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Month: January 2025

Emmanuel Macron to attend Monaco funeral of Didier Guillaume

by: Elsa Carpenter
22/01/2025

It has been confirmed that French President Emmanuel Macron will travel to Monaco on Thursday 23rd January to attend the funeral of Didier Guillaume, the Principality’s late Minister of State and the former Minister of Agriculture in France, who passed away on Friday 17th January at the age of 65. Macron, who considered Guillaume a close friend, has postponed a planned visit to the Aisne and Thiérache regions to pay his respects to the “warm and wholehearted” public servant.

Following the death of Didier Guillaume earlier this month, there has been an outpouring of tributes to the French politician, who served as France’s Minister of Agriculture and Food from 2018 to 2020 under Prime Minister Edouard Philippe, during President Macron’s first term, before being appointed Minister of State in Monaco in September 2024.

On Thursday 23rd January, the Principality will observe a national day of mourning in honour of Guillaume’s significant contributions to Monaco and his legacy as a man dedicated to advancement and progress. His funeral will be held that day from 11am at the Monaco Cathedral in the presence of both Prince Albert II of Monaco and Macron, who will travel to the Principality to pay his respects to a colleague he also considered a friend.

In a heartfelt message shared on social media this week, the French President paid tribute to his former minister, saying, “Didier Guillaume is no more. Former minister, deeply rooted in the Drôme, a humanist in the Republic, his commitment to others was, like him, vibrant, warm and wholehearted. From Bourg-de-Péage to Monaco. My thoughts are with his family. I have lost a friend.”

Prince Albert II of Monaco has also expressed his deep sorrow at the sudden loss of Guillaume, describing him as an “exemplary servant of the Principality”.

See more: Remembering Didier Guillaume, a “remarkable statesman” who dedicated his life to meaningful change

Since Guillaume’s death, Monaco has paid tribute to the Frenchman by flying all flags at half-mast. His body is currently resting at the Chapelle de la Miséricorde in Monaco, where a chapel of rest has been set up to allow the public to pay their respects ahead of his funeral.

Following the ceremony, Guillaume’s body will be repatriated to the Drôme, where a tribute will be held on Saturday 25th January in Bourg-de-Péage before his burial in Claveyson, alongside his parents.

Prince Albert II has entrusted the interim leadership of the Monegasque government to Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, minister of foreign relations and cooperation, making her the first woman to hold the position of Minister of State in the Principality’s history.

Read related:

Monaco pays tribute to Didier Guillaume

 

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Photo via Emmanuel Macron, Facebook

Monaco to remain operational on day of mourning, with call for respectful attire

by: Cassandra Tanti
22/01/2025

Monaco will observe a national day of mourning on Thursday 23rd January, as the Principality bids farewell to former Minister of State Didier Guillaume. While public services, schools, and businesses will remain open, residents and workers are encouraged to wear dark clothing as a gesture of respect.

Prince Albert II decreed the day of mourning to coincide with the funeral of Didier Guillaume, honouring his significant contributions to Monaco during his tenure. Flags on public buildings will be flown at half-mast throughout the day, symbolising the collective grief of the nation.

Although the Principality will not pause its daily operations, this solemn observance allows everyone to participate in remembering the late statesman. Public employees and private citizens alike are invited to mark the occasion by dressing in muted tones to reflect the gravity of the moment.

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.

Photo source: Government Communication Department

See also:

Remembering Didier Guillaume, a “remarkable statesman” who dedicated his life to meaningful change

 

 

Football: Monaco secure Champions League qualification in ‘Princely derby’

by: Luke Entwistle
22/01/2025
Singo heads home past Aston Villa goalkeeper Martinez to give Monaco the lead at the Stade Louis II

A spirited AS Monaco earned their first victory of 2025, securing their progression in the Champions League in the process by beating Aston Villa (1-0) on Tuesday night.

Monaco headed into this game low on confidence having succumbed to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of bottom-placed Montpellier in Ligue 1 on Friday. Winless in 2025 and seeking their first win since 7th December 2024, Monaco headed into a tie against Aston Villa, who secured a draw against Premier League title challengers Arsenal over the weekend, as the undisputed underdog.

But you wouldn’t have been able to tell as Monaco took the first clear chance of the night in front of a packed Stade Louis II. Thilo Kehrer forced Emiliano Martinez, roundly booed by the Monaco faithful thanks to his antics in the World Cup final against France in 2022, into a parried save but Wilfried Singo, on his return from injury, followed it in and headed into the open net.

