News
France’s recently appointed Prime Minister already heavily criticised – It looks like France’s new Prime Minister François Bayrou is already in trouble, as French media has slammed the PM for continuing his duties as mayor of Pau and attending a council meeting on Monday, while there are other emergencies to deal with notably the recent devastation of Mayotte. Bayrou attempted to defend his decision on Tuesday at the National Assembly but faced heavy criticism from MPs. In his defence the new Prime Minister pointed out that he had participated in the crisis meeting on Mayotte by videoconference and that the city of Pau is also France”. However, the president of the National Assembly herself seemed only half convinced.
Devastation in Mayotte - Meanwhile, the search for missing people has continued on the French territory of Mayotte. Large parts of Mayotte’s main island, Grande-Terre, are still cut off from roads, internet and phone networks, as well as electricity and water. While 22 people were officially confirmed to have been killed by the storm in Mayotte, and more than 1,300 injured, officials there said there could be thousands of deaths. The Red Cross said on Tuesday it feared that 200 of its volunteers were missing. Authorities in Mayotte have ordered a 10pm to 4am curfew, starting on Tuesday, citing fears of looting amid reported shortages of food and fuel. France’s President Emmanuel Macron will visit Mayotte on Thursday. He also declared an unspecified period of national mourning.
Brigitte Bardot says that the release of Paul Watson is “a miracle days before Christmas” - French actress Brigitte Bardot has described the release of the environmental activist Paul Watson as “a miracle days before Christmas”. Speaking from her home in St. Tropez, in the Var, on Tuesday afternoon Bardot said she was “immersed with joy”, after the leader of sea shepherd was released. The detention of Watson in Greenland had been extended on December the 3rd until December 18th. The founder of the NGO Sea Shepherd was arrested on July 21st while trying to intercept a Japanese whaling factory ship. Locally, at the end of November, the association “je fais ma part’ had gathered in Saint Tropez, on the port, to support Paul Watson.
Monegasque businessman appears in court following dramatic car crash last weekend - A 40-year-old Monegasque businessman has appeared in court in connection with the dramatic car crash in the early hours of Saturday morning, which resulted in his vehicle bursting into flames and two passengers being injured. According to official reports, the Porsche which was speeding at the time; hit several tunnel walls before catching fire. The driver and his two passengers miraculously managed to escape, with minor injuries. The defendant, Sébastien, admitted to having consumed approximately 15 drinks earlier in the evening while celebrating with his employees. He has been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, he was five times over the legal limit. The prosecution demanded a 12-month sentence, including six months of firm imprisonment, a €15,000 fine, and a three-year driving ban. The court appearance came just a day after the Monaco Government held a press conference to announce strict new measures aimed at tackling the issue of drink driving and speeding in the Principality. The government has pledged to significantly increase police controls throughout the festive season.
Fight breaks out in front of supermarket in Vence - Two individuals have been arrested by police in Vence in the Alpes Maritimes on Monday evening after an employee of a casino supermarket was injured. According to reports, the incident occurred at around 7pm on Monday, when a fight broke out outside the shop. It’s believed that a group of individuals accused of shoplifting turned on the security member of staff as he intervened. Since the incident locals in the area have spoken of an” increasing feeling of insecurity in and around the area” where they say, “small gangs loiter on a regular basis”.
Recall on electronic device for children and lawn mower- France’s government website Rappel Conso has recalled two products. The first is an electronic device for children sold throughout France due to fears of a defect. The website has warned consumers that the “astronaut starry sky projector” of the MOB brand, marketed between January 2023 and August 2024, poses a risk to customers. According to the warning an incorrect measurement of the laser could lead to eye damage. It is strongly advised that you no longer use the product. For more information you can call 01.79.41.59.56.
The second recall concerns the “Stanley Black and Decker France” lawn mower sold since January 2023 until April 2024, in Leroy Merlin stores across France. The recall is due to concerns that a defect makes the machine able to “restart unintentionally” along with “trouble turning it off”. The recall concerns the following references DCMWP134 DCMWSP156 DCMWP500 and DCMWSP550 are concerned and batches 01-58 and 14-58 2024. The government website advises those in possession of the product to stop using it immediately and to contact the point of sale for possible repairs. For more information on both the recalls you can go to the Rappel Conso website.
