News
Political crisis deepens in France - French President Emmanuel Macron appears to be facing a deepening crisis within the French government after he announced plans to hold talks with political parties at 2pm this Tuesday afternoon, however both the far-right National Rally and far left La France Insoumise have not been invited. Far right president of the National Rally, Jordan Bardella, has criticised the move calling it “hallucinating and a complete lack of respect for the 11 million people that voted for the RN”. Meanwhile several members of the France Insoumise have shamed the behaviour of the socialists, environmentalists and communists who have accepted Emmanuel Macron's invitation.
According Macron's entourage the head of state invited "all the parties" to the Élysée, except La France insoumise and the National Rally with the objective of "moving forward on an agreement and a method" to building the future government, following the vote of no confidence by the National Assembly and the departure of Michel Barnier.
Common cold and flu remedies to be pulled from shelves of pharmacies in France - Being able to buy over the counter cold and flu remedies in French pharmacies will become a thing of the past. From tomorrow, Wednesday 11th December, medications such as Humex, Dolirhume and Actifed will be pulled from the shelves. The move comes following a decision by the ANSM and their concern of certain side effects. The French health authorities will therefore make it mandatory from tomorrow for customers to present a prescription in order to obtain over the counter cold treatments which for a while now have been considered to be “dangerous” by the ANSM, especially when able to obtain such medication without medical advice.
Over the counter remedies have been the subject of much criticism for several years, by the ANSM, because they can cause serious side effects such as strokes and heart attacks. In 2023, the agency had for the first time explicitly advised against their use. The move however, risks upsetting pharmacists, many of whose representatives believe that such a restriction unfairly reduces the range of medications to offer to their customers with colds and taking into consideration the difficulty in obtaining an appointment with your GP.
Restaurant vouchers in France - Restaurant vouchers will no longer be accepted in supermarkets in France from the 1st of January. The move is a consequence of Barnier’s time as Prime Minister being cut short and will affect nearly six million people in France. The “ticket restaurant” or “ticket resto” is a piece of paper or a plastic card that serves as a food and beverage voucher and was introduced in France in 1962 to reel in customers to L’Auberge Rouge restaurant. However, in 1967 the French government declared the ticket a “social advantage for employees.” Thanks to the high place of food in French society, companies with more than 25 employees are required by French labour code to provide their employees with a cafeteria. Companies that don’t have the means or space to construct one abide by this law through restaurant tickets. Restaurant tickets are usually worth between 7 and 10.50 euros.
2025 edition of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities - If you’re aged between 18 and 30 and would like to get involved in politics and you live in Monaco then Monaco’s town hall would love to hear from you! As part of an initiative to encourage a path into politics for the younger generation, as well as creating a bond between generations, the town hall is offering the opportunity to participate in the 2025 edition of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities. Monaco Town Hall invites you to seize a unique opportunity: to actively participate as a youth delegate at the 48th and 49th sessions of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities. As delegates, you will have the opportunity to actively contribute to the debates and work of the Congress, as well as the sessions which will be held in Strasbourg from March 25 to 27, 2025 and from October 28 to 30, 2025, accompanied by the elected representatives of the local Council. Applications are open until Tuesday December 31st. For more information go to the town hall website. www.mairie.mc
Attraction at Christmas market in Nice is removed – An attraction at the Christmas market in Nice has been pulled by officials after it was considered to be offensive and sexist and “not at all in the spirit of Christmas”. The drinks vending machine, which used a machine in the shape of a large, bosomed lady, invited customers to place their money in her cleavage in order to obtain a drink. The machine was denounced by several associations as well as on social media and has since been removed.
Say “NO to foie gras” this Christmas - The French animal rights organization L214 is holding a demonstration in Nice the Saturday 14th December, calling on people to say “NO to foie gras”. With the end of year holidays approaching many are preparing in the kitchen and may be tempted to offer the French delicacy. L214 wants to raise public awareness to the cruel conditions in making foie gras and encourage a more “animal friendly” choice this Christmas. The organisation is meeting at 11am on Place Masséna.
