The Latest at Forbes Monaco

How wonderful for prime minister Jean Castex to begin his press conference by applauding residents and politicians in the Alpes-Maritimes for all of their efforts over the past three weekends, the result of which has significantly brought down…

Prince Albert announced today his decision to extend all Covid measures currently in place in the Principality until April 2. This includes the 7 p.m.-to-6 a.m. curfew and lunch service for restaurants, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with access reserved…

On Monday, the French central bank raised its 2021 growth forecast for France to 5.5%, compared to its 5% estimate in December. This is closer to the 6% anticipated by the government and the OECD’s 5.9% figure, which ranks France fourth…

As of Monday evening, 8,534 people have been vaccinated in Monaco, with 7,359 having received their second shot. However, in the week of February 18 and March 4, only 624 people received their shot even though Grimaldi Forum is capable of vaccinating…

One of Monaco’s big-ticket events on the socialite calendar, the annual Bal de Rose on March 30, has been again cancelled due to Covid. The 2022 ball will be designed by Christian Louboutin. The news comes as Sotheby’s Monaco announces it…

Monaco launched its Extended Monaco initiative in 2019, which aims to ensure that the entire Monegasque community can benefit from digital. As part of this, the Extended Monaco for Businesses programme was introduced to help companies understand…

Despite pleas from doctors and scientists, and deteriorating epidemic indicators, President Macron commented yesterday, “As long as you have vaccines in the fridge, I will not re-confine people.” Accordingly, at a weekly press conference…

The State’s annual impound car auction takes place this month with a minimum bid of €30 for one of 10 cars—Renault, Peugeot, Fiat, Toyota, Audi, Mitsubishi—or €15 for one of the 24 two-wheels. There are additionally…

A guest on Monaco Info last night, Chief Digital Officer Frédéric Genta said that by the end of the year, “85% of Monegasques will have access to the fastest fiber in the world.” As part of Monaco’s digital transition,…

Monaco's minister of finance and economy Jean Castellini has commented that “even if the Monegasque economy has held up rather well, aid and support measures for sectors in difficulty must be maintained and adapted to the situation.”…

Once again, the attestation is back this weekend for 63 coastal communes in the Alpes-Maritimes. A list of towns impacted by confinement can be found here. You can download from the prefecture’s website or from the TousAntiCovid app (at…

A press conference tonight from Paris featured addresses from prime minister Castex, health minister Véran and Mr. Vaccine and Professor Alain Fischer who spent his time at the mic trying to convince the French that the AstraZeneca vaccine…

A redesigned Monaco Yacht Show (MYS) this year will meet the commercial challenges facing the market by promoting the superyacht lifestyle to a new set of wealthy clients. September 22 to 25 will offer a bespoke experience of unparalleled prestige…

Once again, a strict confinement has inexplicably been narrowly avoided. Bernard Gonzalez, the prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes has announced today at noon that the pandemic has “considerably worsened” in the department with an incidence…

Minister of health Oliver Veran said the government is doing everything possible to avoid another confinement and, as long as the overall situation does not deteriorate quickly, no further measures are envisioned until after school holidays…

Prince Albert has extended all current health measures in the Principality until March 19 inclusive. This includes the 7 pm to 6 am curfew, which was set to end on February 19, but will now continue for an additional four weeks. Ditto…

The prefecture of the Alpes-Maritimes has announced this afternoon that Monaco residents will be exempt from France’s current international travel measures, which went into effect from February 1. In a press release, the prefecture has…

A new system for more secure passports in Monaco will take effect March 1, 2021 for 9,486 Monegasques (source: IMSEE 2019). As a result of the implementation of this new service, no passport requests can be processed between February 22 and…

The 2021 Monaco Sevens rugby tournament was given a virtual kick-off Tuesday at the Monaco Yacht Club by French rugby union player Mathieu Bastareaud, who was assisted in play by Prince Albert and Princess Charlene. On June 19 and 20, 24 men’s…

