The Prince’s Governments offers New Year wishes to the press : “The Principality is doing all it can to maintain its level of competitiveness

Cérémonie des vœux du Gouvernement Princier à la presse ©Direction de la Communication – Stéphane Danna

On Tuesday 17 January, before representatives of the press gathered at his official residence, H.E. Mr Pierre Dartout, Minister of State, presented the Government’s New Year wishes.

Surrounded by all of the members of the Prince’s Government, he delivered a message that was resolutely optimistic given the Principality’s advantages, but vigilant in view of the particularly “worrying” international situation with the war in Ukraine and alarming signs of climate change “that is leading to recurring disasters, but of which we are now truly becoming aware”.

“The consequences of the terrible conflict in Ukraine will continue to be felt in 2023. From a humanitarian perspective, Monaco is playing its part in providing aid to those displaced. We have issued 180 temporary residence permits and 39 Ukrainian children have been welcomed by schools in the Principality. From an economic perspective, the inflationary surge is being felt in the prices of energy, raw materials in construction particularly, and essential food items. But Monaco is resisting, through the competitiveness of its businesses thanks to the introduction of the energy price cap, efforts to preserve the purchasing power of civil servants, and the remarkable performance of its tourism industry,” said the Minister of State.
From the point of view of Monaco’s institutions, 2023 is an important year as it brings elections, first national and then municipal. “These are strong indicators of democratic life and the Government is naturally involved in ensuring that these elections go smoothly.”

S.E.M. Pierre Dartout ©Direction de la Communication – Stéphane Danna

Pierre Dartout spoke for a “Government attentive to all issues to do with the quality of life in the Principality.” He explained that the Government has met the targets set out in the National Housing Plan, with results being delivered ahead of schedule. With a budget of €280m, the plan is the biggest public spending item. The Minister also highlighted the adoption of a new mobility strategy, “with short term solutions that will ease traffic congestion but will unavoidably mean more restrictions on above-ground parking.” On the importance of maintaining access to the Principality by road, as reflected by the planned tunnel on the Moyenne Corniche in Cap d’Ail, Pierre Dartout recalled that “the necessary medium and long term solutions must be found in consultation with France.”
Digital technology is another very important aspect of the Principality’s attractiveness that is set for new developments, and an “all fibre” approach is being adopted for the benefit of citizens, businesses, and Government departments, with all copper phone and data networks operated by Monaco Telecom gradually being abandoned.

On the international stage, 2023 will be marked by negotiations on the Association Agreement with the European Union. “Our objective is not to sign an agreement by the end of the year, but to move forward on this topic, where all scenarios - positive and negative - are conceivable. In both cases, the most important thing is to properly gauge the advantages and drawbacks,” said the Minister of State during the question and answer session.
Concluding his remarks, Pierre Dartout paid tribute to the Monegasque civil service and all those who work in service of the community on a daily basis. “I salute their efficiency as they have all of the resources needed, particularly in terms of IT, but these have been enhanced since the start of the year with a new budget and accounting reform that will enable us to move forward with the implementation of our public policies, and new measures for civil servants that respect the balance between their rights and the special duties they have as holders of public authority.”

La presse réunie à la Résidence du Ministre à l'occasion de la cérémonie des vœux du Gouvernement Princier ©Direction de la Communication – Stéphane Danna