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Month: September 2025

French PM François Bayrou resigns after historic parliamentary defeat

by: Cassandra Tanti
09/09/2025

François Bayrou is standing down after becoming the first French prime minister in modern history to be removed by a confidence vote, leaving President Emmanuel Macron facing fresh political turmoil.

François Bayrou’s nine-month tenure as prime minister is drawing to a close after the French National Assembly voted overwhelmingly against his government on Monday evening. In a move without precedent in modern French politics, Bayrou himself called a confidence vote in an attempt to break a deadlock over his austerity budget. Instead, 364 deputies declared no confidence, with just 194 voting in his favour.

Bayrou’s final stand

Defending his high-risk gamble, Bayrou told MPs that “the biggest risk was not to take one, to let things continue without anything changing… and have business as usual.” He described France’s soaring national debt as “life-threatening” and insisted that his plan would allow the country “in a few years’ time [to] escape the inexorable tide of debt that is submerging it.” Yet, despite a passionate appeal, the result left him with no choice but to step down in line with the constitution.

A fresh headache for Macron

Bayrou is expected to hand in his resignation at 1.30pm Tuesday – making him the sixth prime minister under President Emmanuel Macron, and the fifth since 2022. The president now faces one of the most difficult decisions of his leadership: appoint another prime minister to attempt a fragile compromise, or call snap elections in a bid to strengthen his position in parliament. Polls suggest, however, that neither option offers certainty, with Macron’s approval rating at record lows and 64% of French people saying they would prefer he resign.

Rising pressure from left and right

The confidence vote has further emboldened Macron’s opponents. Marine Le Pen, buoyed by the possibility of her appeal being heard well ahead of the 2027 presidential election, demanded immediate legislative elections, dismissing Bayrou’s government as “phantom.” Meanwhile, France Unbowed leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon urged Macron to “leave,” while Socialist leader Boris Vallaud argued that the left should be tasked with forming the next government.

Social tensions mount

The political crisis comes as France braces for social unrest. The collective Bloquons Tout has called for nationwide protests on 10th September, with trade unions preparing strike action for 18th September. With public discontent mounting and the far right sensing its best chance yet at power, Bayrou’s downfall marks the beginning of what could prove a defining chapter in French political history.

See also: 

‘Block Everything’ protest set to go ahead on 10th September despite fall of French PM

Photo credit: Rama, via Wikimedia Commons

 

 

September 10 strike: half of flights cancelled at Nice airport amid of nationwide disruption

by: Cassandra Tanti
09/09/2025

Flights at Nice Côte d’Azur airport will be cut by half on Tuesday evening as French aviation authorities impose restrictions in preparation for the ‘Bloquons Tout’ strike on Wednesday 10th September.

The Directorate-General for Civil Aviation (DGAC) has ordered airlines to reduce their flight schedules by 50% between 6pm and midnight on Tuesday 9th September at Nice Côte d’Azur and Corsican airports. The measure, affecting more than 50 flights, is designed to ease congestion in the air traffic network ahead of the Bloquons Tout strike scheduled for Wednesday.

Airlines will release adjusted timetables in advance, with airports updating passengers later in the day.

Nationwide disruption expected on 10th September

The DGAC has cautioned that disruption and delays are expected at all French airports during the strike itself on Wednesday. Passengers are being urged to postpone non-essential travel and to check directly with airlines for real-time updates.

Authorities brace for wider unrest

The aviation measures form part of a broader government effort to prepare for the Bloquons Tout mobilisation, which aims to paralyse transport and industry across France. Intelligence services warn of potential blockades at stations, refineries and major roads, alongside acts of vandalism such as tampering with speed cameras. Officials admit the leaderless, decentralised nature of the movement makes it difficult to predict its scale, but a nationwide security deployment is being prepared to contain unrest.

See also:

‘Block Everything’ protest set to go ahead on 10th September despite fall of French PM

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Photo credit: Cassandra Tanti, Monaco Life

 

‘Block Everything’ protest set to go ahead on 10th September despite fall of French PM

by: Cassandra Tanti
09/09/2025

The ousting of François Bayrou has not slowed calls for mass mobilisation across France on Tuesday 10th September, with strikes, transport disruption and demonstrations expected from the French Riviera to Paris.

