After more than four decades of service to the Principality, Patrice Cellario is set to retire from his role as Monaco’s Minister of the Interior next month. He will be succeeded by Lionel Beffre, a civil servant with an extensive background within the French administration.
From 5th August, Monaco will have a new Interior Minister in the form of Lionel Beffre. 60-year-old Beffre of Aveyron in the Occitanie region of Southern France has previously held numerous high-ranking positions within the French administration, such Director of Administration at the Paris Prefecture, Head of the Prime Minister’s Cabinet, High Commissioner of the Republic in French Polynesia and his most recent posting as Chief of Staff of the Minister of Overseas Territories.
He has also worked as Prefect of several mainland French departments, including Lot-et-Garonne, Eure-et-Loir, Pyrénées-Atlantiques and Isère. In addition, he has been bestowed with a number of important French awards, such as Knight of the Legion of Honour, Officer of the National Order of Merit, Knight of Academic Palms and Knight of Agricultural Merit.
“With a wealth of experience, he will bring to Monaco his expertise and his involvement in the service of the security and quality of life of the Monegasque population,” says a spokesperson for the Palais Princier de Monaco, which announced Beffre’s new role in the Principality on 3rd July.
He will be stepping into the shoes of Patrice Cellario, who will be retiring at the age of 70 after many years of dedicated service to the Principality, including nine as its Minister of the Interior.
“Prince Albert II wishes to express his deep gratitude to Mr. Patrice Cellario for his 42 years of exemplary service within the State,” reads a statement from the Palace. “During his career, Mr. Cellario worked significantly in the areas of public works and environment and town planning, as well as in those of security, education, sport and culture, thus contributing to the development, stability and attractiveness of Monaco. His unwavering commitment towards his duties and his loyalty have always been exemplary.”
Read related:
Monaco announces new Minister of State: Didier Guillaume to succeed Pierre Dartout
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 by Monaco Life