The country has been hit by devastating fires since 2 February.
Over 130 people have already lost their lives in the region around Valparaiso, a city on the Chilean coast, according to the latest figures released by the authorities on 6 February, as a result of massive forest fires that have also destroyed several thousand homes. For a week now, temperatures have been hovering around 40 degrees in the centre of the country and in the capital, Santiago.
Prince Albert II sent an official dispatch to the Chilean President, Gabriel Boric:
“Mr. President,
Deeply shocked by the persistence of the forest fires in the centre and south of your country and their deadly consequences on your people and nature, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the victims.
My Family and the people of Monaco join me in addressing our thoughts and prayers to the people affected by this tragedy. I wish to convey my deepest sympathy to the emergency services who are struggling to contain the fires, and those who put their own lives in danger to help communities in need.
Be assured, Mr. President, of our sense of profound solidarity in these difficult times.”
The Monegasque swimmer qualified for the Paris Olympics in the 10km event at the world swimming championships in Doha on Saturday.
“Qualifying for the Paris Olympics would be the culmination of many years’ work,” she told us a few weeks ago. It’s now a done deal for the AS Monaco Natation swimmer.
After winning the Prom’Swim in Nice last October, the Monegasque finished ninth in the 10km open water race (1h57m33sc) at the European Championships in Doha, just seven seconds behind race winner Sharon Van Rouwendaal from the Netherlands.
First Monegasque athlete to qualify
The result enabled her to qualify, at the age of 24, for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. She is the first Monegasque athlete to officially secure her ticket.
“I don’t think it’s really sunk in. It might take a while,” she said just after her race. “It’s the culmination of many years of hard work. It’s a lifetime’s investment. But in all honestly, I never dared hope that I’d qualify for the Olympics.”
Other athletes from the Monegasque delegation should hopefully follow suit in the coming weeks.
Monaco Tribune takes a look at the Principality’s essential hot spots for a dinner date or a late-night party.
Donato Papadia, DJ at the Buddha Bar, Gilles Marsan, artistic coordinator of the Monte-Carlo SBM and Antonio Lerone, manager of Jimmy’z Monte-Carlo, gave us their top tips on dancing and listening to music in the Principality. Enjoy!
Jimmy’z Monte-Carlo
It’s THE place to be if you’re looking for a night out in Monaco. Antonio Ierone, who has been managing the establishment for over 12 years, describes a unique venue, where all the different musical genres come together. “Jimmy’z follows the musical trends of the day, even though deep house music has been the most popular in recent years.”
Deep house music has been the most popular in recent years
Antonio Lerone
Without denying its past, Jimmy’z aims to appeal to the widest possible audience, and not tie itself down to a single musical style. There are several resident DJs, each with their own speciality. “One might be more into hip-hop and RnB, and another more focused on deep house music,” explains Antonio Ierone. Nights at Jimmy’z were filled with electro, hip hop and deep house last summer.
The venue’s 2024 schedule has not yet been unveiled. Like every year, you’ll have to wait until March before you can get down on the dancefloor at Monaco’s most prestigious nightclub, which is closed over the winter.
The Buddha-Bar is an invitation to get away from it all. Let your imagination run free in this fabulous setting, with a stunning atmosphere. Pure escapism. “People will look up in the middle of their meal, wondering what that sound is,” smiles Donato Papadia, aka DJ Papa, in charge of the venue.
At Buddha-Bar, the current trend is deep house music. A veritable world tour of different musical flavours. “You start off in Italy, go through France, head down to Andalusia, make a detour through Portugal, before heading for the eastern part of the Mediterranean, from Tunisia to Algeria, via Morocco. Then you head up to the Balkans, not forgetting Turkey, all the way to India, and then back to Italy.”
Open from 6 pm to 2 am from Tuesday through Saturday
Place du Casino, 98000, Monaco
Monte-Carlo Sporting
The Monte-Carlo Summer Festival brought together a host of artists again last year, including Chris Isaak, Ricky Martin Symphonic, Norah Jones, Seal, Sting, MIKA, Eros Ramazzotti and Tarkan, all of whom performed at the Opéra Garnier or the Salle des Étoiles. Sporting Monte-Carlo has played host to internationally renowned artists for the last 40 years, and not just during the Festival!
