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Day: 14 January 2020

Government releases 1st violence against women report

by: Cassandra Tanti
14/01/2020

The first comprehensive report on violence against women has just been released and it has revealed some startling trends. Initiated by Monaco’s new Committee for the Promotion and Protection of Women’s Rights, the report will help shape the government’s policies in tackling this phenomenon.
It is the first time that such a report has ever been compiled in the Principality of Monaco. It was conducted by the government’s statistics body IMSEE at the request of the new committee that is charged with promoting and safeguarding women’s rights, which was established by the Prince’s government in November 2018.
While police have traditionally released annual figures on incidence of violence against women, this is the first report to compile statistics from all parties involved, including health care facilities, support facilities, and police.
The report, released on Tuesday 14th January, shows that 113 women were admitted to a hospital service in 2019 having suffered violence; 83% of those cases involved physical violence and the average age of victims was 37 years. However, not all acts of violence recorded by the Princess Grace Hospital were committed on Monegasque territory and only a third of the victims actually lived in Monaco.
This can partly explain why only 33 cases of violence against women were identified by the police in 2019, including 31 incidents committed in Monaco. 58% of these victims did reside in the Principality and physical violence constituted almost 60% of cases; 25% involved sexual violence and the rest involved cases of psychological violence or psychological harassment.
“I am not surprised that the majority of cases reported to health authorities and to police involve physical violence, because many victims are not able to identify verbal, psychological and financial abuse,” Vibeke Thomsen, Director of She Can He Can, told Monaco Life. “Also, the numbers that worry me the most are the ones that are not there. If there are only 33 reports to police, there are clearly many more that are never reported.”
Police figures show that one in two cases of violence are committed in the home of the victim or the perpetrator, while just over half of this violence is committed by the victim’s spouse or ex-spouse. Meanwhile, two thirds of cases committed in Monaco in 2019 – or 74% – led to an official police complaint.
So, of the 31 cases dealt with by police in 2019, the courts handed down four convictions and two protection orders – all against men. 10 cases were closed without further action, while 15 cases are currently the subject of legal proceedings, or are under investigation. On average, perpetrators are aged from 39 to 42 years, compared to 35 to 37 years for victims.
“It is important to note that the victims are quite young, so many would also have young children at home,” says Ms Thomsen, “and that is obviously worrying because kids will be witnessing this violence.”
The Association to Assist Victims of Crime, Association d’aide aux victimes d’infractions pénales, received a total of 42 female victims of violence last year, 81% of whom lived in Monaco. Half of these cases involved psychological or economic violence, while 29% involved physical violence.
According to the authors of the report, its aim is to properly identify, quantify and study violence against women to guide public action and provide effective and appropriate responses. “It is also a lever to mobilise the whole of society against this violence,” it states.
But it has also raised some questions.
“I would like to see higher conviction rates, and I hope that is something that will happen at a judiciary level,” says Ms Thomsen. “Clearly, if women do not think their complaint will lead to a conviction, they will not contact the police.”
From a legal point of view and in the context of protecting women who are victims of violence, the Principality of Monaco has made major progress in recent years through the 2011 law on categorizing particular types of violence.
There are also stronger measures to protect victims including the physical removal of the aggressor and prohibition of communication with the victim. There is also the possibility for associations combatting violence to take legal action.
Meanwhile, in 2012, the Principality initiated training for judges who come into contact with victims of violence.
But in addition to the justice system, more needs to be done on a grass-roots level, says Ms Thomsen, if we are to prevent violence against women from occurring in the first instance.
“We need to have a real conversation about violence against women. We still hear jokes like: ‘She deserved it’, or victims saying: ‘If only I came home from work earlier, this wouldn’t have happened’. Monaco has focused a lot recently on helping victims, which is fantastic, but I think it also really needs to focus on the perpetrator and the causes behind their violence. Because in the end, violence against women is not a woman’s problem, it is a man’s problem. It is men who need to stop, and this is the issue that must be tackled.”
Click here to read the full report titled ‘Violence against women in Monaco’ by IMSEE.
 
