French and Riviera News Tuesday 27th August 2024

National News

Police officer killed on A8 motorway during a road check - A police officer has been killed in the Alpes-Maritimes after a motorist refused to comply to a police road check on the A8 motorway, near Cannes. The driver of the black BMW fled the scene and police have since launched a search in collaboration with the Italian police. The incident occurred shortly after 8.30pm on Monday evening at the Mougins exit of the A8 motorway. The 54-year-old victim was married with two teenage children. France’s Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin has expressed his “support for the family and loved ones, adding that police were actively looking for the culprit”. Meanwhile, the mayor of Nice Christian Estrosi, reacted by expressing "deep sadness and immense anger following the death of the police officer”, adding that “everything must be done to arrest the individual responsible”.

France plunged into further political chaos - In other news, France has been plunged into further political chaos after French President Emmanuel Macron refused to name a prime minister from the leftwing coalition that won the most parliamentary seats in the snap election last month. The president had hoped consultations would break the political deadlock caused by the election that left the National Assembly divided into three roughly equal blocks – left, centre and far right – none of which has a majority of seats. Macron’s decision not to choose the New Popular Front’s candidate has been met with anger and threats of impeachment. In a statement released by, the Elysée described the discussions were described as “fair, sincere and useful” but said they had failed to result in a workable solution. Further discussions are expected to take place today.

Local News

70-year-old nearly drowns - A 70-year-old man has had a lucky escape after nearly drowning on a beach in Saint-Mandrier on Monday afternoon. Beachgoers had raised the alarm, and the man was immediately taken care of by emergency services and taken to the nearby hospital.

Heavy storms - Violent storms in the Alpes Maritimes have caused a landslide inland with the access to the Col de la Bonette being cut off.  Heavy rains hit the Tinée valley on Monday afternoon causing significant damage on the RM2205 in Saint-Dalmas le Selvage. During the stormy weather nearly 70 lightning strikes were recorded in Isola alone. It is not yet known when the road will reopen.

Weather warning - Meteo France has renewed the yellow storm warning for today Tuesday 27th August, in the Alpes-Maritimes. The warning is in place from 2pm to 9pm. The weather is expected to deteriorate inland this afternoon with heavy showers and thunderstorms.

Statue of Johnny Hallyday - A statue of the late French rocker Johnny Hallyday, who died in December 2017, is to be inaugurated on September 21st in Frejus in the Var. Thousands of people are expected for the inauguration of the life-size representation of the singer on the Port of Fréjus. The event is the initiative of the motorbike club founded in 1992 by the singer. Close friends of the singer as well as former musicians who accompanied him on stage are expected to be present.

Princess Charlene Water bike Challenge - Gold medallist in the cross-country mountain bike event at the Paris Olympics, Pauline Ferrand-Prévot is set to join a long list of sports stars for the Princess Charlene's Foundation’s water bike race between Calvi and Monaco. On September 6th and 7th, the Princess Charlene Foundation is launching a new edition of the challenge. A unique sporting event where participants, starting from Corsica, pedal on water to Monaco all for a good cause.

Seasonal job fair – Finally, a seasonal job fair is taking place today Tuesday 27th August, at the Fairmont Monte-Carlo with more than 500 seasonal positions to be filled at the resort of Courchevel. Twenty establishments will be offering jobs in the hotel and catering industry for the winter season. Jobseekers are welcome all day from 10am to 5.30pm. If you are unable to come to Monaco another recruitment opportunity will be organised in Cannes on Wednesday from 9.30am to 2.30pm at the Carlton Hotel and in Saint-Tropez on Thursday.  It is also possible to apply remotely via the Courchevel town hall website, which lists all the positions to be filled. Info on www.mairie-courchevel.com

Business

Canada is following in the footsteps of the US and the European Union after announcing plans to impose a 100% tariff on imports of electric vehicles made in China. The country also plans to impose a 25% duty on Chinese steel and aluminium. Canada and its Western allies accuse China of subsidising its EV industry, giving its car makers an unfair advantage. Following the announcement China has called the move "trade protectionism" which "violates World Trade Organization rules".

Billionaire Elon Musk has said he feels California should pass an AI bill that would require tech companies and AI developers to conduct safety testing on some of their own models. In a post on X Musk said that for over 20 years he has been an advocate for Artificial Intelligence regulation, just as we regulate any product or technology that is a potential risk to the public.

And - France’s CGT or national trade union centre has announced plans for strike action in several sectors at the end of September, beginning of October. Its general secretary has told French media that the movement would be against the pension reform and next year’s State budget. It is not known how many unions will be taking part but in the wake of the pension reform there were 70,000 new union members.

Sport

Football - David Beckham has paid tribute to a "true gentleman" Sven-Goran Eriksson following his death aged 76. Beckham said he will be "forever grateful" to the former England manager for making him captain. Eriksson, the first non-British England manager, named Beckham as h