Latest news with #May1st
Local Norway
01-05-2025
- Business
- Local Norway
Norway PM Støre interrupted by protesters during Labour Day speech
Protesters held up banners criticising investments by Norway's sovereign wealth fund in Israel. The protest generated so much noise that Støre was forced to temporarily halt the speech, national broadcaster NRK reported. The head of the Labour Day committee then asked the demonstrators to quiet down and let Støre speak before he could resume. 'This is a public gathering in Norway, full of passion, including lots of passion about Gaza. I understand that very well,' Støre told NRK shortly after the speech. The PM said he believed most people at Youngstorget had come to hear what he had to say, despite the protest. May 1st customs in Norway include politicians and union leaders making speeches throughout the country, highlighting the importance of workers' rights and protection. Støre's Labour Party, along with the trade union movement, traditionally use the speeches and occasion as a platform for promoting their ideas and values. READ ALSO: Norway's 1.6 trillion dollar 'oil fund' explained Advertisement Støre gave his speech minutes after Norway had delivered a statement to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague. The UN's top court is this week hearing a case on Israel's humanitarian obligations towards Palestinians, more than 50 days into its total blockade on aid entering war-ravaged Gaza according to news agency AFP. Norway led a resolution adopted by a large majority at the UN General Assembly late last year, asking the ICJ for an advisory opinion on the matter "on a priority basis and with the utmost urgency". Norway's initiative was triggered by an Israeli law banning the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, from operating on Israeli soil. The sovereign wealth fund is the money the Norwegian state generates from oil. Norway puts its oil revenues into the Government Pension Fund, the largest sovereign wealth fund in the world. This allows Norwegian oil revenues to generate more money through investment in over 9,000 companies across the globe.
Local France
30-04-2025
- Health
- Local France
PODCAST: Do the French need to work harder and why Nice is the place to move to
Host Ben McPartland is joined by The Local France's Emma Pearson, Genevieve Mansfield and John Lichfield to look at all the latest news and talking points from France. The team is back after a two week break during France's spring school holidays, and we're starting off with one of the most important days in the French cultural calendar: May Day. We take you through everything you need to know about the demonstrations planned this year, plus why you might find your local bakery is closed. You can listen to Talking France on Spotify or Apple, download HERE or listen on the link below The Talking France team also discuss why French doctors are unhappy - and why some are planning strike action - as the French government tries to tackle the issue of 'medical deserts'. We explain some of the government's proposals to deal with the longstanding problem of doctor shortages. Advertisement According to France's prime minister, the country's future is at stake. We'll tell you why PM François Bayrou believes France needs to make some major changes, particularly when it comes to working harder. Away from politics and to the sunny French Riviera, we hear from some Americans in France about why they picked the city of Nice as the best destination to set up their new lives. We wrap this week up with a problem some people in suburban and rural France have been experiencing - ants apparently like the taste of their Linky electricity metres. Talking France is a free podcast made possible by the support of paying members of The Local - you can find out more about becoming a member here . Further reading Demos and flowers: What May 1st really means to the French What to expect from France's 2025 May Day protests France debates stricter rules on doctors' practices in order to combat 'medical deserts' OPINION: French doctors cannot avoid regulation for ever Is France really planning a 'tax raid' on pensioners? 'A really efficient city': Why more and more Americans are moving to Nice Ant warning over France's Linky electricity meters
Local Sweden
29-04-2025
- Business
- Local Sweden
What's open and what's closed in Sweden on May 1st?
May 1st is a public holiday in Sweden, where Swedes have a day off in celebration of the workers' movement. How are shops, Systembolaget and public transport affected? Advertisement There is no blanket legal requirement on most shops to close for National Day in Sweden and when it comes to supermarkets and grocery shops, the chances are that they will be open as usual, particularly if you live in a city, although possibly with slightly reduced opening hours. Smaller shops may be closed, and some of them may choose to take Friday, May 2nd off as a klämdag or 'squeeze day' to give themselves a long weekend. The exception is the state-owned alcohol chain Systembolaget, which always closes on public holidays or so-called 'red days', meaning it will also be closed on May 1st. Libraries are often closed on May 1st, so it's worth making other plans if you were planning on catching up with some coursework or taking your kids to the nearest one to keep them occupied. Advertisement As far as tourist attractions go, these will probably be open, but it's worth checking to make sure. In Stockholm, popular tourist attractions such as the Vasa museum and Abba museum will be open as normal. Skansen will also be open, although it won't be hosting any particular May 1st events – Valborg on April 30th is a bigger celebration for the open-air museum. As with other public holidays, public transport in Swedish towns and cities may operate on a reduced schedule on May 1st – often on the same schedule as regular Sundays. There are likely to be diversions on bus routes due to May 1st parades, so check any journeys in advance and plan ahead.
