Several hundred people gathered in central Monaco on Thursday, December 11, responding to a call for mobilisation by the Union of Trade Unions of Monaco (USM) to voice concerns over a proposed pension reform and broader social issues…

The demonstration took place on the square in front of Place Sainte-Dévote, bringing together employees and retirees from both the public and private sectors.

Addressing the crowd shortly after mid-afternoon, USM general secretary Karim Tabchiche thanked participants for their turnout before giving the floor to representatives from the Principality’s various trade unions. Speaker after speaker highlighted shared frustrations, pointing to pensions, purchasing power and wage levels as key sources of concern. Many criticised the prospect of reform being driven, in their view, by economic considerations that risk placing a disproportionate burden on employees.

Union representatives also drew attention to wages failing to keep pace with inflation and to the continued exclusion of pensioners living in France from Monaco’s social security system. Mr Tabchiche stressed that, despite Monaco’s strong economic performance, workers felt increasingly sidelined. He reiterated the USM’s long-standing call for a significantly higher minimum wage, arguing that it should better reflect the cost of living in and around the Principality.

The mobilisation comes at a sensitive moment, with pension reform currently under discussion within a dedicated working group. A meeting between union leaders, Minister of State Christophe Mirmand and Government Counsellor-Minister for Social Affairs and Health Christophe Robino is scheduled for Monday, December 15. Union representatives say they intend to present their demands clearly while remaining open to dialogue.

While describing the protest as orderly and measured, the USM signalled that further action could follow depending on the outcome of discussions. As debates over pensions and social protections intensify, 2026 is already shaping up to be a pivotal year for labour relations in the Principality.