News
French government claims that Israeli leader has immunity - The French government has claimed that Benjamin Netanyahu has immunity from arrest warrants which have been issued by the international criminal court for war crimes, on the grounds that Israel is not an ICC member. The claim came soon after Netanyahu’s cabinet agreed to a French-backed ceasefire in Lebanon. Israel has informed the ICC that it intends to appeal the arrest warrants, which it described as “baseless” and “without any factual or legal foundation”.
Anti-drug trafficking operation in Nice - A major anti-drug trafficking operation has been carried out in the eastern districts of Nice on Wednesday. Several buildings were raided by police and drugs and weapons were seized. The raid led to thirteen people being arrested. In addition to the drugs 50,000 euros in cash was found, along with two assault rifles and a Kalashnikov.
Five people injured in Cannes - Five people have been injured and an investigation is underway after an ethanol heating lamp toppled over on the terrace of a restaurant in Cannes. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening shortly after 9.30pm. A 35-year-old woman and two men aged 30 and 56 were seriously burnt, all three were air lifted to hospital in Toulon. Two other men aged 54 and 56, were slightly injured and were taken to hospital in Cannes. The restaurant's terrace was evacuated, and a security perimeter was set up. The exact circumstances remain to be determined. The accident has however, raised the question of the use of this type of lamp, which is common on tables on terraces, where any traditional heating is prohibited.
For the first time in Monaco the number of Monegasque outnumbers other nationalities - For the first time in the Principality, the Monegasque nationality is the most represented amongst the population. 2023 census figures revealed on Wednesday that Monegasques (9,179) now outnumbered the French (8,473). A historic change to the Principality’s population. Out of 38,367 residents counted, Monegasques are, for the first time, the most represented in their country ahead of the French (8,473, or 22.1%). In third place are Italian nationals with 7,515, or 19.6% of the population. In 1962, just before the Franco-Monegasque tax treaty of May 1963 requiring French residents to pay income tax in the Principality, the French represented 60% of the total population. Among the 138 other nationalities present in the Principality, the British count for (2,870, or 7.5%), the Russians (1,199, or 3.1%), the Swiss (1,186, or 3.1%) and the Belgians (1,023, or 2.7%). In total, these "other nationalities" represent 40.6% of the overall population and have been increasing steadily since 1962.
Monaco relaunches the "Fonds Bleu" initiative following its success - The Monegasque Government has announced that it is relaunching the "Fonds Bleu" initiative to support the Principality's economic development, highlighting the many opportunities offered by digital technology in the Principality. The goal is to stimulate innovation and accelerate economic growth, while meeting the new needs of local businesses. Since its launch, more than 700 companies have benefited from the scheme, representing a total of 52 million euros in projects, including 24.3 million euros in direct aid. With this new phase, the “Fonds Bleu” continues to support the digital transition of Monaco's businesses, while strengthening the Principality's economic competitiveness in a constantly evolving digital environment.
Fort Antoine open stage to return in 2025 - The Fort Antoine open stage, dedicated to artists aged between 18 and 30 and organised by Monaco's Department of Cultural Affairs, is to return next year in July and as with every year the local youth are invited to help organise the event! Once again, this year, young volunteers will be able to get involved in the organisation of this open stage to discover what goes on behind the scenes and to take part in the Principality's cultural life.
From managing registrations and communications to the technical, artistic, and logistical aspects; the young organisers will be involved in every stage of preparing for this event and will be able to share their ideas with project leaders. So, if you're aged between 18 and 30, and you're interested in culture and events you can join the organising committee by sending an email to fortantoine@gouv.mc no later than December 20th, 2024, attaching your CV and presenting your motivation to be part of the Organizing Committee. To apply you must be between 18 and 30 years old and be of Monegasque nationality, educated, resident in Monaco, or have a link with the Principality and available approximately 2 hours per week, between January 6 and mid-July 2025.
Road closures and limited parking due to football match in Nice this evening – Finally, the city of Nice has announced parking restrictions and road closures ahead of this evening Europa League match between OGC Nice ad Rangers FC. The measure put in place will affect several areas around the Allianz Riviera stadium. With a 9pm kick off the diversions and parking restrictions will be in place from 2pm this afternoon through until 4am Friday morning.
Business
According to the latest industry figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders UK car production has slowed. October saw 15.3% fewer cars roll off factory lines than the same month a year ago, meaning 14,037 fewer cars were made last month compared to October 2023. The impact of this reduced production could be visible in the last week from the announcement of 800 job cuts from Ford UK and Vauxhall’s Luton plant closure.
The Chairman and CEO of LVMH Bernard Arnault, is set to testify at a Paris court today, Thursday 28th November, in the Squarcini trial. Bernard Squarcini, who headed France's counter-intelligence services from 2008 to 2012, was hired by LVMH as a security consultant, during which time he allegedly illegally collected information on priv
