Just over two weeks into his tenure, Monaco’s new Minister of State, Didier Guillaume, held his first press conference on Tuesday, September 17, where he outlined his strategic vision and announced key initiatives for the coming months.
Addressing a large gathering of accredited journalists—a scene reminiscent of past press conferences under former Minister of State Serge Telle—Guillaume emphasized the importance of transparency and communication. In less than an hour, he detailed his plans with a confidence that suggested he had already settled comfortably into his new role.
Guillaume, appointed by Monaco’s Sovereign, expressed his gratitude to the Prince before diving into his agenda. He articulated a clear message: “The Government is at the service of all,” underscoring the unique advantages of life in Monaco, including its institutional stability, absence of public debt, and high level of security. These attributes, he noted, are central to Monaco’s enduring attractiveness—a term he reiterated throughout his address as the cornerstone of his development strategy for the Principality.
Collaboration within the government and with other key stakeholders emerged as a central theme. Guillaume praised the professionalism of his fellow ministers and announced plans for inter-ministerial management to tackle pressing issues. He also signaled a cooperative approach with Monaco’s National Council, whose President, Thomas Brezzo, he has already met. Guillaume expressed his concern over the National Council’s recent decision not to approve the amending budget presented on June 21, calling it a matter of regret.
Among the immediate challenges, Guillaume highlighted the longstanding issue of railway line disruptions, which are currently on hold until September 19 due to the Champions League football match between AS Monaco and FC Barcelona. He acknowledged the impact of these disruptions on workers who lack alternative transportation options and emphasized the need for a resolution in coordination with neighboring regions.
Guillaume also addressed broader goals, including the renaturalization of Monaco, while reaffirming the Principality’s sovereignty—a point he emphasized repeatedly, likely in response to recent public debates. An opinion poll launched by the National Council seeks to gauge public sentiment regarding the presence of French officials in key positions, a topic that Guillaume approached with caution. “Monaco is a producer of models of institutional behavior, in an ethical and modern sense, but also of life, development, well-being, and peace,” he stated, adding, “Monaco is not France, and sovereignty belongs to the Prince.”
Looking ahead, Guillaume outlined a series of urgent actions with a target completion date of summer 2025. These include efforts to remove Monaco from Moneyval and GRECO’s grey list, the development of a second, more pragmatic operational plan for Monegasque housing, and the modernisation of the Fontvieille shopping centre. He also highlighted the importance of finding new economic resources in anticipation of the completion of the Mare Terra project, which currently generates 200 million euros annually.
Guillaume concluded by acknowledging the crucial role of the National Council, whose activities he holds in high regard. While the government operates under the Sovereign’s authority, Guillaume emphasised that the National Council responds directly to the will of the people, making its collaboration essential for the future of Monaco.
