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Month: February 2020

Two week free bus trial

by: Stephanie Horsman
24/02/2020

The National Council has been toying with the idea of free local bus service for months and has finally settled on a two week trial period in September to see how it would work.
The plan was initially proposed to encourage tourists and residents to take advantage of public transport as a method of reducing both air pollution and traffic congestion, particularly during the busy morning and evening rush hour periods.
Debates by the National Council were held last year to discuss Monaco’s 2020 budget. During these meetings, the council, in conjunction with the Compagnie des Autobus de Monaco (CAM), suggested that a test be carried out to monitor the impact and the popularity of free transit but was stuck on whether it should be gratis for all users or for residents only. Initially, the test was planned for only one line, Line #4, and was meant to last six months.
After further deliberation, the National Council and the Ministry of State both concluded this test would not be a true reflection of the population or of usage as it was limited in scale. It would also be difficult to assess the true results as all the lines are interconnected, therefore singling out a single line would probably not be effective.
As a result, the council suggested a network-wide trial, carried out from the 12th to the 27th of September during European Mobility Week. In order to streamline the system and optimise journey times, electronic meters are being proposed, which would track customers as they came on and off the buses without any interference by the drivers.
A massive awareness campaign is being suggested to remind people about the free test period during the entire two weeks, as well as the weeks leading up to it.
Officials state the cost of such trials would be nominal, as the duration is short. If free bus service is adopted, the National Council is suggesting that infrastructure be updated to accommodate heavier bus use. New bus lanes, priority traffic lights and increased services are amongst the things being recommended.
 
 

AS Monaco on a roll

by: Stephanie Horsman
24/02/2020

AS Monaco faced a tough Dijon team Saturday night, one who had not conceded a single home game in the last 10.
The Red and Whites showed up at Gaston-Gérard ready to rumble. The last time Monaco went up against Dijon, they played them at home and only just managed to squeak past them for the win with a goal by the currently-suspended Aleksandr Golovin.
Things didn’t begin well as Dijon’s Mounir Chouiar was carted off the field on a stretcher after a massive collision with Benoît Badiashile. About nine minutes in, Monaco launched their first offensive play as Wissam Ben Yedder took a free kick shot on goal but was thwarted. Dijon’s Julio Tavares, not to be outdone, then made two magnificent shots on goal 12 and 18 minutes in, but Lecomte was on it and didn’t let the ball pass.
Monaco, who ultimately had possession of the ball for nearly 60% of the game, played a bit of cat and mouse with Dijon for most of the first half. A Jovetic-Slimani combo was well-played but not enough to make it past Runarsson. It wasn’t until 38 minutes in that things heated up. Dijon’s Mavididi rammed into Lecomte, who scrambled and recovered the loose ball before any damage could be done. Soon after, Slimani, with an assist by Ben Yedder, almost made the grade, but again Runarsson was Johnny-on-the-spot and deflected the goal with his feet.
At halftime, both teams went into the locker rooms goalless.
After the break, things got a bit more interesting. Another Ben Yedder-Slimani set up almost resulted in a goal, but the ball went wide. Moments later, Dijon took advantage and Mama Baldé put one between the posts, opening the scoring for the match at 56 minutes in.
Undeterred, Monaco fought on, and yet again Slimani and Ben Yedder made a set-up, though sadly it wasn’t enough to get past Dijon’s ever-vigilant goalkeeper.
Finally, at 79 minutes in, Monaco seized their chance. Adrien Silva found Slimani, who made a terrific header toward the goal. Runarsson made the block, but the ball fell at the feet of Guillermo Maripan who deftly pushed it through the posts.
Despite it being late in the game, both teams came alive in these last minutes, the most exciting of which was at the 90 minute mark when Tavares had a one-on-one against Lecomte. The goalie made a fantastic save, saving his team from defeat and earning them the draw.
Coach Moreno was proud of his Red and Whites and said after the game: “The team is getting better defensively. We’ve only conceded two goals in four games. We have to work to have even more on executing our chances in front of goal, but I know my forwards have the ability to score.”
 
 

Out with the old, in with the new

by: Stephanie Horsman
24/02/2020

After a five-year test period, new ‘smart’ energy meters are being installed in homes throughout the Principality, helping to reduce power usage and cut bills.
The high-tech Nexio meter will be installed in tens of thousands of Monegasque homes over the next eighteen months. The new meters are the Société Monégasque de l’Electricité et du Gaz’s (SMEG) response to the country’s energy transition plans, offering several advanced functions not possible in the old-fashioned systems.
Nexio will be able to transmit data directly to the electric company without the need to disturb customers. They will also have the ability to send information at more regular intervals, allowing the company and households to catch discrepancies or unusual usage faster than was traditionally possible. It also allows customers to better monitor general usage and make adjustments when energy consumption is exceeding normal capacity, thus saving them money.
Every customer will have at their fingertips the personalised information needed to assess energy use. This information is meant to help them better understand, act and potentially reduce the amount of power consumed on a daily basis. Additionally, it is completely confidential between contract holders and SMEG, with encrypted and secure systems to ensure cyber-safety.
Replacing the meter will be easy for customers. In 90% of cases, SMEG will not even need the user to be present, and the change-over takes a mere half an hour with only a 15 minute interruption of service. The replacement is free of charge, and the old meters will be sent to a non-profit environmental association that recycles electrical and electronic equipment.
The Nexio meters have been operational at the Tour Odéon since 2015, where they were extensively tested before being launched into public use.
 
 

Forgotten Renaissance frescoes uncovered in the Prince’s Palace

by: Cassandra Tanti
23/02/2020

Restoration works at the Prince’s Palace have unveiled hidden Genoese frescoes dating from the 16th century, prompting a major research project to unearth the truth behind these stunning pieces of Italian art history.

