Philippe Mettoux, the French legal expert appointed earlier this month as Monaco’s next Minister of State, has withdrawn his candidacy before taking office, the Prince’s Palace announced Thursday.
In a brief statement, the Palace said Prince Albert II had been informed of Mettoux’s decision and had “taken note” of the withdrawal. The sovereign expressed thanks for Mettoux’s willingness to serve.
The surprise announcement comes less than a month after Mettoux, a member of France’s Conseil d’État with a distinguished background in anti-corruption and legal affairs, was named to the Principality’s highest executive post. He had been expected to succeed Isabelle Berro Amadeï on 4th July.
Berro Amadeï, currently Minister of External Relations and Cooperation, has been serving as interim Minister of State since the sudden death of Didier Guillaume in January. The Palace confirmed she will continue in this capacity until a new appointment is made.
Mettoux’s nomination had been seen as a strategic move, given Monaco’s efforts to address concerns raised by international oversight bodies, including GRECO and the European Commission, about financial transparency and governance standards. His background in legal compliance and justice reform positioned him as a potential asset in navigating those challenges.
No official reason has been provided for his withdrawal, and it is not yet clear how soon a new candidate will be announced.
The role of Minister of State is pivotal in Monaco’s political system, acting as head of the government and primary liaison with the sovereign. The selection process is handled by the Prince and typically draws from senior ranks within France’s public administration.
Prince Albert II had previously praised Berro Amadeï for her leadership and effectiveness in the wake of Guillaume’s death, citing her “strong professionalism and thorough knowledge” in ensuring the continuity of state affairs.
With Mettoux stepping aside, Monaco now enters a renewed phase of transition as the search begins anew for a suitable candidate to assume the Principality’s top governmental office.
See also:
Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.
Photo by Monaco Life