News
Trump criticises France over ‘unfair’ taxation policies - US President Donald Trump has taken aim at France during a Fox News interview this week, saying that the United States has “had a lot of problems with the French”. The remark came as presenter Laura Ingraham questioned Trump about Chinese students in US universities. Interrupting her, Trump said: “Do you think the French are better, really? I’m not so sure.” He went on to accuse France of taxing US technology companies unfairly, adding: “We’ve had a lot of problems with the French where we get taxed unfairly on our technology.” Trump has previously threatened to impose tariffs on countries introducing digital taxes that he considers “discriminatory” towards American firms. Relations between Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron have long been described as volatile, alternating between displays of camaraderie and sharp disagreements over issues such as climate policy, Palestinian statehood, and defence spending within NATO.
Body of missing woman found near railway tracks in Carnoules in the Var - The search for Nadège Klopcic, a 46-year-old woman from La Seyne-sur-Mer, ended tragically on Tuesday, 11 November, when her body was discovered by gendarmes near the railway tracks in Carnoules, between Cuers and Le Luc. Nadège had been missing since Sunday evening, when she failed to meet a friend in Pignans. Extensive search operations were launched, involving drones, tracking dogs and local volunteers who gathered around the Pignans station to assist.
According to the Draguignan public prosecutor’s office, early findings suggest an accidental death. Deputy prosecutor Guy Bouchet stated that the body showed no signs of violence or trauma, and there was no indication she was struck by a train. An autopsy will be carried out in the coming days to determine the exact circumstances of her death. The town of Pignans expressed its sorrow on social media, saying the community was plunged into “great sadness” following the news.
Major anti-drug operations sweep the Côte d’Azur - Police, customs and gendarmerie units have carried out a series of major anti-drug operations across the Côte d’Azur in recent days, resulting in multiple arrests and large seizures of narcotics. In Nice’s Moulins district, officers seized 2.5 kg of drugs — including cocaine and cannabis resin — and arrested two suspects caught supplying a local dealing point. At La Turbie, customs officers discovered over 120 kg of cannabis hidden inside vehicles registered in Spain. Two separate interceptions revealed elaborate concealment systems under carpets and inside car doors. A large-scale operation on 8 November, led by the Cannes gendarmerie company, resulted in six arrests and the seizure of 170 kg of cannabis resin and several weapons. The investigation, which spanned four months, linked the suspects to trafficking networks operating between Menton, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Mougins and Marseille. Separately, a network running between Cannes and Antibes was dismantled following an inquiry by the Grasse prosecutor’s office. Seven suspects were detained, and police seized cannabis, cocaine, €12,510 in cash, communication equipment and a vehicle. One individual has already been sentenced to 10 years in prison, while others await trial. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot reaffirmed France’s determination to combat the rise in European drug trafficking, announcing plans to open a regional anti-crime academy in the Dominican Republic next year to train investigators and customs officers in partnership with Colombia.
EasyJet Founder donates record 730,000 tins to Restos du Cœur - In an unprecedented act of generosity, Stelios Haji-Ioannou, the Monaco-based founder of easyJet, has donated 730,000 tins of food to the Restos du Cœur for distribution across the Alpes-Maritimes and Var. The tins, produced by Bonduelle and delivered from northern France, represent a full year’s supply for the charity’s 19 centres in the Alpes-Maritimes — a first for the region. Haji-Ioannou, who visited the Nice centre on Tuesday, made the donation through his Stelios Philanthropic Foundation and pledged to continue his support. The need is growing: last year, the Restos du Cœur distributed 2.3 million meals to 22,000 people, a 35% increase on the previous year.
Monaco’s economy hits record €10.28 billion in 2024 - Monaco’s economy grew by 8.8% in real terms in 2024, reaching a record GDP of €10.28 billion, the highest in the Principality’s history, according to new data from IMSEE. It marks the fourth consecutive year of post-Covid growth and what the statistics body calls a “particularly dynamic year” across most sectors.
Growth outpaced both European and global averages, with Monaco’s GDP up 53% in real terms since 2015, compared to +28% globally. The scientific and technical services, financial and insurance, and wholesale trade sectors generated more than half of total GDP, each recording double-digit gains. The hospitality sector saw the fastest growth (+22.2%) amid continued recovery in tourism and events. Employment reached a record 60,700 private-sector jobs, up 3.6%, while GDP per capita surpassed €100,000 for the first time. VAT revenues rose by 12.2%, topping €2.3 billion, driven by strong domestic activity. Although CO₂ emissions increased by 3.4% to 102,000 tonnes, Monaco’s carbon intensity fell by 5.1%, continuing a trend of improved environmental efficiency. IMSEE cautioned, however, that GDP remains heavily concentrated in a few sectors and that only half of Monaco’s major industries recorded broad-based growth across output, employment, and hours worked.
International School of Monaco shortlisted for Global Education Award - The International School of Monaco (ISM) has been shortlisted for the Tes Awards for International Schools 2025, recognising its innovative use of technology in teaching and learning. Selected from nearly 600 global entries, ISM is one of only eight schools worldwide nominated for Best Use of Technology. Judges praised its “inspiring” approach to digital learning, placing it alongside leading institutions from India, Qatar and the UAE. Founded in 1994, ISM now educates more than 850 students of 63 nationalities and is featured in both the Spear’s Top 100 Schools Index and the Carfax Education Schools Index. Its tech facilities include floor-to-ceiling touchscreens and virtual reality tools that enhance classroom engagement. Winners of the Tes Awards will be announced next month.
Saharan dust to sweep across the French Riviera this week - Residents of the French Riviera are being advised to hold off on washing their cars and windows, as strong winds are set to carry sand from the Sahara over the region in the coming days. According to meteorologists, the phenomenon, linked to storm Claudia, will bring exceptionally mild weather, with temperatures around 3°C above seasonal norms, as well as gusty winds and a “cloudy, dusty” sky. From today, Wednesday 12th of November, a south wind is expected to lift desert dust across Europe, giving the sky a yellowish, ochre tint until the weekend. The sand deposits are likely to leave a fine film on vehicles and buildings. Forecasters also warn that air quality may deteriorate, posing potential issues for people sensitive to pollution. Similar Saharan dust events have become more frequent in recent years, with one in March 2024 turning skies over the Côte d’Azur an unusual golden hue.
US President Donald Trump has taken aim at France during a Fox News interview this week, saying that the United States has “had a lot of problems with...
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Numerous commemorative ceremonies for Armistice Day have been held in our region and throughout France...
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Police are searching for Nadège, a woman who disappeared on Sunday evening after suffering a puncture on a roadside near Pignans, in the Var region. A...
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Nicolas Sarkosy is set to be released from prison after a decision by the Paris Court of Appeal this afternoon. He has been incarcerated for the past ...
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A 27-year-old runner from Alsace has died after collapsing just 100 metres from the finish line of the Nice–Cannes Marathon on Sunday, 9 November 2025...
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