National News
Covid vaccination trials for 5 to 11-year olds considered to be “safe” - According to the first results of clinical trials on 5 to 11-year olds, the Pfizer / BioNtech vaccine is considered "safe" and "well tolerated" by this age group. The two pharmaceutical companies claim is based on the partial results of a study carried out on 4,500 children between 6 months and 11 years old, in the United States, Finland, Poland and Spain. This is the first clinical data for this age group. The promising results are a further step towards the imminent opening of vaccination for children under 12 for countries wishing to do so.
Submarine crisis - A Defense council concerning the submarine crisis is to be held at the Elysée this morning. France’s minister of defense will be present however, it’s not yet confirmed if France’s ambassadors recalled from both the US and Australia will attend. France accuses the United States of having concluded without notifying them, a new alliance which will notably see Australia equip itself with American submarines, cancelling an order placed by the Australians to the French a few years ago. US President Joe Biden and Emmanuel Macron will speak on the phone on the subject in the coming days.
Opposition accuses head of state of “whatever it costs” for re-election ahead of presidential - Opposition to France’s leading political party have accused the head of State of an “electoral maneuver” in promising more than 6 billion euros in aid just a few months ahead of the presidential election.
While Macron has confirmed the end of the solidarity fund on September 30th for most companies, the government has nonetheless promised to continue to support certain sectors and territories which need it. Since the beginning of the month 6.2 billion euros in aid has been announced including 1.5 billion euros promised to Marseille the second largest city in France, 40 million euros for the revaluation of the salaries of midwives, 600 million euros dedicated to "crop insurance" for farmers, 400 million euros for the development of public transport in provincial communities.
And it does not stop there: 500 million euros to finance the new measures announced during the Beauvau de la sécurité, 600 million (100 euros for nearly six million modest households) paid in energy checks. 2 billion euros devoted to the energy renovation aid plan, 300 million euros plan for self-employed workers, 21 million euros allocated for the increase in contraception for all women under 25 years of age. Finally, an additional 50 million euros for the fishing sector faced with the economic consequences of Brexit and 170 million euros allocated each year until 2024 for rail freight have also been announced in recent days. In total, 6.2 billion euros in the form of aid were announced or confirmed in the space of two weeks.
Calais extends ban - The prefecture in Calais has extended the ban on non-mandated associations distributing free meals and drinks in several districts of the city. For more than a year, associations not mandated by the State have no longer been authorized to organize free distribution. The ban is extended until October 18th. The ban on food distributions in the city of Calais had been introduced to limit the disturbances caused "by the multiplication of distribution places".
Picasso works of art given to France - France’s minister of culture announced on Monday that nine works of art by Pablo Picasso have been given to France by the artist’s daughter Maya, as part of a "donation". On Monday Roselyne Bachelot, said that "It is with deep emotion that we celebrate the collection" of this donation, speaking of an "exceptional event".
The 'donation' includes six paintings, two sculptures and a sketchbook and will enable Maya Ruiz-Picasso to pay her inheritance rights. The works will be presented to the public from April of next year. The total amount of the collection was not specified, as ministers called for tax secrecy.
Local News
Fatal road accident - An 80-year-old woman has died in a fatal road accident. The accident occurred on the road from Grasse to Villeneuve-Loubet at around 5pm on Monday. Three vehicles were involved, and three other people suffered minor injuries. The exact circumstances of the accident are still unknown. The road was cut-off to traffic in both directions with a deviation by the RD 6 and 7, via La Colle-sur-Loup.
Swiss tourist drowns - A 79-year-old Swiss tourist has drowned in Grimaud in the Var. The incident happened at around 1pm on Monday at the Beach of the Mûres campsite in Grimaud. A couple alerted rescue services after spotting the victim five metres from the shore.
Chef Alexandre Mazzia - Chef Alexandre Mazzia has been named Chef of the Year by his peers, after having won the third Michelin star in early 2021 for his AM restaurant in Marseille. The 4
