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Day: 28 August 2017

Solar Impulse co-founder special guest at Monaco’s Pavilion

by: Cassandra Tanti
28/08/2017
Bertrand Piccard at the Monaco Astana Pavillon 2017 Photo: MIE
Bertrand Piccard at the Monaco Astana Pavillon 2017 Photo: MIE

The Monaco Pavilion at the Astana World Expo was privileged to host the Swiss aeronaut Dr Bertrand Piccard, the co-developer and co-pilot of the Solar Impulse 2 aircraft, the first aircraft to circumnavigate the globe using only solar power.

The voyage, which lasted from March 2015 to July 2016, was a world first and established the viability of solar power for development in a commercial application. His presence at the Pavilion underlined Monaco’s commitment to green energy.

The enterprise was launched with the strong support of the Prince Albert II Foundation and the control centre for Solar Impulse was based in the Principality.

Its progress is represented by the Monaco Pavilion for visitors on its interactive wall.

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Busy return for France’s PM

by: Cassandra Tanti
28/08/2017
President Macron with Prime Minister Philippe. Photo: Facebook Emmanuel Macron
President Macron with Prime Minister Philippe. Photo: Facebook Emmanuel Macron

The French Prime Minister, Edouard Philippe, has called the first Council of Ministers for Wednesday, August 30, during which a number of major legislation will be discussed and agreed.

Meanwhile, the five key ordinances to amend the Labour Code will be presented on Thursday and will be examined in the Council of Ministers on September 22 and signed by the Head of State.

While consultations with social partners, the unions and employers, have been held throughout the summer, a dispute with the unions is already building. A demonstration by the former-Communist CGT is scheduled for September 12 while Jean-Luc Mélenchon invited his supporters to “break” Paris on September 23.

The PM stated his case clearly: “The country needs transformation and the French know it,” he said on Monday.

However, last week President Macron warned that “the French hate reforms”. An Odoxa poll published on Monday by RTL showed that 56 percent of French people believe that the current Labour Code is a hindrance to hiring but 63 percent believe that the executive will not effectively carry out the reform.

An extraordinary session of Parliament will be convened the week of September 25 to examine the law against terrorism with the aim of lifting the state of emergency on November 1. It has been renewed six times since the attacks of November 2015.

Before launching the pension reform in 2018, further consultations will be held with the social partners in October to reform unemployment insurance, vocational training and apprenticeship for a law in spring 2018.

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Clean sea kayak initiative courtesy of TAF

by: Cassandra Tanti
28/08/2017
Photo: Facebook TAF The Animal Fund‎
TAF beach clean up in Cap d’Ail. Photo: Facebook TAF The Animal Fund‎

The Animal Fund (TAF), a Monaco-registered organisation, has reminded its supporters that the ocean and its precious marine life are in great danger from pollutants, added to by overfishing, whaling and captivity. “Rather than a problem for the future, we are all very much affected already,” TAF said.

“We must not ignore that the ocean supplies us with over 50 percent of our oxygen. By saving the ocean, we save ourselves – we must all act now,” TAF implored.

TAF has held several successful local beach clean-up initiatives, including the Plastic Pollution Campaign at Larvotto in April and, on August 3, at Plage Marquet in Cap d’Ail. Volunteers are always welcome to their events.

Photo: Facebook TAF The Animal Fund‎
Photo: Facebook TAF The Animal Fund‎

“At TAF we are optimistic, as more people than ever are becoming aware of how serious the situations is, and are doing their part to help. Yet there is still a long way to go, so we need everyone’s help to spread the message so that change can happen. The first step is awareness.”

The next TAF Ocean Clean, using kayaks and paddle boards, is on September 14, from 10 am until noon, at Plage Marquet. Sign up at: info@theanimalfund.net

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Telecoms operators spring summer surprise

by: Cassandra Tanti
28/08/2017

Phone CellTelecom operators SFR, Bouygues and Orange appear to have taken advantage of the summer holidays to up the prices of some of their subscription plans. However, only the most alert may notice, as the announcements of the increases has been included in the small print of monthly bills.

SFR has increased the price of subscriptions of “most of its fixed and mobile customers” from €2 to €5 a month. Those who use SFR’s Red will see their bill increase from €1 to €2.

Meanwhile, customers at Bouygues have seen the rental fee of the BBox Miami, so far included in a plan, charged at €3 per month. For Orange subscribers, the price of its fixed offer “Internet Discovery” goes up from €21 to €24.99 per month. The price of its mobile Mini package jumps from €14.99 to €16.99 per month.

To avoid this price increase, customers have four months from the change to cancel their subscriptions free of charge, in accordance with Article L. 224-33 of the Consumer Code. Beyond this period, this change is considered accepted.

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Player of the Season awarded in Monaco

by: Cassandra Tanti
28/08/2017
Photo: Twitter Paul Pogba
Photo: Twitter Paul Pogba

Manchester United’s Paul Pogba picked up his UEFA Europe League Player of the Season award at the end of last week in Monaco.

The Manchester United midfielder beat teammates Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Zlatan Ibrahimovic for the prize after some impressive performances during the Reds’ triumphant Europa League campaign last term, MUTV reported.

Pogba opened the scoring in the final against Ajax and dedicated the goal and award to his late father and thanked the fans for their unequivocal support.

“To win this award and score that goal in the final was a huge thing for me personally. I’m really honoured,” the 24-year-old said.

“I want to give it to the memory of my Dad and I’m very happy and proud to win it. All the time I thank the fans that we have all over the world as without them we wouldn’t be here and we want to make them as happy as they make us in every game. Hopefully we can do that this season.”

The award was made alongside the UEFA Group Stage League Cup draw in the Principality, underlying the venue as a focal point for European soccer.

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