Sait-on de quelle hauteur la Méditerranée va s’élever dans le futur?

With a cosmopolitan population and economic structure made up of small and medium sized companies, highly profitable businesses and high-rise industrial workshops, Monaco’s economic reality sets the example for originality and ingeniousness.
The measure was voted unanimously by the National Council.
A major step forward was adopted in the Chamber on the evening of Tuesday 28 November. Bill 1083, to extend paternity leave in the private sector, was passed unanimously by the elected representatives.
There will now be 21 days’ leave, rather than 12, for a single birth and 28 days, instead of 19, for multiple births or for households that already have two children.
Christophe Robino, Minister for Health and Social Affairs, said: “From a societal perspective, this measure responds to a number of objectives to which the Government is committed and which are shared by the Commission. These objectives include in particular the promotion of gender equality, support for parenting and children’s well-being, and more broadly addressing society’s changing needs, promoting a better work-life balance for employees, while providing companies, through international benchmarking, with a means of attracting and retaining talent.”
“The bill is another step forward for our families, supporting fathers who are employed in the private sector, and who will now be able to enjoy extra days of paternity leave, as is already the case for civil servants and public sector employees since last year’s reform. This public/private balance is eagerly awaited. That is why, after concertation, we decided to look into the matter very quickly so that it could be effective as soon as possible for the families of employees in the Principality,” said Brigitte Boccone-Pagès, President of the National Council.
Rapporteur Béatrice Fresko-Rolfo welcomed the bill, but nevertheless mentioned a few regrets and remarks : “First of all, it is not possible for the other parent to split their leave so as to be free to help the mother at certain crucial moments, particularly when maternity leave has been completely used up. Secondly, I would like the Government to initiate a debate on parental education leave, whereby parents would be able to take leave for which they would be paid an allowance. (…) The High Commissioner communicated her opinion in which she pointed out that, and I quote, “the bill would benefit from an amendment to take account of common-law and same-sex couples, by way of the term “second parent.” This would put the child at the centre of our considerations, while adjusting to the sociological changes observed over the past fifteen years or so.”
Christophe Robino responded that the issue of split leave had been considered by the Government but had not been adopted since “it was considered that splitting leave could lead to a risk of disruption for businesses, a windfall effect for beneficiaries, but also a disparity of treatment between men and women, given that maternity leave cannot be split in this way. Generally speaking, the Government prefers to maintain a traditional approach of promoting a balanced society in terms of the rights available to everyone. This is, in fact, one of the main objectives of the bill being debated, as stated in the Commission’s report.”
As a reminder, extended paternity leave was already introduced for the Principality’s civil servants in 2022. For now, the measure does not apply to self-employed persons. The forthcoming introduction of maternity leave for self-employed women, however, was mentioned by Christophe Robino at a press conference in October. A bill to this effect was tabled recently.
“I would like to take this opportunity to welcome the recent tabling of Bill 1086, which aims to introduce maternity leave for self-employed workers, a total of almost 6,000 in our country according to IMSEE, with women who obviously deserve to be included in a system that allows them to raise their children in the best possible conditions,” said Brigitte Boccone-Pages.
Around a hundred saplings were planted by volunteers.
On Saturday, 25 November, the reforestation project initiated by the Guides and Scouts of Monaco took place for the fifth time in the hinterland of Monaco, in partnership with the Directorate of Urban Development and the Office National des Forêts (ONF – National Forestry commission).
The Sovereign and Princess Stéphanie also wielded shovels as part of the reforestation effort, directly linked to this year’s Prince Rainier III centenary celebrations . He initiated this environmental commitment himself, signing a Cooperation Agreement with the ONF in 1979, a partnership which Prince Albert II extended in 2007.
In addition to paying tribute to the Builder Prince, the planting of 100 cedar, Aleppo pine and flowering ash trees also has a charitable dimension. “The whole scheme is based on tree sponsorship,” as Marie-Hélène Gamba, president of the Guides and Scouts association, explained to Monaco Info. This sponsorship system enables funds to be raised for the Telethon. People can choose a name for their tree and have it planted for €15, which is donated to the charity event. Prince Albert II and Princess Stéphanie chose to plant ‘Rainier’ in La Turbie.
