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Month: April 2024

Georges Marsan returns as mayor amid corruption charges

by: Cassandra Tanti
08/04/2024

Three months after being indicted on corruption and influence peddling charges, Monaco’s long-running Mayor Georges Marsan has returned to office.

On Monday 8th April, the Mairie released a press statement, simply stating, “It is in thanking the Deputy Mayor, the members of the Municipal Council and all the staff that Mayor Georges Marsan returned to the Town Hall today.”

On 14th December 2023, Monaco’s six-time mayor, Georges Marsan, was indicted for “active corruption against a national public official, passive corruption by a national public official, active and passive influence peddling, illegal taking of interest by a national public official and criminal conspiracy”. 

He was ordered to stay away from municipal headquarters, and Camille Svara stepped in as mayor on 3rd January for “an indefinite period”. 

Late Monday, the Monaco Prosecutor’s Office also released a statement, revealing that the judicial order preventing Marsan from contacting Mairie staff had been lifted, however the 67-year-old Monegasque politician continued to face the charges against him.

“Georges Marsan remains charged and subject to judicial supervision which notably prohibits him from entering into contact with various people, including traders at the Condamine market and the Halle de Monaco, places that he is prohibited from frequenting,” read the statement. “The public prosecutor’s office recalls that Mr. Marsan is still presumed innocent.”

Georges Marsan has always maintained his innocence, saying through his legal advisor at the time Thomas Brezzo – who has since been elected National Council President – “My actions have always been for the benefit of [Monaco’s] citizens, and have always been motivated by the general interest and standing of the Principality of Monaco… I believe I am being subjected to abusive measures and real harassment. I confirm: I have never taken advantage of my position. I cannot wait for my innocence to be proven.” 

A more detailed response by Mayor Georges Marsan is expected when he holds a press conference on Tuesday 16th April at the Town Hall.  

SEE ALSO:

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

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Photo source: Mairie de Monaco

 

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

Football: Monaco end barren home run with win against Rennes

by: Luke Entwistle
07/04/2024
Akliouche celebrate giving Monaco a 1-0 lead against Rennes.

AS Monaco earned their first victory at the Stade Louis II since 3rd December 2023, beating Rennes 1-0 in a tense affair that nonetheless allows Adi Hütter’s side to retake their place on the podium in Ligue 1.

Pre-match, Hütter said that he preferred an exciting 5-2 to a boring 1-0. This was something of a hybrid. Looking to further their Champions League ambitions while ending Rennes’ own ambitions to play in the most coveted competition in club football, Les Monégasques were quick out of the blocks.

Youssouf Fofana really ought to have given the Principality club an early advantage, but unpressured on the penalty spot, the France international lacked composure, blazing over. However, Monaco had the keys to unlock this defence and they did so on numerous occasions in the first half.

Wissam Ben Yedder had a golden chance, but like Fofana, with the goal gaping, he couldn’t direct his effort on target. Monaco, however, were not deterred, but their ambition going forward left spaces at the back. Amine Gouiri had a notable chance that was smothered before the Hollywood save from Radoslaw Majecki, which saw him palm Martin Terrier’s volleyed effort onto the bar.

Monaco’s “Golden Boy”

With every passing game, the Polish goalkeeper continues to justify Hütter’s decision to drop Philipp Köhn, who had failed to fully convince as No.1. Those saves would prove decisive too.

Mid-way through the first half, a good interchange between Ismail Jakobs and Takumi Minamino saw the latter steal in behind the Rennes defence. The German then had the composure to pick out Maghnes Akliouche, who got his seventh goal of the season. “He’s the golden boy today,” joked Hütter post-match.

Monaco continued to push to increase their advantage and give themselves breathing room, however, a mixture of profligacy and good goalkeeping – in both boxes – kept the score at just 1-0 going into the break.