It's been a tough week in Monaco with nine Covid deaths, half the country's total fatalities from the pandemic, recorded over the past week. As a result, the government has announced a series of additional health protocol…

Prime minister Jean Castex held a press conference Thursday evening although unlike in previous weeks, this was an update on the pandemic rather than to introduce new health measures. Stating that the “situation does not justify…

CFM Indosuez has renewed its partnership with the Monte Carlo Ballet by signing on Monday the extension of their commitment for another three years. “The internationally recognized quality of Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo is a source…

Ten Covid cases and Monaco’s fourteenth fatality were confirmed Monday. The 65-year-old, who tested positive for the virus, is the fifth resident to die from coronavirus since last Wednesday. Little information has been given about…

After a last-minute meeting with the defense council Friday evening, prime minister Jean Castex announced that France was on borrowed time from a lockdown, but that “we can still give ourselves a chance to avoid it.” Following 48…

The 2021 edition of the Cannes Film Festival has been postponed two months until July 6-17 in an attempt to maintain an in-person event. The festival’s general delegate Thierry Frémaux told BFM-TV Thursday that “it is better…

As 31 new cases were reported on Tuesday in Monaco, Prince Albert is extending the 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew by three weeks until February 19.  The curfew was put into place on January 11 and set to end January 27 at midnight, yet while…

Following the comment Thursday of European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine that Covid continues to pose “serious risks” to the euro zone economy, preliminary data released today indicates business activity has fallen to a…

Antiquorum, Geneva's oldest watch auction house, is offering collectors more than 300 lots of timepieces this weekend at the Hotel de Paris, and the legendary Tour de l'Ile Unique by Vacheron Constantin, the only timepiece combining…

Minister of State, Pierre Dartout, who is just shy of 67, will get the Pfizer BioNtech vaccination today as Monaco’s national campaign continues to take stride. The government confirmed yesterday that all persons aged 75 and over who…

At his weekly press conference, French prime minister Jean Castex announced that from Saturday 6 p.m., and for at least two weeks, the entire country will be under extended curfew, 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. All businesses and services open to the public…

As part of its Extended Monaco for Businesses programme, the Monaco government has launched a Blue Fund to support companies in elevating their digital presence. The fund aims to help Monegasque companies kickstart a digital transformation…

With the UK officially leaving the EU as of January 1, 2021, transactions with the UK and Monaco will no longer require the filing of European declarations for services and/or trade of goods. Up until this year, import and export operations…

Albert Henriques, CEO at Bank Julius Baer Monaco, talks about global families and the challenges they face preserving wealth through succession.  In a not so recent history, a family business would be passed down to the next generation…

Article first published in Forbes Monaco September/October 2020 issue. It has been 15 years since Prince Albert succeeded to the throne. In an exclusive interviev with Forbes Monaco, Monaco's CEO discusses the state of business and…

Article first published in Forbes Monaco September/October 2020 issue. How Charlene’s foundation is teaching children to keep their heads above water. MERE MORTALS traveling from Corsica to Nice typically take a 5-hour…

Minister of state Pierre Dartout has announced that effective Monday, and until January 25, restaurants will be closed for dinner service. Lunch service, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., will continue and restaurants will be subject to random health…

Article first published in Forbes Monaco September/October 2020 issue. As Monaco passes blockchain bill giving STOs legal framework, Frédéric Genta helps drive the country’s financial innovation. It was nearly two…

Article first published in Forbes Monaco September/October 2020 issue. Shibuya Productions brought out the first Monegasque language video game and the first ever Made in Monaco manga. Now cofounder Cédric Biscay sets his sights…

As the second Saturday of winter sales in Monaco approaches, the government reminds residents that the Covid virus is actively circulating – there were 40 cases yesterday (101 over three days) – and is asking all commerce and shoppers…

“Even though the virus is circulating less in France than in our European neighbors, the alert level remains high,” said French prime minister Jean Castex Thursday evening at a press conference. While the prime minister commented…