The Sovereign gave an interview during his trip to Switzerland last week.
The Prince first introduced his Foundation, created in 2006, and its environmental actions in the fields of protection of biodiversity, preservation of water sources, and climate change. “For example, there is an initiative in the Mediterranean to preserve freshwater ecosystems. We have joined that initiative and we are trying to create a network that will improve freshwater ecosystems around the Mediterranean basin,” he said in an interview on the United Nations Geneva’s social media.
In Geneva to present awards to five young activists, he said: “Climate change activism is extremely important as well, but everything is linked to create a better world, and a better future for our planet. And so, young leaders are absolutely essential to get the word out. Knowledge, education, and science are important and that will be the driving force to find and implement the best solutions for the future.”
According to the Sovereign, it is a matter of involving as many people as possible, but not only that. “We need to act all together. Individual actions are simply not enough,” he said in conclusion.
From inclusive dance to a tribute to Prince Rainier III… you have no excuses for being bored!
As part of the Monaco Dance Forum, at the Grimaldi Forum, those who have yet to discover inclusive dance can do so thanks to “C’est beau !” performed by the 6e Sens and Dk-BEL dance companies, which include people with disabilities. For the past two years, the Monte-Carlo Ballets have provided a showcase for the companies’ moving and intelligent work, particularly during the latest edition of F(ê)tes de la danse !
At that event, which brought over 20,000 people together on the Place du Casino in July, spectators were able to get a taste of Hervé Koubi’s “Sol Invictus” creation, and his Hip-Hop dancers. This Monaco Dance Forum co-production will be presented in full at the Grimaldi Forum. In parallel to the programmed schedule, the Monaco Dance Forum will be running workshops, performances and a screening of Otto Preminger’s iconic “Carmen Jones.”
As part of the Prince Rainier III centennial celebrations, Jean-Christophe Maillot is staging his new creation «L’Enfant et les Sortilèges», which was one of the Sovereign’s favourite works. Dancers, musicians, singers… 240 artists will be on stage at the Grimaldi Forum to bring this large-scale show to life. The Monte Carlo Ballets, the Philharmonic Orchestra, the Monte-Carlo Opera chorus, an Academy of young singers created specifically for the occasion by Cecilia Bartoli, and the Rainier III Academy children’s choir will be present.
Before unveiling this extraordinary creation, in which Jean-Christophe Maillot wanted to narrate the adventures of a capricious child who sees the objects and animals he mistreats come to life and get revenge, the Monte-Carlo Ballets will put on “La Valse” by George Balanchine. It’s back to the company’s roots for this particular ballet, performed 20 years ago, and which Prince Rainier III, a big Ravel enthusiast, enjoyed immensely.
Johan Inger will take up the torch with his “Carmen” performed by the Monte-Carlo Ballets. His new take on this masterpiece has been universally acclaimed and received a “Benois de la danse” award in 2016. The dancers will again be accompanied by the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra for this prestigious choreographic and musical event.
The full programme and prices can be found on the Ballets de Monte Carlo website.
Monaco Tribune has compiled a list of the key events you shouldn’t miss in the Principality this month, as well as some ideas for outings.
A huge Christmas village will be set up on the Quai Albert Ier in the run-up to the festive season. There will be 24 chalets and 19 food stalls, along with 800 real Christmas trees and 7 rides, including the Big Ferris Wheel, the toboggan run, the Christmas tree merry-go-round and three new attractions (flying chairs, a children’s roller coaster and Santa’s sleigh). The theme of the Christmas village will be a tribute to the “Builder Prince” and more particularly to his different passions: the arts, motor sport, animals and the sea.
Over the month of December, the hall above the Parc Princesse Antoinette will be hosting activities on the theme of Christmas and year-end celebrations.
Saturday 2 December (6 to 12 years): La Plume Animée will read “Pinpin le lutin de Noël,” a Christmas tale. Two sessions are on offer: from 10.30 am to 11.30 am and from 2pm to 3pm.