Christmas meal with the homeless - This Tuesday evening in partnership with Nice city council, the Salvation Army and OGC Nice football club the traditional Christmas meal with the homeless will be held at the Forum Jorge François in Nice. Thanks to the forty volunteers, the festive meal - consisting of a starter, a hot main course and a dessert - will be made available to nearly 200 guests in need of solidarity and warmth this Christmas.
Frankie's Christmas - An atmosphere of magic and sheer joy has been created for 1,700 children by the Frankie’s children association here in Monaco. During its annual show, at the Sporting d'Été the magic of Christmas was shared amongst children both from Monaco and our region. The association works endlessly to improve the daily lives of children and teenagers in need. This year’s theme was "Fairy Tales". Les Enfants de Frankie has come a long was since its beginnings as the founding president, Francien Giraudi recalls, it was “Prince Rainier who believed in me” back in 1997 which 150 children attended Frankie's very first Christmas at the Fontvieille marquee. Today, Frankie's name resonates from Menton to Marseille!
Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella celebrate their birthday today! - Finally, today December 10th, is a day of celebration in Monaco! As Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella of Monaco celebrate their 10th birthday. Riviera Radio would like to wish them a very happy birthday!
Business
Rupert Murdoch's bid to change a family trust and give control to his eldest son has been denied by a court commissioner in the US. It has been reported that Mr Murdoch wanted to amend a family trust created in 1999 to allow his son Lachlan to take control without "interference" from his siblings Prudence, Elisabeth and James. However, a Nevada commissioner ruled Mr Murdoch and Lachlan had acted in "bad faith" and called the efforts a "carefully crafted charade” according to the New York Times.
Nearly 70,000 Volkswagen workers have gone on strike in Germany as a dispute over job cuts and pay continues. 68,000 employees across the country were carrying out "warning strikes" while "tens of thousands more [will] follow in the late and night shifts". In a statement unions said "there is no Christmas spirit in the VW regions this year: while families are decorating the tree, the Volkswagen board of management is making plans to chop it down”.
And - In the UK the cost of mince pies in supermarkets have jumped as much as 40% compared to last year. According to reports tight supplies of sultanas and butter have contributed to the added cost. Iceland's luxury mince pie offerings are up 20% meanwhile, with its standard pack up 16% £1.25 to £1.45. Aldi and Asda both have increases of 15% on the festive favourites, while Waitrose's pack of six has risen 10% from £2.50 to £2.75.
Sport
Football - West Ham edged to a narrow Premier League victory over struggling Wolves beating them 2-1 on Monday evening. Meanwhile, Premier League official David Coote has been sacked by referees' body the PGMOL following a "thorough investigation" into his conduct.
Cricket - South Australia dramatically beat Tasmanian Tigers by two runs off the final ball of the game to record the joint-tightest win in Sheffield Shield history.
Rugby Union - Clubs in English rugby's second tier have united to demand a debate on a vote of no confidence in the leadership of the Rugby Football Union.
Sports personality - A shortlist of six contenders has been announced for the 2024 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award. Footballer Jude Bellingham, runner Keely Hodgkinson, darts player Luke Littler, cricketer Joe Root, Para-cyclist Sarah Storey and triathlete Alex Yee are the nominees. Voting will take place during the show on BBC One and the BBC iPlayer on Tuesday, 17 December.
Weather
Cloudy with some sunny spells. Light winds and highs of 15 degrees in Nice, 13 degrees in Monaco and Saint-Tropez. This evening going down to 5 degrees.
The outlook for tomorrow, and Thursday fine. Friday becoming increasingly cloudy and rain forecast by the evening and during the day on Saturday. Highs of 15 degrees.
Sunrise 07.53am
Sunset 04.53pm
Weather elsewhere
London 8° drizzle
Rome Light rain 14°
Cardiff light cloud 7°
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