€280 million to cover Monaco’s workers

31/03/2020

The Prince’s government has announced another raft of economic measures to support employees impacted by the Covid-19 crisis.
To date, 21,650 employees have been placed in temporary total unemployment. Between 2,000 and 2,500 self-employed workers are left without income.
“Faced with this exceptional situation, the Monegasque authorities are deploying an arsenal of support measures,” said the government in a videoconference press briefing on Tuesday night.
Use of CTTR (Reinforced temporary total unemployment)
This system, designed to protect employees – 75% of whom live outside the Principality – was, according to the government, requested by 2,625 employers and concerns 21,650 employees, or 40% of Monegasque employees. The State already has a system of reimbursing employers up to 80.6% of the net salary of each employee. The cost of the measure: €50 million per month.
Boost to low wages
For employees who earn up to €1,800 a month, they will now receive 100%, not the previous 80%, of their salary. Up to 9,000 people will benefit from this measure at a cost of €1.6 million per month.
‘Extraordinary Minimum Income’ for the self-employed
Self-employed workers in the Principality will be able to claim an ‘extraordinary minimum income’ fixed at € 1,800 per month, allocated by the General Treasury of Finances. Cost of the measure: €3 million per month (based on an estimate of 2,000 to 2,500 applicants).
Temporary workers
6,000 temporary workers have been hit hard by the crisis as they are not eligible for the CTTR, says the government. As a relief, the State will make advance payments to temporary work agencies for the payment of holidays due.
Exemption from commercial rents
Regarding State-owned premises, March rents will be reimbursed. Rent for the next three months will be fully exempt.
Regarding private commercial rents, “the State has decided to intervene with various owners to make them aware of this crisis situation,” is all the government would reveal.
Cash for very small businesses
As the State cannot provide cash directly, it will immediately inject €50 million for small businesses via banking establishments. Entrepreneurs will be able to benefit from a sum of up to € 50,000 to pay, in particular, the wages or rent which constitute their main fixed costs. These amounts loaned by the banks are guaranteed by the State. This means that in the event of default by the borrower, the government will reimburse the bank. For the bank, the risk is therefore zero.
No social security contributions on salary supplements
Employers who would like, as part of a CTTR procedure, to pay the additional 20% of their employees’ wages so that they receive a 100% amount will be exempt from social charges on this additional part.
Teleworking now compulsory when possible
There are currently 993 companies in the Principality which have adopted teleworking, concerning 10,381 employees compared to 1,300 before the Covid-19 crisis. “Teleworking is becoming the norm, it is made compulsory whenever possible. This means that each refusal must now be clearly justified.”
Prohibition on dismissals during the health crisis
The Princely Government, in agreement with the National Council, has taken a decision to make any dismissal impossible except in the event of proven gross negligence.
On Wednesday 1^st April, the costing of these economic measures will be examined by the government, before being presented to the National Council in an exceptionally amended draft budget.
“The amount of these additional expenses is estimated for the coming quarter at €280 million, to which must be added a drop in expected revenue of around €180 million,” concluded the government.

Monaco readies for increase in domestic violence

by: Cassandra Tanti

31/03/2020

Monaco is exploring the idea of introducing covert contact points throughout the city for victims of domestic violence as it prepares to adapt to the constraints women are facing amid the coronavirus lockdown.
The French government this week announced that temporary contact points will be introduced in pharmacies and pop-up support centres established in shopping centres, after figures showed that reports of domestic abuse to police had jumped more than 30% after the restrictions came into force. The cases included two murders.
“We are studying the implementation of additional arrangements such as the one launched in France, or using new digital communication tools,” Céline Cottalorda, Monaco government’s delegate for the Promotion and Protection of Women’s Rights, told Monaco Life. “It is more difficult if not impossible to escape from an attacker under these particular conditions… but containment should not be synonymous with powerlessness or impunity.”

