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Day: 10 February 2026

Monaco Government responds to Fontvieille Shopping Centre strike

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
10/02/2026

The Monaco Government has promised to continue talks with traders following Monday’s strike at the Fontvieille Shopping Centre, where approximately 80% of shops closed their doors in protest. 

The demonstration saw dozens of employees and business owners gather at the site to voice their concerns over the planned redevelopment project, which is scheduled to begin in 2028 after more than 18 years of delays.

Traders distributed leaflets to shoppers and people passing by with messages that included, in French, “We are closing today so we don’t close permanently tomorrow”, and “Deaf government, absent National Council, exhausted traders.”

The strike followed a July 2025 meeting where Finance Minister Pierre-André Chiappori announced that current traders would receive compensation settlements but would not automatically be relocated to the new shopping centre. Instead, they would need to participate in an open application process alongside external candidates.

Philippe Clerissi, president of the Fontvieille Shopping Centre’s Economic Interest Group, said this contradicted earlier government communications which had suggested continuity of commercial activity, according to Monaco Matin. He estimates around 200 employees could face unemployment as a result of the plans.

Compensation concerns

Traders have also criticised the compensation package with Clerissi describing the proposals, many of which arrived between Christmas and New Year, as “inadequate and even inhumane”. He claimed some businesses were being offered just one-fifth of what they originally paid when talking over their premises.

The social support measures for employees have also drawn criticism, amid claims the government has calculated solely on shop floor space rather than staff numbers or length of service, at a rate of €10,000 per 25 square metres.

The government said in it’s statement released Monday evening that it remains particularly attentive to the trader’s concerns. The Minister of State proposed organising a meeting with the shopkeepers as soon as he learned of the planned demonstration.

Additionally, the government stated that an individual support package has been presented to traders, both those who have ceased trading and those wishing to continue until construction begins. It also said it intends to maintain its dialogue with the Economic Interest Group and all affected businesses.

The Fontvieille Shopping Centre, which opened in 1992, was set for a €10 million refurbishment announced in July 2025, with works including the replacement of travelators and walkways set to begin in 2026.

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Main photo credit: Monaco Life

Guillaume Ranvier appointed General Manager of Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo

by: Cassandra Tanti
10/02/2026

Guillaume Ranvier officially took up his position as General Manager of Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo on 5th January, succeeding Louis Starck, who was appointed General Manager of Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo in September. Ranvier arrives from the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris, where he served as Hotel Manager.

The appointment comes as Hôtel Hermitage undergoes a transformation that will see new suites and a lobby bar unveiled in June.

From Paris to Monaco

Ranvier graduated top of his class from the École Supérieure de Cuisine Française in Paris before spending over a decade with the Hyatt Hotels Group, including stings in Doha and the French Riviera as Hotel Manager of the Martinez in Cannes. He also served as General Manager of Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, where he led the restaurant renovation and achieved record revenue levels in 2022.

Since 2023, Ranvier had been at the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris.

Renovation plans

The appointment comes as the Hôtel Hermitage is in the midst of ambitious renovation plans. In June, it will unveil new suites alongside Bar Gustave, a lobby bar located beneath the Eiffel dome in the Winter Garden.

“I am very honoured to be entrusted with the responsibility of this exceptional House of Connoisseurs, Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo,” said Ranvier in a statement released by SBM. “Our ambition is to write a new chapter for Hôtel Hermitage, resolutely focused on the future through its renovations, service centred on detail, personalised stays where every gesture has meaning, and, above all, women and men devoted to bringing that extra soul which offers our guests an authentic, elegant and memorable experience.”

Former General Manager Louis Starck was appointed to the head of the Hôtel de Paris in October 2025.

See also: 

Hôtel Hermitage to unveil Bar Gustave beneath Eiffel’s iconic glass dome

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Photo source: MCSBM

 

Monaco United Women secure three more wins in their unbeaten streak

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
10/02/2026

Monaco United Women’s football secured a commanding 6-0 victory against Villeneuve-Loubet at the Stade Dider-Deschamps on Sunday 8th February, completing a three-win streak without conceding a goal.