Contentious refereeing decisions split opinion

A clumsy and rash challenge from Martin Terrier, just seconds into the second half rightfully earned a red card, giving Monaco the perfect chance to break their duck at home. However, the Principality club failed to create chances and 20 minutes later, they too were reduced to 10 men with Thilo Kehrer sent off for a second yellow.

Both sides largely neutralised each other before the contentious moment of the match. Guéla Doué broke into the Monaco box, drawing a challenge from Fofana. “There was a clear foul,” reacted Rennes manager Julien Stéphan post-match. Importantly, referee Stéphanie Frappart did not agree, despite being sent to the VAR screen to closer inspect the incident.

As the full-time whistle approached, Monaco’s poor record at home began to play in the minds of players. “It was in our heads because we really wanted to get the win today at home. It’s our first one here this year and the job is done,” said Akliouche post-match.

There was both joy and relief when the final whistle went at the end of eight excruciating and tense minutes of added time. The result not only gets a proverbial monkey off Monaco’s back, but it also strikes a significant blow in the Champions League race. Rennes are now 13 points adrift of Monaco and with just six games remaining, their hopes of qualifying for the competition are dwindling.

A “decisive” month for Monaco’s Champions League hopes

Les Monégasques meanwhile retake their third place in Ligue 1, overtaking Lille and increasing the gap to fifth-placed OGC Nice to eight points. It’s a considerable step.

“It is important that we won this game. We have it in our hands. Lille and Brest have it in their hands too. It is really close. I don’t know if this game is decisive, but these coming up are really important,” said Hütter, whose side face the two direct rivals for the Champions League places this month. The race for Europe is hotting up and going into what has been termed “the final sprint”, Monaco are well placed.

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Photo source: AS Monaco

F1: Charles Leclerc wins Driver of the Day in Japan

by: Elsa Carpenter
07/04/2024
Charles Leclerc Driver of the Day

Charles Leclerc came close to a podium finish at the Japan Grand Prix over the weekend, but lost out in the final laps to his teammate, Carlos Sainz. Still, the Monegasque driver’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed by the viewing public as he picked up the Driver of the Day.

A difficult qualifying left Charles Leclerc in an uncomfortable P8 for the race on the Suzuka Circuit in Japan on 7th April. His teammate, Carlos Sainz, fared a little better, beginning from P4.

Shortly after racing began, however, the red flag went up after an incident involving Daniel Ricciardo and Alex Albon at Turn 3. It took a full 30 minutes for the track to be cleared and the barriers repaired before the grid could resume, but the two Ferraris were ready for action. 

Leclerc quickly overtook future teammate Lewis Hamilton to claim the seventh spot and gradually worked his way up, taking full advantage of other drivers’ pitstops.  

See more: F1: Lewis Hamilton will join Charles Leclerc at Ferrari in 2025

The 26-year-old Monegasque would, unfortunately, miss out on a podium place, despite coming very close. Sainz passed his teammate with seven laps to go and then the order was set. 

Red Bull’s indomitable Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez took first and second, with Sainz rounding out the podium and performing the fastest lap. 

Leclerc had to settle with P4, although he proved to be a crowd favourite and earned himself the title of Driver of the Day.  

This means that Scuderia Ferrari drivers have won all four Driver of the Day awards in the 2024 calendar. The accolade went to Sainz in Bahrain and Australia, while his temporary stand-in, Oliver Bearman, won acclaim from the viewing public in Saudi Arabia. 

See more: F1: Charles Leclerc earns first podium of 2024 in Saudi Arabia

“Looking just at today’s race, I’m quite happy, because there is nothing that we could have done better,” said Leclerc post-race. “Our pace, tyre management, communication and strategy were all really good. However, what prevented us from getting a better overall result mostly comes down to our qualifying yesterday. Since Australia, we’ve had some difficulties putting the tyres in the right window on the out laps in qualifying, which is something we never struggled with before, so we really have to focus on that in the next few days to make sure we can put it all together in China.”

The grid will now prepare for the upcoming Chinese Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit on 21st April.

 

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Photo credit: Scuderia Ferrari Media Centre