French and Riviera News Thursday 6th April 2023

News

Macron says that China has a “major role” to play in finding a path to peace in Ukraine - French President Emmanuel Macron has said that China has a "major role" to play in finding a path to peace in Ukraine. Macron made the comments as he embarked on a three-day visit to Beijing. Speaking at a gathering of the French community in Beijing ahead of a meeting today with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Macron said France would seek to work with China "in the shared responsibility for peace and stability" in Ukraine. The French president is making his first trip to China in four years.

11th day of strike action against the pension reform - Today Thursday April 6th, marks the eleventh day of mobilization against the pension reform in France. In the Var and the Alpes-Maritimes, demonstrations are expected. Public transport and schools are expected to be disrupted. A rally is scheduled from 10am in Nice from the Albert 1er garden to the port. In Cannes demonstrators plan to gather at 2pm on the Boulevard Carnot heading to the town hall and in the Var three gatherings are scheduled; a first from 10am departing from Place de la Liberté in Toulon, a second at 10:30am from the sub-prefecture of Draguignan and a third at 3:30pm on the banks of the Caramy in Brignoles.

As far as transport is concerned no trams will run in Nice and bus lines will be strongly impacted in both departments. It’s a similar situation for the trains with 3 out of 4 TGVs and 1 out of 2 TER circulating and 20% of flights are