Just over three years after launching MonacoTech, the government yesterday opened the doors of Monaco Boost, the 100% state-owned business incubator. The 1,200-sqm-business center, located at Zone F of Fontvieille near MonacoTech, offers 32…

As the circulation of Covid remains highly active in Monaco with 30 cases confirmed tonight, the government is recommending working from home, as much as possible, in the private and public sectors until further notice. From the end of the…

Article first published in Forbes Monaco September/October 2020 issue. Victoria Silvstedt trades in the runway for stock market strategies. Chances are that you know her face, and perhaps her striking curvaceous figure as well. She…

Article first published in Forbes Monaco September/October 2020 issue. A new cashback programme made easy by Monaco resident Simon Piggott. Incentive programs are nothing new. The first loyalty scheme dates back to 1793, when a U.S.…

Article first published in Forbes Monaco September/October 2020 issue. Innovative startup brings RegTech to Monaco. MonacoTech, the government’s incubator program partnered in 2017 with Xavier Niel, founder of Free mobile and…

More than 600 cars were turned away at the Monaco border on New Year’s Eve. Monaco-Matin has reported that some 130 police officers were mobilized across the country with over 600 cars told to turn back at the borders and 81 tickets issued…

From Saturday, January 2, at 7 p.m., restaurants in Monaco will be accessible only people who can prove residence or work in Monaco, and hotel clients. This is for both lunch and dinner service. While France closed its restaurants in October,…

The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines were dispatched today in Monaco. As it must be stored in specific freezer temperatures, logistics have been put in place to ensure the conservation and delivery of the vaccine in good condition. Minister of social…

A guest on France 2 at 8 p.m. French health Olivier Véran said tonight that a third confinement is not part of the government’s plan at this point. Instead, starting January 2, concerned departments or metropoles will see…

Following the temporary closures of Beef Bar, Planet Sushi in Port Hercules, Huit et demi and Brasserie de Monaco, Cantinetta Antinori is the latest restaurant to be sanctioned for not abiding Covid protocol in the Principality. And as cases…

With 11 new cases confirmed in Monaco on Wednesday, the government has revealed that a joint control was carried out Monday by the Directorates of Public Safety and of the Health and Food Security Division on some 60 restaurants in the Monte-Carlo,…

On Monday afternoon, the European Medicines Agency authorized the marketing of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine “conditionally,” paving the way for a possible start of vaccinations in Europe before end of the year. The Amsterdam-based…

After the discovery of a new strain of the coronavirus, the Netherlands, Belgium and Italy suspended flights and trains from the U.K. on Sunday. In France, the Prime Minister announced in a press release that the country is suspending traffic…

Fifteen cases were confirmed Friday (in addition to 15 yesterday) and Monaco-Matin has reported that there are at least eight cases of Covid in the pediatric department at Princess Grace Hospital Center. Pediatricians,…

This evening, Prince Albert announced that the 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew will stay in effect until January 15. Restaurants will also continue to serve until 9:30 p.m during this period. For December 24 and 25, curfew will begin at 11:30 p.m.…

As Élysée Palace confirmed this morning that president Macron is Covid-19 positive and has been placed in isolation for seven days, a ComCor study conducted by the Institut Pasteur identifying places or behaviors that lead to…

If you are looking to start a luxury business, there are few places in the world better suited than Monaco. Nearly 15 years ago, I started my boutique marketing agency in the Principality, and I have been enjoying all the advantages that…

Earlier today, IMSEE revealed Monaco’s Economic Bulletin for the Q3 2020. Director Sophie Vincent said “the Monegasque economy, like the world, continues to be impacted by a health situation that remains fragile and uncertain.…

As of midnight December 14, France moves from confinement to a 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew. In Monaco, the current confinement continues as is, however, Prince Albert is expected to announce on December 18 what will and will not be permitted…

Five hundred employees from Société des Bains de Mer met for a “family photo” this morning in front of the Monte Carlo Casino to show their discontent at the company’s current restructuring plan. The scene at…