Five years ago, Prince Albert ordered the restoration works be carried out, on both the interior and exterior, to preserve and enhance the heritage of his residence as well as its precious contents.

During these works, conservators-restorers and painters uncovered a set of original frescoes, completely unknown to Palace officials. The frescoes are said to be in good condition and have been attributed to Genoese masters of the 16th century. But little more is known about the works, so the Palace immediately set up an ambitious scientific, artistic and historical research project.


The incredible find was recently presented to H.S.H. Prince Albert II during his visit of the ‘Grand Apartments’, which are open for public visits from April to October.

Now, upon reopening, visitors will be taken on a new chronological tour of the Palace with various information points available at different stages so visitors can better understand the history of Monaco.


The Palace is located on the foundations of a medieval fortress and was transformed into a monarchical residence in the 16th and 17th centuries. Its rooms are designed for the Prince to host official ceremonies and for the reception of high-ranking guests. They revolve around the Throne Room and the royal room, known as York.

The rooms are still regularly used today for major events, such as the Monaco National Day on 19th November and the reception of distinguished visitors.


The first stage of renovation works is due to be completed by the end of March, just in time for the reopening of the Grand Apartments for public visits on 2nd April, allowing the public to discover these marvels of the Italian Renaissance.

© Photos: G. Luci / Prince’s Palace

A night at the opera

by: Alessandra Vicedomini
22/02/2020

It’s not a slight exaggeration to say Monaco is the perfect setting for princess nights.
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Stepping through the gate of wonder to the Salle Garnier at the Hôtel de Paris, which has been featured in not one, but two James Bond films (Never Say Never Again and Golden Eye), and the hilarious Madagascar 3, the magic begins and so do the butterflies. Like much of Monte Carlo, with its 360-degree view of the entire Principality, the Hôtel de Paris is built in Belle Epoque style – gilded, mirrored hallways and sky-high frescoed ceilings, stained glass boiseries and steel beams designed by Gustave Eiffel. It is simply stunning.

Honoured to have been invited by Monsieur Paul-Marie Jacques, President of the Association des Amis de l’Opéra, I walk the steps and, with my son, prepare to enjoy Street Scene, directed by Lawrence Foster.
Converted from a play and first performed in Philadelphia in 1946 before a Broadway transfer the following year, this American opera is beautiful with moments of dramatic fire, depicting 48 “hot” summer hours in the lives of an immigrant community in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. It centres around Frank’s murder of his unfaithful wife, Anna, and the impact of the tragedy on both their daughter Rose and her shy boyfriend Sam.

Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name by Elmer Rice (who wrote the book for the opera), Kurt Weill definitively considered the score his masterpiece. My feeling is that the author’s skills lie in his ability to match the community’s diversity with a persistent note of yearning and solitude struck by loneliness and adultery. But the fact that romantic passion can beat in the heart of a neglected wife brings deep feelings to the entire audience throughout the whole story.
It was very well performed, especially at the end of the first act in which musical highlights strongly overtake, vivid and vibrant, and I loved every minute.
Costumes were divinely designed from a palette of cold pastels, the music and tempo were enjoyable, and an impeccable warm lighting kept the audience under the impression that a happy ending would prevail after grieve.

Mr and Mrs Paul-Marie Jacques and Count Quentin d’Ursel et du Saint-Empire attending the private artists gathering backstage

There was only one very real, challenging issue for me: to find a suitable piece of clothing within my sporty, day-to-day wardrobe. The ball outfit. Having just returned from the Swiss Alps, I must admit I was fearful of the last-minute fitting session. I simply did not have enough time or choice. But it all came together when I managed to match (last minute!) a vintage Valentino jumpsuit – rigorously red – with Aquazzurra sandals, a blush skin clutch and Cartier jewellery with a Zara tuxedo jacket.
So, what’s not to love overall? Adrenaline was running high as soon as I landed and drove into the Principality.
I am sure this performance, as a transition between European Opera and what we now know as modern American musical theatre, has marked the audience’s soul in Monaco because of the feeling of community that was carefully conveyed.
My favourite characters and performers were Rose and her fiancé Sam, along with the Academy Rainier III children’s choir.
A champagne gathering with the artists followed, and – not only because the Salle Garnier at the Opera is renowned or the new refurbished setting is exquisite – the atmosphere was elevating and made everyone feel like royalty.
 
 
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Spirits run high at CHPG thanks to ASM

by: Cassandra Tanti
21/02/2020

Children in the Princess Grace Hospital have been decked out in specially adapted AS Monaco ‘jerseys’ to help boost spirits in the pediatric ward. The team mascot, Bouba, has also been gifted.
As part of the AS Monacoeur program, ASM football players Keita Baldé and Benoît Badiashile visited the pediatric centre of CHPG on Thursday 20th February.

Benoîte de Sevelinges, Director of the CHPG, ASM football players Keita Baldé and Benoît Badiashile, and André Rousset, Deputy Head of Pediatrics

In the presence of Benoîte de Sevelinges, Director of the CHPG, and André Rousset, Deputy Head of Pediatrics, the football players presented  the children with jerseys on behalf of the players of AS Monaco.
Specially reworked by the CHPG seamstress team, the jerseys meet hospital standards and will serve as gowns for patients cared for in the pediatric ward.
The two players also presented kids with Bouba, the club’s mascot, which has also been transformed to coverinfusion equipment.

The unique initiative is part of the AS Monacœur programme, launched in 2017 in support of the Monegasque foundation Les Enfants de Frankie. The aim is to “help children escape from their daily lives and dream through open eyes”.
 
Photos: Michael Alesi/Direction de la communication