Lunchtime News Friday 7th May 2021
News
Clashes with police in Cannes - There have been violent clashes between local police and a group of youths in Cannes. Tensions rose after police seized part of a drug trafficking ring in the Frayère district of the city on Thursday afternoon. The situation escalated and by 9pm clashes were reported as bins were set alight and a police patrol car attacked. By midnight the national police were deployed to the area along with the intervention of the mayor of Cannes David Lisnard.
Citizens march – Meanwhile Police unions have organised a tribute to the officer shot dead in Avignon. Officers have called for a “citizens march” to take place on Sunday May 9th in Paris as a tribute as well as to show support for the police. The investigation into the shooting continues as the perpetrator is still at large.
Number of births in the region drops - Nine months after the first lockdown in France the number of births in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur region has decreased. 4,031 births were registered in January 2021, or 13% less than the previous year, according to INSEE. The figures show the most significant drop in 50 years.
Leroy Merlin - The DIY shop Leroy Merlin has been voted France’s favourite shop for the first time. The store had taken second place in the annual survey for the past two years. The health crisis is thought to have played a role.
Online bookings - Online bookings for restaurants in France are soaring already ahead of terraces reopening on May 19th. The May 19 date marks the next stage in ending lockdown, and has been eagerly anticipated since President Macron announced it on April 29th.