Wednesday 6 December (2 to 5 years): a reading workshop on a Christmas theme. These workshops consist of a reading session by a professional and a time for interaction with the play mat and books. Sessions are organised by age group: from 3 pm to 3.40 pm for 2/3 year olds and from 3.45 pm to 4.25 pm for 4/5 year olds.
Wednesday 13 December at 3 pm (6-10 years): Christmas wreath making using plants from the Parc Princesse Antoinette, in partnership with Les Petits Écoliers de Monaco. Christmas biscuit decoration (4 yrs and over).
Saturday 16 December: “BuLe de Gâteau” will help the children decorate Christmas cookies. The workshop is organised in two sessions: from 10 am to 10.45 am and from 11 am to 11.45 am
Last month, last call! The Principality is still hosting a number of exhibitions to mark the centenary year of Prince Rainier III’s birth, “Le Prince Rainier III, un marin avant tout” (Prince Rainier III, above all a sailor), “Le Prince et ses animaux” (The Prince and his animals) and “Le Prince Rainier III, une roseraie en hommage à son épouse” (Prince Rainier III, a rose garden in tribute to his wife) can be seen in the State Apartments at the Prince’s Palace, the Rainier III Zoological Gardens and the Princess Grace rose garden respectively. In the exhibition hall on Quai Antoine I, you can also see the impressive exhibition on the Builder Prince’s entire life’s work! On a different theme, “The Prince at the heart of the circus” opened in November on the Terrasses de Fontvieille, featuring previously unpublished documents and a large collection of circus-related objects.
More details
Prince Albert II of Monaco used his time on stage at COP28 to call for “tangible and credible commitments” from all present at the global climate action summit, before meeting with other Heads of State and UN Secretary-General António Guterres for a series of conferences, discussions and photo calls.
Touching down in the UAE on Friday 1st December, fresh from a biodiversity and animal protection-focused trip to Malaysia and a brief visit to Singapore, Monaco’s Prince Albert was welcomed to the first big day of COP28 events by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
Shortly after, Prince Albert took to the stage to make a rousing speech in front of the numerous Heads of State and world leaders present, in which he called for “increased and rapid action to keep global temperature rises within the +1.5°C limit.
See more: Climate ambitions and oil realities on the table as COP28 begins
Monaco’s sovereign also offered “the full support of the Principality of Monaco to the Emirati Presidency in order to make this conference a success crowned with tangible and credible commitments that will put us on the path to a low-carbon and climate-resilient way of development”.
Prince Albert later visited King Abdullah Shah of Malaysia at the nation’s dedicated Malaysian Pavilion space, before attending the Global Fund for Coral Reefs conference.
Read related:
Prince Albert visits endangered species centres as he winds up first official visit to Malaysia
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Photo credit: Axel Bastello / Palais Princier de Monaco /COP28 / Christopher Pike / Mahmoud Khaled
In an era where innovation and business sectors reshape our world, the latest Forbes list of the wealthiest individuals offers a glimpse into the minds driving this transformation.
Topping the list of “real time billionaires” is Elon Musk, with a net worth of $246.1 billion. Known for SpaceX, Tesla and Twitter, now known as X, his innovative approach and entrepreneurial skills have firmly established him as the wealthiest individual globally as of November 2023.
Following Musk is Bernard Arnault, with a fortune of $191.9 billion. Arnault, the French business tycoon and CEO of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, oversees a vast empire encompassing 75 brands. His businesses have not only built a massive wealth, but also a significant influence in the luxury goods market.
Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, ranks third with a net worth of $166.6 billion. His transformation of a small startup in his garage into a global e-commerce giant is a testament to his visionary leadership and entrepreneurial spirit.
Larry Ellison, the American business magnate and Oracle Corporation’s co-founder and CTO, holds the fourth spot with $146.4 billion. Ellison’s contributions to the tech industry have not only revolutionised the field, but also amassed him a substantial fortune.
Warren Buffett, known as the ‘Oracle of Omaha,’ is fifth on the list with a net worth of $120.5 billion. As the chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, Buffett’s investment strategies and business skills have made him one of the most successful investors in the world.
Mark Zuckerberg, the brain behind Facebook, now Meta Platforms, is sixth with $119.3 billion. His influence on social media and technology innovation is undeniable and his hands continue to shape the digital landscape.