“They scored from a set-piece and then defended well afterwards,” said Aston Villa midfielder Boubacar Kamara post-match. The Premier League side’s chances were limited throughout. Radoslaw Majecki was forced into a strong save from Ollie Watkins before the break but other than that, the Polish goalkeeper went largely untested.

Aston Villa fan Prince William in attendance at the Stade Louis II

It was Monaco, in front not only of Prince Albert II but also Prince William, an Aston Villa fan, who looked more likely to score in this contest, a form of ‘Princely derby’ in the Principality. Maghnes Akliouche went close in the first half and should have done better with his wild effort on goal just before the break.

The France youth international, in front of France assistant coach Guy Stéphan, thought he had given Les Monégasques breathing space when he poked home a ball from Vanderson just after half-time, but he was adjudged to have been marginally offside.

Whilst it was Villa who chased the equaliser, it was a defiant Monaco who looked the more dangerous: Takumi Minamino spurned a big chance, Aleksandr Golovin was denied by a last-ditch Tyrone Mings tackle and a Breel Embolo bicycle kick fell into the grateful gloves of pantomime-villain Martinez.

However, it was Monaco, in perhaps their best defensive performance of the season, who secured the win, without ever coming under significant pressure. It is a significant win in Monaco’s season. Their place in the next round of the Champions League is now mathematically secured with one game to go, but perhaps even more importantly, there is a feeling that their season more generally is back on track.

Surpassing objectives on Monaco’s agenda

“It was an important win,” began Adi Hütter post-match. “I give my compliments and praise to my team for how they fought: their energy, their attitude, and also their determination to qualify, which was one of our big goals for the season.”

However, the job is not yet done. Heading to Milan to face Internazionale next week, there is still an outside chance of a top-eight finish, which would see Les Monégasques skip the play-off round.

Man-of-the-match Singo was unequivocal in asserting Monaco’s desire to obtain a positive result in Italy. “We have one match remaining which will be very difficult. We are going to go to Milan next week with a lot of ambition and to win,” said the Ivorian international.

A trip to Italy to conclude the Champions League ‘league phase’

Hütter added, “At the San Siro, against Inter, they will be a big opponent. They are in fantastic shape. We’ll go there with our best performance to see if we can win.”

As the Monaco manager points out, the objective set before the campaign of finishing inside the top 24 in the Champions League has now been “achieved” but although a place in the top eight remains out of their hands, the dream of achieving it remains alive as they head to the San Siro next Wednesday to conclude their ‘league phase’ campaign.

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.

Photo source: AS Monaco

President Trump moves to withdraw US from Paris Agreement on first day back in office

by: Cassandra Tanti
21/01/2025

On his first day back in the White House, US President Donald Trump took swift action to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement. This decision places the US alongside Iran, Libya, and Yemen as the only nations outside the global accord aimed at combating climate change.

The New York Times notes that while Trump’s first withdrawal during his previous term took three years due to procedural requirements, the process will be quicker this time. Under current rules, the US can officially leave the agreement within one year of submitting a withdrawal notice to the United Nations.

In an executive order, Trump described the Paris Agreement as one of several international accords that do not align with US interests, arguing it redirects American taxpayer dollars to countries that “do not require or merit financial assistance”. Despite his stance, recent polling cited by the Associated Press suggests that about half of Americans oppose the decision, including a significant portion of Republican voters.

The move has drawn criticism from climate advocates and analysts worldwide. Reuters highlights that the US is the second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, behind China, and its withdrawal could significantly undermine global efforts to curb emissions. E&E News warns that this accelerated rejection of the agreement, coupled with Trump’s strengthened alliances with far-right figures domestically and internationally, could have deeper ramifications for global climate initiatives than his first withdrawal attempt.

The Financial Times points out that the US is the only country to have exited the Paris Agreement. Former Biden officials and climate activists argue that this decision could hinder the US in the global race for clean energy innovation, giving competitors like China a competitive edge.

Nevertheless, Bloomberg notes that Trump’s action may not completely reverse the country’s decarbonisation trends. Market forces, technological advancements, and economic factors have driven a gradual reduction in US emissions over the past two decades, many of which are likely to persist despite federal policy shifts.

