News
France’s plan to crack down on tax evasion - The French government is to present today Tuesday 9th May, its battle plan against tax evasion. Gabriel Attal plans to harden sanctions and increase the efficiency of tracking down tax evaders.
Efforts will be concentrated on the most serious cases with the intention to alleviate the pressure on small fraudsters. Last year the fight against tax evasion enabled the State to recover the record amount of 14.6 billion euros in taxes and penalties but the Head of State wishes to go further. The plan will see the creation in 2025 of tighter rules and controls and within five year an increase of 25% in the number of tax audits on the largest assets. Currently in France tax evasion is estimated at between 30 and 100 billion euros.
The main philosophy of the government's plan is to concentrate on the biggest fraudsters and, conversely, to ease the pressure on the smallest ones. Speaking to French media Gabriel Attal said that the government’s priority is “to make the ultra-rich and the multinationals who defraud pay what they owe” he added that “each fraud is serious, but that of the most powerful is unforgivable".
Fruit and veg prices stabilised in France - Surveys carried out by FranceAgrimer, in large and medium sized food stores in France have shown that unlike other food products, fruit and vegetable prices have tended to stabilize or even fall over the past year. In recent months, food has become the main driver of inflation ahead of energy. But not all food products are affected in the same way. If fruits and vegetables are less exposed to inflation than other food products, it is mainly due to the weather, which plays a key role in price formation. Temperatures have so far been good for production, with no frost or hail that could have disrupted harvests. France imports 70% of the fruit and 30% of the vegetables that it consumes from countries that charge much lower prices, which encourages French farmers to contain their prices in the face of competition and limit a price increase.
Eric Zemmour son charged following road accident in French capital - The eldest son of French far-right politician Eric Zemmour has been charged following a serious road accident in Paris at the weekend. 26-year-old Hugo Zemmour was indicted on Monday for unintentional injuries resulting in total incapacity for work (ITT) less than or equal to three months. Hugo Zemmour reportedly hit a scooter, seriously injuring its two occupants, on Saturday morning in the 6th arrondissement of Paris. He allegedly caused the accident by refusing priority to the two-wheeler while driving too fast.
Investigation - Police have arrested a man in Grasse in connection with a double homicide. The bodies of two pensioners in their eighties were found in their home on Saturday. According to reports a suspect was spotted fleeing at the wheel of the victim’s car. The investigation continues.
Michelin chefs - Michelin starred chefs from the south-east received their plaques on Monday on the Place des Lices in Saint-Tropez. Amongst a joyful crowd some eighty chefs gathered to collect their 2023 recognition.
Three new stores to open on the Rock - The Rock here in Monaco is set to see a new lease of life with the opening of three new stores in the coming days. It was back in March that local traders wished to change the habits of residents with the introduction of a small weekly market of local produces. The market which is every Friday has proved to be a great success.
Majestic mansion for auction - "La Carrière", a magnificent mansion located in Villefranche-sur-mer, is to be auctioned on May 16th. The starting price is 11 million euros. The majestic mansion dates from 1920 and was built in the stone walls of a fortress. It boasts 6 bedrooms an idyllic setting, breath-taking views and once belonged to Princess Margaret of Denmark, a cousin of Queen Elizabeth II who lived there until her death in 1992.
Brad Pitt practising on the Paul Ricard circuit - American actor Brad Pitt has been spotted practising on the Paul Ricard circuit in Le Castellet in the Var ahead of filming for his next film in Silverstone in July. Pitt was seen driving a Formula 4 at high speed as part of preparation for the film on the world of Formula One. Owner of the Château de Miraval estate in Correns Brad Pitt has often expressed his passion for the Var and its vineyards.
Business
The social media network LinkedIn which focuses on business professionals has become the latest tech firm to axe jobs, closing 716 roles out of a 20,000 workforce. The company will also phase out its local jobs’ app in China. A LinkedIn spokesperson said the firm will keep a presence in China to help companies operating there to hire and train employees outside the country. LinkedIn has been the only major Western social-media platform operating in China. When launched in 2014, the firm had agreed to adhere to the requirements of the Chinese government in order to operate there.
US President Joe Biden says he wants to implement new compensation rules for airline passengers impacted by flight delays or cancellations. The rules would require airlines to pay impacted passengers beyond a ticket refund if the carrier is responsible for the disruption. This may involve covering meals and hotels in the event that travellers are stranded. If implemented, it would be the first measure of its kind in the US.
And - Businesses are being urged to limit the amount of alcohol served at work social events in order to prevent people from acting inappropriately towards others. The warning from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) comes as it releases a new poll, suggesting a third of managers have seen harassment or inappropriate behaviour at parties. Women were more likely than men to say they had witnessed this behaviour.
Sport
Lionel Messi and his World Cup-winning Argentina scored a double by being named Sportsman and Team of the Year at the Laureus World Sports Awards. Messi captained Argentina, scored seven times and won the Golden Ball as his country won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar in December. He is the first athlete to win the team and individual awards in the same year. Sportswoman of the year went to Jamaican sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.
In the Premier League last night Fulham beat Leicester 5-3, Brighton were beaten by Everton 5-1 and Nottingham Forest beat Southampton 4-3 leaving Southampton on the brink of relegation.
In the Champions league semi finals this evening Real Madrid play Manchester City kick off is at 9pm French time.
Cycling - Australian Michael Matthews beat Denmark's Mads Pedersen to win stage three of the Giro d'Italia. Matthews made a sprint for the line after the final corner and held on to take the 216km stage, in five hours one minute 41 seconds.
Formula One - Charles Leclerc says Ferrari are "struggling like crazy" with a car they do not understand this year. Leclerc finished seventh in Sunday's Miami Grand Prix, while team-mate Carlos Sainz dropped from third on the grid to finish fifth.
Weather
Sunny intervals, clouding over by this afternoon with showers forecast for early evening. Highs of 22 degrees in Monaco, Antibes and Saint-Raphael. 20 degrees in Saint-Tropez and 23 degrees in Marseille. This evening going down to 17 degrees along the coast and 12 degrees inland.
The outlook for tomorrow sunny intervals. Thursday showers forecast. Highs of 19-20 degrees.
Sunrise 06.12am
Sunset 08.41pm
Sea Temperature 16.8 degrees.
UV level 0
And Finally
Scientists from the Paris Nanterre University have tested out different ways of winning cats over when it comes to paying you attention. Famous for their independent and aloof nature, the new study revealed that cats responded most quickly to human strangers when they offered vocal and visual cues together, like calling their name while reaching out their hand.
The Côte d'Azur is on alert for a surge in imported cases of dengue fever. Since the beginning of 2024, a record 1,679 imported cases have been record...
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The post-mortem will take place next Monday for a 33-year-old man whose body was recently found in the Var after being missing for more than a month....
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French scientists have been developing technological tools for the past four years to help athletes optimize their training for the Paris 2024 Olympic...
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Nice airport says as many as 60% of flights will be cancelled tomorrow due to a nationwide strike by air traffic controllers....
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After eight months of work and several sea trials, the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle has begun a six-week operation in the Mediterranean, ...
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