We’ve showcased young talent, such as Rihanna at the start of her career
Gilles Marsan : Artistic Director of the Monte-Carlo SBM
Mariah Carey, Pharrell Williams, Robbie Williams, Lenny Kravitz, Lionel Richie and Laura Pausini have all made at least one visit to the Rock. “We’ve also showcased young talent, such as Rihanna at the start of her career,” recalls Gilles Marsan, artistic director of the Monte-Carlo SBM.
There’s a DJ from Tuesday to Saturday, as well as an acoustic duo every Friday from 7pm to 9 pm, and salsa classes every Thursday (autumn/winter) and Wednesday (spring/summer).
Opening times: Tuesday to Thursday from 5 pm to 3 am, Friday from 5 pm to 4 am and Saturday from 6.30 pm to 4 am
1 Quai Antoine 1er, 98000 Monaco
MK Club Monaco
Located on the Route de la Piscine, the MK Club is open every Friday and Saturday. If you’re looking for a wild night on the Port of Monaco, the bar and DJ will welcome you from 12.30 am to 5.30 am.
Horaires: Friday and Saturday from 12.30 am to 5.30 am
18 Rte de la Piscine, 98000 Monaco
Twiga Monte-Carlo
DJs and artists take turns on the stage to create an electric atmosphere after a dinner combining Italian and Japanese cuisine in a chic, contemporary setting.
Opening times: Wednesday and Thursday from 8 pm to 3 am, Friday and Saturday until 5 am.
The restaurant is renowned for its delicious Latin cuisine, in a colourful setting overlooking the Mediterranean. A perfect ‘before’ venue, just a few yards away from Jimmy’z for a great party ‘after’. Every Thursday evening is a unique experience, in a 100% Latin-American atmosphere, with live music and dancers.
Reopens 28 March 2024
26 Av. Princesse Grace, 98000 Monaco
The Monte-Carlo Opera
It has been the venue for the legendary Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival since 2006. Keep an eye out for details on the 2024 edition, which will be published here at Monaco Tribune.
Buckingham Palace announced that the King was suffering from “a form of cancer.”
The news came a week after the British monarch received hospital treatment for an enlarged prostate. While Buckingham Palace has said it is not prostate cancer, it did not specify the type of cancer the 75-year-old King has. An official statement said that he had begun “regular treatments” at the start of the week.
Prince Albert II sent an official dispatch to King Charles III today, expressing his support.
“Your Majesty,
In these difficult times, my family would like to express to you our full support. Your determination, courage and openness have always been a source of inspiration.
I am convinced that you will show the same bravery throughout this challenge.
My family and the people of Monaco join me in sending you, the Royal Family and your loved ones our warmest thoughts and prayers.”
Located in the south-west part of the Principality, this clinic offers comprehensive health checks for your pets, with on-site radiography and ultrasound facilities, as well as hospitalisation. Surgery, dentistry, ophthalmology, general medicine… The care provided covers a wide range and is carried out by several doctors and auxiliaries, some of whom work outside the clinic. The reception area sells a range of food and medical products.
Internet user reviews
“A very professional veterinary clinic, with a competent and dynamic team. They are attentive and always greet you with a smile. Good advice and good diagnoses.” (Google)
“The team is very welcoming and professional, always gives good advice, and the vets’ skills and knowledge make for a complementary team.” (Google)
More info
22, quai Jean-Charles Rey, 98000 Monaco
By appointment from 9am to 7pm, except Thursday 9am-4pm and Saturday 9am-12pm
Located in the centre of Monte Carlo, near the Carré d’or, the clinic offers medical services, general surgery and specialist care for your pets. There is also a sales area for food and medicines. The facility comprises a reception area, two consultation rooms, a medical analysis laboratory, a hospital room, a treatment room, an operating theatre, an ultrasound scanner and a radiology unit. Dr Manuel Sorini is in charge of the clinic.
Internet user reviews
“Very good clinic! Thank you to Dr Sorini for treating my little kitten.” (Google)
“Very warm welcome and good care for my dog. The vet is very professional. Recommended!” (Google)
Located on Boulevard Rainier III, the clinic is open on weekdays and by appointment. It has an online store with all types of products, broken down by brand, by medical condition and, of course, by the type of animal concerned. Dr Aurore Marsan and her team provide consultations, surgery, ultrasound scans, diagnostics and grooming on the premises. They treat dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, small rodents and even horses.
