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Day: 3 April 2024

Conseil National de Monaco: Brigitte Boccone-Pagès ousted from presidency

by: Elsa Carpenter
03/04/2024
brigitte boccone-pagès thomas brezzo

Barely weeks after Thomas Brezzo put himself forward as a potential candidate for the presidency of the Conseil National de Monaco, he has been voted in. The 44-year-old will be taking over from Brigitte Boccone-Pagès, the first woman to have ever held the position of President at Monaco’s parliament. 

On the evening of Wednesday 3rd April, during a live broadcast, came the confirmation that Brigitte Boccone-Pagès has been usurped by Thomas Brezzo.

The elected members of Monaco’s National Council, the Principality’s equivalent to a parliament, had convened at their headquarters to renew the members of the Board of the National Council. 

It was in this context that Boccone-Pagès, who succeeded the outgoing Stéphane Valeri as the leader of the elected body in late 2022, has been replaced by Brezzo. 22 votes were cast in his favour, while one ballot paper was left blank. 

Tensions have been bubbling for some time at the National Council, but as recently as Tuesday 12th March, in an interview published in the Monaco Matin, Boccone-Pagès assured the electorate that she was feeling “relaxed, unfazed” by the dissent among her fellow members. 

See more: Interview: Brigitte Boccone-Pagés, President of the Monaco National Council

Then came a heavy blow. 22 of the National Council’s 24 members wrote a letter supporting Brezzo, a 44-year-old lawyer, in his candidature for the presidency. He would go on to announce his intentions to run against Boccone-Pagès in the columns of the Monaco Matin newspaper. 

Boccone-Pagès remained silent, continuing on with her official duties, but it became increasingly clear that her status as president was untenable, and that she was very likely to lose the titular role. 

On Tuesday 2nd April, the day before the deciding vote was cast, Boccone-Pagès published an open letter to Brezzo, addressing him as the “self-proclaimed president”. 

With words rich in historical and literary references, and full of metaphorical imagery, Boccone-Pagès counselled, “Revolutions are always made in the name of admirable principles, formulated by so-called great men, dissatisfied with their fate and who have not been covered with honors as they wished.” 

“You rallied the wolves by uttering wild cries, but the wolves did not respond, since there can only be one and it is you,” she continued. “So it was only lambs and vipers who followed you, and if as the rumour claims, you seek honors and gold, well I offer you the honour of taking my seat, and I leave it to you to look for the gold, where it shines.” 

After comparing Brezzo to the controversial Pope Sixtus V, while noting his “dream of being a modern-day Cincinnatus”, her stinging letter presses on. 

“I do not hate you and if that were the case you would have noticed it. At least promise me not to bite your tongue, I would be terribly sorry to see you suffer by poisoning yourself.” 

The letter, which was published on social media, concludes with a weighted warning: “Teaching others lessons is good, but above all being an example is better.” 

SEE ALSO:

Interview: Brigitte Boccone-Pagés, President of the Monaco National Council

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Photo source of Brigitte Boccone-Pagès: Conseil National de Monaco

Step back in time at the Biot and the Templars festival

by: Stephanie Horsman
03/04/2024

For those longing to be part of a time when chivalry was alive and well, damsels’ beauty was enshrined in poetry and song, and the sport of the day was either jousting or falconry, this weekend’s Biot and the Templars festival will be the place to be.  

The much-loved event will run from 5th to 7th April in and around the town of Biot, with over 150 fantastic shows planned under the theme of ‘At the Dawn of Europe’.  

The 2023 festival attracted upwards of 100,000 people, making it one of the biggest events to take place in the Alpes-Maritimes last year, and the 2024 edition is set to be just as popular.

 

Both participants and visitors will immerse themselves in the spirit of the medieval age by wearing period costumes. Expect demonstrations of the way of life of the 13th century and there will be countless stalls selling an array of handmade crafts. 

Visitors can expect to see a reconstruction of a village of medieval artisans, a torchlight parade, hand-to-hand combat battles, tournaments, equestrian shows, beggars, troubadours and folk music performances along with lots of different shows, such as falconry and jousting, all free of charge.  

BIOT HISTORY 

Biot is historically connected to the medieval Templars, making this event very dear to locals.  

“The Templars are part of the history of Biot, it is our history, it belongs to us,” says Jean-Pierre Dermit, the mayor of Biot. “The current contours of the territory of the commune were drawn thanks to the acquisitions of the Templars. They stayed in Biot from 1209 to 1308. In every alley of Biot, the stones speak.” 

For more information about the festival, click here.  

Read related:

The countdown to the Monaco E-Prix has begun

 

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Photo credit: Jon Kershaw

Olympic Torch to travel through Nice, Antibes and Cannes

by: Stephanie Horsman
03/04/2024

The Olympic flame is set to arrive in France in early May, having travelled by boat from Greece. Marseille will be the first stop of the tour, but several French Riviera towns and cities will also be welcoming the torch as it heads north to Paris. 

Outside of the Games, the eternal flame is preserved in Olympia, near the Temple of Hera. After journeying to the southern city of Marseille, where the torch will arrive on May 8th, the Olympic flame will then head towards the island of Corsica for a brief visit before returning to the mainland and setting a course through the western parts of France. 

