Monaco’s Minister of State Didier Guillaume has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to housing and the Fontvieille redevelopment project despite tensions with the National Council, urging unity as discussions over the 2024 Amending Budget continue.

In a public session held on 8th October, Didier Guillaume, Monaco’s newly appointed Minister of State, addressed the concerns raised by the National Council in its recent rejection of the 2024 Amending Budget. The housing of Monegasque citizens and the redevelopment of the Fontvieille shopping centre remain at the core of the disagreement between the government and the National Council, yet Guillaume assured that these critical projects would continue, stressing that success will come “together, not against each other”.

Guillaume’s response came after months of mounting tensions, with elected officials led by Thomas Brezzo voicing frustration over what they described as unfulfilled promises, particularly in relation to Monaco’s National Housing Plan. The rejection of the budget draft in June highlighted these divisions, with Brezzo calling for a “complete overhaul” of the housing strategy and stronger commitments from the government regarding Fontvieille’s redevelopment.

See: Why is the National Council rejecting the government’s 2024 budget? 

“The government is concerned about all those who make Monaco,” Guillaume said, adding that the administration is dedicated to the collective success of the Principality. He addressed the criticisms of the housing plan, pointing out that over 600 apartments have been delivered in the past six years and that the government continues to navigate complex legal and land-use challenges. Guillaume reaffirmed that projects like Villa La Luciole, with 25 new apartments set to be delivered in 2027-28, are concrete steps forward in solving Monaco’s housing issues.

Regarding the Fontvieille shopping centre, which elected officials had branded a “fiasco” due to escalating costs and delays, Guillaume acknowledged the need for cautious planning. He said that the government’s approach is both “precautionary and precise”, ensuring that all aspects of the project, including cost, timing, and community impact, are thoroughly assessed. The Minister assured that no one—neither residents nor merchants—would be left behind during the redevelopment process.

Despite the budget impasse, Guillaume remained optimistic, calling for constructive dialogue between the government and the National Council. “We will succeed together,” he reiterated. The second draft of the 2024 Amending Budget is set for discussion later this month, offering a new opportunity for both sides to reconcile their differences.

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Photo: Minister of State Didier Guilllaume and National Council President Thomas Brezzo. Credit: Manuel Vitali, Government Communication Department