Photo source: Pixabay
 
 

Monaco crime rates continue to fall

by: Stephanie Horsman
14/01/2020

General crime rates in the Principality dropped by a significant 16% between the years 2016 and 2019, and street crime by an impressive 52%, according to the latest reports from the Monaco Public Safety Department (DSP).
Patrice Cellario, Minister of the Interior, announced this week at the annual gathering of the Public Safety Department the accomplishments of the department over the past few years, as well as the plans for the upcoming year.
During the single year of 2018 to 2019, overall crimes committed in the Principality went down from 936 to 889, and street crimes went from 121 to 90, figures Mr Cellario attributes to the effectiveness and diligence of the Public Safety Department.
He expects to see this trend continue in 2020 with the implementation of new projects, including a drone interception unit, additional means for the protection of the Principality’s most vulnerable citizens, the IT overhaul of the resident’s section, adding additional space to the DSP and the creation of the Living Environment Preservation Unit (UPCV) which will be made up of 10 new agents.
HSH Prince Albert II, who also attended the ceremony, said: “Everything is won every day. Together, we will persist, in vigilance and rigor, in strengthening the security of this haven of tranquillity that is the Principality of Monaco.”
In addition, the Sovereign Prince also awarded a badge of exceptional service to Agent Frédéric Maglott, for providing first response assistance to a person suffering a cardiac incident at the Monaco station.
 
Photo: Government Communication Department – Charly Gallo
 
 
 
 

Base to be installed for Palais Honoria project

by: Stephanie Horsman
14/01/2020

As part of the newly approved Palais Honoria housing project, a gantry will be installed above Boulevard de Belgique, creating temporary traffic impediments in the area.
In an effort to lessen the strain on residents and to avoid the excessive use of public space during the construction phases of the new Palais Honoria operation, a platform will be built to house the necessary heavy equipment, such as a crane, cameras or signals, during the project.
The gantry will be erected at night to ensure the least possible disruption between 9pm and 5am from Tuesday 14th January to Tuesday 21st January, except on the weekend of the 18th and 19th of January.
A traffic ban will be in effect between the Boulevard de Jardin Exotique / Boulevard de Belgique roundabout and the Bosio / Boulevard de Belgique roundabout except for residents who require access to their homes or to the Bosio car park.
The Palais Honoria will occupy 2 Boulevard de Belgique and will compel the demolition of the current Palais Honoria buildings as well as the Villa Le Mas. In addition to the 65 apartments it will create, there will be a crèche, two new commercial premises and 173 new parking spaces built. The expected cost of the project is €61.5 million and the project is due to start this month.
 
 
Photo: Government of Monaco © DR
 
 
 
 

Department of Labour expands e-services

by: Stephanie Horsman
14/01/2020

The Monegasque Department of Labour is taking its commitment to the Extended Monaco programme to the next level with a restructured system for employees and job seekers.
The Principality’s digital transition plan, dubbed Extended Monaco, is being increasingly used by both public and private sectors businesses. Now, the Department of Labour is stepping up its game by increasing the number of procedures users can do online.
In collaboration with the Department of Digital Administration, the Department of Labour has started offering, since mid-December 2019, six new teleservices for Monegasque employers in order to assist in their administrative procedures as well as allowing civil servants and state agents who manage employer’s requests to have a management tool that allows them access at their fingertips to vital information, making a more efficient system all around.
In lieu of multiple paper requests, the Department of Labour now offers a simplified way to obtain information or make appeals for help with a few easy clicks of a mouse.
The new online services available to employers, using a single user account, are for the following:

  • Hiring of domestic staff
  • Request a temporary employee to work in Monaco for a period of less than 3 months
  • Request a work exemption for legal holidays
  • Request a derogation from working hours
  • Request an exemption from the daily rest time granted to female employees
  • Request an exemption from night work for female employees

The benefits derived from the new system are plentiful, as the process is streamlined. No more onerous files to print, fill out and post, and no more paper wastage.
More importantly, no more wasted time. The days of wondering if requests have been received is over, as online notifications are automatically generated, allowing employers an idea of where requests stand. Agents also profit as the time needed to process requests is drastically reduced.
In addition to the employer services, new procedures for those who wish to apply for jobs online are in the process of being created and are expected to be available soon.
 
