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New Environment Council kicks into action

by: Cassandra Tanti
01/12/2020

A range of new regulations have been put towards the Environment Council for consideration, including more government subsidies to reduce energy consumption in the Principality and a ban on plastic waste.
The Environment Council met for the first time on 30th November, during which six draft regulatory texts were submitted by the Department of the Environment for analysis by members of the Board.
“I am delighted with this first meeting of the Environment Council, which fully fulfilled its role by issuing enlightened and collegial opinions on draft environmental regulations that are important for the Principality in order to ensure the full effectiveness of the Environmental Code,” said Minister of Equipment, Environment and Town Planning Marie-Pierre Gramaglia.
The first regulatory text covers waste management and reducing waste at the source. Regulations include new bans on products that generate waste, and on those that are particularly harmful to the environment yet can be easily substituted with more ecological products. More environmentally conscious consumption patterns will also be facilitated. The measures are aimed at achieving ‘Zero Single-Use Plastic Waste by 2030’.
The second text focusses on regulating air quality monitoring methods and setting the maximum thresholds for atmospheric pollutants both short and long term, with the aim of sustainably improving air quality in the Principality.
Boosting the production of solar energy in the Principality is also a key text of the proposed new regulations, opening the possibility of funding third-party investors to increase the quantity of solar electricity produced in Monaco.
Finally, the draft text introduces a subsidy for roof insulation and sets the conditions for allocation and the amounts to be allocated. This would support the current subsidy for the replacement of single-glazed windows, all with the aim of helping owners to significantly and rapidly improve the energy efficiency of their properties and reduce energy consumption in the region.
The Environment Council was created in July 2020 to give an opinion on all the draft texts relating to the protection of the environment, to the actions of the population, and on any measure taken by the Minister of State in matters of economy, energy or the encouragement of renewable energies.
The Environment Council is chaired by Minister of Equipment, Environment and Town Planning Marie-Pierre Gramaglia and includes, among others, President of the National Council Stephane Valeri, Mayor Georges Marsan, Vice-President of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Olivier Wenden, and independent expert Grégoire Leray, Doctor of Environmental Law.
The Environment Council meets in plenary session at least once a year.
 
Photo © Government Communication Department / Michael Alesi
 
 

Backlash over school naming in Cap d’Ail

by: Stephanie Horsman
01/12/2020

Parents of the newly opened school in Cap d’Ail are not particularly pleased with the mayor’s proposed plan to rename it after slain teacher Samuel Paty.

After the brutal assassination of schoolteacher Samuel Paty in October, long-time Cap d’Ail Mayor Xavier Beck made a proposal to name the newly opened Saint-Antoine School after him as a tribute to his memory.

As with so many well-meaning plans, the decision turned into a controversy when parents of the school objected over concerns it would turn the learning establishment into a target. Some have even gone so far as to say they would take their children out if the name change goes through.

“I have nothing against the idea of ​​renaming a square or a street, but for a school it is not the best way to honour Samuel Paty,”, one school parent told France 3.  

Despite the protests, Mayor Beck is not backing down without a fight. “We must mark in a very solemn way the fact that our conception of the Republic is not that of the Islamist terrorists,” he said. “The students are no more in danger than the children who were on the Promenade des Anglais on 14th July 2016, who were eating ice cream while watching fireworks and who were murdered by a terrorist. The danger is everywhere when it comes to terrorism.”

The mayor made reference to a school near Cannes that was renamed to honour Lieutenant Colonel Aranud Beltrame who was also the victim of murder by terrorism and where no incident has ever occurred.

The fuss may all be moot in the end, as the town hall needs to obtain permission from Paty’s family first before making the change official. That approval is still pending.

 
Photo: Cap d’Ail Mayor Xavier Beck, source Twitter
 
 