The number of new Covid cases in France has leveled off over the past week or so hovering around 10,000 per day, a far cry from the 5,000 president Macron had targeted as the point of deconfinement from December 15. Every minute, one person…

Article first published in Forbes Monaco September/October 2020 issue. High-end bespoke jewelry knows no bounds at Les Ateliers MC. Call it an innovative concept that mixes high-tech design and expert savoir-faire but also revisits…

Today, Monegasques Pierre Billon and Sébastien Lambla have launched DouxVillage Monaco, an e-commerce platform for local stores in the Principality that offers same-day delivery or in-store pickup. “Apart from a very dynamic luxury…

Today, on Black Friday in France, Alain Griset, Minister for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME) has announced that winter sales in France have been postponed until January 20, the same date that restaurants and café are…

French prime minister Jean Castex held a press conference this evening to discuss the holidays and to name the person responsible for overseeing the country’s free vaccination rollout. Before announcing the doctor in charge, he noted…

French prime minister Castex has announced on BFM-TV this morning that from December 15, travel will be authorized throughout the country but random checks will take place for anyone trying to cross the border. He also confirmed a curfew…

At a press conference Thursday, prime minister Jean Castex expanded on several points regarding the easing of confiement set out by president Macron on Tuesday. “It is premature to talk about deconfinement,” he said. He confirmed…

Four weeks after he ordered France back into lockdown, president Emmanuel Macron made a second address to the nation on Tuesday at 8 p.m. to evaluate the pandemic and announce the first of a “progressive” 3-stage deconfinement to…

It’s been a tough year for SBM and its casinos, especially as the Casino de Monte-Carlo Casino had just picked up the Casino of the Year award for the second consecutive year by the Global Gaming Awards before being shut down due to Covid…

While the number of confirmed Covid cases daily in Monaco has dropped this week from 18 to 22 to between three and eight, Prince Albert stated on Tuesday that Public Security is carrying out controls at restaurants to ensure health rules are…

The big debate dominating French news at the moment is Black Friday. The French government is considering allowing small businesses and shops to reopen from November 28, but commerce representatives argue that they will be excluded from Black…

Prince Albert has told Monaco-Matin that he is believes the country has the capacity and the assets to recover from the double economic health crisis. He said that confinement is still not on the table at this time, even though an octogenarian…

Monaco is many things. It is the world’s most expensive prime residential market. It boasts the most prestigious F1 Grand Prix in the world. And now, it hopes to become a leader in digital technology, all thanks to an ambitious project…

Article first published in Forbes Monaco September/October 2020 issue. Damien Simonelli, Director of Opera Gallery Monaco, discusses the future of art. How is Covid-19 impacting the art world and how is contemporary art changing in the…

At 6 p.m. Thursday, French prime minister Jean Castex updated the public on regarding the Covid situation since confinement began on October 30. While the strategy of this confinement is different than the first version and seems to have…

Confirmed Covid cases in Monaco have slightly calmed down, with only three reported Sunday and four on Monday, compared to 29 on Saturday and 24 on Friday. At a press conference this afternoon, minister of state Pierre Dartout took stock…

Article first published in Forbes Monaco September/October 2020 issue. PR pros Valentina and Silvia Cangiano supply the narrative for luxury brands in Monaco. Storytelling comes naturally to the Cangiano sisters. Their grandmother, the…

As the number of Covid cases in Monaco continues to hover around 15 a day, the Princess Grace Hospital Center (CHPG) has created two units dedicated to the care of Covid patients. This reinforcement will allow CHPG staff to cope with an increase…

As the number of daily Covid cases in Monaco have peaked this week (18 people alone on Thursday), rumors have been rampant about the country entering a “light” or full confinement in the coming days. The government has just released…

Minister of Finance and the Economy Jean Castellini has revealed a draft of Monaco’s 2021 budget, which the National Council will vote on next month. For the first time since 2015, the preliminary budget shows a deficit of €114.5…

Monaco confirmed eight cases of Covid today for a total of 74 over the past week. Sunday marks the beginning of Monaco’s strict month-long curfew from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. A few exceptions include for professional, medical or family…

