British poll shows mass dissatisfaction with Brexit and support for new referendum

03/01/2023

Two years after the UK’s official break-up with the EU, a 2023 poll says that many British people think it was a huge mistake and back the idea of a new referendum on EU membership.

There are few who will forget the day in June 2016 when it was announced that, by a razor thin majority of 52% to 48%, the UK had voted to leave the European Union.

Known colloquially as Brexit, the wheels were then set in motion to disentangle the UK from the EU in a move that was not only unprecedented, but also controversial considering the outcome of the vote was decided by such a slim margin. Nonetheless, by the start of 2021, the negotiations were complete and the UK had officially left.

Fast-forward to 2023 and a poll carried out by the Savanta data research group, published in UK newspaper The Independent on Sunday 1st January, has found that many people in the UK believe Brexit has been a mess, and 65% of those polled want a new vote on EU membership, compared with 55% last year.

The poll also found that a majority of those asked thought that the country’s ability to manage itself has worsened since Brexit, with 56% thinking the economy is worse and half believing that the break-up has lessened the nation’s ability to control its borders as well as given it a black eye in terms of global standing.

If a new referendum were called today, the poll indicates the decision would be reversed, with 54% saying Brexit was the wrong choice, compared to 46% in last year’s survey.

Photo source: Matt Brown for Unsplash

IMF warns a third of world economy will be in recession in 2023

by: Stephanie Horsman

03/01/2023

The International Monetary Fund has painted a bleak picture of the global economy for 2023, stating the big three economies – the USA, the EU and China – are all experiencing simultaneous slowdowns in activity that are creating knock-on effects worldwide.

Kristalina Georgieva, the managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has told the media that this year will be “tougher than the one we left behind”.

With the EU, China and the USA – the primary growth engines of the world economy – all undergoing weaker activity, Georgieva estimates that a full third of the world will fall into recession during 2023.

Even countries not in an official recession will feel the pinch, with Georgieva saying, “It would feel like recession for hundreds of millions of people.”

In October, the IMF lowered its economic growth expectations based on inflation, rising interest rates and the war in Ukraine, but it is China’s situation that is most concerning to the IMF boss.

“For the first time in 40 years, China’s growth in 2022 is likely to be at or below global growth,” she said, adding, “For the next couple of months, it will be tough for China… The impact on Chinese growth will be negative, the impact on the region will be negative, the impact on global growth will be negative.”

On a more upbeat note, Georgieva said that the US economy may be the most resilient, possibly even avoiding recession altogether, though high interest rates are likely to continue in an attempt to keep inflation at bay.

Photo source: NASA

Annual address: Prince Albert shares his thoughts on 2023

by: Elsa Carpenter

02/01/2023

With solemnity and sincerity, Prince Albert has used his New Year address to stress the importance of “collective power” in the face of the many challenges that lie ahead for humanity.

The annual New Year address of Monaco’s Prince Albert II was released by the Palais Princier on the eve of 2023. The four-minute-long video was shot within the confines of the sovereign home and featured a dignified but pensive Prince as he spoke on a range of topics close to his heart.

“2022 has been a year of tribulations for all those affected by war, oppression, violence and intolerance in our troubled world,” Prince Albert began. “The Princess and I offer them all our support, compassion and affection. Our thoughts are also with those afflicted by illness, or who have seen loved ones suffering, reminding us not just how fragile life is, but also how resilient we can be when faced with adversity. That is why, in 2023, we will continue to devote all our energy to the cause of peace, mutual acceptance and solidarity.”

Prince Albert touched briefly on what he described as a “protracted Covid-19 health crisis”, adding that the end of the pandemic “is now in sight”, before moving on to reaffirm his position as a champion of biodiversity conservation and protection on land and at sea, and called for “a world that is more respectful of nature”.

“For the sake of our children, we must imagine and fashion a reconciled, balanced world,” said the Prince. “It is my strong belief that each of us can play our part. We are all concerned, we are all capable [and] we each hold a piece of that collective power, which alone can change the world for the better.”

2023 is set to be an important year for the Principality, with several notable occasions and anniversaries due to take place over the next 12 months.

First up are the national and municipal elections. Prince Albert spoke reverently on the ability of Monaco’s state leaders to promote action in the forward-thinking state, but was also keen to address the Principality’s responsibilities on the world stage.

“2023 will mark the 30th anniversary of the Principality joining the United Nations and I want to reaffirm my strong belief in multilateralism and respect for our international commitments,” he explained. “The challenges we face today are global and require global responses: the climate and energy crises, the fight against terrorism, money laundering and corruption, the fight against famine, the struggle for gender equality… In this respect, our resolute commitment as part of the Council of Europe and the ongoing talks on closer relations with the European Union are crucial priorities for the future of our country.”

One particularly meaningful occasion in the coming year will be the centenary commemorations of the birth of Prince Albert’s father, Prince Rainier III (1923-2005).

Referring proudly to his father and predecessor to the Monegasque throne as the “Builder Prince”, Prince Albert said, “He made Monaco a modern and dynamic constitutional monarchy, outward-looking and active on the international stage.”

“I know that I can count on the Monegasque community, our residents and our partners, to continue to reinvent our economic and social model,” he continued. “Tomorrow is not a vain word, but the future prospect of our common desire.”

The speech concludes with a heart-warming frame of Prince Albert and his family of Princess Charlene and their twin children, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, in front of their beautifully gold and green themed Christmas tree.

