French and Riviera News Tuesday 30th September 2025

News

Mayor of Nice announces plans to name new square after former President Nicolas Sarkozy - The mayor of Nice Christian Estrosi has announced plans to name the square in front of the city’s new police headquarters after former President Nicolas Sarkozy, calling him “a friend” and praising his contributions to public safety. Estrosi highlighted Sarkozy’s support for the project and his role in prioritising security as Interior Minister and President. The move has sparked backlash.

Doctors face an increasing number of violent incidents – According to the national medial council in France nearly 2,000 violent incidents against doctors were reported in France in 2024, a 26% increase in one year. General practitioners were the most affected, accounting for 63% of reports. The majority of cases involved verbal abuse, threats, or falsified prescriptions.

Near-collision at Nice airport - Following a near-collision at Nice Airport on the 21st of September, MP Eric Ciotti has urged Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu to suspend all Nouvelair flights in France, citing safety concerns. In a formal letter, Ciotti argues that the Tunisian airline’s error, landing on the wrong runway, could have caused a major disaster. He also called for a full investigation into the company’s safety and training standards before any flights resume.

Prince Albert II of Monaco takes part in climate round table – HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco has joined Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tony Blair, and other global figures for a high-level climate roundtable in New York alongside the UN General Assembly. The event, last week, hosted by the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative and the Tony Blair Institute, focused on mobilising nature, technology, and non-state actors in the climate fight. Prince Albert called for greater trust, innovation, and community-led action to drive meaningful progress.

Awareness to major risks – Meanwhile, in a bid to raise awareness of major risks like floods, fires, and earthquakes, nearly 2,700 illustrated safety booklets are being distributed to CM1 and CM2 pupils across the Estérel Côte d’Azur area. Launched in Les Adrets, the initiative aims to create “informed citizens” by teaching children how to react in emergencies. The fun, interactive guide includes games, advice, and emergency tips. Officials hope the children will share their knowledge at home and help save lives.

New online service – Finally, Monaco has introduced a new online service allowing individuals to create sole trader businesses via the MonGuichet.mc platform. The government says the tool offers a fast, secure, and transparent process, accessible 24/7. Developed by the Economic Development Department and the Digital Transition Delegation, the service aims to streamline administrative tasks.

Business

YouTube has agreed to pay $24.5 million (£18.6m) to settle a lawsuit filed by Donald Trump after the platform suspended his account following the 6th of January 2021 Capitol riot. The settlement, from parent company Alphabet, follows similar payouts from Facebook and X. Trump had accused the platforms of political bias and censoring conservative voices. Social media firms said the suspension was due to concerns he could incite further violence.

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has announced plans to cut certain taxes to boost employment as part of the 2026 budget. Speaking at a meeting with coalition leaders, he called for an open debate on tax fairness, while stressing the need to protect growth and reduce public spending. Lecornu ruled out key left-wing proposals, including a wealth tax and reversing pension reforms, but said some taxes may rise as others fall. Talks with parties and unions continue this week ahead of the finance bill debate.

And – A Chinese national has pleaded guilty at Southwark Crown Court to laundering over £5bn in stolen cryptocurrency, believed to be the largest crypto seizure in the world. Between 2014 and 2017, over 128,000 people in China fell victim to the fraud. The instigator fled to the UK using false documents and attempted to launder the money through property purchases.

Sport

Football – In the Premier League Everton managed a 1-1 draw against West Ham on Monday evening. It was Nuno's first game in charge of the Hammers after replacing Graham Potter.

Tennis - World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz came from behind to beat Casper Ruud 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in Tokyo, setting up a final against Taylor Fritz.  This marks his 66th win this season and makes him the fourth man after Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic to reach nine consecutive ATP finals.

Formula One - Lewis Hamilton shared the heartbreaking news that he had to put his 12-year-old bulldog, Roscoe, to sleep. Roscoe was hospitalized with pneumonia and on life support since Friday. Hamilton missed a Formula 1 tyre test to be with him. Hamilton told his 40.8 million Instagram followers it was the hardest decision of his life to say goodbye.

Weather

Plenty of sunshine, feeling cooler with highs of 22 degrees in Monaco, 23 degrees in Nice and Marseille. This evening going down to 15 degrees with clear skies. The outlook for tomorrow and Thursday, thundery showers and highs of 21 degrees.

Sunrise 07.26am                              Sunset 07.12pm

And Finally

Congratulations! to athlete Tom Constant who has set a new record by crossing the Mediterranean sea solo on a foil board, traveling from Palavas-les-Flots near Montpellier to Hyères. He covered 199.2 km in 7 hours and 36 minutes, powered only by his leg strength. Constant undertook the challenge with minimal gear: a watch, some food, and water. The decision to attempt the crossing came just two days prior, when favourable conditions presented themselves. This feat highlights both endurance and skill in an extreme solo marine adventure.

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French and Riviera News Tuesday 30th September 2025

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