Seventh is Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, with a net worth of $116.9 billion. Gates’ impact on the technology industry is profound, and his investments and philanthropic efforts continue to influence various sectors.
Eighth on the list is Larry Page, the co-founder of Google and former CEO of Alphabet, with a net worth of $115.3 billion. Page’s contributions to the internet and technology have been pivotal in shaping the modern digital world.
Steve Ballmer, the former Microsoft CEO and current owner of the NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers, is ninth with a net worth of $111.5 billion. Ballmer’s leadership at Microsoft played a significant role in his wealth accumulation and his current status in the sports world.
Rounding out the Top Ten is Sergey Brin, the co-founder of Google and former president of Alphabet Inc., with a net worth of $110.6 billion. Brin’s innovations in internet search and advertising technologies have secured his position among the elite billionaires.
To read the list for yourself, click here.
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Photo source: Elon Musk / Instagram
Monaco’s Métropole shopping mall has taken on the theme of an English-style Christmas for December 2023, with decorations and a festive vibe that transports shoppers to the streets of London without ever having to leave the Principality.
It’s that time of year again, where people start looking to the upcoming holidays with a mixture of joy, excitement and perhaps even a touch of nostalgia.
The Métropole mall is taking full advantage of the season this year, and has gotten behind a theme inspired by jolly old England, vowing to “celebrate the magic of Christmas in the English way, transporting visitors into a magical world of sumptuous decorations and captivating entertainment”.
The Métropole Shopping Centre in Monaco has ushered in the holiday season with a unique English-style Christmas theme. From 1st December to 6th January, the shopping centre has been transformed into a London-esque winter wonderland, with Paddington the bear, the epitome of British culture, making several appearances throughout the pop-ups boutiques and stalls dotted throughout the mall.
Holiday delights
Upon entering the shopping centre from 1st December, shoppers will be greeted with a warm, festive atmosphere reminiscent of London’s iconic Christmas markets. The decor features beautiful fir trees, twinkling fairy lights, and an array of baubles, setting the perfect holiday mood. For the children there are creative workshops and magical shows. Adults are not left out, with holiday pop-ups offering tastings and gift ideas.
“We are delighted to transform Métropole Shopping Centre into a magical place where families can come together to celebrate the holiday season,” says Valérie Gallet, General Director of Métropole Shopping Monte-Carlo. “This year’s Christmas brings a special touch of English tradition and elegance, and we look forward to providing our visitors with a memorable experience.”
A giant Christmas tree and numerous activities plunge visitors into the magic of the season, promising laughter, fun and surprises. The mall has organised a calendar of surprises, with each day revealing a new delight from one of the boutiques. These surprises are accessible through their Instagram, @Metropoleshoppingmontecarlo, and Facebook page, @Metropole Shopping Monte-Carlo.
The Métropole Shopping Centre has a mailbox for kids to deposit their wish lists for Father Christmas, which is located at Level 0. Father Christmas himself will be present in his workshop at the mall from 1st December, offering a chance for memorable photos and to attentively read and respond to the letters.
Adding to the festive spirit, exclusive guests like Maison Sacher and Panettone Vogue are back by popular demand. Maison Sacher offers a taste journey with their famous Sacher Torte, a closely guarded recipe, while Panettone Vogue brings exquisite Milanese panettone. Carolina Cake joins in with a blend of French patisserie expertise and Anglo-Saxon design, offering handcrafted and decorated cookies and treats in their pop-up store.
The Jardin de Noel pop-up is a go-to for Christmas decorations, filled with accessories and gifts to transform any interior into a magical holiday.
The experience runs through to 6th January. Hours are Monday to Saturday from 10am to 7.30pm, and from 11am to 7pm every Sunday in December. For more information, click here. Happy shopping!
See more in our Instagram reel below…
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Photo credits: Métropole Shopping Monte-Carlo
By Stephanie Horsman and Niki Borisova
AS Monaco achieved a notable 85-77 victory over Olympiacos Piraeus in the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Round 11 that was held at their home court of Salle Gaston Médecin on 30th November, moving their record to 7-4. The win served as a redemption for their last season’s Final Four loss and has strengthened their position in the race for the playoffs.