In a 3-minute speech at 8 p.m., Prince Albert addressed the nation regarding the current Covid pandemic, stating that Monaco will reinforce health protocol to stop the virus from spreading. From midnight November 1 a one-month curfew will…

Prime minister Jean Castex has robotically rolled out the conditions of France’s second confinement, which starts at midnight Thursday, October 29, and runs until Tuesday, December 1.   Before making the announcement, he addressed…

As the sobering news that France recorded nearly 70,000 Covid cases over the past two days sunk in, French president Emmanuel Macron informed the nation that a 7-week countrywide lockdown would begin from Thursday, October 29 at midnight. The…

French president Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to address the nation Wednesday at 8 p.m. regarding stricter measures to combat the spread of Covid. Despite the president’s tweet in August “To overcome the health crisis, we must learn…

Every March since 2008, CleanEquity Monaco, the world’s most transformative cleantech event, has taken place in the Principality. The invitation-only event has raised more than $1.7 billion (€1.41 billion) by 300 attending companies.…

On Monday, the National Council confirmed that president Stéphane Valeri, has tested positive for Covid. Despite having few symptoms, Valeri, who was elected to lead the assembly in 2018, underwent a PCR test. His condition is stable…

In a televised address at 7 p.m. on Friday, Monaco prime minister Pierre Dartoux said that while the country is experiencing a second wave of coronavirus that “is less worrying than elsewhere,” the situation “remains serious.”…

UPDATE: For the first time France has recorded 41,622 new Covid cases over the past 24 hours. Monaco confirmed eight cases although the government says it will not introduce a curfew. Further details expected Friday. This afternoon French…

As Monaco authorities continue to crackdown on residents fronting addresses for non-residents, a Dane has been given a €5,000 fine with a three-month suspended sentence for registering a foreigner’s vehicle in the Principality. A…

After three years, and despite Covid-related delays, the Société Monégasque Internationale Portuaire (SMIP) opened the Cala del Forte marina in Ventimiglia last Thursday. It was an historic and highly symbolic moment as…

We all remember, July 12, 2005. The 3-month mourning period of Prince Rainier had ended and Prince Albert officially stepped in as Sovereign with a go-getting speech outlining his vision for Monaco and its people. “To produce…

Following a meeting in Luxembourg on Tuesday, envoys for the 27 European Union member states have decided upon a series of travel guidelines as a second wave of Covid crashes across the continent. “The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted…

When Guy Antognelli, director of tourism and congress, revealed on September 24 that occupancy rates of hotels in Monaco were down this summer compared to last—-39% in July and -23.5% in August—he stated, “While the numbers…

UPDATE: Nice-Côte-d'Azur airport is operating normally Saturday morning after closing last night due to deteriorating weather conditions. SNCF trains will resume from midday, while bus lines have already resumed service. Nice-Côte-d’Azur…

Thello rail, a wholly owned subsidiary of Trenitalia, is reportedly set to axe its Milan-Marseille service via Monaco in 2021. The CFDT union said in a statement that Thello “is preparing to cease the so-called day train activity created…

On Thursday, September 24, Prince Albert ad Princess Charlene hit the blue carpet welcoming Helen Mirren, Kate Beckinsale and Andy Garcia, the Masters of Ceremonies at the 2020 Monte-Carlo Gala for Planetary Health. In the days of Covid, limited…

Article first published in Forbes Monaco June/July 2020 issue. Majid Boustany's secret cultural gem in Monaco. It was what the French call un coup de foudre - an electrifying jolt that compels you to follow a sudden attraction, wherever…

The Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo, owned by billionaire brothers Fadi and Majid Boustany, has been named Best Hotel Service in Monaco, Best Luxury Hotel in Monaco, Best Romantic Hotel in Monaco and Most Unique Guest Experience in the World at…

