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Day: 4 January 2024

Salim Zeghdar officially becomes one of Prince Albert’s closest allies

by: Cassandra Tanti
04/01/2024

Following the shock departure of Claude Palmero in 2023, Salim Zeghdar, appointed acting Administrator of the Prince’s Assets, has been officially elevated to the key role by Sovereign Ordinance.

It is official. Salim Zeghdar has become one of the most powerful men in Prince Albert’s inner circle.

After accepting an acting role on 7th June 2023 following the controversial ousting of Claude Palmero, Salim Zeghdar was appointed Administrator of the Prince’s Assets (l’administrateur des biens) by Sovereign Ordinance No. 10.283, published in the Journal de Monaco on 22nd December 2023.

At the same time, Valentina Franco was appointed Assistant (Attaché) to the Administrator of the Prince’s Assets, effective 1st January 2024.

Who is Salim Zeghdar?

Salim Zeghdar was born 8th August 1970 in Monaco. On Friday 5th July 2019 in the Journal de Monaco, it was confirmed that Zeghdar had been naturalised as a Monegasque citizen.

The 53-year-old is a well-known local figure, most notably as deputy president of the luxury trade show Top Marques, as well as managing director of Monaco Live Productions, and most recently as general director of the newly-launched TV Monaco.

Salim Zeghdar’s role now is to manage the personal fortune of the Prince, the Princely Family, and that of the Sovereign House.

The controversy continues

Claude Palmero, 67, was a key figure in the Palace for 22 years, first serving under Prince Rainier III and then his son, Sovereign Prince Albert II.

After becoming embroiled in the so-called ‘Rock Files’ (Dossiers du Rocher), a series of unverified leaked documents alleging corruption at the highest levels, Palmero was relieved from his position on 7th June 2023.

Claiming innocence, Palmero lodged an appeal against his dismissal with Monaco’s constitutional court, known as the Supreme Tribunal, on 13th July, seeking one million euros in compensation and his reinstatement. His case was rejected. Palmero has since indicated that he will take his case to the European Court of Human Rights.   

Meanwhile, Prince Albert, together with his sisters Princess Caroline and Princess Stephanie, are reportedly taking legal action against Palmero.

In an interview with Monaco Matin in November 2023, the Prince said that an audit had been conducted on the ‘Sovereign Household’ following Palmero’s sacking, prompting the Princely family to file a “criminal complaint”.

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Photo of Salim Zeghdar at the press launch of Top Marques in 2023, by Monaco Life

Basketball: Roca Team gears up for a busy January after rollercoaster results on court

by: Niki Borisova
04/01/2024

AS Monaco Basket ended 2023 with a win, but lost out to tough opponents Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv in the EuroLeague in their first game of the new year.  

It was a bittersweet end to the year for the Roca Team, who suffered defeat to Panathinaikos in the EuroLeague on 20th December with a final score sheet of 90-91 despite strong performances from Alpha Diallo and Mike James.  

Then came a more positive pitting against FC Bayern Munich on 22nd December, which the Monaco side won fairly comfortably –  80-91 – thanks James’ 28 points and Elie Okobo’s 19. 

Next was a Betclic Elite away game against Boulogne-Levallois on 26th December. That ended in victory for the Roca Team, with a score of 77-85 and standout performances from Okobo, who contributed 20 points and eight assists, and Matthew Strazel, with 21 points.   

Then it was time for the final game of the year; a EuroLeague fixture at home in Monaco against FC Barcelona that the Monegasque side won with relative ease (91-70). The game featured a stellar offensive and defensive display led by a dynamic duo in the form of James and Diallo.  

INTO 2024 

The new year began with a EuroLeague game against fearsome opponents Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv at the Bloomfield Stadium in Israel. AS Monaco finished 10 points behind their rivals: 93-83.  

Despite the defeat, the team’s performance was commendable. On each side of the court, James and Maccabi’s Bonzie Colson both stood out with 27 points apiece, and the game was marked by similarly intense competition throughout. 

UPCOMING HOME GAMES 

AS Monaco’s next EuroLeague fixture at home will be against Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz on 9th January. The Monegasque side will also play Real Madrid at the Salle Gaston Médecin on 19th January.  

In the French Betclic Elite league, the closest home game will be against Le Mans on 21st January.

For all fixtures, home and away, click here.  

 

Join the Monaco Life community – the largest English media in the Principality.   

Sign up for the Monaco Life newsletter, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

 

Photo credit: AS Monaco Basket