Internet user reviews
“Tremendous. A great deal of humanity and efficiency. Our animals are in excellent hands.” (Google)
“Very friendly staff, they explained everything very well and do all they can to reassure us. I recommend it!” (Google)
Located in Beausoleil, just outside Monaco, the Clinique Saint-Hubert opened in 2000, founded by two doctors who were joined by a third in 2015. As well as providing traditional care for your pets, the clinic offers an on-call service at night and at weekends, available on 06 60 61 36 24.
Internet user reviews
“I’ve been taking my dogs to this clinic for a very long time now and I’m completely satisfied. From a simple consultation to more substantial operations, I have found them to be attentive, supportive and unfailingly professional.” (Google)
“I visited this practice during the holidays. The whole team is very good, professional, attentive and respectful of the animal.” (Google)
Located in the centre of Cap d’Ail, this clinic was the town’s first. Founded in 2005 by Dr Louise Pinet, a native of New Brunswick in Canada, the clinic performs surgery, general medicine, X-rays and ultrasound scans, as well as offering cancer care and dietetics. On-site facilities include a nutrition and pharmacy area, a hospital area and relaxation section, and the traditional reception area.
Internet user reviews
“Doctor Pinet has been looking after my furry friends for many years. She is always ready to listen, available and efficient. She is very good at diagnosing the ‘patient’s’ pathology and always checks in when there is treatment involved.” (Google)
“A super veterinary clinic. Considerate, attentive staff. I take my cats there and I used to take my rats.” (Google)
More info
114 avenue du 3 Septembre, 06320 Cap d’Ail
Monday to Friday: 8.30 am – 7pm / Saturday: 9am – 1pm
Situated on the border between Monaco and Cap d’Ail, the Clinique du Soleil was the second clinic to open in the neighbouring municipality. A graduate of Toulouse Veterinary School, Dr Walter has been in practice for almost 15 years. She is supported by Dr Kniese and Fanny, the veterinary assistant. Medical consultations are by appointment only, and advice on hygiene, nutrition and complementary examinations can be provided. The clinic’s reception area is divided into several parts: the waiting area for dogs and cats, nutrition for dogs/cats and new pets, a weighing machine, animal health advice and accessories.
Internet user reviews
“A great veterinary clinic that listens and takes good care of our dogs/cats and other animals. Helpful, cheerful and friendly staff” (Google)
“A top-notch clinic, a warm, reassuring welcome, full of tenderness and love for our 4-legged companions.” (Google)
More details
Impasse du Stade 06320 Cap D’Ail
Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 8.30 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 6.30 pm / Saturday: 9 am to 12 pm
Vetazur is the name of the clinic set up in 1988 in the municipality near Monaco. “Passionate about my profession, I set up the Clinique Vétérinaire du Cap to ensure that it met all the care, diagnostic, examination and surgical requirements needed to cope with any situation,” says founder Dr Rémy Balouka. The centre offers general medicine, alternative medicine, dental care, imaging, dermatology and general surgery. The clinic has also developed a specialised gastroenterology consultation service, an imaging unit for digestive, respiratory and ENT endoscopy, a video-assisted laparoscopic surgery area and an oncology care service.
Internet user reviews
“A big thank you to Dr Butz, who is fantastic. Very skilled and empathetic. She really loves animals and that’s really comforting. I entrust my furry friends to her in complete confidence.”
“Thank you so much for all your hard work! A fabulous team! A genuine clinic, very clean, very professional, very friendly! My cat Onyx agrees with me!” (Google)
More info
9 Promenade du Cap, 06190 Roquebrune Cap Martin
04 93 35 41 48
Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 8 am to noon and 2 pm to 6 pm
Save the date: Sunday 11 February is Pink Walk day!
As every year, the charity organises its Pink Walk to support medical research into curing breast cancer and raise awareness of the need for screening. “For the last two years, we have focused on fundraising to support research by Dr Florent Hugonnet of the CHPG into lobular breast cancer screening. It is one of the most difficult breast cancers to detect. We hope there will be major advances in medicine, and we’re very proud to be part of this research.”
The walk broke participation records last year, and this year, for the 12th edition, the charity hopes for even more people, as the event will take place outside the school holidays. “It’s a fun moment of joyful participation,” the president and founder of Pink Ribbon told Monaco Info. The idea is to have a good time with the family, and there’s no charge for children under 13. Above all, we celebrate life. 250 people are expected to take part, including men as well as women.”
The funds raised during the Pink Ribbon walk will be added to those raised at the gala held on Friday 2 February in the fabulous Salle Medecin at the Casino de Monte-Carlo. “Guests were able to play roulette and blackjack, the total Monte Carlo experience. There was also a charity auction with exclusive prizes, all set to a musical accompaniment by Zhang Zhang, first violinist of the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra,” continued Natasha Frost-Savio.
Princess Gabriella and Hereditary Prince Jacques enjoyed a superb basketball match with their parents in Monaco on Friday evening.
The Roca Team overcame Fenerbahçe after an exceptional fourth period at the Salle Gaston Médecin, with Prince Albert II and Hereditary Prince Jacques standing side by side, clearly very invested in the game.
A family outing that was focused on sport, a passion shared by the Princely Couple. In an interview with Monaco-Matin in September, Princess Charlene also mentioned her children’s interest in sport, the priority being “to teach them to swim.” “More generally, Gabriella is very keen on hip-hop. Jacques practises taekwondo.”
A lovely image, following on from a busy month of public appearances by the entire Princely Family. After taking part in the launch of the Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival mid-January, the Princely Twins accompanied Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène to their mother’s birthday celebration at the La Condamine market, before setting the Saint Devota boat alight a few days later.
The next Monaco Run will be held on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 February on the Quai Albert 1er. And for the very first time it will feature the ‘Trail du Mont Agel’ challenge, the only race it is still possible to sign up for.
This new 30 km circuit covers the hilly terrain above Monaco and will take runners into the heart of the Riviera’s natural environment, with some extraordinary vistas.
That means there will now be six events in Port Hercule over what is THE running weekend in Monaco.
Last year, the Monaco Run provided a spectacular show, with almost 2,000 runners on the start line, including French star Jimmy Gressier. The race organisers recently announced the headliners for the 5km event, sponsored this year by Hoka. A Frenchman is the clear favourite to try to beat Jimmy Gressier’s 13’12” record. And he is Yann Schrub, European cross-country champion in 2023. The top 5 published by Monaco Run also includes Niels Laros, Jonathan Davies, Pietro Riva and another Frenchman, Nils Serre Gheri, who set the French Junior 5km record last year in the Principality.
In the women’s race, Megan Kieth and Selah Busienei are battling it out for top spot. Kieth was European U23 5000m and Cross-Country champion in 2023, while Busieni ran a 5,000m in 14’48” almost a year and a half ago in Birmingham, almost a minute faster than Mirriam Cherret, who won the race in Monaco last year. To complete the top 5, Likina Amebaw and the two French athletes Léonie Periault and Mélanie Allier will be competing with the favourites.
The Schedule
Saturday
8.30 am: Trail du Mont Agel (30 km)
8.30 am: City Trail (12 km) around the Principality’s most iconic landmarks
2 pm to 3.30 pm: 1000m races for all ages, followed by “Families On
Track” from 4 pm to 5 pm
Sunday
9 am: The 5km race
10 am: The 10km double loop along the seafront
10.15 am: The Pink Ribbon charity walk
To check out the race routes, including ‘the Trail du Mont Agel’, and to register for it, head over to the official event website: www.monacorun.com
We gathered the opinions of Internet users on Google and those of our readers.
When it comes to hair, don’t be fooled by the Principality’s small size, as there are dozens of hairdressers for men, women and children across its 2 km2. So it’s hard to choose the best. We haven’t tried them all out, but did look at which establishments had the highest ratings on Google. To complete the non-exhaustive list, we asked our readers to share their favourites.
Laura Monaco
First, let’s take a look at Laura Monaco in the La Condamine district. With 5/5 stars out of 44 reviews at the time of writing, it’s safe to say that this salon has a proven track record. She offers trending services such as French glossing, which gives you gradient colouring which grows out well, and shiny, bouncy layers. As well as the quality of the services on offer, customers appreciate the warm welcome, cleanliness and design of the salon.
Then there’s Salon Odyssée, also in the La Condamine district. With a rating of 4.6/5 after 112 reviews, this hairdresser, which has been established in Monaco for 30 years, is ranked among the best in the Principality. In addition to traditional techniques such as highlights or blow-dries, it offers hair extensions and a whole range of beauty treatments for hands, feet and eyebrows. Customers stress the quality of the products used and the friendliness of the staff. “The whole salon team is very attentive and pampers you,” commented Veronica.
15 Rue Princesse Caroline
Men, women, children
Preferably by appointment
Carlo payment app accepted
Le Salon
We’re still in the La Condamine district, with Stéphane Madinier’s hairdressing salon up next. This expert quickly made a name for himself in Monaco after setting up home here in 2008, and even had the honour of bringing his expertise to bear on Princess Charlene’s hair for her wedding to Prince Albert II in 2011. Generally speaking, the salon’s customers appreciate the styling advice given by the professionals, to suit their face shape and personality. Budget-wise, “the price is fair,” said one user. On Google, Le Salon is rated 4.8/5 with 36 reviews.
Rated 5/5 with around twenty reviews, this luxurious salon, part of the Hôtel de Paris, is located in the Carré d’Or, right next to the Balenciaga boutique. “The tokio inkarami treatment is fantastic,” recommends Giulia. Whether it’s haircuts, blow-dries or colouring, customers say the services are perfect. “It’s stunning,” one commented. The welcome and the decor are also much appreciated. The salon also provides manicure, pedicure, and make-up services on request. For the record, last year Larry King styled actor Tom Holland in Monaco, as well as a host of other celebrities, as his Instagram account shows.
With a score of 4.6/5 from 49 reviews, customers are unanimous. “Perfect in every possible way… Very professional service with a great approach. Non-invasive and very pleasant,” said Alina, delighted with the technique and manners of these professionals, who are trained at the Milan academy. “While they wash your hair, you’re in a massage chair and combined with the head massage, it was very relaxing,” noted Martina. The establishment offers a wide range of related services, including manicures, pedicures, make-up and a barbershop.
In a survey carried out on social media, our readers also recommended : Alan Teffler in the Fontvieille shopping centre, VOG boulevard Princesse Charlotte, Dry bar Monaco Larvotto district, Art coiffure avenue Saint-Laurent, Estoril Coiffure avenue Princesse Grace, Harmony coiffure boulevard du Jardin Exotique, Salon Faudra Tif Hair La Condamine district, Valycris La Condamine district, Barbara coiffure on quai Antoine-1er, Tita Coiffure in Monaco Ville, Eric Zemmour on boulevard des Moulins, No Comment on rue Grimaldi, Calypso Coiffure on boulevard d’Italie, New Look on avenue Prince Pierre, Faudra Tif Hair on rue Baron de Sainte-Suzanne, Stori’s at the Metropole Shopping Centre, Real Coiffure on avenue de la Costa, One Love café opposite Lycée Rainier III and Le quai 28 in the Fontvieille district.
Dr. Mélanie Rinaudo-Gaujous, Head of Department at the Blood Transfusion Centre, answered our questions.
Last Thursday morning, there was a distinct smell of pancakes at the Blood Transfusion Centre (CTS). The Princess Grace Hospital had requisitioned some members of its catering team to provide a top-of-the-range snack for blood donors, in honour of Candlemas.
“This kind of event means we’re fully booked for the morning,” says Dr Mélanie Rinaudo-Gaujous. You may well have spotted an advert for giving blood around Monaco’s streets or on the bus. The CTS regularly invites potential donors to come forward. “We would need 26 donations a day to cover our blood requirements in the Principality.” However, the Head of Department informed us that, at present, the CTS is only reaching around 50% of that daily target.
You don’t need to wait until next Candlemas, you can come and give blood all year round at the CHPG! Our report below tells you everything you need to know about becoming a donor!
Clothes, shoes, accessories… the Fontvieille shopping centre’s stores are slashing prices until 10 February.
Like every year, the Fontvieille winter clearance sale is a great time for shopkeepers and shoppers alike. You will be able to grab some incredible deals in most of the shops, until February 10. As well as the standard discounts, Laurent Llorca, the event’s speaker, will announce flash sales, lasting 15 to 20 minutes, from time to time.
Up to 70% discount
The shopping centre’s regulars are out in force this year. The shopkeepers have set up stalls outside their shops with items on display, some of which have ‘70% off’ tags! From off-the-peg clothes to shoes and accessories, the shops are taking the opportunity to “offload some stock from previous collections,” as Bury’s Candice puts it.
At Éclypse, manager Frédérique Giudicelli is pleased to see that the braderie “has got off to a good start.” She is taking 50% off the entire winter collection. “We mainly have our regular customers. There’s some passing trade, but a lot of regulars,” she says.
Shoppers can’t resist a trip to the shopping centre in search of a good bargain. Christine lives in Nice and works in Monaco. She had already come by on Monday, and today she came for another look around during her lunch break. “I found a couple of things. There’s always a bargain to be had, whether it’s the summer or winter sale.”
Claire, with a few purchases in hand, is a first-time visitor. She feels that the Monaco braderie is is a better deal than the one in Menton, “There are better reductions. I was only here to do my food shopping, but then I heard the announcerand I stopped, ” she says.
Of course, the announcer is a regular too, and his job is to add a bit of punch to the proceedings. Laurent Llorca’s cheerful voice on the mic tells customers about the special offers and loves to “put on a show,” he says. “Head over to Jules in 10 minutes, two jumpers for €30,” his voice echoes round the Fontvieille shopping centre. The speaker is delighted that “the customers are out in force,” and the atmosphere is “friendly and good-natured.”
The superb landscape of Monaco and the surrounding area is perfect hiking country. There are two groups you can join if you would like some company.
If you want to explore a place and stay healthy, it’s hard to beat hiking. The region is full of magnificent landscapes, by the sea or in the mountains. You don’t need to go it alone though! For one thing, it’s safer and more reassuring to be with a group, but there is also the social interaction and mutual support aspect.
Where to go hiking?
There are a number of footpaths on the outskirts of the Principality. If you push yourself a little, you can even reach the Alps!
Further afield, on the road to Marseille, you can explore other trails along the Mediterranean coast. Around Saint-Tropez, or in the calanques, Monaco’s hiking clubs are always on the lookout for beautiful spots.
To the north, the Alps provide a fabulous setting. The Mercantour, straddling France and Italy, has a wide range of breathtaking walks. There are trails for all levels, so everyone can get a breath of fresh air and enjoy the view from on high! As physiologist Grégoire Millet explains, hiking in the mountains is very good for the body.
Who can I go hiking with in Monaco?
If you enjoy hiking with other people, you could also join a group. In the Principality, the Club Alpin Monegasque runs a wide range of activities throughout the year. Walking, snowshoeing, rock climbing, there’s something for everyone.
There is an annual membership, that runs from 1 September to 31 August, but it is also possible to join during the year. The membership fee is €25 for minors and students, and €50 for adults. Membership includes the activities themselves and insurance cover for expeditions organised by the club. A medical certificate is required when signing up.
You can also check out the Monaco Rando Facebook page, with activities on offer throughout the year. The group recently took part in walks in support of the Telethon, as well as other activities such as Heritage Day.
Hamilton will be reunited with Frédéric Vasseur, with whom he was crowned F3 champion in 2005 and GP2 (now Formula 2) champion in 2006, at ART Grand Prix.
If you are not entitled to a free lawyer, and you need legal representation, here is what you should consider when choosing one.
As a first priority, we advise you to find out if you may are entitled, depending on your financial situation, to representation that is paid for by the State in the form of a court-appointed lawyer or legal aid. If the Palais de Justice informs you that this is not the case, or if you would like to choose your own lawyer and pay for the legal costs yourself, here is some advice from Régis Bergonzi, a defence lawyer at the Monaco Appeals Court.
Who can retain a Monegasque lawyer?
Monegasques, residents, employees, but that’s not all. Many clients, who are not based in Monaco and who have no links with the Principality, hire lawyers in Monaco. This is perfectly acceptable provided that the issue at stake relates to Monegasque law or that the dispute falls within the jurisdiction of Monegasque courts.
How to choose the right lawyer for me?
Being a lawyer is not a commercial profession, so there is very little advertising. It is a field where word of mouth and reputation play a very important role. This can be an advantage or a disadvantage in Monaco. Because the ‘market’ is small, a good reputation can be built up very quickly, but a bad reputation will spread in the same way.
How can I find out each lawyer’s fees?
It is important to find out in advance how much lawyers charge, by asking them clearly what their hourly rate is, and to start off with a consultation. You can also propose a flat fee, which the lawyer may or may not accept. For example, “I want to file for divorce, and pay €5,000.” Depending on how busy they are, they may or may not accept, but these are things that can be negotiated at the beginning of the relationship before – this is important- you entrust them with the case. Hourly rates will vary according to the lawyer’s experience, the number of years he or she has been in practice, and even his or her speciality, if he or she has a particularly good command of a certain subject compared to other lawyers.
How much should I budget for?
