Sylvie Petit-Leclair, former Secretary of State for Justice in Monaco, has voiced her discontent following her unexpected dismissal on September 16, despite her term being set to run until spring 2025.
In a strongly worded statement, Petit-Leclair described her departure as “unfair and scandalous,” and stated she is prepared to share her side of the story with the media, highlighting what she believes are “harmful influences” affecting the Sovereign’s decision-making.
Petit-Leclair’s dismissal came just days before the appointment of her successor, Samuel Vuelta Simon, who, as noted in this article, has a reputation as a specialist in financial crime and organized crime. His arrival marked a turning point for the Principality’s justice system, with a clear focus on upholding safety and swiftly addressing crime, as demonstrated in the recent sentencing of two drug traffickers in Monaco.
In her press release, Petit-Leclair expressed gratitude and respect for the Sovereign but implied that external influences undermined the “will to support reforms aimed at strengthening the rule of law in Monaco.” She emphasized her commitment to defending her stance through legal means, expressing concern over what she views as the disruption of institutional balance and governance standards in the Principality.
“Recent developments in the police-justice sphere seem to show that the normal functioning of the rule of law is sometimes mishandled,” Petit-Leclair stated, adding that this was particularly concerning for a nation that partners closely with France and is a member of the Council of Europe.
Despite the controversy, outgoing Secretary Petit-Leclair received praise from several legal officials during the Palais de Justice’s annual opening. Attorney General Stéphane Thibault commended her work on legislative reforms that strengthened Monaco’s fight against money laundering during the Moneyval evaluation period.
Petit-Leclair wished her successor “all possible success” in navigating the many challenges ahead, subtly signalling her hope that Monaco’s justice system will continue to progress, even as she continues to fight for her own justice.