Four in a row

by: Stephanie Horsman
30/11/2020

Fresh off their exciting win against number one seeded Paris, Sunday’s 3-0 victory against Nîmes Olympique gives AS Monaco their longest winning streak since the 2016-17 season and puts them firmly in the Top 5 of Ligue 1.
The Red and Whites celebrated their fourth win in a row on Sunday at a home game against Nîmes Olympique where they dominated play and set themselves up as real contenders for this season.
With three goals, one in the first half and two in the second, it seemed nothing could slow them down.
Even the normally reticent Coach Niko Kovac was mostly positive saying, “I am very happy with this 3-0 victory, which in my eyes is totally deserved, because we had a lot of chances in both halves. I was very satisfied after the first half. The start of the second half was a bit tough, but after the red card, we played a lot better. In the future, I would like us to control the match for 90 minutes.”
He went on to note how hard the team has worked to gel, declaring, “It’s true that we have found a real balance in our play. We have been working here for four and a half months, the players adhere to the strategy and integrate the principles as is requested of them. We are also happy with a clean sheet, it’s something important for the defence, the goalkeeper and the team as a whole. I really appreciated the fact that we are getting so many chances. We are really on the right track.”
Sofiane Diop made the opening goal in a nice volley about 19 minutes in that landed the ball at the edge of the nets. In fact, Monaco dominated the ball most of the first half, and though they only converted the once, they were playing well as a team.
After halftime, they came out a bit slower but still strong, and when a red card on Nîmes’s Lucas Deaux for tackling Diop from behind occurred, the Red and Whites also had a one man advantage which they took absolute advantage of.
In a one-two, Gelson Martins made a gorgeous header in the 75th minute followed by Kevin Volland putting it between the posts in the 77th. This sealed the deal and the final score of 3-0 was set in stone.
After the match, team captain Axel Disani said, “We started the match very well, with the goal coming quite early. The coach had told us we had to attack them from the start in the final third of the pitch, and that’s what we did. In the second half, I think we came back less well, Nîmes were pressing more. But when we got down to 11 against 10, we were able to break forward and score the two goals that gave us the victory.”
The Red and Whites next play in an away game in Lille on Sunday, 6th December.
 
Photo source: AS Monaco
 
 

Next phase announcement on 18th December

by: Cassandra Tanti
30/11/2020

Covid restrictions will not change in the Principality until at least mid-December, when Prince Albert is due to reveal new rules for Christmas and the New Year.
“We are maintaining the current system until 18th December, inclusive,” Minister of State Pierre Dartout announced on Friday at a press conference.
Until then, all the measures currently imposed in Monaco will remain in place.
Wearing a mask is still compulsory at all times in public spaces, except for children aged under five years and people practicing outdoor sports.
The night curfew remains in place from 8pm to 6am, with exceptions for restaurants, theatres and casinos, which have a 9:30pm closing time and must provide proof to its patrons.
Bars, sports halls, nightclubs, swimming pools and spas remain closed until at least 18th December.
Retail stores and businesses remain open.
“The Sovereign Prince will take stock of the end-of-year celebrations in mid-December, to enlighten you on what will be decided in view of the Christmas holidays and the start of the month of January 2021,” added the minister of state.
If France lifts its lockdown on 15th December as planned, then trips to and from the country will likely be possible without restrictions.
Until then, Monaco residents traveling to France will have to stay within a 20-kilometre radius of their home for up to three hours only at a time. Travel certificates are also required.
In order to calculate this 20-kilometre radius, the Monaco government has suggested a useful digital tool called CalcMaps, which can be used on a desktop computer or downloaded on mobile devices.
 
Photo by Cassandra Tanti for Monaco Life, all rights reserved
 
 

