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Day: 2 January 2021

Warm wishes from Prince Albert, Princess Charlene

by: Cassandra Tanti
02/01/2021

In his New Year address, Prince Albert has assured citizens of his “unwavering commitment to leading the Principality out of this health crisis towards a more stable, more prosperous and more just future.”
The Prince’s message from the Palace was aired on social networks on 31st December at 7pm, and the Covid pandemic was, not surprisingly, a strong theme.
“2020 is coming to an end. It will remain etched in our memories marked by doubt, fear and pain, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic that has spread across our planet,” he said, before looking to the future.
“It is vital that all our countries and their political leaders commit to confronting our future in a spirit of innovation, such is the unprecedented scale of the challenges before us. We are convinced of both the relevance of our roles and the need to reinvent ourselves once more.”

The Prince went on to highlight the increasing importance of the “digital world”, of moderating our energy usage and promoting social inclusion – key factors in Monaco’s economic and social strategy.
“With the economy, we must revive curiosity, creativity and discovery to emerge stronger and capable of tackling the great environmental and social challenges,” he said.
Prince Albert acknowledged that it was a difficult holiday season for many, and “not quite as festive as in the past.” But he added, “This year, that distance and those limitations will be a sign of our affection for our loved ones, our families, whom we want to shield from illness.”
The Prince spoke about his hope and optimism for the future, saying, “I have every confidence that 2021 will see us overcome this ordeal, thanks to our solid economic and social model, and the talented people in our public and private sectors.”
To conclude, Princess Charlene stood by the Prince’s side as he said: “We send you, with our children Jacques and Gabriella, our warmest wishes for 2021.”
“Happy New Year,” they declared together.
 
Photo: Eric Mathon/Palais Princier
 
 

Hundreds try to defy NYE lockout

by: Cassandra Tanti
02/01/2021

Monaco delivered on its promise to keep non-authorised party-goers out of the Principality on New Year’s Eve, turning back 600 cars at its border, mostly from the neighbouring PACA region.
From the night of 31st December to 1st January, more than 130 public security officers were mobilised and 15 check points were set up at entrances to the Principality to ensure that only residents and visitors with a hotel reservation crossed over into Monegasque territory.
As a result, hundreds of people had their hopes dashed of a NYE bash in Monaco, where restaurants were allowed to remain open until 10.30pm.
“603 vehicles were asked to turn back, mainly on Boulevard du Jardin Exotique,” Richard Marangoni, director of Public Security, told Monaco Matin. “It was thought that there would be even more people, but the message was well received.”
The majority of the cars were registered in the neighbouring Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur region, although some came from as far as Paris.
Within Monaco, the night was fairly uneventful. Police officers issued 87 fines: 81 for not respecting the 8pm to 6am curfew and six for not wearing a mask.
“Leaving restaurants was a sensitive moment for, in particular, people who had drunk a little more alcohol,” said the head of public security. “But there was nothing to report. The restaurateurs have played by the rules.”
Police made no arrests throughout the evening, and were only called to minor incidents involving firecrackers at midnight and a fireworks display on a roof terrace in Fontvieille.
 
Photo by Elizaveta Martin for Monaco Life, all rights reserved.