Lunchtime News Wednesday 23rd March 2022

News

Leroy Merlin - Leroy Merlin is facing strong criticism in France and Ukraine as it refuses to stop sales in Russia. The company, which has nearly 40,000 employees in Russia is being criticized by Ukrainian authorities for not having closed its stores in Russia, where it carries out 18% of its global activity. The group is controlled by the Mulliez family (owner of Auchan and Decathlon). On Monday, employees of Leroy Merlin in Ukraine in turn asked, on Instagram, the group as well as the other brands of the Mulliez family – Auchan and Decathlon – to “stop sales in Russia”. Leroy Merlin claims, on its website, 36,000 employees operating in Russia, in 107 hypermarkets and 62 cities. In 2020, Leroy Merlin declared 4.2 billion euros in turnover. Russia is therefore the brand's second largest market behind France.

Ukrainian President to speak to the French Parliament this afternoon - The Ukrainian President will speak in front of the the French Parliament this afternoon. Today marks the 28th day of Russia’s attack on Ukraine. On Tuesday the UN General Secretary said in a statement 'It's time to end this senseless war'. Meanwhile French President Emmanuel Macron has held another telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the war. According to the Elysée, there is currently no agreement between the two parties, but the French president says he remains convinced of the need to continue his efforts.

Head of World Health Organisation says France lifted covid measures too soon - The head of the World Health Organization in Europe has named France as one of the countries which have lifted their Covid-19 measures too abruptly. He said that he was "optimistic but vigilant" about the progress of the pandemic in Europe. However, he said that France, along with the UK, Ireland, Greece, Cyprus, Italy and Germany, "are lifting restrictions brutally from too much to too few".

Monaco identifies 97 new cases of covid – 97 new cases of covid have been identified in Monaco on Tuesday. To date 10,272 residents have been affected. There are currently 13 people in hospital and 229 are being followed by the Home Monitoring Centre.

NGO - An NGO has denounced that non-food online commerce has destroyed 85,000 jobs in ten years. According to “Friends of the Earth” very small retail businesses and the clothing sector are paying a heavy price due to online sales. The study shows that the development of non-food online commerce is responsible for the destruction of 85,000 jobs between 2009 and 2019 and threatens nature with its "warehouses larger than large shopping centers".

Blue Bay Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel - The Blue Bay restaurant of the Monte-Carlo Bay hotel here in the Principality has been awarded two Michelin stars. The 2022 edition of the Michelin Guide, and its famous stars, were revealed on Tuesday.

Casting - The casting of "France has an incredible talent" is taking place in Nice tomorrow Thursday 24th March. The 17th season of the show broadcast on M6 is holding the regional casting at 7pm at the Francis-Gag theatre. So, if you think you have an incredible talent, send your application to the following address: carolnakari@yahoo.fr.

 

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