Reactions have poured in, including from the UN climate change executive secretary, who expressed disappointment at the announcement. The move has been widely covered by outlets such as Politico, Agence France-Presse, and Bloomberg, reflecting its global implications.

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.

Photo credit: Markus Spiske, Unsplash

 

Dr. Nathalie Hilmi plays key role in new report on Mediterranean coastal risks

by: Cassandra Tanti
21/01/2025

Dr. Nathalie Hilmi, who leads the Environmental Economics section at the Centre Scientifique de Monaco, has contributed as lead author and coordinator of Chapter 3, ‘Impacts and Risks’, in the latest report by MedECC (Mediterranean Experts on Climate and Environmental Change). The report takes a close look at how Mediterranean coastal areas are being hit hard by climate change and economic challenges, offering solutions to protect these fragile regions.

The Mediterranean is the world’s top tourist destination, drawing a third of all international visitors. More than half of the EU’s coastal tourist infrastructure is located along these shores. But by the end of this century, sea levels could rise by a metre, damaging key infrastructure like ports and displacing up to 20 million people. Coastal tourism is particularly at risk from heatwaves, jellyfish blooms, and shrinking beaches, which could drastically change the region’s appeal.

Coastal agriculture is also feeling the pressure, especially in areas like the Nile, Ebro, and Po river deltas, where farmland is being lost to salinisation. Rising sea levels and saltwater intrusion are disrupting freshwater aquaculture, endangering key species. Fisheries are facing a combination of challenges, including warming seas, invasive species, and overfishing, all of which are threatening food supplies. According to the report, if current trends continue, temperatures in the Mediterranean could rise by up to 2.9°C by 2050. This would mean more droughts and marine heatwaves, which have already increased by 40% in the past two decades, leading to severe impacts on marine ecosystems. Acidification of the waters, already underway, is expected to worsen, posing a major threat to marine biodiversity and critical ecosystem services.

In the report, Dr. Hilmi emphasises that Mediterranean economies must move away from resource-intensive practices and adopt more sustainable methods. It calls for integrated coastal zone management that combines local action with regional collaboration. Decarbonising the region’s economies is key, with alternative fuels like biofuels, hydrogen, and batteries offering greener options for maritime transport. The report also highlights the potential of ecotourism, supported by green taxes and eco-labels, to drive sustainable development. Other recommendations include electrifying ports to reduce pollution from cruise ships and introducing policies to cut emissions from the tourism sector.

With insights drawn from over 1,000 scientific studies, this report is a roadmap for policymakers and local communities to take action. By identifying risks and offering practical solutions, it underscores the need for urgent efforts to protect the Mediterranean’s environment while supporting sustainable socio-economic growth.

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.

Photo credit: Nick Karvounis, Unsplash

 

France simplifies PACS certificate process for foreign residents

by: Stephanie Horsman
21/01/2025
couple marriage pacs

Navigating the administrative steps to prove an existing civil partnership, or PACS, agreement in France can seem daunting for foreign residents, but the government has now made the process much more straightforward.

The attestation of civil partnerships, or Pacte civil de solidarité (PACS) in French, serves as legal proof of an existing agreement and allows residents to justify their status for certain formalities, such as tax declarations.

Previously, the process for foreign nationals born abroad was somewhat complicated and time-consuming, requiring various documents and steps. However, the French government has simplified it, making it achievable in under five minutes.

The procedure begins by filling out basic information online via a dedicated portal. Applicants must provide details such as their first and last names, gender, address, phone number and email. Information about their partner, along with the date and place of PACS registration, must also be included. Once these fields are completed, a personalised letter can be generated for submission.

After generating and signing the letter, it can be sent either by email to attestationpacs.scec@diplomatie.gouv.fr or by post to: Service central d’état civil – Ministère de l’Europe et des affaires étrangères, Section PACS, 11 rue de la Maison Blanche, 44941 Nantes Cedex 09.

Those who prefer to draft the request manually can use a convenient feature to copy the text directly into an email or a word processing application, making it easy to customise if needed.

It’s worth noting that not everyone requires this certificate. French nationals or foreigners born in France can simply provide their birth certificate as sufficient proof of status.

For more details on the changes and the PACS process, click here.

Read related:

Monaco sees slight rise in divorces and shifting birth patterns in 2024

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.

 

Photo credit: Priscilla du Preez, Unsplash