Photo source: Pixabay
 

Interview: Hervé Ordioni 

by: Cassandra Tanti
14/01/2020

Hervé Ordioni is the CEO of Edmond de Rothschild Monaco. For the past seven years, he has been instrumental in positioning the bank as a front runner in the Principality.
The avid rally driver and father of five spoke to Monaco Life about the growing success of Edmond de Rothschild Monaco and how the marketplace has changed since Prince Albert II took the throne.
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Monaco Life: Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Hervé Ordioni: I graduated from Dauphine University Paris and completed a masters in international wealth management. I have been with the Rothschild family since 1992. I began my career as a broker, and then became a financial analyst in the Netherlands, before returning to Paris to work within private banking. I started as a tax planner, specialising in life insurance solutions, structuring wealth for entrepreneurs selling their companies. I am privileged to have been the CEO of Edmond de Rothschild Monaco since 2013.
What brought you to Monaco?
Coincidence and a Corsican surname. In 1995 a job opened up at Edmond de Rothschild Monaco and whilst passing by my office in Paris, management noticed my surname on the door, delighted in the fact that I was of Latin heritage and decided I was a perfect fit for Monaco. Luckily my wife, who was born in the south of France, agreed to this exciting move and the rest, they say, is history.
What did this branch look like when you took over?
Edmond de Rothschild’s presence in Monaco dates back to 1986, and I joined in 1996 when there was a small office with just 22 people. We have since grown substantially from being a portfolio management company only to today, where we have close to 200 colleagues offering wealth management services including discretionary and advisory portfolio management service, credit facilities, life insurance brokerage and wealth solution capabilities. I am proud of all we have achieved, but in particular I am proud of our Edmond de Rothschild Gestion department that manages investments for our clients and for Monegasque funds. Our investment performance is first class, consistently ranked 1st or 2nd in the Principality, and I believe we have the highest penetration of discretionary mandates of any Monaco bank – a true sign of the trust our clients place in us. Today, with over €10 billion assets under management and €1.5 billion credit facilities, we have the size but still the nimbleness to deliver to our clients.

Advisory Department at Edmond de Rothschild (Monaco)

How have you managed to stand up against the very large, well established Monegasque institutions?
‘Rothschild’ is a magic brand – it is known all over the world, and not only for financing. There are four pillars of the Rothschild brand: Financing; Heritage – including hotels, restaurants, wines and farming; Foundations; and ‘Gitana’, our record-breaking yacht and its team. The architect of the boat is Guillaume Verdier, who is famous for designing foils. The Monaco Yacht Club has bought two previous Gitana boats – Malizia I and Malizia II. So, we are  very well known as specialists in that area. By the way, Gitana 17 was the winner of the latest Brest Atlantiques race.
You are also the President of the Commission for the Promotion of the Monaco Financial Centre. What does that involve?
The committee is part of the Monaco Association for Financial Activities (AMAF) and has two main missions. Firstly, we take care of the Monaco for Finance website, trying to provide as many news articles and interviews as possible so that people around the world have information about the market place. Or at least have an incentive to call and get more information.
Secondly, my role is to explain the legal framework of the marketplace for those considering setting-up a finance-related business and make it attractive for people considering relocating to Monaco. People who relocate here must bring part of their financial assets, so we want to make sure they are comfortable with the marketplace, that they know they can find experts who will provide world-class services and products, etc.
People come to Monaco for the sun, the location, the security, and more. But at the end of the day, if you are wealthy you must be able to set up your family office here, to have people working close to you and provide the administrative and financial services you are seeking, so you can fully enjoy your life in the Principality of Monaco. I help spread this message internationally  and I have been in this role since 2016.

