Sylvie Petit-Leclair, Monaco’s Secretary of State for Justice, has appealed to the Monaco court to contest what she describes as an “unfair dismissal.” Her contract was scheduled to run until May 31, 2025, but the Prince’s Palace confirmed her early departure on September 16, with Samuel Vuelta Simon set to replace her.
Petit-Leclair, visibly angered by the decision, argued that the move lacked justification. “I am deeply revolted by the conditions and the lack of motivation for my eviction,” she stated, adding that she has confidence in the Supreme Court to annul the dismissal and grant a stay of execution.
Petit-Leclair, who served as Attorney General of Monaco from 2018 to 2022 before her appointment as Secretary of State for Justice, feels she has been unfairly targeted despite her efforts to uphold the rule of law. She emphasized her commitment: “Throughout these last few years, I have worked tirelessly and with determination to ensure justice functions harmoniously and independently in Monaco.”
Questioning the decision, she remarked, “I do not recognize the Sovereign in the decision to dismiss me prematurely. I can only deplore the harmful influence of his new entourage, who do not seem to share the same values concerning the rule of law and the independence of magistrates.”
This move echoes a previous controversy involving Claude Palmero, the former administrator of the Princely Family’s assets, who also expressed disagreement with the Prince’s new advisors.
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Featured image courtesy of Michael Alesi – Communications Department