The legal dispute surrounding the dismissal of Claude Palmero, former Administrator of Crown Property, is set to reach a critical juncture as Monaco’s Supreme Court prepares to deliver its decision on February 7…
Palmero, who was removed from his position in June 2023 after more than two decades of service, is challenging the legality of his dismissal, arguing that it was unjustified and caused serious personal and professional harm.
His legal team has requested compensation of at least €1 million, citing moral and physical damages. However, the Prince’s lawyers, Mes Thomas Giaccardi and Cyril Bonan, have strongly contested the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction, asserting that the decision to dismiss Palmero falls within the Sovereign Prince’s exclusive prerogative and constitutes an act of government, making it non-reviewable by judicial authorities, according to Monaco Matin.
This is not the first time the Supreme Court has addressed the case. In September 2024, it declared itself incompetent to rule on Palmero’s emergency request for reinstatement, stating that any case where the Sovereign Prince is the defendant must be dismissed. The latest hearing, held last Friday, focused on the broader legal challenge of the dismissal itself. Palmero’s defence requested a postponement of the hearing, which was denied, adding further controversy to the proceedings.
Should the ruling go against him, Palmero’s legal team has signalled their intent to escalate the case to the European Court of Human Rights, arguing that Monaco’s constitutional framework lacks sufficient legal recourse for challenging government decisions. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for governance and legal accountability in the Principality.
Featured image captured from france.tv: Claude Palmero
