French and Riviera News Tuesday 3rd December 2019

Local

State of natural disaster declared - As the Riviera recovers from the torrential rains which have hit the region in the last week, 82 communes in the Var and 66 in the Alpes Maritimes have been recognized as a “state of natural disaster”. Victims of the bad weather have 10 days to make an insurance declaration. 

List of municipalities which have obtained recognition in the Var:

Adrets-de-l'Estérel (Les), Arcs (Les), Aups, Barjols, Bastide (La), Bauduen, Belgentier, Bormes-les-Mimosas, Arms, Brignoles, Cabasse, Callian, Cannet-des-Maures (The) ), Carcès, Carnoules, Celle (La), Châteauvert, Cogolin, Collobrières, Correns, Cotignac, Crau (La), Draguignan, Entrecasteaux, Esparron, Évenos, Fayence, Flayosc, Fox-Amphoux, Fréjus, Garéoult, Gonfaron, Grimaud, Lorgues, Luc (The), Mayons (Les), Mazaugues, Méounes-lès-Montrieux, Moissac-Bellevue, Montauroux, Montfort-sur-Argens, Montmeyan, Muy (The), Néoules, Ollières, Pierrefeu-du-Var, Plan -Aups-Sainte-Baume, Pourcieux, Puget-sur-Argens, Puget-Ville, Régusse, Revest-les-Eaux (The), Rians, Rocbaron, Roquebrune-sur-Argens, Roquebrussanne (La), Rougiers, Saint -Antonin-du-Var, Sainte-Maxime, Saint-Julien, Saint-Martin-de-Pallières, Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, Saint-Paul-en-Forêt, Saint-Raphael, Saint-Zacharie, Salernes , Seillons-Source-d'Argens, Signs, Sillans-la-Cascade, Solliès-Pont, Solliès-Toucas, Sol Liès-Ville, Tanneron, Taradeau, Taverns, Thoronet (The), Tourves, Trans-en-Provence, Val (The), Varages, Vidauban, Wines-on-Caramy.

Alpes Maritimes

1. Aiglun; 2. Andon; 3. Antibes; 4. Aspremont 5. Auribeau-sur-Siagne 6. Bar-sur-Loup 7. Berre-les-Alpes 8. Biot 9. Blausasc 10. Bouyon 11. Briançonnet 12. Le Broc 13. Cagnes-sur-Mer 14. Cannes 15. The Cannet16. Cap d'Ail 17. Carros 18. Caussols 19. Châteauneuf-Grasse 20. Coaraze 21. La Colle-sur-Loup 22. Colomars 23. Caignres 24. Drap 25. Escarene 26. Escragnolles 27. Falicon 28. Ferres 29. Guys 30 31. Gaeste 32. Gilete 33. Grasse 34. Levens 35. Mandelieu-la-Napoule 36. Mas 37. Menton 38. Mouans-Sartoux 39. Mougins 40. Nice 41. Opio 42. Pégomas 43. Peille 44 Peymeinade 45. Pierrefeu 46. Roquestéron 47. Roquete-sur-Siagne 48. Saint-André-de-la-Roche 49. Saint-Auban 50. Saint-Blaise 51. Saint-Cézaire-sur-Siagne 52. Saint-Jeannet 53. Saint-Martn-du-Var 54. Saint-Paul-de-Vence 55. Saint-Vallier-de-Vence Thiey 56. Théoule-sur-Mer 57. Toudon 58. Tourrete-Levens 59. Tourretes-sur-Loup 60. La Trinité 61. Utelle 62. Valbonne 63. Vallauris 64. Vence 65. Villefranche-sur-Mer 66. Villeneuve- Loubet.Communes d'Aiglun (2), Andon (2), Antibes, Aspremont (2), Auribeau-sur-Siagne, Bar-sur-Loup (The), Berre-les-Alpes, Biot, Blausasc, Bouyon (2) ), Briançonnet, Broc (Le), Cagnes-sur-Mer, Cannes, Cannet (Le), Cap d'Ail, Carros, Caussols, Chateauneuf-Grasse, Coaraze, Colle-sur-Loup (La), Colomars, Cuébris (1), Cloth, Escarene (L '), Escragnolles (1), Falicon (2), Ferres (The) (1), Guys (1), Gattières, Gaude (La), Gilette, Grasse, Levens, Mandelieu- la-Napoule, Mas (Le) (1), Menton (1), Mouans-Sartoux (3), Mougins, Nice, Opio (2), Pégomas, Peille, Peymeinade (2), Pierrefeu (1), Roquestéron, Roquette -sur-Siagne (La), Saint-André-de-la-Roche (2), Saint-Au ban (1), Saint-Blaise, Saint-Cézaire-sur-Siagne (1), Saint-Jeannet, Saint-Martin-du-Var, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey (2) , Théoule-sur-Mer (2), Toudon, Tourrette-Levens, Tourrettes-sur-Loup, Trinity (La), Utelle, Valbonne (2), Vallauris, Vence, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Villeneuve-Loubet.

