France has introduced a new law allowing offenders caught committing certain offences, from driving without insurance to drug use, to pay on-the-spot fines at a reduced rate. Here’s how it will work.  

A new law entered into force on 8th November 2023 that allows police officers who issue fines for a select number of “minor” offences to collect on-the-spot payments from offenders. 

Those caught committing a crime will be able to benefit from the same reduced rate that would have been available within the typical 15-day window set by violation notices sent in the post. Officers will accept cash, cheque and card payments. 

Offenders are not obliged to make the immediate payment and can choose to have the fine sent to their postal address instead without any repercussions.  

POSSIBLE SCENARIOS

Four types of minor offences have been listed on the Public Service website page covering the new law: driving without a licence or with a licence that doesn’t correspond with the category of vehicle; driving without insurance; drug use; and illegal occupation of the entry or hallway of a building.  

The flat rate fine for driving without a licence is €800. If paid immediately or within 15 days, this is reduced to €640. Those who choose to delay payment more than 45 days risk getting slapped with a €1,600 bill. 

Uninsured motorists are looking at €500 to pay, reduced to €400 with the new system and hiked to €1,000 in the case of non-payment after 45 days. 

In the case of drugs use, the fine is typically €200, with a €50 reduction for paying directly to police or within 15 days. The fine can rise to €450 if not taken care of within 45 days. 

For further information, click here.  

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The Saint Paul’s Anglican Church in Monaco will host a special performance of Handel’s ‘Messiah’ by the Ristretto ensemble in early December. 

At 7pm on 9th December, the Saint Paul’s Anglican Church in Monaco will welcome the acclaimed Ristretto vocal and instrumental ensemble for an evening of outstanding classical music under the skilled direction of Errol Girdlestone.

The concert will feature a talented group of soloists, including soprano Elenor Bowers-Jolley, countertenor Clint van der Linde, tenor Gavan Ring and bass Simon Bailey, alongside the rest of the locally based choir.

Known for their dynamic interpretations of classical masterpieces, Ristretto promises to bring a unique and compelling perspective to one of Handel’s most famous oratorios, ‘Messiah’. 

Set against the backdrop of one of Monaco’s most revered religious venues, this event is expected to be a highlight of the winter season for classical music enthusiasts. For further information, ticket inquiries or additional event details, visit the Ristretto ensemble’s website here or email them directly at ristrettovoices06@gmail.com.  

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Photo via RistrettoVoices.com

The Louis II tunnel is now able to accommodate cyclists in safety thanks to a dedicated cycle lane in the direction of Menton.

Following the end of works on the Spélugues piers, the Louis II tunnel was recently re-opened to pedestrians in addition to the regular vehicle traffic.

Now, the government has announced that the tunnel will be able to accommodate all modes of road transport with the creation of a cycle lane, direction Menton.

The cycle lane was opened on 16^th November and connects the Condamine and Larvotto districts of the Principality.

In the opposite direction, cyclists will continue to share the normal lane with motorists, as the width of the tunnel does not allow for the creation of a second cycle lane.

With this new 430 metre cycle lane there are, in total, almost 6km of lanes dedicated to cyclists in the Principality.

“Wearing a helmet is compulsory for all cyclists up to the age of 18 and strongly recommended above that,” said the government in a statement. “Helmets are also mandatory for children under 18 years of age for electric scooters, as well as wearing retro-reflective clothing or equipment.”

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Photo source: Government of Monaco

Monaco showcases its environmental commitment during the European Week for Waste Reduction with a range of initiatives, including a mobile app, public educational events, and community-driven recycling and waste reduction efforts, emphasising sustainable resource management.

Monaco steps into the forefront of environmental consciousness with its 5th annual participation in the ‘European Week for Waste Reduction’ (EWWR), or ‘Semaine Européenne de la Réduction des Déchets’ (SERD) in French. Aligning with the National Day celebrations, the Principality’s initiatives from 21^st to 26^th November will showcase a commitment to sustainable resource management and waste reduction. This year’s theme, ‘Packaging’, echoes under the fitting slogan ‘Don’t get wrapped up!’ highlighting the urgent need to rethink our packaging habits.

The 2023 edition of SERD in Monaco, organised by the Directorate of the Environment, focuses on combating the 5.6 million tonnes of household packaging waste generated in France in 2022. The Principality, under the stewardship of the Government of Monaco, has been actively pursuing the ban of single-use plastics since 2021, aligning with European standards and promoting reusable containers, including the implementation of MaConsigne.

Embracing eco-friendly initiatives

As part of Monaco’s commitment to sustainability, the Directorate of the Environment and the Inter-ministerial Delegation for Digital Transition have developed a mobile app for SERD 2023, featuring an interactive map of Monaco that highlights various sustainable actions throughout the week. You can access the website of the app here: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/790ec1229e6d4dffadf6892e0fb0a3e4/page/Choix-par-thème/

Meanwhile, a Glasses Collection initiative has been set up at the Fontvieille Shopping Centre, running from 13^th to 26^th November. Here, residents are encouraged to donate old eyeglasses, which will be passed on to the Monaco-based association ‘Semeurs d’Espoir’ for those in need. At the same location, an art exhibition is scheduled for the weekend of 25^th November, that will display artworks made from recycled materials, highlighting the creative potential of sustainable practices.