The momentum began with an away victory against FC Lambescain in the Mediterranean Cup, securing the team’s place in the quarter finals. Head coach Marco Simone described their earlier win against Carros as “a turning point, both mentally and sportingly” that kickstarted their season.

The team followed up with a 25-0 league win over AS Moulins, taking them to 100 goals scored in the league campaign so far.

Breaking down Villeneuve-Loubet

Marina Makanza scored twice in the opening stages to give her team an early 2-0 lead. Two more goals before half-time then put the match beyond doubt, with Monaco United leading 4-0 at the break.

Monaco United Women during the game, photo credit: Dylan Garino

The team added two more goals in the second half to seal a convincing 6-0 victory against opponents with the league’s second best defence.

Defender Meryl Cirri praised the team’s patience in breaking down a well-organised defence. “We faced a team that had prepared well, particularly defensively,” she said. “It took some time to adapt and find openings, but gradually spaces appeared.”

The three consecutive clean sheets have further established Monaco United’s strength alongside their attacking style. “We’re not conceding goals at the moment, which is very positive for our defensive line,” added Cirri.

Monaco United Women during the game, photo credit: Dylan Garino

Next matches

The victory maintains Monaco Unite’s position at the top of the league table as they pursue promotion through the play-offs.

Next up is a friendly fame in Corsica against AS Pietrosella on Sunday, followed by the Paul Marenco Cup quarter-final against AS Fontonne Antibes on 22nd February.

The team also face a significant test on 1st March when they travel to FC Rousset in the Mediterranean Cup quarter-finals. Rousset compete two divisions above Monaco United.

“Our ambitions remain unchanged: to win the league, aims for promotion through the play-offs, and go as far as possible in cup competitions,” said Simone. “We are doing great things, but the true assessment will come at the end of the season.”

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Main photo credit: Dylan Garino

Alpes-Maritimes firm RedFX joins global ocean cleanup initiative

by: Cassandra Tanti
10/02/2026

RedFX, based in Alpes-Maritimes, has announced a partnership with 4ocean, the ocean cleanup organisation, becoming a Certified Cleanup Partner in efforts to tackle plastic pollution in waterways worldwide. The collaboration will contribute to the removal of more than 5,700 kilograms of plastic and debris by 4ocean’s full-time crews operating across global coastlines.

The partnership comes as plastic waste increasingly affects Mediterranean waters, with the sea surrounding the French Riviera among those impacted by the estimated 10 million tonnes of plastic entering the world’s oceans annually.

Professional cleanup operations

Since 2017, Florida-based 4ocean has removed more than 49 million pounds of plastic waste from waterways through its professional captain and crew operations. “It’s one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time,” said Alex Schulze, CEO of 4ocean. “With our partners, such as RedFX, we have the power to change that story.”

The organisation employs full-time teams to conduct cleanup operations in oceans, rivers and coastal areas, with the waste collected preventing further damage to marine ecosystems.

Regional impact

Kevin Tullett, founder of RedFX, said the partnership represents an opportunity for regional companies to support ocean health. “Our partnership with 4ocean allows RedFX to make a tangible and sustainable contribution to our planet,” he said.

The initiative follows increased attention to ocean health, including the recent documentary ‘Ocean’ featuring Sir David Attenborough, which highlighted challenges facing marine ecosystems. The ocean covers 70% of Earth’s surface, with plastic waste and debris found on coastlines globally, from the Mediterranean to the Pacific.

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Photo credit: Naja Bertolt Jensen, Unsplash

 

Canada and France open Greenland consulates amid US territorial tensions

by: Cassandra Tanti
10/02/2026

Canada and France formally opened diplomatic consulates in Greenland’s capital Nuuk on Friday, demonstrating support for Denmark following US President Donald Trump’s attempts to secure control of the semi-autonomous Arctic territory.

Canada’s Foreign Minister Anita Anand travelled to Nuuk to inaugurate the consulate, accompanied by Indigenous Governor General Mary Simon. Canada had promised to open the consulate in 2024 – before Trump’s territorial claims – but the formal inauguration was delayed from November due to bad weather.

