National News
France recalls ambassador amid diplomatic row with Algeria - France has recalled its ambassador to Algeria and announced the expulsion of 12 Algerian diplomats, mirroring Algeria’s decision to expel 12 French officials. The move follows Algeria’s response to the arrest and detention of an Algerian consular official in France. On Sunday, Algerian authorities gave the French officials 48 hours to leave the country. The Élysée called Algeria’s decision “unjustified and incomprehensible” and confirmed that the expelled French staff are now returning home.
SNCF strike: What to expect from May 5th - Train controllers and drivers at SNCF are set to strike from May 5th over demands for better pay and working conditions. The strike, led by three unions—SUD-Rail, Force Ouvrière, and CGT-Cheminots—will impact the long weekend of May 8th, a busy travel period in France. The unions are calling for better working conditions, higher bonuses, and changes to scheduling software, which they say disrupts operations. Drivers also want their pay to be reviewed due to increased workloads. It’s still unclear how much disruption there will be, as not all unions are participating in the strike. SNCF management is hopeful that social dialogue will prevent major disruptions, but with the holiday period approaching, passengers will need to stay updated.
Local News
System to prevent illegal immigration at Italian border - Since November 2023, former police officers have been conducting intelligence-gathering debriefings with migrants at the Menton border between France and Italy. This experimental system, aimed at preventing illegal immigration and terrorism, involves pairs of retired officers questioning certain migrants to assess potential security threats. The process is voluntary, focusing on motivations for crossing the border and signs of radicalization. For example, a 19-year-old Algerian man, arrested while crossing into France, was questioned about his past, revealing links to drug trafficking. The debriefers, working in shifts, are trained in detecting radicalization and terrorism connections. This initiative, part of a broader security effort, could serve as a model for other border areas in France.
New route: Nice to Bucharest starts April 17th – From tomorrow, Thursday, April 17, 2025, AnimaWings will launch a new direct flight from Nice Côte d'Azur Airport to Bucharest, Romania. The airline, which started just five years ago, will operate two flights per week throughout the summer. Flights are scheduled for Thursdays and Sundays, with tickets priced between 85 and 189 euros, depending on the season. They’re already available for booking.
Weather Warning - The Alpes-Maritimes and the Var have been placed on a yellow weather alert for rain and flooding this Wednesday, April 16th. Stormy weather is expected throughout the day, with continuous rain. Météo France issued the alert at 6:00 a.m., which will remain in place until midnight, and could be extended. Caution is advised, particularly when traveling, as flood risks are higher, especially around Puget-Théniers. Temperatures will peak at 16°C along the coast and around 13°C inland, so be prepared for cool and wet conditions.
Filming in Nice – Finally, Filming for the TF1 series Summer of '36 continues in Nice, causing traffic disruptions, especially around the Promenade des Anglais near the Negresco. Crews are setting up 1930s-era sets, with filming taking place at several locations including the Quai des États-Unis and Lycée Masséna. Traffic restrictions and street closures are in effect. From now until April 26th, parking is banned on parts of Rue de Rivoli and Rue du Commandant Berretta. On specific days, roads like the Promenade des Anglais will be closed at certain times, such as this Friday, April 18, from midnight to 4:30am. Filming will continue in Nice until the end of April, with some locations in the Alpes-Maritimes used until mid-May.
Business
China has warned that Trump’s tariffs could further strain its already sluggish economy, despite a 5.4% year-on-year growth in the first quarter. The figure exceeded expectations but reflects a period before US tariffs on Chinese goods jumped from 10% to 145%. In response, China has imposed 125% tariffs on US imports. President Xi Jinping is currently in Malaysia, strengthening ties with key Southeast Asian trade partners. Last week, Trump announced a 90-day pause on tariff increases for all countries – except China.
Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg has defended the company’s acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp during his second day of testimony in a major monopoly case brought by the US Federal Trade Commission. FTC lawyers questioned whether Meta could have created a rival to Instagram instead of buying it. “We could have built an app,” Zuckerberg said. “Whether it would have succeeded is speculative.”
France’s Prime Minister François Bayrou has said that France must urgently cut its budget deficit to face growing global instability, including an aggressive Russia and a trade war sparked by US President Trump. Speaking on Tuesday Bayrou warned that Trump’s tariffs and rejection of long-time allies have shaken global trust. He added that France’s rising debt and larger deficits, compared to other European countries has left it exposed.
And - According to the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) global wine consumption fell in 2024 to its lowest level in over 60 years. Sales dropped 3.3% to 214.2 million hectolitres, the lowest since 1961. Production also hit a new low, down 4.8% to 225.8 million hectolitres. The OIV said the decline was driven by changing drinking habits, health concerns, and rising prices — the average bottle now costs around 30% more than in 2019–20. Consumption has fallen 12% since then. In the US, the world’s biggest wine market, consumption fell nearly 6%. Europe saw a 2.8% drop overall, with France down 3.6%. China’s sales remain below pre-Covid levels. Spain and Portugal were among the few markets where drinking increased.
Sport
Football- Aston Villa came agonizingly close to a stunning Champions League comeback against PSG, ultimately falling short on a dramatic night at Villa Park. Villa led 3-2 pushing for a fourth, but three superb saves from Donnarumma denied them. PSG held on and will face Arsenal or Real Madrid in the semi-final.
In the Premier League this evening Newcastle are at home to Crystal Palace. Kick off is at 8.30pm French time.
Tennis - British No. 4 Harriet Dart has apologised after asking the umpire to tell French opponent Lois Boisson to "put on deodorant" during her 6-0 6-3 loss at the Rouen Open. Dart later called the comment a “heat-of-the-moment” mistake and said she regretted it. Boisson appeared unfazed and later joked on Instagram, posting a photo of herself holding deodorant and tagging Dove.
Cycling – Belgian police have confirmed that the person who spat on cyclist Mathieu van der Poel during the E3 Saxo Bank Classic has been identified and fined. Van der Poel was leading solo with 30km to go when the incident happened. The culprit admitted the act and faces a fine of up to €350, with no further legal action.
Weather
Rain with some thundery showers and moderate winds. Highs of 17 degrees in Nice and Toulon, 15 degrees in Monaco, 16 degrees in Mougins, 14 degrees in Saint-Tropez. This evening going down to 13 degrees along the coast with cloudy skies.
The outlook for tomorrow and Friday. Showers tomorrow with a fresh breeze. Sunshine forecast for Friday with a gentle breeze and highs of 17 degrees.
Sunrise 06.45am
Sunset 08.15pm
Weather elsewhere
London 16° sunny.
Paris 17° sunny intervals.
Bordeaux 16° sunny intervals.
Train Disruption Between Grasse and Cannes.
Train traffic is currently disrupted this Wednesday morning between Grasse and Cannes due to an obstructi...
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France has recalled its ambassador to Algeria and announced the expulsion of 12 Algerian diplomats, mirroring Algeria’s decision to expel 12 French of...
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Rain with some thundery showers and moderate winds. Highs of 17 degrees in Nice and Toulon, 15 degrees in Monaco, 16 degrees in Mougins, 14 degrees in...
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French justice Minister Gerald Darmanin has arrived in Toulon to support prison officers in the city. It follows an incident last night during which a...
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France is weighing its response after Algeria ordered 12 French embassy staff to leave the country within 48 hours, following the arrest of an Algeria...
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