Monaco’s City Hall has released its annual figures on the number of births recorded in the Principality during the previous year as well as noting the most popular names given to the Principality’s newest generation. 

In total, the Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace welcomed 804 births in 2023 – 416 boys and 388 girls – including the latest member of the Grimaldi family: Victoire, the daughter of Louis and Marie Ducruet.  

See more: Princess Stephanie becomes a grandmother as son Louis and Marie Ducruet welcome first child

This was down slightly on the numbers recorded in 2022, which saw 862 babies born within the Principality, and an even greater drop from the 976 births seen during 2021. 

The ratio between married and unmarried couples was fairly split, with 400 couples being wed at the time of the birth of their child and 404 in different kinds of relationships.  

229 of the families were registered as being Monaco residents at the time of the birth while 575 were living nearby, predominately in Menton, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin and Beausoleil.  

BABY NAMING TRENDS 

There were some changes in the rankings of the most popular names chosen for Monaco’s newborns in 2023, but a strong Italian influence was clear for both boys and girls. 

Théo topped the list for boys’ names, followed by Gabriel, Léo, Leonardo and Andrea. The order of the Top Five in 2022 was Leonardo, Gabriel, Raphaël, Aaron and Louis. 

For the girls, Louise came out on top in 2023, ahead of Chloé, Emma, Jade and Chiara. The year before had seen Emma take the top stop, followed by Victoria, Alice, Chloé and Stella.  

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Photo source: Daniel Thomas, Unsplash

Following his appointment to the role of Prime Minister of France on Tuesday 9th January, 34-year-old Gabriel Attal has announced a significant reshuffle and series of replacements in his cabinet of ministers.  

France’s newly minted Prime Minister, the youngest in modern history and also the first gay man to take the position, unveiled his cabinet of ministers via President Emmanual Macron’s Secretary-General Alexis Kohler on Thursday 11th January.  

See more: Gabriel Attal elevated to prime minister of France

Gérald Darmanin has been kept on as Interior Minister, as has Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire, Justice Minister Eric Dupont-Moretti and Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu. Marc Fesneau will also continue as Agriculture and Food Sovereignty Minister, and Christophe Béchu will continue as Environment Transition and Territorial Cohesion Minister. 

Former Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna has been ousted from the cabinet, with her spot going to Attal’s former partner, Stéphane Séjourné, who was previously the Secretary-General of Macron’s Renaissance Party.  

ALMOST A 50:50 GENDER SPLIT

Of the 11 main ministerial roles, excluding Attal, seven have been given to men while women take four. However, if the junior ranks are included, it is a much more balanced 8:7 split.

Sylvie Retailleau is the only woman in the refreshed cabinet to retain her previous position: Higher Education and Research Minister.  

Catherine Vautrin, who had been tipped for the role of Prime Minister back in 2022 before Elisabeth Borne took on the job, is in as Health and Labour Minister, and former tennis star Amélie Oudéa-Castéra takes the reins as the head of the now-massive Sport and Education Ministry. She will face a major test in the months to come as Paris welcomes the Olympic Games. 

One of the more surprising appointments is that of Rachida Dati as Culture Minister. Dati was Justice Minister under Nicholas Sarkozy and caused some upset by defecting from the then-President’s Les Républicains Party. She later became the mayor of the seventh arrondissement in Paris.

According to Le Monde, “[Dati] has been implicated in two legal cases: the Carlos Ghosn affair, for which she has been under investigation for passive corruption and concealment of abuse of power since 2021; and the investigation into the alleged kidnapping of a lobbyist in Qatar linked to PSG football club president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, which led to a police raid on her city hall in June 2023”.  

Aurore Bergé, formerly of the Solidarity and Family Ministry, is taking over as Gender Equality Minister, while Prisca Thevenot, who had been Youth and Universal National Service Junior Minister, is now Democratic Renewal Junior Minister as well as an officially appointed government spokesperson. Marie Lebec has been appointed to the role of Parliamentary Relations Junior Minister.  

“ACTION, ACTION, ACTION” 

“What I want is action, action, action and results, results, results,” Attal told TF1 after his new cabinet was revealed. 

He has vowed to be a champion of the middle class in the context of the cost-of-living crisis and has made clear he is well on the side of law and order. He also represents Macron’s hopes of giving his second term new life. The President’s popularity has waned following his controversial pension reforms and immigration laws in the last 12 months. 

Attal’s cabinet also marks a fairly obvious shift to the right following years of centrist politicians in senior jobs.  

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Photo source: Élysée, Présidence de la République Française

It was a sorry defeat for AS Monaco in Athens, who lost to EuroLeague rivals Panathinaikos in Round 21 of the season on 11th January. 

The home team’s performance was dominant from the outset, characterised by effective defence and high shooting percentages, and AS Monaco struggled to keep pace with Panathinaikos throughout, despite efforts from players like Donatas Motiejunas, who reached the 1,000-mark in his EuroLeague career during the match, and Matthew Strazel.

Throughout the match, Panathinaikos maintained control, displaying a potent mix of offensive skill and defensive solidity to contain the Roca Team’s Mike James, leading to him recording five turnovers. By the end of the third quarter, they had outscored Monaco 24-14, showcasing their ability to maintain intensity and focus.  

The home team were the ultimate, and deserved, winners: 88-63.  

The results of the game saw Panathinaikos improve their EuroLeague record to 13-8, while Monaco fell to 11-10. 

The next EuroLeague game will take place in Monaco’s Salle Gaston Médecin on 19th January against Real Madrid. 

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Photo credit: AS Monaco Basket

British legend Sir Elton John is auctioning off the contents of his Atlanta apartment and fans have a chance to purchase his eclectic collection of photographs, artworks, stage costumes and memorabilia in an exciting new auction by Christies.  

Following the sale of his incredible apartment in Atlanta, United States, Christie’s will present a series of historic sales dedicated to Sir Elton John. An evening sale at Rockefeller Centre will open this series of eight sales, in New York and online, dedicated to one of the greatest legends in the world of music.

Rare opportunity to acquire a part of the singer’s history and heritage

Atlanta is a key city in Elton John’s life. It is the place to which he constantly returned throughout his numerous American tours, and in 1992 he surprised everyone by deciding to settle there. But his love for Atlanta was in fact quite personal – after becoming sober in 1990, it was within Atlanta’s welcoming communities and treatment centres that Elton John found the comfort and support he needed.

“Organising ‘The Collection of Sir Elton John: Goodbye Peachtree Road’ sale alongside Sir Elton John and his husband David Furnish is a great privilege for Christie’s,” said Tash Perrin, Vice-President Christie’s Americas. “This extraordinary collection brings together a wide range of remarkable objects that encapsulate the life, work and art of Elton John.”

What is going on sale?

Over the years, Elton John has amassed an impressive collection of art, objects and memorabilia, many of which are commissions specially designed for his Peachtree Road residence. Among them, ‘Your Song’ by Damien Hirst, signed and dedicated with a “XXX for Elton + David, love Damien, Thank You”, estimated to fetch between $350,000 and $450,000, and a portrait of Elton John painted by Julian Schnabel, estimated at $200,000 to $300,000).

His photographic collection includes the works of Andy Warhol, Helmut Newton, Robert Mapplethorpe, Peter Beard, Herb Ritts, Richard Avedon and many others.

The artist’s dazzling wardrobe is also featured in the sale, in particular a remarkable gold and ivory ensemble, the work of Annie Reavey in around 1971. Estimated at $12,000, it is one of the very first stage outfits designed exclusively for Elton John.

Testament to the eclectic tastes of Elton John, the sale offers a remarkable collection of Versace items, including a selection of vintage Gianni Versace shirts as well as tableware and decorative items.

The Atlanta apartment also houses a grand piano, collections of glass art, antiques and travel souvenirs from around the world.

‘The Collection of Sir Elton John: Goodbye Peachtree Road’ sale will take place from 21^st to 23^rd February in New York, and continue online on 27^th and 28^th February.

A free, immersive exhibition will be open to the public from 9^th to 21^st February at Christie’s,  20 Rockefeller Plaza in New York.

Click here for more information.

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Main image source: Christies

A blank canvas sits ready to be turned into something beautiful at 19 Boulevard du Larvotto, and that something will come in the form of a new real estate project designed by local firm Atelier Boisson + Boisson Architects.  

The vision for this nearly 1,100m2 plot, which has now been given the official go-ahead by Monaco’s City Council, is that of a 35-metre high and 10-storey building that will be the future home of 35 new apartments, a Monaco Telecom data centre and ample parking for residents. 

THE PRINCE’S ACTION PLAN 

The construction falls under Prince Albert’s National Housing Plan, first initiated in 2019 to cover shortfalls in the public housing market, and will provide, according to Monaco Matin, 25 two-room, seven three-room and three four-room flats over 2,647m2 of living space.   