France’s foreign ministry announced that Jean-Noël Poirier would take up duties as consul general, making France the first EU country to establish a consulate general in Greenland. The decision was taken during President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Greenland in June 2024.

Escalating US demands

The openings follow weeks of escalating rhetoric from Washington. Trump announced in January he would impose tariffs on Denmark and seven other European countries opposing his Greenland takeover calls, only to abruptly drop the threats after claiming a “framework” for a deal had been reached with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s help. Few details have emerged.

Technical talks began last week between the US, Denmark and Greenland to develop an Arctic security arrangement. The discussions follow a meeting between Danish and Greenlandic foreign ministers with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Allied support for Danish sovereignty

Anand met Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen on Thursday, stating that “as Arctic nations, Canada and the Kingdom of Denmark are working together to strengthen stability, security and cooperation across the region.”

France indicated Poirier would deepen cooperation with Greenland on cultural, scientific and economic matters while strengthening political ties with local authorities.

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Photo credit: Visit Greenland, Unsplash

 

Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo unveils 40th anniversary season

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
10/02/2026

Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo is celebrating its 40th anniversary with an extraordinary programme of performances running from February to July, filled with both new creations and beloved classics. 

The season kicks off with ‘Miniatures’, a world premiere running from 16th to 19th April at the Salle Garnier of l’Opera de Monte-Carlo. The production pairs contemporary composers with choreographers from the company in an innovative format where music is created first, then presented to choreographers to interpret through movement.

Five choreographers will each create short ballets for the production, set to new music written specifically for the project. Four of them: Francesco Nappa, Jeroen Verbruggen, Julien Guérin, and Mimoza Koike are former dancers of Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo who have since become choreographers. They will be joined by the company’s artistic director, Jean-Christophe Maillot. The concept revives a format first explored in 2004.

Core Meu returns in extended version

From 28th to 30th April at the Grimaldi Forum, audiences will be able to experience an extended version of Jean-Christophe Maillot’s Core Meu. The high-energy production is inspired by the traditional tarantella folk dance of Southern Italy and features 50 dancers performing alongside live musicians Antonio Castrignanò and Taranta Sounds.

The production builds to a Dionysian crescendo over 70 minutes, blending classical ballet with folk traditions. A workshop will be offered on 29th April for those interested to learn the choreography.

During rehearsals of the Miniatures performance, photo credit: Alice Blangero – Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo 

Academy showcase and anniversary gala

The Académie Princess Grace, now in its 50th year, will present its annual end of year gala on 19th and 20th June at the Salle Garnier. The performances showcase students from the prestigious dance school, including both new talents and those graduating to join international ballet companies.

Then, the season’s centrepiece arrives on 3rd and 4th July with a surprise anniversary gala at the Grimaldi Forum celebrating 40 years of Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo. While the full programme remains secret, organisers promise “a procession of dancers, choreographers, musicians and artists who contributed to writing the history of the company.”

Monaco Dance Forum

Shortly after, the Monaco Dance Forum arrives with two major productions. First, La Compagnie Humaine presents ‘Waku Doki’ on 10th and 11th July at the Salle Garnier, a new creation by choreographer Éric Oberdorff that blends dance with immersive digital technology.

Following, the season culminates with the prestigious Ballet d’Opera National de Paris performing John Neumeier’s legendary ‘La Dame aux Camélias’ from 17th to 19th July at the Grimaldi Forum. The Paris Opera Ballet will be accompanied by the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra in this romantic classic featuring star dancers including Étoile Léonore Baulac.

International tours continue

Beyond Monaco, Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo will tour throughout Europe and Asia, visiting cities including Cannes, Cremona, Udine, Parma, Madrid, Riga, Seoul, and more. The company continues to present Maillot’s repertoire including Cinderella, Romeo and Juliet, and LAC on major international stages.

Tickets for the performances are available through montecarloticket.com. and at box offices at the Casino (+377 92 00 13 70) and at the Grimaldi Forum (+377 99 99 30 00).

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Main photo credit: Alice Blangero – Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo