French and Riviera News Tuesday 14th January 2025

News

France’s Prime Minister to outline his roadmap in a speech to the French people today – In national news in France today. France’s recently appointed Prime Minister François Bayrou, is to deliver his political roadmap to the French people today Tuesday 14th January, in front of the national assembly. According to those in his political circle this will be “a crucial and very important speech for him”. Many of François Bayrou's close friends, who are not in the government or his office, assure that they have not had any discussions with him since his appointment as PM. Which for them is “true to his reputation as a silent type”. Bayrou has not revealed anything about his upcoming speech.

Cyclist killed by drunk driver on the Promenade in Nice – Meanwhile, locally a 60-year-old cyclist has died on the Promenade des Anglais after being hit by a drunk driver. According to local reports the fatal accident occurred at the weekend on Saturday morning, just in front of terminal one of Nice International Airport. The motorist who was slightly injured was taken to hospital in Nice, under police escort and appeared before a judge on Monday charged with "involuntary manslaughter under the influence of alcohol”.

Tribute to controversial former leader of France’s far right political party to be held in Nice - A tribute to controversial former leader of France’s far right National front party, Jean-Marie Le Pen, is to be held in Nice. The service is being held at 3pm on Thursday 16th January, at the Saint-Jean-Baptiste-le-Vœu church in the city centre for anyone who wishes to pay their respects to Le Pen who died at the age of 96 on January 7th, and whose funeral was held last Saturday. The service is described as “public and not political” nonetheless it has been organised by Josiane Pastorel, a former local activist of the National Front. During his lifetime Jean-Marie Le Pen had been convicted multiple times for contesting crimes against humanity, public insult, incitement to racial hatred, provocation to hatred and discrimination.

Strong winds forecast for today, Tuesday 14th January - While the Alpes Maritimes and the Var regions are expected to have plenty of sunshine this week, today Tuesday 14th January, is expected to be particularly windy. Both departments have been placed on a yellow weather warning due to high winds. 71 other departments across France are on weather warnings due to cold temperatures, an avalanche risk and possible flooding.

As far as temperatures are concerned our region appears to be escaping the cold, remaining around 14 to 17 degrees along the coast until Friday before reaching 6 degrees above the seasonal norm with up to 20 degrees forecast for Hyères in the Var by Saturday.

Launch of new website of the Industrial Property Division of the Economic Development Department – Monaco has seen the launch of a brand-new website which combines immediate up to date information and security. Mcipo.gouv.mc created by the Industrial Property Division of the Economic Development Department here in the Principality offers access to practical guides, a page dedicated to the most frequently asked questions as well as access to a large number of online services via the "MonGuichet.mc" portal. This latest version incorporates the graphic charter common to all the Administration's websites and highlights a new visual identity.

Munegu Repair Café - Do you have something that needs repairing? Then you may want to save the date this Saturday January 18th, as the annual Mùnegu Repair Café will open its doors to the public. The free repair workshop is held at the Condamine Market here in Monaco from 3:30pm to 6pm in collaboration with the Repair Café Nice. Admission is free.

FIGHT AIDS CUP - The 5th edition of the FIGHT AIDS CUP is to be held on Wednesday January 22nd at 5.30 pm at the Stade Louis II here in Monaco. It’s a unique football match where footballing legends and celebrities join forces to support the charity, chaired by Princess Stéphanie. This year, the event will pay tribute to Jean Petit, a legendary figure in Monegasque football, who passed away on 23rd January 2024. Admission is priced at €10 for adults and €5 for children, the event holds plenty of surprises in store for spectators and supporters.

Christmas tree collection points – Finally, If you’re wondering what to do with your Christmas tree then the city council of Nice has announced collection points where you can drop-off your tree up until Tuesday, January 21st, 2025.Residents are invited to drop off their trees in designated areas.

Collection points are as follows –

2, rue Isadora-Duncan: Jardin Général Ferrié

19, rue Mère-Teresa: Moulins recycling center

6-12, place Dominique Fighiera

157, boulevard de l’Ariane: Ariane recycling center

137, avenue Henri-Dunant: Musso parking

3, rue de la Gare du Sud

6, boulevard Victor-Hugo

75 boulevard Vitor-Hugo: Alsace-Lorraine garden

4, avenue du Monastère

Nice city council reminds you that the recycling centres in the area are participating in this collection operation.

Sport

Rugby Union - Former Scotland rugby union captain Peter Brown has died at the age of 83 following a long illness. Brown made his international debut in a home win against France on 4 January 1964. A versatile forward, Peter Brown split his 27 caps between lock and number eight and was an effective goal-kicker - his 66 points for Scotland remains a record for a member of the pack.

Football – In the Premier League this evening Brentford kick off the action at 8.30pm French time, playing at home to Manchester City, along with Chelsea who face Bournemouth, West Ham play Fulham and at 9pm French time, Liverpool are away to Nottingham Forest.

Tennis – Despite 15 double faults Emma Raducanu overcame second-serve wobbles to win in the Australian Open first round. The British number two, whose preparations were disrupted by a back injury, won 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-2) against Russian 26th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova.

Business

Spain is planning to impose a tax of up to 100% on properties bought by non-residents from countries outside the EU, such as the UK. The "unprecedented" measure has been claimed by the government as necessary in order to meet the country's housing emergency. Non-EU residents bought 27,000 properties in Spain in 2023. It is unclear how the tax would work or the timeline for presenting it to parliament for approval. But the government said the proposal would be finalised "after careful study". It is one of a dozen planned measures announced by the prime minister on Monday aimed at improving housing affordability in the country.

Starbucks has changed its mind over rules which were introduced for its cares in North America. The world’s biggest coffee chain says it is reversing rules which allowed people to use their facilities even if they had not bought anything. The changes, which are set to come into force from 27 January, are a U-turn from a policy introduced six years ago that allowed people to linger in Starbucks outlets and use their toilets without making a purchase. The move is part of the "back to Starbucks" strategy - a plan announced by the firm's new boss as he tries to tackle flagging sales.

TikTok has called a recent report from Bloomberg “pure fiction”. The firm made the comments following reports that China is considering allowing a sale of the social media company's US operations to Elon Musk. Supreme Court justices are due to rule on a law that set a 19 January deadline for TikTok to either sell its US operations or face a ban in the country. TikTok has repeatedly said that it will not sell its US operation.

Weather

The Alpes Maritimes and the Var regions have been placed on a yellow weather warning due to strong winds today. Otherwise, should be mainly fine with highs of 13° in Nice, 12° in Saint-Tropez and Monaco. This evening going down to 4 degrees along the coast with clear skies.

The outlook for Wednesday and Thursday. Fine and sunny with a bresh breeze and highs of 13-14 degrees.

Sunrise 08.01am

Sunset 05.17pm

Weather elsewhere

Bordeaux 5° and sunny.

Oslo 4° and foggy.

Brussels 2° and sunny.  

 

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