Electricity – Meanwhile nearly 2,000 household have been without electricity on Monday night following the torrential rainfall on Sunday. The French electricity board Enedis has announced that due to flooding, certain areas of the Var and the Alpes Maritimes “were not accessible due to safety reasons”. Customers can contact the company on 09 726 750 plus the number of your department.

And a Facebook page has been set up by Nice-Matin and Var-Matin to help the victims of the bad weather with volunteers offering to help clean up homes and beaches as well as offer food and clothing.

On the region’s roads, the RN7 has been closed until further notice on the Var/Alpes Maritimes border because of the partial collapse of the Saint-Jean bridge near Frejus. The reopening of the southbound Paillon penetrate in Nice has been delayed because of the bad weather. The road had been closed for repairs after the floods of the previous weekend and the authorities have said that extra work will now have to be done. The road was originally scheduled to re-open today, but it’s now thought this will be delayed to the end of the week. Meanwhile, road access to Isola2000 has been cut off due to a landslide. At the moment, it’s not known when the RM 97 will reopen.

The head of the Alpes Maritimes branch of the CGT union has predicted "a very strong mobilization” and participation at a high level in this Thursday’s national day of strike action. Disruption on Thursday is expected to be widespread, with train and bus drivers, Air France pilots, air traffic controllers, electricity supply workers, truck drivers, oil refineries, teachers, students, police officers, lawyers, judges and street-cleaners all threatening to stay out of work for an indefinite period.

Warning against Nice airport extension - A citizen debate has shown the union of many local associations in Nice warning of the “harm on the environment” concerning the project for the extension of terminal 2 of the Nice Côte d’Azur Airport. Following the meeting a letter has been sent to the Prefect who is expected to validate, or not, the building permit for the extension in the coming weeks.

National

13 soldiers killed in Mali - French President Emmanuel Macron has honored the 13 soldiers who were killed in Mali while on a mission. Some 2500 people gathered at courtyard of the Hotel National des Invalides in Paris to attend the ceremony on Monday.

The head of state honored "the fate of thirteen French", in presence of some 2,500 people, including the families of the victims, and politicians including former presidents François Hollande and Nicolas Sarkozy.

Nato unity - British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to call for Nato unity amid growing tensions within the military bloc. A summit to mark the founding of the 29-member defence alliance 70 years ago gets underway near London today. The gathering is however, overshadowed by a bitter row between France and Turkey, and a continuing debate over money. Last month, French President Emmanuel Macron described Nato as "brain dead", saying alliance members were no longer co-operating on a range of key issues.

Buisness

The US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer has said that tariffs are being prepared on 2.4 billion dollars of French exports in retaliation against the country’s new digital services tax.

Mr Lighthizer says that the new French tax unfairly targets American tech giants and that potential tariffs are intended to deter other nations from taking similar steps.

French lawmakers approved the new digital tax in July but Mr Lighthizer says that America will not stand and watch tax regimes that discriminate or otherwise impose undue burdens on US companies without taking action.

Items that could face tariffs at rates of up to 100 percent include French cheese, champagne and other sparkling wines , make-up and handbags.

The potential tariffs will now go to period of public consultation before an investigation into French tax practices is concluded.

France says that digital taxes should be based on activity and not just where firms have their headquarters.

Asian stocks have fallen this morning after President Trump stunned markets with tariffs on imports from Brazil and Argentina.

The move has fuelled concerns about global trade tensions while weak US factory data has added to the gloom.

In a series of tweets on Monday ,Mr Trump said that he would impose tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from Brazil and Argentina because of what he said was “massive devaluation of their currencies”.

Contrary to his remarks ,both countries have been attempting to strengthen their currencies against the dollar.

