Monaco’s National Council has adopted legislation establishing a formal framework for recognising professional journalists in the Principality, including the creation of an official Monegasque press card issued by an independent body and protection of sources.
Bill No. 275, which was received on 24th November, debated in public session on 26th November and adopted on 9th December, aims to provide official recognition of those exercising journalism professionally in Monaco. The legislation was examined by the Legislation Commission with Jean-Louis Grinda serving as rapporteur.
Independent body to issue credentials
The new law establishes a press card system administered by an independent and joint body, creating a clear mechanism for attesting professional journalist status. According to the legislation, this credential will provide formal recognition for individuals working in journalism within the Principality.
The creation of an official press card addresses a longstanding absence of formal journalist accreditation in Monaco, bringing the Principality in line with practices in neighbouring countries where professional press cards are standard credentials for working journalists.
Protection of sources and professional standards
The legislation details fundamental principles and essential guarantees applicable to professional journalists, with particular emphasis on protection of source confidentiality. This provision enshrines in law the journalistic principle that reporters can maintain the anonymity of their sources, a cornerstone of press freedom in democratic societies.
The law also addresses employment relationships for journalists, establishing clear frameworks for professional working conditions. Ethical standards form another key component, with the legislation setting out deontological principles that professional journalists in Monaco are expected to uphold.
Penalties for fraudulent use
To prevent abuse of the system, the law includes criminal sanctions targeting fraudulent use of the Monegasque press card. These provisions aim to ensure that only legitimate professional journalists can benefit from the credential and any associated privileges or access it may provide.
The penalty regime reflects the importance of maintaining the integrity of professional journalism credentials, preventing individuals from falsely representing themselves as accredited journalists to gain inappropriate access or advantages.
Swift parliamentary approval
The legislation moved rapidly through the National Council, with less than two weeks between initial reception and final adoption. This swift progress suggests broad consensus among elected representatives regarding the need for formal journalist recognition in the Principality.
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Photo of National Council headquarters by Cassandra Tanti