Monaco: a Sovereign State with stable institutions

 

 

The Principality of Monaco is a sovereign and independent state under the general principles of international law and specific conventions with France. The Principality’s territory is inalienable.

The Constitution of 17th December 1962(amended by Law n° 1 249 of 2nd April 2002) defines the nature of the Government of the Principality as a Hereditary and Constitutional Monarchy.It affirms the pre-eminence of law over all institutions, thus ensuring the separation of powers.

The Sovereign is the Head of State and represents the Principality in all relations with foreign powers.For certain issues, the Prince is assisted by consultative assemblies:

  • The Crown Council (7 members appointed by the Prince),
  • The Council of State (12 members chosen and appointed by the Prince).

 

Executive power falls under the high authority of the Prince.The Minister of State is entrusted with running all services and is assisted by a Government Council consisting of 5 departments:

  • Department of External Relations,
  • Departments of Finance and of the Economy,
  • Department of the Interior
  • Department of Social Affairs and Health
  • Department of Facilities, the Environment and Urban Planning.

 

Legislative and budgetary powers are exercised jointly by the Prince and the National Council (24 members elected for 5 years by direct universal suffrage).

The Prince has power of legislative initiative. The Government Council prepares, on his behalf, Government bills. The National Council votes for laws and the national budget in open sittings.

 

The Assemblies and Body Corporates which contribute to the action of the Government are:

 

Judiciary power devolves upon the Prince.The Constitution stipulates that the Prince delegates full capacity to the courts, which render justice on his behalf. Following this principle, the independence of the judicial system is guaranteed in relation to the administrative authority.
 

Monaco: an age-old dynasty

 

For seven centuries, the Princes of Grimaldi have been watching over and working for the destiny of the Principality of Monaco. Throughout history, they have managed to hold on to the independence and sovereignty of the Principality, making Monaco a Sovereign State recognised by all.

 

A few key events:

  • 1297: Storming of the fortified castle and occupation of the Rocher of Monaco by François Grimaldi.
  • 1489: Monaco is recognised as an independent state.
  • 1861: Monaco cedes rights over Menton and Roquebrune to France.
  • 1865: A customs union is established between France and Monaco.
  • 1911: Prince Albert I promulgates the first Monegasque constitution.
  • 1949: H.S.H. Prince Rainier III accedes to the throne.
  • 1962: Promulgation of a new Monegasque constitution.
  • 1993: Monaco becomes the 183rd permanent member of the UN.
  • 1997: 700th anniversary of the Grimaldi Dynasty.
  • 1999: 50th anniversary of H.S.H. Prince Rainier III’s reign.
  • 2004: The Principality becomes a member of the Council of Europe.
  • 6th April 2005:  Death of Prince Rainier III.
  • 12th July 2005: H.S.H. Prince Albert II accedes to the throne

     

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