“My family and I offer you our warmest wishes for 2023,” proffered the Prince, before the four gave a tri-lingual address in unison: “Bonne année, Happy New Year, Bon Anu Noeuv!”

Photo source: Palais Princier de Monaco/Facebook

AS Monaco begin 2023 with a victory

by: Luke Entwistle

02/01/2023

AS Monaco began 2023 just like they ended 2022: with a win. It may not have been emphatic, but Philippe Clement’s side scraped past Brest (1-0) on New Year’s Day to move up to fourth provisionally in Ligue 1.

Fans who were permitted free entry to the Louis II clash packed the stands to welcome football back to the Principality. It was the first time that Les Monégasques had played at home since the World Cup break.

Monaco should have steered themselves into the lead in the first-half, but a mix of good goalkeeping and poor finishing let Brest off the hook. Eliesee Ben Seghir, making his first Ligue 1 start, had the best chance. The French youngster produced a stunning piece of skill to work the opening before blasting just over from eight yards out.

However, Monaco did hit the front early in the second-half. Aleksandr Golovin cut back on his right-foot just outside the box and rifled a perfectly-hit shot into the top corner. From there, Clement’s side dropped off and decreased their intensity. That was a mistake.

Brest, who hadn’t mustered any resistance until that point, began to push and worked multiple chances. Alexander Nübel had to deny Jérémy Le Douaron on multiple occasions, whilst Steve Mounié had a brilliant chance late on, but he could only strike the bar with his header.

Ultimately, Monaco held on, and the three points moves the team up to fourth. Marseille has a game in hand, but the Principality side are currently level on points with their third-placed Mediterranean rivals.

Clement’s comments

“It is important to have more and more people in the stadium,” began Clement, who believed that the initiative to allow fans free entry helped his side. “Away from home there is always a lot of people and that gives more strength to the players to get the result. It is very important for them, and it is something that could prove decisive in the result of a match. I hope in the coming months there will be more people here in the Louis II to push us.”

Man of the match – Aleksandr Golovin

Golovin is certainly experiencing his best season in red and white. His goal against Brest was his fourth of the season in Ligue 1. It was another crucial one. He is becoming a player that steps up in big moments for Monaco, and having such players within the squad will be essential for the Champions League push.

Monaco next compete in the Coupe de France. They will face Ligue 2 side Rodez at home on Saturday.

Photo by AS Monaco

Talent call for 2023 MC Summer Concert

by: Jessica Tatam

30/12/2022

The date for 2023’s MC Summer Concert has been set, and young musicians and artists can now apply to take part. Could you be the next star performer?

Next year’s MC Summer Concert will be taking place on 7th July 2023. The event is a collaborative initiative born of the National Council, the Government of Monaco and the Monaco City Hall, and shines the spotlight on young musical talent in the Principality.

The inaugural event in 2019 was a huge success, but due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it was forced to take a two-year hiatus. 2022 marked the highly-anticipated return of the concert and next year the popular music event will again return to the Espace Léo Ferré.

Applications for the big event are now open for all Monaco residents between 13 and 25 years of age, alone or part of a group. Artists are asked to put together a 20-minute presentation of their skills; a showcase of “musical identity and stage presence”.

The application form is available online and entries close on 27th March 2023.

For more information, please click here.

Photo source: Israel Palacio for Unsplash

Annales Monégasques: Special edition commemorates Prince Albert I

by: Jessica Tatam

30/12/2022

The 2022 edition of the Annales Monégasques takes readers on an intimate journey through the awe-inspiring years of Prince Albert I’s life, Monaco’s eminent “Explorer Prince”.

Each year, the Annales Monégasques publish a new journal that detail a chapter of the history of Monaco. This year, to commemorate the centenary of the death of Prince Albert I, the 46th edition celebrates the life and achievements of the Prince.

The symposium, The Careers of a Prince: The Life and Territories of Albert I of Monaco (1848-1922), was held in Monaco early this year, and it is with the proceedings of this event that this edition of the Annales begins.

Comprising 11 chapters, the first theme of Sports and Life in the Open Air presents to the reader a “richly illustrated monograph” detailing his journeys on a Humber Beeston motorcycle through France and Monaco from 1903 to 1905. Another passion of the prince was hunting, with a number of documents creating an image of someone who was practised in the sport, and who had anticipated current debates on the subject.

Another key theme, Exercises of Power, talks about the funeral of Victor Hugo in 1885 and how it marked a significant event in the Prince’s life. Readers are allowed an intimate view into his mind through a personal letter to his father explaining what he had seen as a member of the crowd.

Entitled Radiation and International Commitments of the Prince, three separate articles provide a deeper insight into his international dealings. The first looks at the contradiction between the Prince’s stance on anti-colonialism and his colonial business dealings in Mozambique, and these arrangements as a means of preserving peace. The second article covers Albert’s meeting with Iranian diplomat and pacifist Mirza Riza Khan and the first Peace Conference at The Hague. Lastly, the third article deals with the Prince’s involvement in the care and convalescence of wounded allies in Monaco during World War I.

Prince Albert’s scholarly life and scientific work are also documented in three articles, including his interest in anthropology, his contribution to marine safety and the preservation of fisheries resources, and his participation in the Geographical Society of Paris.

The final theme, Artistic culture and Patronage, deals with “the political and artistic sensitivity of Albert I” as well as the second wife of the Prince, Princess Alice of Monaco and the mixed opinions held by her contemporaries.

The 46th edition of the Annales Monégasques is now available for purchase here and is available in both paper copy and as a pdf.

Photo source: Annales Monégasques/Palais Princier de Monaco