French and Riviera News Thursday July 15th 2021

News

The Nice 86 - The Mayor of Nice Christian Estrosi has paid tribute to those who died in the 2016 terrorist attack in the city which cost the lives of 86 people. Speaking at the annual Bastille Day celebrations which marked the 5th anniversary of the massacre, Mr Estrosi said that “those who died will be forever in our hearts”. He also offered words of comfort to the families of those who died or suffered life changing injuries. The events of 2016 in Nice have left an indelible mark on the country’s national Bastille Day holiday with many commemoration ceremonies taking place around France.

Fire risks - Parts of the Esterel and Tanneron in the area between the Alpes Maritimes and the Var are under an extreme fire risk warning today following two days of strong winds. Forest land in the area has been closed to the public and fire patrols have been stepped up.

Meanwhile, firefighters have been battling a large blaze that broke out on the col de Vence shortly after noon on Wednesday. Around 5 hectares of trees and brush have been destroyed and a nearby equestrian centre had to be evacuated. Three water bombing helicopters have been sent to the fire to assist in putting it out.

Rush for vaccines - More than 2 million people have registered to be vaccinated against COVID-19 since President Macron addressed the nation on Monday night. Mr Macron’s announcement of the introduction of a health pass for admittance to many public buildings, shops, restaurants and other commerces appears to have had the desired effect. The Doctorlib platform says that by mid morning on Wednesday, 2.24 million people had registered to be vaccinated and some forecasts suggest that between 4 and 5 million jabs could be administered every week as people who’ve been previously reticent rush to get the vaccine before the health pass measures come into force.

Monaco jabs - People employed in Monaco and aged over 50 can now register to be vaccinated in the Principality. The Monaco government says that the move is part of its programme to get every resident and employee vaccinated against the virus. Anyone concerned should register by calling 92 05 55 00 or online at https://vaccination-covid19.gouv.mc. Vaccinations will take place at the Auditorium Rainier lll and you should take along ID and your work permit.

Cannes 2021 - The 74th Cannes Film Festival is entering its last couple of days as the jury led by Spike Lee deliberates on which movie to select as the winner of the Palme d’Or. They’ve still got a few films to get through today and tomorrow though before any serious decision making can start.

Today’s competition films are “Haut et Forte” or “Casablanca Beats”  from Nabil Ayouch which focuses on hip hop culture in Morocco amid a background of traditional culture, “France” a Franco-Belgian feature from Bruno Dumont starring Lea Seydoux as a journalist in the modern media world and “Memoria” from Thailand’s Apichatpong Weerasetthakul starring Tilda Swinton as a Scottish woman on a strange journey through the jungles of Colombia. There are two more competition films tomorrow before the jury starts it’s deliberations.

Firework delays - A number of Bastille Day fireworks displays have had to be postponed because of high winds in the Var. Town councils in Six Fours, Bandol, La Seyne, Sanary and La Garde among others took the decision following advice on public safety. Displays will now take place this coming Saturday or at a date to be confirmed.

Jimmy’z - Monaco’s world famous nightclub Jimmy’z will reopen its doors next Thursday the 22nd of July following a 16 month closure because of the pandemic. Jimmy’z will be open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays for the rest of the summer season although strict health protocols will be observed to make sure that everyone can enjoy themselves as safely as possible. The summer programme will be revealed in the next few days.

Business

The chair of the US Federal Reserve has said that the job market is still “a way off” from the progress needed before the central bank starts reducing support for the economy. Speaking at a Congressional hearing in Washington on Wednesday, Jerome Powell said that current high inflation will ease in the coming months and that the current spike in prices is linked to the reopening of the economy. With the job market still 7.5 million short of its pre-pandemic levels, Mr Powell said that the overall participation rate is still depressed. Analysts say that Mr Powell’s remarks suggest that he is still committed to the Fed’s current monetary policy and bel