By 7th June, the flame will be at sea once again, this time on a voyage to France’s overseas territories, including La Réunion, Guadeloupe and Martinique.  

Once the more exotic stopovers are complete, it will be Nice’s turn to host the flame on the the Promenade des Anglais and Quai des Etats Unis before the torch begins its month-long journey to the French capital.  

Nice’s long-time mayor, Christian Estrosi, told the French press, “The Olympic flame in Nice on 18th June will be more than a symbol. Being the first stop in the home stretch to Paris, Nice concludes the Ocean Relay before becoming the global capital with the United Nations Ocean Summit in June 2025.” 

Six other municipalities in the region – Villefranche-sur Mer, Grasse, Cannes, Valberg, Antibes Juan les Pins and Valdeblore-La Colmiane – will also welcome the flame. 

See more: Southern France confirmed as sole candidate for 2030 Winter Olympics

The relay is a long-held tradition that started in 1936 at the Berlin Summer Games and has become a popular feature of the pre-Olympic schedule, allowing the host country to showcase its most beautiful and historic sites.  

FRENCH DESIGN 

The torch to be used in the procession has been designed by a native French creator, as is the tradition for the host nation.   

Mathieu Lehanneur was chosen for the 2024 Olympic Torch and he has created a sleek and stylish interpretation of the ancient vessel that integrates the three core themes of the upcoming Games: equality, water and peacefulness.  

Mathieu Lehanneur with the 2024 Olympic Torch. Photo credit: Felipe Ribon

“Equality is symbolised by perfect symmetry,” said Lehanneur on the day he revealed the design. “Water is symbolised by the wave, relief and vibration effects. Peacefulness is symbolised by the gentleness of the curves.” 

The torch is being manufactured by Arcleor Mittal, which will make 2,000 versions in total, five times less than for the Games’ previous editions. The company is also making them with the lowest possible carbon footprint at steel factories whose techniques can accommodate the manufacturing in line with the best eco-friendly standards.  

Explore the full route in the video below:

 

 

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Photo source: Unsplash

Monaco springs to life: a guide to the 2024 season venue reopenings

by: Niki Borisova
03/04/2024

As the Riviera’s social calendar heats up, Monaco is a hive of activity with a number of grand reopenings for the season, from legendary clubs to exquisite dining experiences.

The busy season for 2024 opened with the Bal de la Rose on the 23rd March, marking the beginning of Monaco’s vibrant spring and summer festivities. As we move further into the season, more establishments are gearing up to welcome guests, each offering a unique blend of luxury, entertainment, and gastronomic delight.

Jimmy’z Monte-Carlo, the legendary and staple club of Monaco, has already set the stage for an unforgettable season. Having opened its doors on 22nd March, the club continues to draw an international clientele with its electric atmosphere and top DJ performances. For the full lineup, click here.

Coya, Photo credit: SBM Monte-Carlo

On the culinary front, Coya Monte-Carlo is reopening on 10th April, inviting guests to indulge in the vibrant flavors of Latin America. With its prime location offering stunning Mediterranean views, Coya brings together art, music, and cuisine for a multi-sensory journey. Under the leadership of Chef Victoria Vallenilla, the restaurant pays homage to traditional South American cuisine with a modern twist. For bookings, click here.

See more: Victoria Vallenilla: “Never be afraid of wanting perfection”

Amazónico Monte-Carlo is set to dazzle on the Place du Casino from 5th April. Known for its immersive rainforest-inspired ambiance and eclectic mix of tropical and Latin American cuisines, Amazónico will offer a new unique dining and entertainment experience in Monaco. With live music and DJ sets, the venue showcases Monaco’s well-known status as a world-class center for diverse and high-quality dining. For bookings, click here.

See more: Amazónico announces opening date for early April

Shifting focus to seaside leisure, the Monte-Carlo Beach Club reopens on 12th April, providing options for tranquil relaxation on its private beach or engaging in various water activities. The club’s restaurants, Le Deck and Elsa, promise refined cuisine in a picturesque setting. For more information, click here.

Monte-Carlo Beach Club, Photo credits: SBM Monte-Carlo

Staying within the beach club setting, Club La Vigie Monte-Carlo is set to reopen on 23rd May, offering an exclusive sanctuary that embodies elegance and the ideal Riviera lifestyle. Located at the end of the Monte-Carlo Beach peninsula, this spot offers guests beautiful sea views and sophisticated dishes crafted by Chef Pascal Garrigues.

See also: See it for yourself: the deliciously retro Maona Monte-Carlo relaunches to huge applause

Coinciding with Club La Vigie’s reopening, Maona Monte-Carlo also welcomes guests back on 23rd May, promising a fusion of glamour and nostalgia for those in search of a vintage Riviera experience. This venue revives the festive atmosphere of the Riviera’s heyday, creating an experience that echoes the lively and glamorous 1960s dolce vita. For bookings, click here.

Nikki Beach, photo credits: Nikki Beach

Over at Fairmont Monte-Carlo, Nikki Beach is set to reopen on 4th April, providing a pool party atmosphere on the hotel’s rooftop, complete with music, diverse food options, and views of the Mediterranean. For more information, click here.