Life in confinement

As cities go into lockdown across the globe to save lives, women face a living nightmare of weeks in isolation at home with a violent partner.
“Women will be more vulnerable because they won’t be able to go out, go to work, socialise, see friends and seek potential help,” says Vibeke Brask Thomsen, Director of Monaco-based women’s rights group She Can He Can. “Alcohol can also be a factor and many perpetrators have more time to drink while in lock down. It’s a very dangerous situation for many women to be in as they are confined 24/7 with the perpetrator.”
According to Céline Cottalorda, Monaco’s authorities are yet to report any significant rise in cases. “Since the start of confinement, social services have not been aware of any specific situations of domestic violence, nor has the Association for the Assistance of Victims of Criminal Offenses (AVIP),” said Ms Cottalorda. “Police have also not seen an increase in the number of cases.”
But it is unlikely that Monaco is immune to the phenomenon. In Italy, calls to helplines dropped sharply in the first weeks of lockdown, as many women couldn’t make contact for fear of being heard by abusive partners. “Many cases of domestic violence also don’t get reported, so there are more situations than we are aware of,” added Ms Brask Thomsen. “I expect the numbers to go up as there’s a lot of pressure on many people who have to stay home, who might be losing their income and face additional stresses at the moment.”
Ms Cottalorda expects the next IMSEE study on ‘Violence Against Women in Monaco’, due in January 2021, to provide more detailed information on the impact of confinement, “even if the psychological and human aspect is more difficult to quantify.”
Currently, the first line of support for women in the Principality is by phone on 0800 91 90 10 or 17, and 93 15 30 15 for emergency cases. For those who are unable to call, or feel uncomfortable doing so, there is support by e-mail on avip@monaco.mc or daso@gouv.mc.
If temporary contact points and new digital methods are introduced in Monaco, as indicated by Ms Cottalorda, it is likely they will be accompanied by an extensive awareness campaign.
“I would also like to see more information on social media and even a messaging service via selected social media platforms that women and girls can access more easily,” says Ms Brask Thomsen.

Protecting children

According to the first ‘Violence Against Women in Monaco’ report in January 2020, the average age of male abusers is 39 to 42 years, and 37 for women, which means that young children will likely be at home witnessing the abuse or receiving it. Two vital services for the protection of children remain operational in Monaco despite the lockdown – the Department of Social Action and Aid (DASO) which has a daily hotline, and the Directorate of Public Security, to protect children who are subjected to or witnesses to violence.
“Children are not in school at the moment so they are more likely to witness violence and also to feel powerless as they can’t escape or go out,” says Ms Brask Thomsen. “I hope that the older ones are able to stay in touch with their friends and/or teachers via email, text messages or social media so they know this can be a way to reach out for help.”

Seeking help

Statistics show that less than 40% of women who are experiencing violence actually seek help. Those who do tend to turn to friends and family members, and very few seek the help of police.
“It is not easy to speak up when one is the victim of violence because there is often shame mixed with a psychological hold,” says Monaco’s delegate for women’s rights, “hence the difficulty of going to file a complaint with the police. This is why help and listening services are important. They provide support and advice on how to get out of a violent situation.”
Friends, family and neighbours of victims are encouraged to contact the police on 17 or 93 15 30 15.

Legal options

Monaco’s standard protective procedures remain in place despite the lockdown, and “the Directorate of Judicial Services maintains emergency treatment of domestic violence cases, which makes it possible to take measures such as removal orders during the confinement period,” explains Ms Cottalorda. Importantly, this involves the removal of the aggressor, not the victims.
Given the surge in cases in France, the government announced it will pay for up to 20,000 hotel nights so that victims can escape abusive partners.
Monaco’s delegate says the Principality is similarly prepared to accommodate victims. “In case we need to give shelter, and in the case it is not possible to use hotels, given the situation, emergency apartments will be offered to the victims.”

Shifting focus to men

Despite activists’ best efforts over the years, spousal abuse is still considered a “woman’s problem”, not a “man’s problem” – an issue which Monaco’s new committee will be addressing as a priority in 2020. “We are working on an ‘inclusive’ campaign to integrate men and women on issues of equality and violence,” reveals Ms Cottalorda. “It worked well with the 8^th March campaign involving a mix of professions. On the subject of violence, we must find ways to speak to men, without aggression or guilt, but by making them participate more in the process of changing mentalities. Everyone must realise that improving the rights of women is good for society as a whole.”
In the meantime, the director of She Can He Can recommends some coping mechanisms for men.
“During lock down, I would recommend to go for a run, leave the situation, focus on something else,” advises Ms Brask Thomsen. “It can be work, TV, reading a book, leaving the room, taking a nap, listening to music or doing breathing exercises – if you feel anger or frustration building up.”