The collapse of François Bayrou’s government on Monday has not derailed the Bloquons Tout movement. Organisers insist the 10th September protest will go ahead as planned, targeting not just Bayrou’s austerity budget but President Emmanuel Macron himself. With anger centred on pension freezes, scrapped public holidays and cuts to public services, the citizen-led campaign is calling for nothing less than a nationwide shutdown.

A “massive” security operation is set to accompany the protests, with Interior Ministry plans calling for 80,000 police officers and gendarmes to be deployed nationwide. The force will be supported by around 30 helicopters, drones, water cannon and even armoured Centaur vehicles, in what Senator Bruno Retailleau described as an unprecedented mobilisation to prevent unrest during the Bloquons Tout movement.

Transport disruptions across France

The SNCF has confirmed that train services will be disrupted on Wednesday. TER, Intercités and regional services in Île-de-France are expected to run at reduced capacity, while trains across the Var and Côte d’Azur will also be affected. The carrier says TGV Inoui, Ouigo and international high-speed trains should operate normally. The CGT-Cheminots and SUD-Rail unions have both urged railway workers to join the strike, even as other unions focus on a broader mobilisation scheduled for 18th September. Air France’s CGT section has also warned of action, while smaller unions are calling for blockades at airports including Nice.

Protests planned in the Alpes-Maritimes

On the Riviera, demonstrators are preparing a day of coordinated action. According to Nice Matin, early gatherings are scheduled at 7am at the Cians roundabout in Touët-sur-Var, followed by 8am at the Provence roundabout in Antibes. At 10am, protestors will target Medef offices in Saint-Laurent-du-Var, before larger afternoon assemblies in Nice, including at the Carlone faculty, the Palais des Expositions and Place Carlou-Aubert in Old Town. Additional events include an 11.30am mobilisation in central Nice, a citizens’ assembly in Antibes at 7pm, and a “Vélorution” cycling protest in Tende.

A movement gaining structure

Though born on social media, Bloquons Tout is proving more organised than the Yellow Vests movement of 2018. Telegram groups now coordinate regional assemblies and share toolkits on how to run public meetings, distribute speaking roles and recruit support. Posters with QR codes link to messaging groups, while online tutorials prepare participants for outreach. Intelligence services remain on alert, with fears of surprise blockades at Nice airport or on Place Masséna.

Anger meets uncertainty

The movement has been endorsed locally by the CGT and La France Insoumise, but its broad, leaderless structure leaves outcomes uncertain. Some see it as a necessary outcry against declining living standards, while others dismiss it as politically hijacked or fear it could descend into chaos. What is clear is that the fall of Bayrou has not cooled the mood. With Bloquons Tout promising to “bring down Macron” next, France is bracing for a day of disruption — one that could either fizzle out or ignite a prolonged social crisis.

See also: 

French PM François Bayrou resigns after historic parliamentary defeat

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Photo by Monaco Life

White Lotus season 4 likely to unfold on the French Riviera — but nothing confirmed yet

by: Cassandra Tanti
08/09/2025

Speculation is mounting that The White Lotus will return to Europe for its fourth season, with the sumptuous Grand‑Hôtel du Cap‑Ferrat on the French Riviera topping the list. Yet alternatives in the Alps and Paris remain in play as creator Mike White weighs fresh possibilities.

The fourth season of The White Lotus is reportedly destined for France, with Deadline naming the Grand‑Hôtel du Cap‑Ferrat on the French Riviera as a frontrunner. The historic property reflects the Belle Époque elegance that has become a hallmark of the series’ lavish aesthetic. Given that previous seasons have been filmed across multiple destinations, it is also possible that Nice’s iconic Hotel Negresco — where creator Mike White was spotted earlier this summer — could serve as an additional location, further fuelling speculation around a Riviera setting.