AS Monaco’s coach, Saša Obradović, reflected on the team’s performance at the press conference after the game, where he emphasised their defensive efforts.
“We defended pretty good, but we still failed on some situations,” he said, acknowledging both the team’s strengths and areas needing improvement.
The game saw Monaco finishing strong with a 12-4 run in the final two minutes, a testament to their resilience and tactical skills.
Mike James was instrumental, scoring 10 of his 24 points in the final three minutes, while Elie Okobo contributed 11 points. Obradović also praised the team’s rebounding ability, which was crucial in maintaining their lead.
Despite individual standouts, the game was a collective victory. Olympiacos, though they fought hard, saw their three-game winning streak snapped, dropping to 6-5. Isaiah Canaan led their scoring with 20 points, supported by Thomas Walkup and Alec Peters.
Obradovic highlighted the need for sustained intensity in his comments, saying, “[It] can be a bit mentally draining after this win as we’ve put all the energy in, but we have to keep the same intensity and aggressiveness throughout the season.”
The victory was a combination of strategic execution and teamwork for AS Monaco. With this morale-boosting win, they avenged a past defeat and solidified their position in the EuroLeague standings. Under Obradović’s leadership, the team is ready to tackle the challenges of a long and unpredictable season.
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Photo by Monaco Life
The programme for the 40th anniversary edition of the “living art” Printemps des Arts festival has been released, and the ticket office has opened too. Here are all the details.
For 18 days next spring, the Principality will be filled with music and creativity when the Printemps des Arts festival returns for its landmark 40th edition.
“After 39 springs, the Festival remains faithful to what constitutes its essence: creation, the meeting between the arts, the rediscovery of works from the past which challenge us differently every day,” says Princess Caroline of Hanover, the ever-dedicated president of the event. “These works are neither immutable nor timeless: they are the fruit of a living art which is perpetually renewed, according to the style of the performers, according to the imagination of the listeners, according to the context in which the music is heard.”
Running from 13th March to 7th April, this celebration of the arts will place a heavy focus on our collective home – the planet Earth – and our relationship with nature, the environment and the circle of life.
This will be apparent in many aspects, but perhaps none so directly as through the works of Brazilian photographer, Sebastião Salgado, which can be explored at the screening of ‘Le Sel de la Terre’ on 17th March at the Cinéma des Beaux-Arts.
“Sebastião Salgado makes us understand that art is not limited to the beauty of light or the power of contrast; Salgado informs us, his way of fixing the ephemeral stirs our reflection, leads us to consider our world differently,” says the Princess of his unique talent.
It is a theme to be heard as well as seen and another highlight of the programme will be the iconic Gustav Mahler orchestral masterpiece, ‘Song of the Earth’, which will be performed in three different ways on three dates: 16th, 29th and 31st March.
As Bruno Mantovini, the Festival’s Artistic Director, so colourfully explains, “Nature and the animal world will also be in the spotlight during concerts offered by The Amazing Keystone Big Band [on 31st March], which will give a swinging vision of Camille Saint-Saëns’ ‘Carnival of the Animals’, by the Parisii Quartet [on 6th April], who will play the music of Joseph Haydn, the most earthly of all composers, and by the Unisoni Ensemble [on 30th and 31st March] who will introduce us to a veritable musical bestiary at the crossroads of the 17th and 18th centuries.”
Music is, of course, central to the event, and next spring’s programme will see some of today’s best performers taking on works by the musical geniuses of the past, from Johann Sebastian Bach, and Johannes Brahms to Maurice Ravel, Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Schubert and Felix Mendelssohn.
One particularly special event on the agenda, which is also very likely to sell out quickly, is an enchanting dinner-concert, where several musical works will intermingle with the delectable dishes of Chef Yannick Alléno . The sense of smell will be brought into the mix as, courtesy of perfume maker Clémence Besse, an olfactory interpretation of the ‘Song of the Earth’ using scent will be portrayed.
The programme in full can be found here and tickets are available now on the Printemps des Arts website. Click here for reservations.
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Photo credit: Le Festival Printemps des Arts
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