With spring in Monaco, a mix of old and new luxury is highlighted as iconic institutions reopen and appeal to various preferences. As summer approaches, more venues are expected to swing open their doors, further enriching the huge range of experiences in Monaco and the Riviera.

SEE ALSO:

See it for yourself: the deliciously retro Maona Monte-Carlo relaunches to huge applause

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Main photo of Jimmy’z, credit: Monte-Carlo Societe des Bains de Mer 

Monte-Carlo Summer Festival unveils its spectacular line-up

by: Niki Borisova
03/04/2024

The curtain has risen on the line-up of the 2024 Monte-Carlo Summer Festival, revealing a diverse and star-studded roster of celebrated artists from a whole host of genres. Here are the highlights.

The eagerly anticipated line-up of the Monte-Carlo Summer Festival was revealed on 3rd April at a well-attended press conference held at the Sporting venue.

Featuring an array of renowned artists, the festival’s six-week-long schedule promises a diverse spread of performances in the Opéra de Monte-Carlo’s Salle Garnier and the Salle des Étoiles between 6th July and 16th August.

Kicking off the festival on 6th July is the Fight Aids Gala at Salle des Étoiles, which will welcome Stars 80 to the stage in the name of a great cause. Tickets are already available for the event. For more information, click here.

On 9th July, Grammy Award winner Sam Smith, whose most well-known hits include Unholy, Too Good at Goodbyes and Stay with Me, will perform at Salle des Étoiles.

Then, on 16th July, Diana Krall, celebrated for her timeless jazz repertoire, will be gracing the stage at the Salle Garnier.

The festival’s line-up was revealed at a press conference at the Sporting venue on 3rd April. Photo by Monaco Life

Jamiroquai, the British funk and acid jazz band fronted by eclectic dresser Jay Kay, will headline the Gala de la Croix-Rouge on 19th July at the Salle des Étoiles, although this is a strictly invite-only affair.

On 25th July, the iconic Duran Duran will be performing at the Salle des Étoiles.

Stand-up comedian Trevor Noah will be making history as the first act of this kind to feature at the festival with a much-anticipated show on 29th July.

Lebanese singer Myriam Fares will be enchanting audiences with her Middle Eastern pop hits at the Salle des Étoiles on 2nd August, while Italian operatic pop trio Il Volo are set to claim the stage the following day on 3rd August.

The soulful Jorja Smith will captivate audiences at the Salle Garnier on 14th August, preceding two very special concerts by the epic American rock icon Lenny Kravitz on 15th and 16th August at the Salle des Étoiles.

To reserve tickets, click here.

Read related:

Stars 80 Encore! to headline Fight Aids Monaco charity concert this summer

 

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Photo credit: Monte-Carlo SBM

Bulgaria and Romania formally join the Schengen area

by: Elsa Carpenter
03/04/2024

The Schengen area, the largest geographical zone permitting free movement in the world, has officially welcomed in two new members: the Black Sea neighbours of Bulgaria and Romania. 

The two European nations, which were integrated into the European Union on the same date – 1st January 2007 – now share a new page in their histories. 

On 31st March 2024, they formally became the newest members of the Schengen area, the world’s largest common area without internal border controls.

See more: Monaco’s Sass Café announces new luxury venture at the Corinthia Bucharest hotel 

As such, Schengen rules will now apply in both of the EU Member States, including those on issuing Schengen visas, and controls at the internal air and sea borders will be lifted in the near future. 

According to a statement released by the European Commission on 30th March, “Since last December, both Member States have taken all necessary measures to ensure a smooth application of the Schengen rules as from 31st March 2024… Romania and Bulgaria will further contribute to strengthening the cooperation on border and migration, as well as to the joint European efforts to address EU security at external borders and migratory challenges. Furthermore, a regional initiative on police cooperation [has been] established between Member States along the Western Balkan and Eastern Mediterranean routes, including Bulgaria, Romania, Austria, Greece, Hungary and Slovakia. This will allow [these nations] to address related challenges jointly and in a sustainable manner, including cross-border crime.” 

Bulgaria and Romania are understood to have been in compliance with “all requirements to be fully part of the Schengen area” since 2011 so this integration has been long awaited for the Black Sea neighbours.  

“Together, we are building a stronger, more united Europe”

The day before the two nations’ official integration, Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, said, “Tomorrow marks an important day: Bulgaria and Romania join the Schengen family. I welcome the lifting of internal air and sea border checks. This is a great success for both countries and a historic moment for the Schengen area – the largest area of free movement in the world. Together, we are building a stronger, more united Europe for all our citizens.” 

The Schengen area guarantees free movement to more than 425 million EU citizens, as well as non-EU nationals living in the EU or visiting the EU as tourists, exchange students or for business purposes on a visa.

It dates back to an intergovernmental project between the five Member States of Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg and Netherlands that was launched in 1985. Today it includes all EU Member States, excluding Cyprus and Ireland.

For more information, click here.  

 

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Photo source: Bulgarian countryside, Hristo Sahatchiev