No more late nights out

by: Cassandra Tanti
23/10/2020

Bars and restaurants in Monaco have been ordered to close by 11.30pm under a new range of restrictions announced by Minister of State Pierre Dartout on Friday evening.
The announcement follows a decision by the French government to put the neighbouring Alpes-Maritimes department under a strict 9pm curfew.
“Even if the situation in Monaco is less worrying than elsewhere, I must tell you that it remains serious,” said the minister of state during a broadcast address to the citizens of the Principality.
“Today almost all of us know someone who has had to self-quarantine or who is or has been diagnosed with the virus,” he continued. “This shows very clearly that the virus is actively circulating. We are in the second wave.”
The minister revealed that the incidence rate in Monaco is 81.58 per 100,000 inhabitants, while in the Alpes-Maritimes the incidence rate is 153.
“This is why the 9pm curfew is justified in France, but it is not justified, for the moment, in Monaco,” said the minister. “What is worrying, however, is that this incidence rate has doubled in one week.”
As a result, the Prince’s government will be tightening restrictions in the Principality, effective Saturday 24th October and lasting until 1st December.
Bars and restaurants will have to close at 11.30pm and meal reservations will be mandatory. Tables will be limited to six guests, and meals at high standing tables is not allowed.
The government will further strengthen checks to ensure establishments are complying with the rules.
Meanwhile, the Monte-Carlo Casino will be closed from midnight.
Sports activities will be restricted once again, including the suspension of all “combat sports” apart from professional games, and amateur sports trips outside of Monaco will not be allowed.
Finally, the number of passengers on CAM buses will be limited, however there will be an increase in frequency during rush hour traffic to compensate for the limitations.
Financial assistance
To support affected businesses and employees, the government is maintaining support measures such as the CTTR (Reinforced Total Temporary Unemployment) and reductions in social contributions.
“And of course, as you know, the Princely Government is deploying an ambitious recovery plan to the tune of €75 million, approved by the National Council, to support our economy,” said Pierre Dartout.
The restrictions will be evaluated and discussed regularly at the Joint Monitoring Committee in conjunction with the National Council. “Any new measures which may be necessary will be submitted to the Sovereign Prince,” said the minister of state.
Gatherings with family and friends
According to the government, one in two Covid infections occur during extended family gatherings.
While not wanting to “intervene in the private sphere” because “Monaco is a country of freedoms”, the minister said the government strongly recommends people avoid large gatherings with friends and family, adding: “It’s about taking care of yourself and the people you love.”
Citizens are also advised to avoid unnecessary travel in regions heavily affected by the virus.
Workers
Residents from the Alpes-Maritimes and the Var who travel to Monaco for work and who are affected by the 9pm curfew will need to carry the appropriate French document which cites travel for professional reasons.
For Italian employees, it will be possible to cross the Alpes-Maritimes to reach Italy with the same French travel certificate.
Health system
The minister of state said Monaco’s hospital and patient care infrastructure is “efficient and ready”, adding: “Since the start of the crisis, our health policy has enabled us to ensure an effective response from the hospital by avoiding congestion.”
He also thanked the health professionals, doctors, nurses, hospital staff, laboratory assistants, and pharmacists who have been mobilised for several months “to ensure the best care in the face of this virus which is not yet fully known and for which there is still no vaccine.”
Covid testing
The minister said the Principality continues to expand its testing capacity, which is currently 1,850 per week. “Proportionately, we are among the highest in Europe,” said the minister, revealing that 1,400 PCR tests carried out last week.
Since the return of school, 648 tests have been undertaken returning two positives.
 
Photo © Monaco Government Communication Department / Manuel Vitali
 
 

Miró exhibition at NMNM

by: Stephanie Horsman
24/09/2020

An exhibit of 65 works by the legendary Spanish painter, sculptor and ceramicist Joan Miró is on display at the New National Museum of Monaco, Villa Paloma, now through to the end of October.

In a posthumous return to Monaco, an exhibit by Joan Miró entitled La Peinture au Défi has come to the Principality featuring a large selection of works from the Spanish surrealist.

Hosted by the New National Museum of Monaco (NMNM), Villa Paloma, and curated by the Galerie Gmurzynska, the collection includes many interesting works including an original painting completed when Miró worked in Monaco with Diaghilev’s 1932 Ballets Rusees on Jeux d’Enfants,

“One of the merits of this exhibition is to remind us that the painter created the stage curtain, sets, costumes and props for the ballet Jeux d’enfants,” said Prince Albert II, whose foundation is a partner in the event “Knowing this enables us to fully appreciate the good fortune of the Monegasque public when the music of George Bizet, a libretto by Boris Kochno, choreography by Léonide Massine, the unparalleled talent of the Ballets Russes and the inimitable visual language of Joan Miró were brought together in the Principality in 1932. The stage photographs and correspondence between Kochno and the painter from the collection of the NMNM give evidence of this tremendous encounter.”
“This exhibition was born out of the time of Covid-19 in order to create some happiness in unruly times” curator Isabelle Bscher, co-owner of Galerie Gmurzynska, added “In his paintings, he offered escape from the horrors of the First World War, the Second World War and the Spanish Civil War. This exhibition spans from great dreamscapes of the 1920s to the work of the 1970s, which sometimes veer towards the destruction of painting. All through his life, Miró was a great revolutionary, all the while being a humanitarian opposing extremism and the repression of ideas.”
The show will run from now to 25th October and visitors can receive a fully illustrated catalogue with commentary and essays by the artist’s grandson, Joan Punyet Miró as well as Joachim Pissarro, Robert Lubar Messeri Jérôme Neutres, Clara Montero, Bernardo Laniado-Romero.
 
Photo: Joan Punyet Mirό © Direction de la Communication / Manuel Vitali