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

Un sexagénaire est décédé, ce dimanche matin 3 décembre, à la suite d'un accident de la circulation survenu le long du boulevard du Mercantour à Nice.

Après deux déplacements infructueux au Havre (0-0) et à Paris (défaite 5-2), les Monégasques retrouvent contre le MHSC un stade Louis-II qui leur réussit bien. Idéal pour repartir de l’avant?

L'adolescent de 15 ans interpellé samedi 2 décembre après la découverte de deux corps dans sa maison incendiée à Chateauvilain en Isère a "avoué" avoir tué ses parents, a indiqué dimanche le parquet.

Un adolescent de 16 ans a été tué à l'arme blanche samedi soir 3 décembre à Montmagny (Val-d'Oise) alors qu'il agressait, avec deux autres personnes, un homme contacté via une application de rencontres à qui ils avaient donné rendez-vous, a appris dimanche l'AFP de sources policières.

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.

Leave may not be split

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.

Prince Albert II received by King Abdullah Shah in Malaysia

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! 

• 14 December : “C’est Beau !” by the 6è Sens & DKBEL dance companies

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 !

• 15 & 16 December : « Sol Invictus » by Hervé KOUBI

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.”

• 20, 21, 22 & 23 December : « L’Enfant et Les Sortilèges », Jean-Christophe Maillot and « La Valse », George Balanchine

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.

• From 30 December 2023 to 4 January 2024 : « Carmen », Johan Inger

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.

The Christmas Village

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.

• From 7 December 2023 to 7 January 2024
• Admission is free and open to all.

Workshops at A Fabricà

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

• The workshops are free of charge, but must be booked in advance by calling +377 93 15 29 33.

Centenary exhibitions

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

• “Le Prince et ses animaux” : admission €6 – Until 31 December 2023
• “Le Prince Rainier III, un marin avant tout” : free admission – Until 31 December 2023
• “Prince Rainier III, a rose garden in tribute to his wife”: free admission – Until January 2024
• “Le Prince Bâtisseur. Une ambition pour Monaco” (The Builder Prince. An ambition for Monaco): free admission – Until 31 December 2023
• “The Prince at the heart of the circus”: from 22 November 2023 to 28 January 2024 – free admission

A few other ideas

• 2 December: Free Christmas concert at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco – 6.30 pm
• 3 December: Ligue 1 – AS Monaco / Montpellier – Stade Louis-II at 3pm
• 3 December: Betclic Elite – AS Monaco Basket / Paris – Salle Gaston Médecin at 7 pm
• 14 December: Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo – “C’est beau! ” / Grimaldi Forum at 7.30 pm
• 15 December: Ligue 1 – AS Monaco / Olympique Lyonnais – Stade Louis-II at 9 pm
• 15 and 16 December: Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo – “Sol Invictus” / Grimaldi Forum at 7.30 pm
• 17 December: “Tout l’art du cinéma” – “Carmen Jones” at the Grimaldi Forum at 11 am
• 17 December: Betclic Elite – AS Monaco Basket / Roanne – Salle Gaston Médecin at 2.30 pm
• 19 December: Tuesday cinema – “In the mood for love” at the Théâtre des Variétés at 8 pm
• 20 December: Euroleague – AS Monaco Basket / Panathinaikos Aktor Athens – Salle Gaston Médecin at 7 pm
• 20 to 23 December: Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo – “L’enfant et les sortilèges” / Grimaldi Forum at 7.30 pm
• 21 December: Theatre – “Au scalpel – Antoine Raoult” at the Théâtre Princesse Grace at 8 pm
• 29 December: Euroleague – AS Monaco Basket / FC Barcelona – Salle Gaston Médecin at 9 pm