The data centre will take up two subterranean levels and cover 1,550m2, and 37 parking spaces will be created for residents along with parking allowances for two-wheeled vehicles.  

THE BUILDING 

The building itself will be built using the latest eco-conscious methods, having obtained a silver Mediterranean Sustainable Buildings of Monaco (BD2M) label already for its plans.

Once finished, it will feature 187m2 of solar panelling on the roof and a sun-shielding mesh façade to facilitate climbing plants. Additionally, the heating and cooling systems will be connected to the energy-efficient urban thalassothermal network.  

Construction, says Monaco Matin, is estimated to go on for 39 months following the 21st February start date and will cost an estimated €45 million to complete. The flats are expected to be move-in ready by 2027.  

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Photo source: Abba.mc 

The next generation of musical and theatrical talent being nurtured at Monaco’s Académie Rainier III has unveiled a rich cultural programme, all of which is free to enjoy, for the winter season.  

From jazz shows to choral concerts and a special event commemorating the Principality’s patron saint, the coming few months will be packed with exciting performances featuring the students of the Académie Rainier III. Here are some of the highlights. 

JANUARY 

It all kicks off on 27th January, when the Children’s Choir joins in with Monaco’s national Sainte-Dévote celebrations by hosting the London-based Tenebrae Choir for a joint concert at the Cathedral of Our Immaculate Lady.  

Then, on 31st January at 6pm, the strings, the wind and polyphonic departments will hit the stage of the Théâtre des Variétés for a live concert accompanied by chamber music and a choir. 

FEBRUARY 

The Théâtre des Variétés sets the scene again on 7th February at 6.30pm, when the introductory theatre class of the Academy takes to the boards to perform theatrical and musical works of their choosing. It’s an excellent opportunity to see the acting stars of tomorrow as they hone their craft.  

Next up, on 12th, 14th and 16th February, the students will make the Espace Léo Ferré their home base for the annual Journées de l’Académie and three specialist concerts, all starting at 7pm.  

MARCH 

To round out the programming, March will see the students perform an orchestral concert at the Auditorium Rainier III on 20th March at 8pm, followed on 23rd March with another concert event in Dolceacqua, Italy, which recently became an official twinned city with the Principality. 

See more: Photos: After 500 years of family ties, Monaco and Dolceacqua are officially “twinned”

The Académie Rainier III is an educational establishment specialising in the musical and dramatic arts. More than 800 students are currently enrolled, and there are more than 60 teachers and an administrative and technical team of 13. 

Tickets for the various events will become available on 18th January. Reservations are required for each occasion, but all are free of charge. 

For more information, click here.  

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Photo credit: Académie Rainier III

An evening of fashion, fine cuisine and charitable giving will be held in the name of women’s independence and female empowerment at the Golden Z Philanthropic Gala in Monaco on 8th March.  

Set to take place at Le Méridien Beach Plaza in Monaco, the gala, which is open to both women and men, will unite its 300 anticipated guests under a common goal: to support women’s empowerment and independence.

Among the highlights of the night will be a fashion show by Maison Malèna. There will also be a charity tombola featuring prizes donated by local businesses and brands, such as APM Monaco.  

Doors to the event will open at 7.30pm. Tickets are priced at €89 per person and the funds raised during the course of the evening and charity tombola will be donated to projects dedicated to combating violence against women, ending forced child marriage and promoting education. Reservations can be made here.

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Photo via Le Méridien Beach Plaza, Facebook

As Monaco-based Maserati MSG Racing puts together its final preparations for the inaugural race of the 2024 E-Prix series, which will take place in Mexico City this weekend, the team’s drivers and chairman share their thoughts on the challenges and season to come. 

After some time away from the competition circuit over the winter, Maserati MSG Racing will be back in the thick of the action within a matter of hours.  

Ahead of the race in Mexico, Maximilian Günther, who has been with the team since the 2022/23 season, revealed, “I’m very much looking forward to kicking off the season in Mexico City. We’ve had a great off-season, made some good steps forwards and the spirit within the team is strong. The track in Mexico City is a challenge that I enjoy a lot, the layout is fast, and we have this amazing section through the Foro Sol stadium where you really feel the passion and the energy of the fans. The difference in altitude plays a role as well. I’m looking forward to the fantastic welcome that we always receive from the Mexican fans, and we will try to begin our season with a good weekend.” 

He will be joined this year on the grid by 25-year-old Indian motorsports driver Jehan Daruvala, who is stepping into the shoes of Edoardo Mortara.  