Highest village of the Côte d’Azur to introduce tourist tax - The highest village of the Côte d'Azur in Europe has announced plans to introduces a tourist tax. At the last local council of Sainte-Agnès, the elected representatives voted for the introduction of the tourist tax. Many items were on the agenda at the council meeting, but there is one that which did not go unnoticed. The tourist tax is levied on people accommodated for a fee, who are not local residents. Its amount is calculated on the basis of the actual attendance of the establishments concerned. The tax will be applied from January 1st, 2026, which will allow the establishments concerned time to report to the town hall to facilitate its implementation. The money collected through the tourist tax by the city, will be donated in full to the local Tourism Office for the development of tourism in the area.
Gréolières ski resort to open this weekend - The winter ski resort of Gréolières is to open to the public from this Saturday December 21st. Even is there is not yet much snow the three green beginner slopes will be open out of thirty kilometres of ski slopes and three of the seven ski lifts will be operational. Prices for a ski pass will vary between 9 and 12 euros. If the beginners’ slopes are not to your liking, the resort offers various activities such as an "explore game" and a giant bowling alley.
Thinking about a pre-detox? You may want to think again - Finally, with Christmas and New Year fast approaching you may be tempted to embark on a pre-detox in order to get through the festive period. However, the advice is that this “would be counterproductive”. Experts claim that eating less to be able to let it all hang out at Christmas and New Year will send the wrong signals to your body, resulting in the body feeling frustrated and more likely to stock fat for future restrictions. The ddvice is eat a balanced diet throughout, fill up on fibre, avoid processed products, drink more water and forget about snacking.
Business
Political party Reform UK has told UK media that is in "open negotiations" with US billionaire Elon Musk about him donating to the party. Leader Nigel Farage said the pair "did talk about money" during a meeting at Donald Trump's Florida retreat. He added that the tech tycoon, who is a prominent supporter and major donor to Trump's re-election campaign, was "fully, fully behind us". It is the first time Mr Farage has said his party is in talks about a potential donation from Mr Musk, the world's richest person and the boss of X, Tesla and SpaceX.
Meanwhile, Canada has promised to implement a set of sweeping new security measures along the country's US border, including strengthened surveillance and a joint "strike force" to target transnational organised crime. The pledge follows a threat from President-elect Donald Trump to impose, when he takes office in January, a 25% tariff on Canadian goods if the country does not secure its shared border to the flow of irregular migrants and illegal drugs. Experts say that such tariffs could strike a blow to Canada's economy.
And - Japanese car makers Honda and Nissan are understood to have held talks about a potential merger to help them compete against electric vehicle (EV) makers, particularly in China. It comes as many car brands grapple with growing competition as the industry shifts from petrol and diesel vehicles to electric, with production in China booming. The discussions are understood to be in the early stages and there is no guarantee that a deal will be agreed.
Sport
Football - In the English League Cup this evening Arsenal play Crystal Palace, Newcastle are at home to Brentford and Southampton face Liverpool.
Meanwhile, Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford says he is "ready for a new challenge" after being asked about his future at the club.
Rugby Union - National League 1 clubs have united to join mounting calls for an overhaul of the way rugby union is run in England amid the ongoing crisis over record financial losses and executive bonuses.
Sports Personality of the Year - Olympic 800m gold medallist Keely Hodgkinson has been voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2024. The 22-year-old ended her wait for a global title by taking the title at Paris 2024. She had previously won successive World Championship silvers after also finishing runner-up on her Olympic debut in Tokyo three years ago.
And - British cycling great Sir Mark Cavendish was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement award at BBC Sports Personality of the Year. The 39-year-old retired earlier this year having won a record 35 Tour de France stages.
Weather
Sunny intervals with a gentle breeze. Highs of 15 degrees in Nice and Saint-Tropez. Sunny and 14 degrees in Monaco. This evening going down to 7 degrees with clear skies.
The outlook. Tomorrow mainly fine in Nice, light showers are forecast for Saint-Tropez. Friday, sunny intervals, with strong winds forecast for the Var. Highs of 13 degrees.
Sunrise 07.59am
Sunset 04.54pm
Weather elsewhere
London 15° gusty winds.
Cardiff 13° rain.
Amsterdam 13° rain.
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