French and Riviera News Wednesday 10th May 2023

News

Cross checks between tax services and airlines to battle tax evasion - After announcing on Tuesday plans to crack down on tax evasion the French government has spoken of the introduction of cross-checks of data between the tax service and airline companies. The objective would be to identify fraudsters who declare to reside abroad and "who therefore do not pay their taxes in France", verifying the time spent on national territory. The checks would not be automatic but would be carried out when there is a doubt. The measures against tax evasion presented this week will be followed at the end of the month with measures set out by the government to battle social security fraud.

Missing person - Police in the Var have launched an appeal for witnesses after the worrying disappearance of a 77-year-old man who suffers from Alzheimer. Serge Chabriel was last seen on Sunday afternoon in La Valette-du-Var. Described as having grey hair, brown eyes and of slim build, Serge was at the time wearing a turquoise tracksuit jacket and black trousers. Anyone with any information is invited to contact the police services via 04.98.03.53.79 or 17.

Deaths of two pensioners - More details have emerged on the deaths of two pensioners, whose bodies were discovered at their home in Grasse at the weekend.  They were discovered by their nurse on Saturday morning, with fatal injuries on the upper part of their bodies, the house completely ransacked, and their car stolen. Yesterday afternoon, police arrested a 32-year-old man in the stolen vehicle in Le Cannet. The man, who is known to police from 18 previous convictions, is to undergo psychiatric evaluation, while autopsies are carried out on the bodies of the 76 and 84-year-old victims.

Violence - Two violent incidents have been reported in Nice on Monday night. The first involved a 25-year-old man who was stabbed in front of the Negressco Hotel around 1am. Also, more gunshots were fired for the second consecutive night in the Moulins district of the city. The deputy Mayor of Nice Anthony Borré, said the gun shots are in response to massive police operations in the area. He is calling for measures, including sending in the army, to calm matters, while Eric Ciotti said we must use all means necessary to reclaim the area of lawlessness.

Good news for schools in France - Good news for schools as France announced on Tuesday, a €1 billion euro investment into vocational schools. The plan includes smaller class sizes, a wider range of courses, better training for teachers, and an increase in apprenticeship opportunities. It’s hoped the investment will reduce drop-out rates and enable better professional integration for students with interests outside of high school or university education.

Toulon tunnel closed - The Toulon tunnel has been closed to motorists in both directions following a technical problem. The incident occurred on Tuesday lunchtime as diversions were set up. VINCI Autoroutes' technical teams intervened however the incident, caused long tail backs in both directions heading both towards Nice and Marseille.

Nice to Montreal - Direct flights between Nice and Montreal for the 2023 summer season are set to resume. Air Canada announced on Tuesday May 9th the return of its seasonal connection with direct flights offered four times a week. Flights will be available up to four times a week from May 12th to October 27th, 2023. It’s the airline's fourth non-stop service from mainland France this summer, adding to existing flights from Paris Charles de Gaulle to Toronto and Montreal.

Hotel prices explode due to Rugby World Cup in September - The price for a night in a hotel in Nice in September has exploded due to the Rugby World Cup. According to reports there has been a 200% increase from September 16th to 24th due to the Rugby World Cup being held at the Allianz Riviera making it impossible to find a night for two for less than 100 euros.

Top Marques Monaco - This year’s edition of the supercar show Top Marques Monaco was presented on Tuesday, at a press conference held at the Monte-Carlo Casino. This year promises to once again offer a truly remarkable window into the world of the luxury supercar industry and more. This year’s 18th edition is on from the 7th to the 11th June at the Grimaldi Forum. For more information and tickets go to topmarquesmonaco.com. Stayed tuned to riviera radio!

Should the ramparts of Antibes be completely or partially pedestrianised? - Nice Matin has launched a questionnaire for residents in Antibes over whether traffic should be completely banned from the city’s ramparts. As the end of work being carried out on the Amiral de Grasse promenade approaches the debate is that after several months of the lack of traffic, should the ramparts be completely or partially pedestrianised. The initial plan was to reopen the road to traffic after the renovation of the Promenade Amiral-de-Grasse. But there are now two options firstly the ramparts are completely closed to traffic (except for emergency services, residents, deliveries, etc.), or secondly, the partial one with traffic authorized during the day and the ramparts closed to from 5 p.m. to allow people to walk around. The questionnaire is available at www.https://www.nicematin.com/vie-locale/faut-il-restreindre-la-circulation-des-voitures-sur-les-remparts-d-antibes-donnez-nous-votre-avis--846362

Change in temperature – After above normal temperatures for the season last week, the weather is set to change today Wednesday 10th May, throughout France. Météo France has predicted a drop in temperatures and rainfall due to a “polar air descent” from the North Pole. The particularly cold air coming directly from the North Pole will spread throughout France, causing temperatures to drop sharply and showers in different regions. Maximum temperatures will be 5 degrees lower than normal for the season. In our region temperatures will drop with an average of 17 degrees in Nice, not exceeding 20 degrees in the Alpes-Maritimes and Var.

Business

Goldman Sachs will pay $215m (£170.5m) to settle claims that it discriminated against women, offering female staff lower pay and fewer opportunities. The agreement comes a month before the long-running class-action lawsuit was due to come to trial. It resolves claims from about 2,800 female staff who worked at the bank in the US. Goldman will work with outside experts to analyse its pay patterns and methods of promotion as part of the deal.

Ryanair has agreed a $40bn (£31bn) deal with Boeing that will see it purchase up to 300 new aircraft over the next decade. Half of the 737-MAX-10 order has been described as firm, with the remaining being options. The airline claims this is the largest order ever placed by an Irish company for US manufactured goods. Phased deliveries will start in 2027 and run until 2033, with half of the new purchases set to replace older aircraft in the Ryanair fleet, boosting efficiency and cutting emissions.

And - The boss of John Lewis will face a vote of confidence today, amid growing staff anger at her leadership. It comes after Dame Sharon White said she was considering selling a stake in the retailer, meaning it would no longer fully owned by its employees. John Lewis is seeking to revive growth after posting a huge loss last year and suspending its staff bonus.

Sport

Football - Manchester City managed a Champions League semi-final first-leg 1-1 draw at Real Madrid last night. This evening AC Milan play Inter Milan kick off is at 9pm French time.

Cricket - England fast bowler Jofra Archer has returned home early from the Indian Premier League, just five weeks before the first Ashes Test begins. The 28-year-old has been struggling with a long-term elbow injury and has made just five appearances for Mumbai Indians this year, taking two wickets. The England and Wales Cricket Board said Archer would undergo a "period of rest and rehabilitation". The first Test against Australia takes place from 16-20 June.

Rugby Union - Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend is determined to stick with his attacking approach after signing a contract extension until April 2026. Townsend, 50, has been in charge since 2017 and his previous deal was due to expire after this autumn's World Cup. Scotland finished third in the Six Nations and have risen to their highest place of fifth in the world rankings.

Weather

Mostly cloudy. Rather unsettled with thundery showers forecast in Nice and Monaco, light showers and winds in Vence. Sunny with a fresh breeze in Saint-Tropez. Highs of between 20-22 degrees. This evening going down to 10 degrees inland and 14 degrees along the coast.

The outlook for tomorrow and Friday. Cold spell forecast with a drop in temperatures. Highs of 19 and risk of showers.

Sunrise       06.10am

Sunset        08.43pm

Sea temperature         17.4 degrees.

UV level                        0

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