Three Four Seasons possibilities

The White Lotus has consistently partnered with the Four Seasons chain, with all three previous seasons filmed at their resorts. In France, the key Four Seasons properties under consideration are reportedly Grand‑Hôtel du Cap‑Ferrat, Four Seasons Hotel Megève in the Alps, and Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris.

Mike White has previously spoken about wanting to move away from “the crashing waves of rocks vernacular”, suggesting he may be open to a new type of backdrop. Nevertheless, he is known to dislike cold environments, and Megève’s alpine climate could prove a deal breaker. Meanwhile, a Parisian setting would mark the series’ first venture into an urban landscape, but would offer a distinct dramatic palette.

Scouting and timing still unresolved

Despite the mounting speculation, HBO and Mike White have not officially confirmed any location. Reports suggest that no hotel has been “locked in” and that filming is likely to begin in 2026, with a potential premiere in late 2026 or early 2027.

White and HBO executives were originally expected to begin scouting in the spring of 2025, but the trip was postponed until summer as White opted to take a breather following the intense production schedule of Season 3.

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Leclerc battles to fourth as Verstappen makes F1 history at Monza

by: Cassandra Tanti
08/09/2025

Charles Leclerc thrilled the Tifosi with a spirited drive at the Italian Grand Prix, claiming fourth place for Ferrari as Max Verstappen stormed to a record-breaking victory at Monza – the fastest Grand Prix in Formula One history.

The roar of the Monza crowd was deafening as Charles Leclerc surged into third place on the opening lap, battling wheel-to-wheel with Oscar Piastri in a thrilling start to the Italian Grand Prix.

The Monegasque fought hard to hold the position, defending valiantly in front of the adoring Tifosi, but was eventually forced to yield on Lap 5 as tyre degradation took its toll.

“I gave it my all,” said Leclerc. “I lost grip with my tyres overheating and struggled to keep Oscar behind… but we maximised our result and didn’t leave anything on the table.”

He would finish fourth, just four seconds behind Piastri and 25 seconds adrift of the winner, Max Verstappen.

Starting from pole, Verstappen was immediately put under pressure by Lando Norris as the lights went out. The pair went side by side down the main straight, with Verstappen squeezing the McLaren onto the grass before skipping the first chicane to stay ahead. To avoid a time penalty, Verstappen ceded the lead to Norris at the start of Lap 2 but wasted little time reclaiming it, sweeping past around the outside of Turn 1 just two laps later.

From there, the Red Bull driver controlled the race with clinical precision, building a comfortable lead and pitting at the perfect moment to stay out of reach.

His dominant display delivered not only a third win of the season and 66th career victory, but also made history as the fastest Grand Prix ever recorded, with an average speed of 250.706 km/h.

Behind him, McLaren’s day was complicated by a slow pit stop for Norris, which allowed team-mate Oscar Piastri to jump ahead. A team order saw the Australian reluctantly give the place back, securing second and third for the papaya squad.

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Photo source: Scuderia Ferrari Press Centre

Back to school for Monaco’s Princely twins and students across the Principality

by: Cassandra Tanti
08/09/2025

The summer holidays have drawn to a close and this Monday 8th September marked the official return to school for children across Monaco – including Hereditary Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella.

The Princely Palace released new photographs of the twins on Monday morning as they set off for the start of the new academic year. With backpacks at the ready, Hereditary Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella were pictured smiling before heading into class.

In a message accompanying the images, the Palace shared: “This Monday morning, Hereditary Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella returned to school. A new academic year full of discoveries, friendships, and adventures awaits them. The Princely Family wishes all students in the Principality a wonderful start to the school year.”

Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene with their children on the first day of the 2025/26 Monegasque school year. Photo credit: Michaël Alesi / Palais princier

A later rentrée than France

While pupils in nearby Nice and across France’s “B Zone” returned to classrooms on 1st September, Monaco traditionally begins its school year a week later. The difference in timing reflects the Principality’s independent education calendar, which is closely aligned with France but adapted to local needs and traditions.

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Photo credit: Michaël Alesi / Palais princier