record – On French roads, a temporary speed camera on the RN10 near Angoulême has caught 540 drivers in one day—a French record. Located in a roadwork zone, the camera averages up to 300 flashes daily. Officials say it boosts safety; critics claim it’s more about revenue.

Worms found in Saint-Tropez school lunches—again – Students at Lycée du Golfe have been left shocked to find magots in their food at the school canteen for the second time in a year. The incident affected around 500 students. The school says there’s no health risk, but families are concerned—and the students aren’t keen to return to the canteen.

60s photo exhibition delights Cannes seniors – Legendary photographer Jean-Marie Périer has visited the Villa Gallia retirement home in Cannes to present his iconic 1960s portraits of stars like Johnny Hallyday and the Rolling Stones. The exhibit, on display since June, has sparked fond memories and is used in memory workshops to support residents' well-being.

George Clooney praises life in the Var – Finally, Hollywood star George Clooney has called life in Provence “much better” for raising kids than in LA. Locals in Brignoles, where he lives, say they’re proud to have him. The Clooneys have kept a low profile but continue to support local causes.

 

Business

Most US stocks have risen after another erratic day on Wall Street yesterday. The S&P 500 added 0.4%, but only after jumping towards one of its biggest gains since the summer, erasing it all and then climbing back. It comes after President Donald Trump shattered last week's calm run for Wall Street by threatening much higher tariffs on China.

Johnson and Johnson's beginning to face lawsuits in the UK over allegations its talc products cause cancer. A lawsuit's been filed in the High Court on behalf of more than 3-thousand people who claim their illnesses were caused by baby powder. The company say its talc products are safe and do not contain asbestos.

And the European Commission has fined luxury fashion houses Gucci, Chloe and Loewe more than 157 million euros. Its for anti-competitive practices restricting independent retailers' ability to set prices for their luxury goods.

 

Sport

Monaco's basketball team suffered its second defeat of the season to Virtus Bologna last night. The Italian side beat AS Monaco Basket 77-73 at home.

Paul Pogba's long-awaited AS Monaco debut has been further delayed for two weeks due to injury. The club had hoped to welcome the former Manchester United player into action this weekend against Angers.

Britain's Jacob Fearnley hopes to reach the quarter-finals of the Nordic Open later. He faces Elias Ymer of Sweden in Stockholm. Arthur Ferry was beaten by Italian Lorenzo Sonego in the last-16 yesterday.

And boxing promoter Frank Warren admits Tyson Fury has indicated to him that he wants to return to the sport. Fury announced his retirement from boxing in January, though speculation has since swirled about a potential comeback, possibly for a bout against British rival Anthony Joshua.

 

Weather

Another dry and warm day across the Cote d'Azur. Highs across the region of 22 degrees in Monaco, with lows this evening of 16 degrees. The weather's staying bright and sunny for the rest of the week.

 

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