It’s everyone’s responsibility

If there is one thing this lockdown has shown us, it is that society is very capable of caring for its citizens, particularly the most vulnerable. “Take care of others as well as yourself during this time,” pleads Ms Cottalorda. “I know there are tremendous outbursts of solidarity taking shape. So, if you are a direct or indirect witness to violence do not hesitate to raise the alarm. In Monaco, the proximity and availability of the police services are an additional advantage in the fight against this scourge. We must take advantage of it.”

Useful websites:
Committee for Women’s Rights in Monaco: www.dfm.mc
monacosaysnotoviolence.org: http://monacosaysnotoviolence.org/
AVIP: https://www.avip-monaco.org/fr/
SheCanHeCan will be sharing information and advice on their social media:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shecan_hecan/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/shecanhecanmc

Read more:
Government releases 1^st violence against women report

Photo: Pixabay

Council proposes raft of measures for Covid-19 crisis

by: Cassandra Tanti

31/03/2020

The National Council is calling for widespread testing for Covid-19 in Monaco, saying around 200,000 tests are need for both residents and workers.
The call formed part of a range of proposals put forward by the Assembly at the first meeting of the Covid-19 Monitoring Committee on Monday 30^th March. The committee was formed by order of the Prince earlier this month to unite the National Council and the Prince’s government on important decisions surrounding the Covid-19 crisis.
In addressing Minister of State Serge Telle, head of the committee, National Council President Stéphane Valeri said: “Our presence here represents a clear and legitimate request: that the Assembly finally be heard and can debate its concrete proposals, so that they are taken into account to optimise the measures being taken by the government.”

Health

The council asks that Monaco limit the number of patients it treats from outside Monaco, namely residents living between Villefranche and Menton, excluding vital and risk-free emergencies. It also asks that the government designate a time each day to deliver information to the public on the latest figures from the health department including confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours.
The council also asks that Monaco follow France’s decision to write into law the authorisation of certain treatments, including hydroxychloroquine and certain antivirals.
Another key area that the council would like to see addressed is the widespread distribution of masks to people in Monaco, giving priority to those at the front lines, but also more generally to the entire population, who “must be able to have the essential masks during this period to run errands, go to the pharmacy or to urgent medical appointments, or fulfil obligations outside the home related to their work,” said Mr Valeri.
The Assembly is also calling for massive screening for Covid-19 throughout Monaco. “The National Council proposes to buy large numbers of serological tests for all residents and workers (around 90,000 people), at the rate of two tests per person to obtain a reliable result. Almost 200,000 tests would have to be acquired.”

Effective containment

Asking how the government expects people to understand self-isolation when, out of their windows, they can see people continuing to work in large groups, the head of the council called for an immediate halt to all public and private construction sites.
In order to protect the population, the council also wants reinforced controls at the border. “No car outside of Monaco should be able to enter the Principality for reasons other than work or a medical reason (excluding neighbouring municipalities for food).”

Family support

Given the closure of schools and daycare centres, the Assembly proposes a range of support measures, including maintaining 100% salary for employees with a salary below the Monegasque median (approximately €2,200 net per month), and 80% for those with a higher salary, with a ceiling of 4.5 times the Monegasque minimum wage (€1,573.66 net / month). For the self-employed who have to keep their children at home, the National Council asks for the allocation of a lump sum, on proof of loss of income, in the amount of €2,200 net monthly”, corresponding to the Monegasque median salary.

Economic support

“France has announced an effort of €45 billion direct aid and €300 billion to guarantee bank loans. Monaco must do more than the measures announced so far, since the Principality has no debt, unlike most countries, and has a large reserve with the Constitutional Reserve Fund,” said Mr Valeri.
Firstly, the National Council requests that €150 million be directed by the General Treasury of Finances to an emergency intervention fund for supporting the economy.
“This money must be mobilised from the cash of the Constitutional Reserve Fund and not by the sale of shares, which have lost much value in recent days,” says the council.
Regarding the bonus announced for civil servants and agents of the State, the National Council approves a government decision to grant an exceptional bonus of €1,000 for all those on the front lines of this crisis.
But the council would like this bonus to be extended to “all public personnel who are required to expose themselves and break the confinement, including police officers and members of the fire brigade.”
The Assembly requests that this bonus also be given to the administrative staff of the Principality’s health centres (CHPG, IM2S, Center Cardio-Thoracique, Center d’Hémodialyse Privé), as well as life support workers in private companies, pro rata hours worked.
For the nursing staff who work at these health centres, the National Council wants to go even further by giving them a €1,000 bonus every month until the end of the crisis.

