National Council calls for traffic police, more building controls

Traffic

Monaco’s elected body, the National Council, has written to the Minister of State with proposals that would improve the lives of the local population, according to its president, Stephane Valeri.

Top of the list are concerns over traffic and construction nuisance. The Council said that conditions are serious enough for some residents to consider leaving the Principality, or deciding not to move here. The letter said that the Council has specific proposals.

One of these is the introduction of a traffic brigade, which would function in addition to the public security service. The brigade would help optimise traffic flow and intervene in the event of traffic jams. The Council also proposes a better and less expensive bus service, with more frequent schedules.

The letter also takes issue with the disruption caused by major events, including the Monaco Yacht Show, the Grand Prix, and Top Marques. In particular, the super car show should not coincide with the Tennis Open, to alleviate traffic and congestion, the Council says.

Beyond such relatively minor adjustments, and with the unreliable train service in mind, the Council also proposes the establishment of a boat service linking Menton, Monaco and Nice.

Traffic

The nuisance caused by the many building sites in the Principality could be reduced by installing double glazing in homes near the sites, the Council says, adding that more inspectors should be recruited to check that existing regulations are being respected.

Lead investigator in Unaoil case removed for gross misconduct

Unaoil

The long-running British investigation of Monaco-based Unaoil took a dramatic turn on Tuesday, August 14, when news emerged that the senior lawyer in the case has been suspended from his post at the UK’s Serious Fraud Office for “gross misconduct.”

Tom Martin had been a case controller and senior lawyer at the law enforcement agency since 2014.

The case against the oil consultancy company and Unaoil has been one of the highest profile investigations ever brought by the SFO and centres on alleged payments to individuals involving a pipeline project in Iraq.

The Serious Fraud Office instigated the investigation with dawn raids on members of Unaoil in Monaco in 2016. An announcement of criminal proceedings was made in June this year.

Unaoil
Photo; Facebook Unaoil Group

The Government of Monaco has made a number of statements in recent months – including using its @Gov.Monaco Twitter account – not connected to the Unaoil case, in which it has restated its case that the Principality complies with international laws.

Prince Albert expresses condolences for victims of bridge tragedy

Genoa bridge collapse (Pic: Google Maps)

HSH Prince Albert and Princess Charlene reacted quickly to the terrible tragedy in Genoa and the loss of life when the Morandi viaduct collapsed on the morning of Tuesday, August 14.

In a message to the President of Italy, the Sovereign said: “The Princess and I have learned with deep emotion of the tragic collapse of the viaduct in the city of Genoa.

“The people of Monaco join with us to assure you of our solidarity and our prayers for the victims of this disaster.

Genoa bridge collapse (Pic: Google Maps)
Pic: Google Maps

“Our thoughts also go to those injured, and we wish them a speedy and complete recovery.”

The bridge collapse, during a violent storm, is being urgently investigated. More than 30 people lost their lives in the port city that lies just two hours by car from the Principality.