Just hours after being officially sworn in before His Serene Highness Prince Albert II, Monaco’s new State Minister Christophe Mirmand wasted no time in getting down to business. His first official day on the job saw him focus squarely on security, with successive visits to two of the Principality’s key emergency services: the Public Security Directorate and the Monaco Fire Brigade.
Accompanied by Lionel Beffre, Government Counsellor–Minister of the Interior, Mirmand began his inaugural tour at the Direction de la Sûreté Publique (DSP), where he was welcomed by Director Éric Arella. The visit included a deep dive into the department’s technological and human resources, designed to ensure public safety across Monaco’s densely populated territory.
Minister Mirmand was shown several high-security facilities including the Guard Room, the Operational Supervision and Command Centre (CSCO), the Scientific and Technical Police Laboratory, and the Residents’ Services office. Addressing personnel gathered in the Honour Lounge, Arella highlighted the critical work of all divisions, followed by a speech from Mirmand, who reinforced the central role of public security in Monaco’s identity.
“Security is the first of all freedoms, because it guarantees all the others,” he said. “It is therefore the State’s foremost duty, and the Sovereign Prince’s top expectation from his administration.”
Later that same day, Mirmand turned his attention to civil protection, paying a visit to the Monaco Fire and Rescue Corps. He was joined again by Beffre and Colonel Tony Varo, Supreme Commander of the Public Force. Welcomed by Lieutenant-Colonel Laurent Audat, Deputy Chief of the Fire Brigade, the Minister reviewed the assembled troops before being briefed on operational systems and emergency response tools.
The tour included stops at the La Condamine and Fontvieille fire stations, with demonstrations that showcased the technical expertise, precision, and readiness of Monaco’s firefighters.
Standing before gathered personnel, Mirmand praised their unwavering commitment: “Monaco’s attractiveness depends first and foremost on the flawless protection of its residents. That means constant vigilance, proactive risk management, and tireless dedication to emergency response – all of which are central to our governmental action plan.”
The visit concluded with a symbolic gesture, as the Minister of State signed the guest book at the Fontvieille fire station, marking the end of a first day that firmly underscored Monaco’s uncompromising approach to public safety.