Analysts say that Mr Trump’s latest remarks are adding to market uncertainty with the 16 month old trade war between China and the US already rattling the nerves of investors.

On Monday ,China announced that US military ships and aircraft won’t be allowed to visit Hong Hong  and said that sanctions would be imposed against several US non-governmental organisations for encouraging protestors to “engage in extremist ,violent and criminal acts”.

And-Cyber Monday is set to deliver record US sales with estimates saying that some 9.4 billion dollars was spent in 24 hours yesterday.

A report by Adobe Analytics also found that Black Friday raked in a record 7.4 billion dollars in the US.

The bumper sales come amid criticism from activists over the environmental impacts of the annual shopping sprees.

The Adobe report which measures transactions from 80 of the top 100 US online retailers found that the biggest selling items on Black Friday were Frozen 2 toys ,FIFA 20 video games and L.O.L Surprise Dolls.

This year’s event also set a new record for shopping from mobile phones with 2.9 billion dollars of sales coming from smartphones.

Sport

Cricket-The second Test between New Zealand and England in Hamilton has ended in a draw.

England were unable to prize any more second innings New Zealand wickets before rain ended play early on the final day with the home side on 241 for 2.

Skipper Kane Williamson ended on 104 with Ross Taylor on 102.

New Zealand win the series 1-0.

England now fly home before starting a 4 match Test series in South Africa while New Zealand are off to Australia for a Test series.

Football-The draw for the third round of the FA Cup has been made in England with the top match a Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton.

Championship promotion hopefuls Leeds travel to troubled Arsenal while the holders Manchester City play Port Vale of League 2.

Manchester United will visit Wolves while the lowest ranked team left in the competition AFC Fylde of the National League visit Sheffield United of the Premier League.

Ties will be played between the 3rd and 6th of January.

There are two games in the English Premier League tonight.Crystal Palace play Bournemouth and Burnley host Manchester City.

Motorsport-Fernando Alonso says that he’s committed to a third attempt to win the Indianapolis 500 and hasn’t ruled out a return to Formula 1.

The 38 year old said that he hadn’t yet decided which team to race for in the Indy 500 but that he will definitely be doing it.

He also said that he would be open to a return to Formula 1 in 2021 at the age of 40 but that his immediate focus was on the Indy 500.

Alonso is hoping to become only the second man after Graham Hill to complete Motorsport’s triple crown of winning the Monaco Grand Prix,the Indy 500 and the Le Mans 24 hour race.

Tennis-The 20 time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer is to become the first living person to be celebrated on a coin in his native Switzerland.

The Swiss Federal Mint is to release a 20 franc silver commemorative coin in January and plans to add a 50 franc gold coin next summer.

Federer said that it was an incredible honour and a privilege.

Boxing-Anthony Joshua says that he has “reinvented” himself ahead of his crunch heavyweight fight against Andy Ruiz Jr in Saudi Arabia on Saturday night.

Joshua ,who lost his 3 heavyweight titles when he lost to Ruiz in June says that he’s “checked his approach” after the defeat and is confident of getting his belts back.

Reports says that he’s been sparring well over the past few days  and he says that he feels “different” and confident.

Weather.

Clear skies with moderate westerly winds.

Top temperature 17 degrees.

Overnight lows of 8 degrees on the coast and 6 degrees inland with clear skies.

Wednesday and Thursday-Partially cloudy with highs of 15-16 degrees.

Finally 

Motorists are being warned that singing while they drive could see them charged with driving without due care and attention, as well as if they are caught playing music too loud

Drivers who enjoy singing along in their cars could be hit in the pocket with a £5,000 fine for “carelessness”.

It comes after motorists have already been warned that playing their music too loud could also be fined for causing noise pollution.

Giving a rendition of your favourite songs could see you hit with charges of driving without due care and attention or even dangerous driving.

And if your performances see you involved in an accident you could be hit with a £5,000 fine and nine points on your licence.

Motorists have also been warned this Christmas that going overboard with trifle could see them fail a drink drive test. 

Top Best In-Car Sing-Along Songs

  • “Sweet Caroline” – Neil Diamond.
  • “Dancing Queen” – ABBA.
  • “Don't Stop Believin'” – The Journey.
  • “I Will Survive” – Gloria Gaynor.
  • “Wonderwall” – Oasis.
  • “Hotel California” – The Eagles.
  • “Hey Jude” – The Beatles.
  • “Eye of the Tiger” – Survivor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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