News
French MPs back new tax measures targeting multinationals, defying French government - In Paris, left-wing and far-right MPs have joined forces to pass a new measure against tax optimisation by multinational corporations, during the first reading of France’s 2026 budget. The amendment, introduced by La France Insoumise (LFI), seeks to expand the 15% minimum tax on multinational profits, first adopted in 2024 under an OECD-led global agreement. The change would lower the revenue threshold for affected companies from €750 million to €500 million, potentially widening the scope of the tax to include more large groups. The move passed with support from left-wing parties and the National Rally (RN), to the frustration of the government. Minister of the Civil Service, David Amiel, criticised the alliance, accusing MPs of acting “in defiance of international and European rules.” Government ministers also condemned what they called “tax one-upmanship”. Public Accounts Minister Amélie de Montchalin warned that the measures risk “punishing success, growth and jobs”.
Fireworks and dangerous products banned ahead of Halloween in the Alpes-Maritimes - Authorities in the south of France are tightening security ahead of Halloween celebrations. The prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes, Laurent Hottiaux, has issued an order imposing strict bans across the department until Sunday 2 November 2025. The measures, aimed at preventing public disorder and damage, come after a series of violent incidents during last year’s Halloween, including rubbish fires in Nice, fireworks fired at police in Vallauris, and the discovery of Molotov cocktails in Cannes. Under the new order, the sale, possession, and use of certain fireworks and pyrotechnic products — including categories F2, F3, and F4 — are prohibited. Only qualified professionals may purchase them, and traders must alert authorities if they notice any suspiciously large or abnormal sales. In addition, access to flammable products will be restricted to prevent their use in potential acts of arson. Officials say the bans are a precautionary measure to ensure public safety during the Halloween period.
Train traffic halted between Aubagne and Toulon after power failure - Rail services were suspended in both directions on Wednesday evening between Aubagne and Toulon due to a power supply failure in Cassis, according to the SNCF. The disruption caused major delays on the Marseille–Nice line, affecting both TGV and TER trains. A TGV from Nancy and Strasbourg arrived in Toulon over an hour late, while another from Paris was also delayed. Normal service was not expected to resume before 11:30 p.m., the SNCF said.
Orlinski’s Lion statue to be removed from Nice’s Place Garibaldi - The five-metre lion sculpture by artist Richard Orlinski will be removed from Place Garibaldi in Nice by the end of November, as its loan agreement expires on 30 November, the city confirmed. Installed in 2023, the statue was the last remaining piece from a wider exhibition of Orlinski’s works. Its presence has been controversial, amid a corruption probe involving Mayor Christian Estrosi and alleged gifts from the artist. A new artwork is expected to replace the statue, though details have not yet been announced.
Heavy storms expected overnight in Var and Alpes-Maritimes - Météo France has placed the Var and Alpes-Maritimes departments under yellow alert for storms and flood risk overnight from Wednesday to Thursday. A strong Cévenol weather episode is expected between midnight and 4 a.m., with 30 to 50 mm of rainfall predicted, and up to 70 mm in some areas, particularly along the coast. The storm system is forecast to move towards Corsica by early morning, with clearer skies returning to the Riviera on Thursday morning, according to Météo France.
Business
The US Federal Reserve has cut its key interest rate for a second time this year. Its as they seek to shore up economic growth and hiring even as inflation stays elevated. The move comes amid a fraught time for the central bank - with hiring sluggish and inflation stuck above its 2 percent target.
A big global tech firm's to spend 4 billion pounds on a data-centre in the UK. Equinix wants an 85-acre facility in Hertfordshire to offer around 250 megawatts of processing capacity. It hopes to be running by 2030.
As the US and Chinese Presidents agree a deal over rare earths and tariffs - Asia stocks have sunk. The yen has also weakened after the Bank of Japan kept interest rates on hold.
Sport
After a spectacular game, AS Monaco won last night's head-to-head with Non-tays. It was a high-scoring match ending in 5-3. The result's moved Monaco into second place in the league, after their win versus Toulouse at the weekend. Elsewhere, OGC Nice recorded a 2-0 win at home against Lille last night. Its despite the away team having double the possession of the ball overall.
It was another successful night in basketball. Monaco beat Olympiakos Piraus during their Euroleague game. The French team won against the Greeks - by 5 baskets.
Britain's Cameron Norrie will hope to follow up what he called the "biggest win" of his career at the Paris Masters tennis this morning. His reward for stunning world number one Carlos Alcaraz is a match against Valentin. Whoever wins will book their place in the quarter-finals.
Weather
An overcast and cloudy day across the Cote d'Azur. Its after a yellow alert was issued for the region overnight - with rain and storms battering the coast. Highs today of 20 degrees in Monaco.
A sharp blast of Arctic air is set to hit the Côte d’Azur this weekend, with temperatures dipping to –4°C in parts of the Alpes-Maritimes and the Var....
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Two men and a woman from Beaulieu-sur-Mer have been appearing in court today as part of a judicial investigation into suspected money laundering and t...
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Monaco celebrated its National Day on Wednesday with a blend of religious tradition, military honours and public festivities. The day began with a Te ...
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It’s Monaco’s National Day, with several ceremonies and celebrations happening throughout the Principality today. ...
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Monaco will mark its National Day today, Wednesday 19th November, with a full programme of traditional and ceremonial events, following last night’s f...
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