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Day: 8 April 2024

Thomas Brezzo, the new President of the Conseil National de Monaco, pledges an era of “dynamism”

by: Elsa Carpenter
08/04/2024

Thomas Brezzo was voted in as the new President of the Conseil National de Monaco in early April. The lawyer and elected official has pledged to “breathe new life” into the parliament with a tenure focused on “dynamism” and “making things happen”. 

A lawyer by profession, having ascended to the Monaco Bar in 2016, 44-year-old Thomas Brezzo has been a member of the Conseil National – National Council – since 2018. 

He joined under Stéphane Valeri, who now heads up Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, and soon took up the role of Chairman of the Legislation Commission. 

See more: Stéphane Valeri at the helm of SBM: “Our future will live up to our brilliant past”

Given his background in business and criminal law, as well as his prior experience of running the Monaco Legal Consulting firm and 99 Avocats, alongside his partner Thomas Giaccardi, he has been a central component in the drive towards compliance with Moneyval. Brezzo was the official rapporteur of the laws governing the Principality’s anti-money laundering, financing of terrorism and corruption mechanism in the months before his new appointment. 

He took over the presidency of the Conseil National from Brigitte Boccone-Pagès. It was a near unanimous victory, with 22 out of a possible 23 ballots cast in his favour.  

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

According to a statement from the Conseil National, Brezzo will now “devote himself full-time to the Presidency of the Assembly”. 

Brezzo, for his part, says he intends to “put the Conseil National back in working order… and make its systems more transparent and effective”. 

When questioned by Monaco Info’s Emilie Rousseau on his intentions for the presidency, Brezzo replied that he would be focusing “first on Monegasques, then foreign residents and workers”. Key areas that will receive his closest attention include accommodation, transport and the attractiveness of Monaco.

 

Summing up his ambitions, Brezzo said he hoped to bring a “new dynamic and dynamism” to the Conseil National, and “breathe new life” into the Council by “making things happen”.  

The statement from the Conseil National adds, “The National Councilors are enthusiastic and motivated to continue their mandate under this new presidency.” 

 

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Photo source: Conseil National de Monaco

 

RM Sotheby’s to auction former F1 cars during Historic Grand Prix of Monaco

by: Stephanie Horsman
08/04/2024

During the Historic Grand Prix of Monaco weekend in May, RM Sotheby’s will be hosting an auction of some of the world’s most exclusive racing cars at the Grimaldi Forum.  

Going under the gavel on 11th May will be a stunning selection of Formula 1 and Grand Prix gems from bygone eras, many of which are considered priceless.  

JODY SCHECKTER COLLECTION 

One of the main highlights will be the collection of competition vehicles currently owned by South African former driver Jody Scheckter. Included in the list of lots is a 1979 Ferrari 312 T4, the same model that saw Scheckter to victory at the Monaco, Belgian and Italian Grand Prix races in 1979. The car is also the first GP Ferrari to feature full ground effect powered by the three-litre flat 12 engine.  

It remains in pristine condition and has only ever been driven by the man himself. This extraordinary piece of machinery is expected to sell for between €5,250,000 and €6,500,000.

Also from his collection is a 1973 McLaren M23, often cited as one of the most beautiful racing cars of all time. This one was famously driven by Peter Revson during his 1973 British Grand Prix win and has featured in a total of 63 races. The Revlon cosmetics company heir died in a crash in South Africa the following year. This remarkable piece of history has an estimated worth of between €1,750,000 to €2,250,000.  

OTHER FANTASTIC CARS 

Scheckter’s collection isn’t the only draw. There are several other amazing cars up for grabs, such as: a 1962 Aston Martin DB4 Series V Vantage with a value of €485,000 to €525,000; and a 1991 Audi V8 Quattro DTM and a 1998 Porsche 911 GT2 Roock Racing model, both with estimates of between €750,000 and €1,000,000.  

For a full list of the cars being auctioned and for more details, click here. 

 

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Photo source: RM Sotheby’s. This article was originally published on 20th March 2023. 

Superyacht chefs turn up the heat at Monaco’s culinary showdown

by: Niki Borisova
08/04/2024

Elite superyacht chefs from around the world gathered at the Yacht Club de Monaco last week for a competition that has come to redefine gourmet excellence and creativity at sea. 

The Superyacht Chef Competition on 4th April, co-organised by the Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) and Bluewater, was part a test of culinary skill and part a celebration of the unique challenges and innovations within the yachting industry’s galleys.

Nine top-tier chefs stepped out of their onboard kitchens to face off in a challenge that demanded not just technique and precision but also creativity and adaptability. Watching on was a renowned panel of judges that included the three-Michelin starred Chef Glenn Viel, known for his eco-conscious cuisine that marries Breton and Provençal flavours as well as his role on television’s Top Chef series.

“The level was high and everything I ate today was very good,” he shared after the tastings.

The competition was stiff, with chefs like Paulo Ucha Longhin from M/Y Hercules, Ava Faulkner from M/Y Light Holic and Mateusz Mitka from M/Y Lady Britt showcasing their culinary talents in the finale as the Top 3 chefs. Ultimately, it was Paulo Ucha Longhin who clinched the first place with his innovative dishes that included a lobster confit with brown butter and bisque, and a dessert of cocoa mascarpone cream paired with strawberry tartare, basil and lemon curd.

“Working under these conditions was a real challenge for me, so I must extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone, especially to this amazing jury,” said Longhin. “I’m feeling great now; the job is done and it’s time to celebrate. It was crucial for me to demonstrate that anything is achievable. Always keep moving forward!”

In second place came Faulkner, who shared an empowering message that sought to encourage other women working in the industry: “As a woman in this industry, never doubt your ability to succeed and never consider anything to be beyond reach.”

Bernard d’Alessandri, the Secretary General of the YCM, remarked on the event’s growing following and its role in enhancing the yachting profession’s reputation, saying, “Every year, this event brings together passionate professionals ready to take up the challenge of making refined dishes in small spaces, characteristic of yacht kitchens.”

Read related:

Spring surprise: Festival des Etoilés Monte-Carlo 2024 debuts in April, promising culinary brilliance

 

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Photo by Monaco Life