Military parade in Paris for the national day, despite the variant

After a year without COVID-19, France is returning to the tradition of the military parade on the occasion of its national day on Wednesday, but caution will remain required as the country tries to avoid a fourth epidemic wave of the highly contagious Delta variant. In 2020, in the midst of the explosion of the pandemic, the 14 July parade was cancelled - not seen since the Second World War -, replaced by a ceremony on Place de la Concorde. This year marks the return of troops, flags and tanks to the famous Parisian Avenue des Champs-Elysées, but access to the show will be limited, spectators will have to have a health pass and wear a mask. The gauge in the stands will also be set at 10,000 people compared to 25,000 in normal times

Sharp rise in deaths of migrants reaching Europe by sea (IOM)

The number of migrants who died at sea trying to reach Europe has more than doubled this year, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Wednesday, calling on states to take urgent action. According to statistics published by the IOM in a new report, at least 1,146 people died at sea trying to reach Europe in the first half of 2021. In 2020, 513 died during the same period, and 674 in 2019. “Civilian search and rescue organisations continued to face significant obstacles, with the majority of their boats stuck in European ports due to administrative seizures and ongoing criminal and administrative proceedings against crew members,” the report notes

AT A GLANCE

Forty-five people have already died in the violence unleashed in South Africa after the imprisonment of former President Jacob Zuma, many of them in stampedes, and looting has resumed.

Soccer fans will have to subscribe to the Amazon Prime service (5.99 euros per month or 49 euros per year) and pay an additional 12.99 euros per month to be able to follow Ligue 1.