On 22^nd November, from 9am to 12pm, a ‘Public Awareness Stand’ at Place d’Armes will offer insights into waste reduction and alternatives to plastic, showcasing the efforts of Monaco’s eco-conscious shops and restaurants. That same day, from 3pm to 5pm, a family-friendly ‘Treasure Hunt for Packaging’ will be organised, aiming to educate on recycling and waste minimization.

La Mairie de Monaco is contributing to these efforts with a ‘Book Collection’ at La Condamine Market from 21^st to 24^th November to support the new communal libraries at Princesse Antoinette Park. They are also showcasing sustainable food practices by offering ‘Zero Waste’ meals at the municipal restaurant and ‘A Pignata’ on 23^rd November.

In the corporate sector, Monaco is seeing a flurry of activity. The Columbus Hotel Monte-Carlo is hosting a ‘Furoshiki’ zero-waste wrapping workshop on 22^nd November, while the Agri Food & Green Tech Innovation Expo at the Hôtel Le Méridien Beach Plaza is set for 23^rd November.

Other notable initiatives include SBM Offshore’s ‘Collect & Change’ campaign, running from 18^th to 26^th November, aimed at replacing plastic with sustainable alternatives, and Grant Thornton Monaco’s installation of water fountains in their offices from 21^st to 24^th November to reduce plastic bottle usage. Monaco Telecom and CFM Indosuez are conducting collections for textiles, linens, shoes, and toys for recycling or donation, which are scheduled from 18^th to 26^th November.

These diverse initiatives reflect Monaco’s comprehensive approach towards sustainability, integrating public participation, corporate responsibility, and educational activities to reinforce its commitment to environmental stewardship.

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A new IMSEE report shows that the pay checks of Monaco’s private sector employees vary wildly, with more than half taking home over €3,000 per month, peaking at close to €20,000 in some sectors.

The private sector workforce is in the spotlight in IMSEE’s latest report, released Friday 17^th November. Monaco’s official statistics agency has compared salary scales between the Principality’s major economic sectors (MES) in the year 2022 as well as salary distribution.

It shows that nearly half of all private sector workers earn in excess of €3,074 gross per month in full time equivalent terms (FTE). This goes up to €7,166 for the top tier earners, while one in 10 take home pay packets of €2,126 gross at the lowest end.

FTE, as explained by IMSEE, is a “salary converted to full-time throughout the year (on the legal basis of 169 hours per month), whatever the volume of work actually paid.”

Exceptionally high salaries in certain private sector jobs have pushed the average private sector salary 49.4% higher than the overall median in the Principality, hitting almost €4,600 per month.

WHO ARE THE BIGGEST EARNERS IN MONACO?

The report shows that there are significant disparities in salaries depending on which major economic sector (MES) a person works in. Those in finance and insurance come out the best, with their median gross salary exceeding €6,080 each month. The highest paid in these sectors peaks at €19,169 gross a month, with the average being €10,158.

Coming in second and third, respectively, were information and communication workers, with a median salary of €4,161, or €7,236 at the highest level, and wholesalers, who receive €3,620 per month, or as much as €8,863 for top end wholesale traders.

WHO ARE THE LOWEST EARNERS IN THE PRINCIPALITY?

On the lower rungs were scientific and technical activities employees, who earn a median gross salary of €2,773, beating out the retail workers who sit at the bottom with €2,762 per month. Though the science and tech medians were quite low, the highest paid in the sector saw vastly more remuneration, with pay checks of €6,329 per month. In retail, the story was similar, with the big earners doubling the median at €5,490.

Meanwhile, between 2021 and 2022, the lowest paid individuals had higher pay rises, 4.4%, whilst the highest paid had a more modest 2.1% increase, or roughly €155 every month. Median salaries rose by 2.8%, or €84.

YOUNGER WORKERS ARE PAID LESS

Not unsurprisingly, younger people were paid less than their older counterparts, with the median FTE pay for 15 to 24-year-olds coming in at €2,310 gross. Those aged 25 to 34-years are not far off with €2,856 per month.

Interestingly, the 592 over-65ers in the private workforce make €75 less than the workforce as a whole. It’s the 55 to 64 category who are the biggest earners, with an FTE gross of €3,414.

Women earn over 19% less than their male counterparts, showing the disproportionate number of men amongst the highest earners.

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An air traffic controllers’ strike set to take place 19^th to 21^st November may be thwarted by last-minute legislation that states air staff now need to give advanced warning to minimise disruptions.

Industrial action by French air traffic controllers is expected to cause travel chaos at several French airports, according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. The proposed strike is set to run from 6pm on the 19^th of November until 6am on the 21st, but there are question marks as to whether it will actually take place.

