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