Who else makes up AMAF?
We are one of five standing committees that make up the AMAF. The entity was established 50 years ago to act as the professional body for authorised institutions conducting banking or financial activities in the Principality; to represent the Monegasque banking industry, particularly in relations with public authorities; and to promote the sound development of Monaco’s banking sector. All the members are volunteers, and each commission is chaired by a professional of the marketplace. We work very closely with the Monaco Economic Board and Guillaume Rose’s team.
How has the marketplace in Monaco changed over the years?
It is impressive to see the expertise that has been developed here over the past 15 years, since HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco took the throne and demanded that the financial marketplace in Monaco take an ethical and moral approach. At that time, with offshore businesses migrating to become onshore businesses, we had to significantly shift our business model and of course we lost some clients. But because the Principality is a very attractive place for families to live, we also gained clients, and they were exactly the kind of clients that Monaco was transforming for.
In the meantime, the AMAF has been working hard towards the education and qualification of finance professionals together with the University of Monaco. We set up a mandatory programme for front officers so we make sure we have highly qualified people in front of clients. We also put in place an ethical certification last year. So, the AMAF is very active considering all the topics we are faced with: education, qualification, knowhow, and confidentiality. I am very impressed by the commitment of my colleagues and the job that is done by AMAF President Etienne Franzi.

What marketplace trends are you seeing now?
Assets under management in Monaco continue to increase, testament to the continuing evolution of Monaco into a safe, exciting and rewarding place for wealthy families, entrepreneurs, and finance professionals. The banking industry continues to consolidate, however we see the stronger brands increasing their footprint here, whilst at the same time weaker ones leave or struggle to adapt to the high bar that Monaco now sets.
Indeed, I am very confident about the state of the marketplace. The Principality is very well managed – it is debtless, always in surplus, and there is a constant drive for improvement across all sectors. Monaco has now at least drawn level with most of its international competitors and in many areas we are now excelling and setting the standards. We may be small but we are increasingly impactful.
Is Monaco set to benefit from Brexit?
Brexit is just another example of political, social and economic unrest. As geopolitics take centre stage, tax regimes change, and personal security is challenged, it is almost a given that Monaco will see a continued increase in applications for residency from some of the most wealthiest and powerful business families in the world. We have around 800 years of political stability, sound management of the economy and a protective environment for families. Add to that now a world class finance sector as well as other industry leading capabilities, and Monaco will continue to shine.
 
KEY FIGURES FOR MONACO’S MARKETPLACE:
Number of banking institutions                                                                      30
Number of asset management companies                                                       58
Total of assets managed by the Monegasque Banking and Finance Centre         €127 billion
 
Photos: Monaco Life / Pixabay
 
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Voice in Progress audition call

by: Cassandra Tanti
14/01/2020

A new music project called ‘Voice in Progress’ will be holding three auditions from Thursday 15th January and anyone who loves to sing or play an instrument is invited to come along. Successful creatives will join an intensive masterclass which will culminate in the production of a professionally recorded CD and public performance.
Organised by musician and producer Michele Zuppardo, and supported by the Association Monégasque pour l’Amérique Latine (AMLA), the audition will lead to the recruitment of 12 candidates, both children and adults, for the first edition of ‘Voice in Progress’.
It involves an intensive six-month Master Class, during which Michele will undertake voice, production and stage training.
The final month will be entirely devoted to the recording studio, where students will have the unique opportunity to record their music. “The ultimate goal is to fulfill the dreams of many: to record a CD,” says Michelle.
In addition to the CD, the students will perform publicly as well as on a live televised episode of Tele Varazze, a digital music platform. Students will also receive copies of the album ‘Voice in Progress’ and the sale proceeds.
Part of the funds will also go towards charity projects supported by AMLA .
“The goal of this project is to bring people closer to their passion, without spending large sums of money,” says Michele.
The audition will be held on 16th January at 12pm at the Casa d’i Soci. Further auditions will be held on Saturday 11th at 8pm in Roquebrune, Thursday 16th at 12pm in Monaco, Wednesday 22nd at 6pm, and Wednesday 29th at 6pm in Monaco. Location details are yet to be confirmed.
For more information and to register, contact info@amlamonaco.com or call 0678632515.