The budget can vary hugely and does not necessarily reflect the amount at stake. I’ve managed to release over €10 million from a bank account just with a letter. The time spent was negligible compared to the result. It’s important to consider whether it is a dispute that will drag on, or whether it’s a very targeted operation. A water leak in your neighbour’s flat that is staining the paint in your living room is a typical example of the kind of dispute that is extremely long, costly and completely disproportionate to the issue at stake. Because it requires experts’ reports, which also take time and are costly.
Is there a difference between litigation and legal advice?
Yes, people who are involved in litigation will want to choose the lawyer who they think will best argue their case and win their dispute, and the same goes for companies. The advisory side is different, particularly for institutions that need to modify procedures and forms, or that need help to comply with Monegasque law when launching new products on the market. A recent example is a luxury company that manufactures perfumes and needs to know the legislation in force on the alcohol content of perfumes, as this is specific to Monaco.
Can a lawyer refuse a case?
Absolutely, I’ve already turned down a number of cases. It’s important to get a feel for the person, and to want to defend them. It’s human nature to be more interested in one cause than another. You might even make an exception in terms of your fees because the cause is of particular interest or concern to you. For example, as part of a charter set up with the Association d’Aide aux Victimes d’Infractions (AVIP – victim support charity), several lawyers from the Monaco Bar, including myself, have voluntarily offered to assist victims of domestic violence for a reduced fee.
Practical info:
The list of Monegasque lawyers is available online. There are 34 defence lawyers, barristers and trainee lawyers in Monaco. Here is the full list.
Despite dominating large portions of their clash with Le Havre, AS Monaco could only manage a draw at the Stade Louis II under the eyes of Prince Albert II and Dmitry Rybolovlev.
The Match
Looking for their first Ligue 1 win of the new year, Adi Hutter chose an exciting eleven for this encounter, which notably featured Ismail Jakobs, who had recently returned from AFCON, and gifted youngster Eliesse Ben Seghir.
ASM were quickly under pressure, as Le Havre raced out to a strong start by firing off some decent sighters. It was then Les Monegasques’ turn to get some shots off, with Maghnes Akliouche and Ben Seghir putting up attempts.
The match went through a period short on goalmouth action while ASM controlled proceedings, but things heated up prior to the interval, for both outfits had an unsuccessful shot apiece to end the first half.
Enter the second stanza, and the two teams enjoyed some decent efforts in their quest to break the deadlock. It would be Les Rouge et Blanc who struck first, though, through Wissam Ben Yedder in the 63rd minute.
Their lead didn’t last long, however, with Christopher Operi’s free-kick that deflected off Youssouf Fofana levelling the ledger for the away side.
Although Monaco pushed hard for the victory in the remainder of the match and constructed plenty of promising openings, it just wasn’t to be, thus meaning they had to settle for a disappointing draw to extend their winless run in the league to three.
Hutter’s Debrief
“This equaliser hurt the minds of my players, who then did not find the solution to get back in front against a team, which was playing in a low block. It’s an own goal, it can’t happen. There was a disagreement between Youssouf and Philipp, they were easy mistakes, especially just after the opening the score, which we had difficulty doing,” insisted the frustrated Austrian.
“We can always talk about our defence or the goals conceded, but we created several situations during the first 45 minutes. At the start of the season, for example, we managed to convert them. We were the better team today and we are very dissatisfied and disappointed with this result.”
Key Stats
By the numbers, the fact ASM held the ascendancy in terms of expected goals (1.40 to 0.10), total shots (17 to 3) shots on target (5 to 0), shots inside the box (14 to 1), passes in the opposition half (270 to 128), overall duels won (65 to 54) and corners (9 to 4) illustrated their supremacy.
Cup Clash Awaits
Up next for Monaco is a Coupe de France contest with Rouen, where they’ll be eager to forget this result quickly by obtaining a vital victory.
The Tribute: Jean Petit Forever in our Hearts
“Legend of AS Monaco, rest in peace Jeannot.” “Jean Petit, Munegu per tugiu.” These were some of the messages stated on the many banners to honour Jean Petit, who left us on Tuesday, January 23, as the fans offered a wonderful tribute in the stands at the Louis-II stadium this Sunday.
Prince Albert II and President Dmitry Rybolovlev honoured Jean Petit, who passed away on 23 January, in his garden at the Louis-II stadium
After a poignant minute of applause just before kick-off, the AS Monaco supporters did so again in the seventh minute of play, in a mark of respect to the legendary number of the ASM legend, whose name was placed on all of the AS Monaco players’ jerseys for this special and moving meeting.