See more: Formula E: Maserati MSG Racing announce 2024 driver lineup

“Together with the team, we have worked really hard,” added Daruvala. “The track layout looks fun to drive and the atmosphere in Mexico is something I’m very much looking forward to experiencing as well – people underestimate the impact that these things can have on a driver. Most of all though, I want to do myself and my team proud.” 

Sharing his thoughts on the upcoming season, Chairman and Principal Owner Scott Swid said, “Season 10 is shaping up to be one of Formula E’s most exciting for a long time, and we’re looking forward to this weekend’s race in Mexico City. Pre-season testing went well, and since then, everyone has been working incredibly hard to ensure that we’re in the best possible position for the start of the season. We’re united in our goal and purpose – we know what we want to achieve, and we know what we need to do to get there. Throughout Season 9, which showed some incredible highs and brutal lows, we demonstrated resilience and the impact of tenacity in motorsport. We rose from every challenge we faced, and with this experience, we know that we can face any scenario that is presented to us in 2024. We have a great driver line-up, race winning experience and I expect us to be fighting at the front.”

Race details 

The event will unfold over two days, beginning with the shakedown session on Friday 12th January from 2.30pm to 2.45pm local time, followed by the first free practice from 4.30pm to 5.15pm.  

The action continues on Saturday 13th January with the second free practice session, which will start at 7.30am. Then come the crucial qualifying rounds from 9.40am to 11.03am.  

The much-anticipated race is scheduled to begin just after 2pm.  

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Photo credit: mcusercontent.com 

Ahead of tax declaration deadlines in the spring, the French government has announced the annually updated tax brackets and rates applicable to 2023 earnings and income.  

France’s sliding tax scales are set annually, and in 2024, the income tax bands have been increased by 4.8%.  

There are five ascending tax bands, starting with the lowest income earners and going up to the highest.

They are as follows: 

• Income of €0 to €11,294 will be taxed at 0% 
• Income of €11,295 to €28,797 will be taxed at 11% 
• Income of €28,798 to €82,341 will be taxed at 30% 
• Income of €82,342 to €177,106 will be taxed at 41% 
• Income above €177,106 will be taxed at 45% 

The tax rate also takes into consideration the quotient familial, which is to be understood as the “number of shares, which depends on your situation and the number of people in your tax household”, according to the government’s website. Typically, an adult equates to one full “part”, while a child’s weighting is 0.5 parts.  

All French residents must pay taxes in France on worldwide income, including money earned from investments, corporate or business income, inheritance, property, wealth, and certain purchased goods and services.  

Deadlines 

Income tax declarations will be accepted from early April.  

Paper income tax declarations must be submitted by 22nd May.  

The deadline for online declarations for French departments numbered 01 through to 19, and non-residents liable for taxation, has been set for 25th May. For departments 20 to 54, the deadline is 1st June, and for the remaining departments, including overseas territories, the deadline is 8th June.  

For more information on the revisions and how to calculate 2023 income tax, click here.

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Photo source: Scott Graham, Unsplash

Monaco’s Novotel will host two separate chess events this week, beginning with the new Blitz Chess Championship inspired by the popular Manga series before the top-tier European Women’s Rapid tournament takes place. 

Blitz, the chess-focused Manga series produced by Monaco’s Shibuya Productions, is hosting its first event, the Blitz Chess Championship, on Friday 12th January. The format is based on 13 high-intensity single rounds and time controls of three minutes and two seconds as per the Swiss system.  

The Swiss System is a chess tournament pairing system that allows all players to play all rounds regardless of whether they win or lose. No one is eliminated due to a loss. Instead, players are paired based upon how well they do in the tournament, with the winningest playing other winners and so forth.  

Blitz’s growing acclaim, which has seen 10 volumes since 2020, has brought chess to a whole new generation, making the game appealing through its youthful characters, detailed artwork, fun story lines and guest appearances by the legendary chess master Gary Kasparov.  

The first match will start at 1.30pm.

TOP INTERNATIONAL FEMALE PLAYERS 

The second tournament, the European Women’s Rapid, will take place from Saturday 13th to Sunday 14th January. There will be 11 rounds with time control in increments of 15 minutes and 10 seconds. 

The event is likely to attract top players such as Alexandra Kosteniuk, Antoaneta Stefanova and Pia Cramling, who will be battling it out for prizes to the tune of €22,500.  

The matches start at 2.15pm.  

For more information on both tournaments, click here. 

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Photo source: Je Shoots, Unsplash