Strikes, sports events, rising energy bills: The week ahead in France
This week (January 30-February 5) also sees the presentation of a new proposed law on immigration, an anti-racism plan and a rise in interest on some savings accounts
Pension strikes, rising savings account interests, a celebration of violette flowers, and rising energy costs are all set to take place this week
Andrey_Popov / HJBC / alwih / JeanLucIchard / Shutterstock
Monday, January 30
Anti-racism plan
Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne is set to present the national anti-racism plan including measures against racism, anti-semitism and discrimination due to origin.
WTA Lyon Open
The women’s tennis championship begins in Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
Salon Millésime Bio
The 30th edition of the salon dedicated to organic wine, beer, and spirits opens in Montpellier, Occitanie.
Tuesday, January 31
Pension reform strike day
Another full day of strike action against the government’s planned pension reforms. Workers across a variety of sectors are set to strike with organisers claiming that millions will take part nationwide.
Read more
Senator vote on Olympic Games 2024
Senators are set to vote on the law project relating to the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games 2024.
France’s GDP updated
Statistics bureau Insee is set to publish updated GDP figures for France, for the fourth quarter of 2022, and accounting for inflation in January so far.
Wednesday, February 1
Immigration law
A legal bill on immigration is set to be presented to Cabinet ministers.
You can read more about the plans here: Language tests, votes, immigration: French residency changes in 2023
Interest levels for France’s regulated savings accounts to rise
The Livret A and LEP are to see their rates rise significantly.
Read more: The tax-free French savings account open to all with 3% interest rate
Energy bills
The price cap set on electricity prices is set to rise to 15%. This is more than the 4% cap imposed last year but much less than the amount it would have risen without the government’s ongoing cap. The 15% cap will last throughout 2023.
Read more:
Publication of the Fondation Abbé Pierre annual report
The annual report on the state of poor-quality housing and homelessness is to be released.
Astérix is back
The latest film about the classic cartoon heroes Astérix et Obélix - L’empire du Milieu is released in cinemas.
Classical music festival
The 29th edition of the classical music festival, La Folle Journée de Nantes, begins and will run until February 5.
Thursday, February 2
International horse jumping event
The sporting event Jumping International de Bordeaux begins in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine city, attracting horse enthusiasts and athletes from across the world.
Friday, February 3
Decision for Louvre director
A decision is expected on the case against the former director of the Louvre in Paris in connection with the trafficking of antiques.
Percée du Vin Jaune
The festival of the regional Vin Jaune from Jura begins in Lons-le-Saunier, and lasts until February 5.
Read more: Centuries-old bottle of Vin Jaune sells for €103,700
Saturday, February 4
Ski Chamonix
The ski resort of Chamonix is set to hold a stage of the men’s alpine skiing World Cup.
Fête de la Violette, Toulouse
The festival of the iconic flower takes place over the weekend in the city’s Place du Capitole. Events are set to include shows on how to use it as decorative plants, in cosmetics, and in food.
Sunday, February 5
Legislative elections in Monaco
Legislative elections go ahead in the principality.
EU-Russia fuel embargo
The embargo against refined petroleum products from Russia comes into effect in the EU.
Read more:
Italy-France rugby
The French team’s first match in the Six Nations rugby tournament, against Italy at 16:00.
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