An under-the-radar bill passed on 15^th November by the National Assembly may stop these kinds of actions in their tracks, now and in future, by establishing an obligation for striking air traffic controllers to declare themselves individually at least 48 hours before the start of any movement.

“The prior declaration will make it possible to organise the minimum service and thus avoid cancellations of flights without reason and at the last minute,” explains Senator Vincent Capo-Canellas.” The reduction in traffic will be proportionate to the number of strikers, which guarantees social dialogue based on the mobilisation, or not, of employees.”

The letter of the new law makes it possible to put to rest “an asymmetrical system” and replace it with “protective and balanced” acts that don’t undermine public services.

In response, some unions, including the CGT and Force Ouvrière, filed strike notices after learning of the vote.

APPROVAL FROM MAJOR AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER UNION

The bill passed overwhelmingly by 85 votes to 30. The left opposed the bill saying it threatened the right to strike, but even some unions see the sense in such a law.

A press release published on 14^th November by the Syndicat National des Contrôleurs du Trafic Aérien (SNCTA), the biggest air traffic controller’s union in the country, declared itself in favour of the bill, saying that they opposed the “instrumentalisation of the right to strike and its unreasonable use” in certain instances.

The text calls for “adapted minimum service”, meaning it must fulfil obligations to maintain a certain standard of service to minimise disruption whilst still be allowed to protest in “proportionate measures.”

The government says they are willing to review the terms of the minimum service system, which has applied to air traffic controllers since 1985.

IF IT HAPPENS

If the strike happens, the affected airports will be Paris Orly and Toulouse Blagnac, which will see a 25% reduction in flights, and Bordeaux Merignac and Marseille Provence, which will see flights cut by one-fifth.

Cancellations and delays, as well as diversions to other airports are possible, and could extend beyond the strike’s end.

As per usual, it is recommended that passengers contact their airline for more information before setting out.

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Parents in Monaco and across the south of France will find the answers to all their questions about the UK’s elite boarding system at the upcoming British Boarding Schools Show, which will be held at the Fairmont Monte-Carlo on 30th November. 

The British Boarding Schools Show is a returning event that bridges parents in the Principality and the surrounding French regions with prominent figures from the UK’s top boarding schools, such as school heads, admissions directors and educational consultants.  

The upcoming event will include a keynote session focusing on senior school choices and strategies tailored to Monaco parents. This part of the overall event will cover topics related to immigration and visa requirements. 

The Scholato Education Clinic will also be available throughout the day, where parents of prospective students can get tailored advice on the British education system.

Notably, the show will feature contributions from experienced educational professionals like William Petty, the director of Bonas MacFarlane, an internationally respected private tuition service.  

SINCE 2007 

The British Boarding Schools Show, initially part of the Independent Schools Show founded in 2007, has grown over the years to address a global audience and demand. 

Past attendees have highlighted the value of the show in providing direct access to school representatives and educational experts, with one previous visitor to the Monaco edition saying, “What an amazing event and concept, wonderful atmosphere and most importantly an incredible line-up of schools. I had all my questions answered and am now ready for the next step.” 

The event will be held from 9.30am to 2.30pm on 30th November at the Fairmont Monte-Carlo. The show is entirely free to attend, subject to online pre-registration. 

Further information can be found here.  

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Photo credit: schoolsshow.co.uk

If you have discovered a mistake after filing your French tax declaration, there is a quick and easy way to fix it, but only for a limited time period. Here’s what you need to know about the process. 

It could happen to anyone. You hit send on your tax returns only to realise you have completely miscalculated or omitted information and the panic starts to creep in. Now what? 

The French government is seeking to reassure those in this situation with the announcement that, whether a tax filing was done online or on paper, there is the possibility to edit it until 6th December.  

ONLINE 

Taxpayers can make adjustments to their 2023 statements by simply going to the Espace Particulars section of the impots.gouv.fr website. 

From there, click on ‘Corriger en ligne la déclaration de revenus’ and make any changes that are necessary. This can be accessed anytime between now and 6th December, and as many times as is required to get it right.  

Included in the things possible to amend are dependents, income, charges, tax cuts or credits, real estate wealth tax and supporting declarations.  

What cannot be altered online is civil status information, marital status, the appointment of a trusted third party, tax residence address as of 1st January 2023, the addition of a dependent student address, or one’s mailing address. 

For these changes, the individual must post an amending statement or visit the local public finance centre with a letter and supporting documents explaining that this replaces the original online declaration.  

Alternatively, people can go to the impots.gouv.fr site and send a letter notifying the tax service of any errors under the ‘My request concerns income tax or social security contributions’. Supporting documents can be attached to the online form.

This process takes roughly three weeks and the taxpayer will be notified when the corrections have been made.  

PAPER RETURNS 

To change this type of income tax return, individuals must inform their income tax department either by sending a letter or by filing a new tax return on paper. 

In this case you must indicate a Declaration of Amendment, Cancellation and Replacement on the first page and re-enter all reportable items, including the correct items from the original declaration. 

Printable blank 2042 forms can be found online here.  

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Photo source: Thought Catalog, Unsplash