Employees

For people placed in revised temporary total unemployment (CTTR) or partial unemployment (CTP), the National Council requests that 100% of wages be paid, up to the amount of Monaco’s median wage, or €2,200 per month. That should be reduced to 80% for higher wages with a ceiling equivalent to around 4.5 times the Monegasque minimum wage.
The National Council requests that telework be made compulsory by Ministerial Decree for all possible positions to avoid the displacement of employees.
For employees whose employers have a cash flow problem, the council wants to offer an advance from the State to the Emergency Response Fund (via the TGF), repayable afterwards, after payment from the CTTR. “The sums must be paid without delay so that wages are paid on time.”
The National Council is also asking for an urgent regulatory text or a bill to prohibit all redundancies until the end of this crisis.
For freelance workers, the National Council requests that those affected by the crisis be paid a monthly allowance, equivalent to the Monegasque median net salary – €2,200 net per month.
“This measure would benefit the self-employed, liberal professions and managers of very small companies who usually generate up to €1.5 million in annual turnover excluding tax, who face a loss of 50% at least of the turnover during the month of March 2020, compared to the month of March 2019.”

Employers

For employers who have a cash flow problem, the council requests State-funded aid which would be wholly or partially repayable depending on circumstances. It also proposes the postponement of social and tax charges for one quarter from March, and the following quarter until the end of the crisis.

Commercial and office rents

The council wants private landlords to reduce their commercial rents by 20%, accepting payment of 50% of the rent and granting a deferral of rent for the balance of 30%, over three months renewable. “This measure must be based on regulatory provisions or on an exceptional law, justified as an ‘unforeseeable, unavoidable and external event’.”

State budget

“Given the profound upheaval of the primitive budget 2020, voted in December 2019, the National Council requests a first Amending Budget voted at the earliest, reviewed a second time in the autumn.”
It now up to the government to provide its response.

New division to help businesses

by: Stephanie Horsman

31/03/2020

The government has created a ‘Covid-19 Businesses Unit’ to help companies affected by the health crisis, as well as a general information web page in English for citizens of the Principality.
Launched by the Prince’s government and led by the Welcome Office, the new unit can be accessed via phone or email and aims to equip businesses with the information they need to get through this difficult time.
As the situation on the ground changes rapidly, so too do the measures to better serve the current need.
So, in addition to the unit, the government has set up a web page in English and French titled ‘Covid-19 General information’, which brings together a host of government initiatives and announcements.
There are links to information on recommended health measures in supermarkets, announcements by Monaco Post Office on the following day’s service, additional measures to support the national economy, and providing proof of travel for business purposes.
A list of useful contacts has been provided as well to address any questions that arise during working hours, on everything from Social Security Funds to the closure of educational institutions.
The Covid-19 general information page and contact details for the new businesses unit can be accessed by clicking here.

TEDxMonteCarlo goes digital

by: Stephanie Horsman

31/03/2020

TEDxMonte Carlo is hosting three virtual events discussing community and wellbeing during this period of lockdown.
The sessions have been designed to help people feel more connected and informed whilst in this uncertain time and will focus on exploring the Monegasque reaction to the epidemic as well as offering practical advice on how to best make it through the confinement period.
The first event will be one hour long and held on Wednesday 1^st April at 5pm. The audience will be invited to ask questions of the panellists and vote on poll questions proposed during the event.
Pre-recorded TED and TEDx talks will be suggested for attendees to watch beforehand as some of the content to be discussed during the live show will refer to these. Topics will have a Monaco focus and will cover themes such as Covid-19, government assistance, wellbeing, education, mental health and the economy.
Keynote speakers will include UK psychotherapist Gavin Sharpe, who will advise listeners on how to maintain healthy relationships at home during a lockdown, and Lindsay Mackenzie-Wright, Assistant Director and Head of Wellbeing at the International School of Monaco (ISM), who will discuss how to maintain the morale of young people during confinement.
Sign-ups can be found at: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ZBCpNyYMQFWjXS1amWqAVQ
For additional information go online to https://tedxmontecarlo.com/

Photo: TedXMonteCarlo

Day: 31 March 2020

€280 million to cover Monaco’s workers