The Principality’s Government has responded forcefully to public criticism from the National Council regarding the state of the Fontvieille shopping centre and broader concerns over delays in key public projects.
The Government of Monaco issued a detailed communiqué on 29th May, addressing pointed criticism made by the National Council in recent days. The council had raised concerns about what it described as a “dangerous” and “deplorable” state of disrepair at the Fontvieille shopping centre, sharing a video on its social media channels on 26th May documenting the site’s decline.
The footage, which features Council President Thomas Brezzo and Councillor Corinne Bertani touring the complex, shows broken infrastructure, rusted fixtures, electrical hazards, and signs of mould. In a statement accompanying the video, Bertani said, “The shopkeepers feel abandoned and can only observe the inaction of the authorities, even as they continue to pay charges that are supposed to cover the maintenance of installations—something far from the case.” Brezzo added, “What we saw was far worse than expected. It’s no longer just about aesthetics; it’s about user and merchant safety. This is a shameful abandonment of a vital facility. Immediate investment is urgently needed.”
Following the video’s release, Brezzo addressed the local press, reiterating his call for swift rehabilitation. As reported by Monaco-Matin, he said a letter had been sent to the Government requesting that an independent certified body be dispatched to assess the site and ensure it is brought up to minimum safety standards. He also suggested that commercial charges be suspended until conditions improve, and warned that further delays to the presentation of the new Fontvieille redevelopment project could have consequences for the national budget vote.
In its response, the Government acknowledged these criticisms but strongly rejected what it called “hurtful and unjustified” remarks, particularly those that targeted civil servants. “All executive services of the State work tirelessly to uphold the excellence of public services in the Principality,” the communiqué stated. It also offered its “recognition and support” to state employees affected by the comments, and issued a firm defence of the Department of Legal Affairs. “The Government vigorously denies the allegation that this department is hindering the publication of legal texts. It has demonstrated remarkable productivity, while maintaining a standard of legal drafting that is widely recognised,” the statement read.
The Government further questioned the timing of the National Council’s public interventions, pointing out that meetings had already been scheduled for June to discuss both the Fontvieille redevelopment and the now-abandoned Symbiose waste treatment project. “Criticising governmental action on these dossiers ahead of those meetings can only create a climate of distrust, which is not conducive to constructive dialogue,” it said. The statement reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to maintaining “dignified and respectful exchanges” with the National Council, in line with institutional roles and the common interest of the Principality.
Meanwhile, Brezzo has continued to voice concern over wider governmental delays. He pointed to the absence of a permanent replacement for the late Didier Guillaume, suggesting that decision-making has been slowed despite Isabelle Berro-Amadeï stepping in on an interim basis. He also confirmed the Government’s official abandonment of the Symbiose project, a proposed €1 billion waste treatment centre.
Looking ahead, the Council has called for an “immediate and realistic” plan for interim improvements to Fontvieille, as well as prompt presentation of the redevelopment project. Legislative sessions scheduled for 11th and 18th June will address a range of topics including shared custody, digital law, and a proposal on end-of-life care. A public meeting on national priority is also set for 10th June.
See also:
Fontvieille shopping centre project to be “revised”, National Council “stunned”
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Photo of the proposed Fontvielle Shopping Centre, which has been tabled for re-examination as further studies are conducted