The Mairie de Monaco on Friday officially opened the inaugural Sports Village in Monaco, and it looks like it’s going to be a big hit with the kids.

On Friday afternoon, Deputy Mayor Camille Svara, together with Sports Establishments Delegate Jacques Pastor, and Arnaud Giusti, Head of the Municipal Sports and Associations Department, officially declared the Sports Village open on the South Dock of Port Hercule.

The vast area features fun sporting activities and is a first in the Principality, following the closure of the annual ice skating rink.

The Sports Village now complements the ‘Rainier III, Passionate Prince’ Christmas Village which opened by Prince Albert and Princess Charlene on Thursday 7th December.

It is designed for sports enthusiasts aged three and over, and features several obstacle courses, a treetop adventure, climbing and a 180-meter-long zip line to fly over the Port of Monaco.

Information, timetables and prices are available at www.mairie.mc.

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Photo source: Mairie de Monaco

For three months in a row now, fatal incidents have been on the rise on French roads, bringing the total tally of deaths to almost 2,850 in 2023 so far. 

Compared to November 2022, last month saw a 16% increase in the number of deaths related to traffic accidents in mainland France. Of the 281 people who lost their lives, data from the Observatoire National Interministériel de la Sécurité Routière agency shows that 56 of these were pedestrians.  

Although September, October and November all recorded increases compared to the same months in 2022, the story had been different for the first eight months of the year and, overall, fatalities remain 5% lower than they were at this point last year, with 2,846 officially recorded.  

Serious injuries are also down on 2022 figures, decreasing year-on-year by 2%. 1,183 were recorded in the month of November, while a total of 4,535 traffic accidents were reported.  

“If the accident figures for 2023 are at this stage showing a downward trend, those for the last quarter were on the rise. As such, it is important that road users are ever aware of their responsibilities as drivers as we near the end of the year,” notes Florence Guillaume, an interministerial delegate for road safety.  

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Photo source: Clark Van Der Beken, Unsplash

AS Monaco succumbed to a shock defeat to bottom-of-the-table Lyon (0-1) on Friday night with Jeffinho netting an unlikely late winner in a tightly-contested fixture.

“It isn’t third against bottom,” said Monaco manager Adi Hütter when he previewed the match on Wednesday, referencing the quality of Lyon, despite their lowly ranking in the Ligue 1 standings. However, the reality was that Lyon head into the match rock-bottom, Monaco, in contrast. are in the battle for the podium.

However, you wouldn’t have been able to tell from the opening exchanges. Lyon, with their well-balanced midfield of Maxence Caqueret and Corentin Tolisso were combative and at times dangerous, breaking the press and exploiting spaces in behind. It was the Principality club, however, who fashioned the better chances. Folarin Balogun’s shot stung the palms of Anthony Lopes and just moments later, he headed over unopposed in the box. The USMNT striker should have done better after some good work from Youssouf Fofana, however, his jump was poorly timed.

Lyon fans in attendance, despite ban

Monaco were knocking at the door before halftime, and they almost broke it down early in the second. Mohamed Camara linked up nicely with Maghnes Akliouche, receiving the ball back from the France U21 international before unleashing a shot that clipped the outside of the post on the way wide.

Hütter’s side looked the most likely to find a late winner, but ultimately, it was Lyon who got it. Monaco were a step behind in their press and they were punished. England international Ainsley Maitland-Niles got to the byline, before cutting back for substitute Jeffinho, who scored with his first touch off the bench.

That goal sent the very few Lyon fans in attendance into raptures. The club were banned from filling the away end after their fans were shown making racist gestures during the ultimately abandoned match against Marseille in October, but a few dozen nonetheless filled the home end and made themselves heard at the final whistle.

“It’s a heavy defeat” – Hütter

With the win, Lyon pull themselves out of the relegation zone for now, whilst Monaco remain in third. They could be caught by Lille, if they beat PSG later this weekend. It is likely, however, that the Principality club will finish the gameweek on the podium. “There is no point in throwing it all away,” reacted Krépin Diatta post-match, seeking to downplay the significance of the defeat.

“It was a really heavy defeat this defeat. We are disappointed,” admitted Hütter, who was hoping to secure a win in Monaco’s last home match of the calendar year.

This season, Monaco harbour hopes of returning to the Champions League, and the club will therefore need to rediscover their start-of-season form in order to keep on track. Next up is another struggling side, Toulouse. A win will be a necessity.

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Longtime Mayor of Monaco Georges Marsan has been reportedly arrested on suspicion of corruption along with four other individuals. 

The first rumours of Marsan’s arrest began at lunchtime on Thursday 14th December. By the evening, it had been confirmed by the Parquet Général that the six-time mayor, who was re-elected to the role he has held since 2003 in March of this year, and four other individuals had been taken into custody.  

Later that night, the local press announced that the five people in question would likely remain in police custody in Monaco for a further 24 hours. 

UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES? 

Marsan’s arrest has sent shock waves through the Principality. This appears to be the first time in history that a mayor of Monaco has been arrested whilst in office. 

Very little is known about the reasons why Marsan and the others were taken into custody, and no formal comment relating to the matter had been made by the Mairie de Monaco or the Prince’s Government of Monaco as of 1.30pm on Friday 15th December.  

According to Monaco Matin, “all of these people are being interviewed within the framework of a letter rogatory issued by Monegasque investigating judges… If serious and consistent evidence makes it likely that they could have participated in an offense, as perpetrator or accomplice, they are likely to be charged (indicted under French law) by the investigating judges”. 

Another local French language media outlet, France 3, has indicated that the arrests are related to an investigation into “corruption, influence peddling and money laundering”. The media has also suggested that the allocations of premises within the Condamine Market, a flagship element of Marsan’s mayoral campaign, could be in some way involved. 

Marsan’s last public appearance prior to his arrest is believed to have been at the Hôtel de Paris for the Action Innocence event.  

The city hall’s Première Adjointe, Camille Svara, has reportedly taken on the responsibilities of the mayor during his time in police custody.  

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Photo source: Viktor Hesse, Unsplash

Under an innovative new scheme designed to help lower income families transition to electric vehicles, the French government is offering certain households the opportunity to lease a range of transportation for just €100 a month. Here are all the details.  

As part of its national strategy to cut emissions, the French government has launched a pioneering new programme called Mon Leasing Electrique.  

The scheme essentially offers a long-term leasing contract of a 100% electric vehicle at a very modest cost. According to the government, applicants who fit the conditions could pay €100 or less for a vehicle every month for a period of three years. After that, the contract holder can either return the vehicle or buy it for the residual amount.  

Mon Leasing Electrique will be up and running from 1st January 2024, but those intrigued by the programme can already register their interest online.

WHO CAN APPLY? 

The programme is targeting low-income households who would otherwise be unlikely to be able to afford to buy an electric vehicle.  

To be suitable for the programme, the individual apply must: have a fixed address in France; live over 15 kilometres from their place of work and require a car to get there; travel at least 8,000 kilometres by car for work each year; and have an income tax reference of less than €15,400 per share. 

“An electric car at €100 per month was a commitment from the President [Emmanual Macron],” said Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne on social media. “From January 1st it will be a reality. Bringing the ecological transition into everyone’s daily life is ecological planning.”  

To find out more and to see if you are eligible for the scheme, click here. 

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Photo source: Jenny Ueberberg, Unsplash

The Swedish capital of Stockholm was recently the focus of a delegation from Monaco charged with boosting Monaco’s ‘attractiveness’ internationally.

As part of the implementation of the government’s so-called ‘attractiveness plan’, the Attractiveness Unit went to Stockholm for two days of exchanges co-organised by the Consulate of Monaco in Sweden.

During the trip, the Monegasque delegation, led by Frédéric Genta, Interministerial Delegate for Attractiveness and Digital Transition, took part in a dinner with Jan E. Frydman, Consul of Monaco in Sweden, as well as a community of Swedish investors and entrepreneurs.

According to the government, it was an opportunity for the Attractiveness Unit to welcome all of these participants into the Monaco Private Label community.

Frédéric Genta also met Johan Forssell, Minister of International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade. The dialogues focused on the respective attractiveness policies of the two countries as well as the digital ambitions of Sweden and the Principality.

The Interministerial Delegate was also able to speak with representatives of the main investment funds and technology companies in Sweden.

The Principality of Monaco and Sweden will meet next year to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Consulate of Monaco in Stockholm.

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Photo source: Government Communication Department

Pressing matters within the European and global gaming industries, from responsible gaming practices to online trends and anti-money laundering measures, were high on the agenda at the recent convening of the European Casino Association in Monaco. 

In early December, the European Casino Association (ECA) convened in Monaco for a major meeting of its Board of Directors that addressed the key issues facing the industry today.  

Central to the discussions was the ECA’s evolving relationships with the European Parliament regarding physical and online casinos, as well as the association’s anti-money laundering efforts, with reference to the particular challenges posed by online gaming and illegal gambling activities. 

The certification of the association’s commitment to responsible gaming was also covered in this final meeting of 2023, which was chaired by Monegasque Pascal Camia, the Senior Vice-President of the ECA. 

ABOUT THE ECA 

Founded in 1990, the European Casino Association represents the interests of 900 gaming operators across 28 countries in Europe and beyond. Its missions include unifying stakeholders, exchanging information and best practices, and advocating for the industry with European authorities.

Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer’s gaming sites have been affiliated with the ECA in a membership capacity since July 2017, and the Principality maintains holds a notable presence on the Board of Directors, with Camia representing Monaco since February 2018. Since 2019, both the Casino de Monte-Carlo and the Café de Paris have been certified as ‘Jeu Responsable’ establishments.

The recent gathering in Monaco, which included a tour of various Monegasque establishments, saw ECA attendees meet with Stéphane Valeri, SBM President-Delegate, and enjoy a closing lunch exchange with Albert Manzone, General Manager of SBM, and Virginie Cotta, Secretary-General of SBM.

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Photo credit: Eric Bessone / SBM

‘Tis the season to be jolly and Monaco’s neighbour of Cap d’Ail is gearing up to spread the magic of Christmas far and wide with lots of enchanting events planned for this coming weekend.

The streets of Cap d’Ail will come alive on the evening of Friday 15th December as Santa Claus takes centre stage in a musical parade. His journey begins at 4.30pm and he will weave through the town, from the École André Malraux to Place de la Liberté, Les Salines and Beaverbrook, to meet and greet the children of Cap d’Ail. 

Out on the Place de la Liberté, the Cap d’Ail Parents’ Association has curated a delightful array of activities to accompany Santa’s visit. From 4.30pm to 7pm, children can partake in the art of cookie decoration, get their faces painted, savour homemade pastries and warm up with a festive hot chocolate. The CCAS of Cap d’Ail will also be hosting a carboot sale, the proceeds of which will go towards funding end-of-year school outings. 

From farmyard fun to magical workshops 

The next day, on Saturday 16th December, revellers can step into the magical realm of the Château des Terrasses for a day filled with surprises and festive activities.

From 10am to 1pm and then again from 2pm to 7pm, a farm from Une Ferme Chez Vous will await families, offering a hands-on experience with sheep, Shetland ponies, goats, chickens and more. 

Starting at 4pm, children can participate in a variety of workshops, including crafts and Christmas letter writing sessions. The park will host a wandering magician and musicians, ensuring an atmosphere of enchantment for all. 

At 5pm, visitors will be invited to enjoy a cup of rich hot chocolate or vin chaud at the traditional Christmas aperitif at the Château des Terrasses. The event will culminate with a spread of delectable desserts, adding a sweet note to the festive day. 

For more information and timings, click here. 

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The first nine months of 2023 have seen sustained economic growth, bank held assets on the rise and job creation on the up. Here are the key takeaways of IMSEE’s Q3 report.  

Monaco’s dedicated statistical agency, IMSEE, has just released its third quarterly report for 2023, which compares aggregate data compiled since 1st January to the same time period for 2022.  

By and large, the report’s findings are favourable, with “most of the Principality’s economic indicators still up in the third quarter”.  

ECONOMY 

As of 30th September, Monaco’s revenue exceeded €15 billion, demonstrating a “sustained growth” of 9.1%, equal to €1.3 billion, compared to 2022, in which revenue grew by a colossal 22.5%.  

The strongest sector was scientific and technical activities, which gained 43.3% on the previous year to hit close to €3.4 billion. This sector also accounts for 80% of overall economic growth in the first nine months of 2023. According to IMSEE, this exponential growth is “mainly due to the activities of quantity surveyors”, who more than doubled their returns on comparative 2022 figures.  

Also high on the performance list was the financial and insurance activities sector, which saw an enormous 88.3% rise from 2022 to just over €3 billion, and the construction sector, which surpassed the €2 billion mark and gained 20.5% on 2022. Retail was also strong, making in excess of €1.7 billion.  

FOREIGN TRADE STAGNATES  

Regarding foreign trade, excluding business with France, the IMSEE report acknowledges that “despite a favourable situation in the first half of 2023, the overall volume of trade stagnated at the end of September, and its value (€2.6 billion), was only slightly higher than that recorded for the same period in 2022”. 

Foreign trade increased by just 0.5% on January to September 2022 figures.

ASSET MANAGEMENT 

Total assets under management in Monaco rose by 5.9% year-on-year, according to the data, “despite a slight 1.4% fall in deposits”. Loans granted by Monaco-based banks declined by 7%.  

As confirmed by IMSEE, Monaco has attracted two new asset management companies so far in 2023, but has also said goodbye to two banks.  

EMPLOYMENT 

The number of private sector jobs rose by 4.5% to nearly 63,000 by the end of the third quarter: 2,700 more than in 2022. The information and communication sector led the charge here, adding 15.8% more jobs than the previous year. The motion picture, television and video activities workforce doubled its numbers, thanks in large part to the creation of the new TV station in Monaco.  

The construction sector also saw a considerable rise in its number of workers, up more than 8% to 6,600 employees. It now represents just over 10% of the private sector workforce in Monaco.  

Employees worked a lot more in 2023 too, chalking up more than 77 million hours worked, 4.3 million more than during the same time period in 2022. 

There were a net 260 new businesses created in the first nine months of 2023, with 648 created and 388 closures. 30 new employers also joined the books, bringing the total to 6,396. 

To read the report for yourself, click here.

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Photo source: Braden Egli, Unsplash

Prescrire magazine has released its annual list of medications that are currently available in the EU, but are potentially hazardous to human health. Of the 105 drugs featured, 88 are prescribed in France. 

For the past 12 years, Prescrire magazine has put out a list of medications on sale and available on prescription in the EU that its team of researchers say should be avoided. This year, the list of drugs deemed “more dangerous than useful” has surpassed the 100-mark, and more than 80% are available in France.

The report is based on documented research and considers criteria such as effectiveness, comparisons to other available treatment options and adverse side effects.  

The researchers behind the report employ what is referred to as a “benefit-risk balance” to evaluate “the beneficial therapeutic effects in comparison with the risks linked to the safety of use of a medication”.   

Active, updated and newly approved medications are all considered, as well as drugs that are not yet proven to be more effective than a placebo, but still expose consumers to serious side effects.  

WHAT’S ON THE LIST 

The list is updated annually, with drugs being added and removed as deemed necessary.

For example, teriflunomide, an immunosuppressant authorised for multiple sclerosis has returned to the list for 2024 after being taken off in 2023 in order to better assess its benefit-risk balance in children under the age of 10. The results were not favourable, so back on the list it went.  

Other medications that had appeared in last year’s list, such as fenfluramine, which is used in the treatment of seizures associated with Dravet syndrome and Lennox–Gastaut syndrome in children, have been removed. Fenfluramine was deemed to have a positive benefit-risk balance for the latter syndrome, but the jury is still out regarding its helpfulness is treating young patients with Dravet, a rare, genetic epileptic encephalopathy that comes with seizures that are hard to treat.  

To find out more and to see Prescrire’s full list, click here.

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Photo source: Ksenia Yakovleva, Unsplash