The Monaco Yacht Show should have been bedecking Port Hercules with 125 glistening yachts and 580 exhibitors this week. Instead, due to its cancellation from Covid, various Monegasque entities have joined forces to organize a 3-day conference…

Monaco’s Institute for Statistics and Economic Studies (IMSEE) released today its latest Economic Bulletin for the months of April to June 2020, figures that reflect a period of confinement and partial resumption of activities. Director…

Students from the age of six attending schools in Monaco have been wearing masks in the classroom since the new school year started on September 7.  Reacting to the controversy, in an online petition titled “Libre choix…

Article first published in Forbes Monaco June/July 2020 issue. What should have been a record-breaking month for SBM turned out to be the biggest loss in turnover in the company’s 157-year history due to the Covid lockdown. Now the Group…

In an exclusive interview in the current September/October issue of Forbes Monaco, Prince Albert talks about the country’s objective “to reduce the current car traffic by 20% by 2030” and how eco-mobility is “starting…

In its 2019 report “The Price Tag Of Plastic Pollution,” Deloitte estimated the annual cost of marine plastic pollution—some 80% of which is tied to land-based sources like bottles, bags and plastic packaging—between…

Article first published in Forbes Monaco June/July 2020 issue. Kory Tarpenning has spent his entire life setting the bar higher, literally. The former U.S. Olympic pole vaulter is now redefining luxury franchising in Monaco with mega brands…

On Sunday morning, standing outside the Yacht Club where the official finish line of the 24-hour Calvi-Monaco Water Bike Challenge was awaiting the arrival of Princess Charlene and her victorious Team Serenity, I was reminded of what makes…

Today CMB officially reinvented its corporate identity with its “Banking Ahead” campaign—and the rebranding comes complete with a name change. Compagnie Monegasque de Banque has been legally renamed CMB Monaco to appeal to…

At approximately 1 p.m. Saturday, Princess Charlene’s Calvi-Monaco Water Bike Challenge set off from the port of Calvi on Corsica’s northwest coast. The former Olympic swimmer will be pedaling on a water bike as part of a 180-kilometer…

The prefecture of the Alpes-Maritimes has issued a decree making it mandatory for anyone over the age of 11 to wear a mask from 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. in 18 of the department’s most populated municipalities. Failure to comply could lead…

Over the past week, 23 people (including 4 today), have tested positive for coronavirus in the Principality. With Monaco's economy struggling after a quasi-touristy Covid summer, minister of state Pierre Dartout unveiled the government’s…

Art Basel and UBS have just published a High Net Worth survey The Impact of Covid-19 on the Gallery Sector, a study of how the Covid pandemic has effected 795 galleries operating in the Modern and Contemporary gallery sector, representing…

Following the Monaco Supreme Court ruling on June 25 in favor of Caroli Immo in its case against the State, Prince Albert announced today that he has commissioned his government to find common ground with the realtor in exchange for his waiving…

Maneuvering in and out of Port Hercules in Monaco has been complicated this past week with the 90-megayacht, Lionheart, anchored near the digue after two crewmen tested positive for Covid.  Owner, Lady Tina Green, who…

In recent weeks, the U.K. and Switzerland have classified Monaco as a “risk area” and consequently added it to a list of quarantine countries. But are Monaco residents required to self-quarantine after returning from a trip to the…

As Monaco confirmed six residents have tested positive for coronavirus on Tuesday, it was reported ex-Formula One Renault boss, Flavio Briatore, was hospitalized in Milan after contracting Covid-19. According to the Italian magazine L'Espresso,…

Last night, Germany classified Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur and Paris/Île-de-France as “risk areas,” where they see an “increased risk of infection” of the virus. Monaco was not added to the list. Warning…

As of Saturday, August 22, Monaco has decided to align its reporting of coronavirus cases with that of the World Health Organization and neighboring countries in the region. From now on, all confirmed Covid cases in the government’s daily…

On Thursday, Emirates Airlines COO Adel Al-Rheda told CNBC that the state carrier expects to resume flights to all 143 “network destinations” by next summer. “We can easily say, by summer (2021), we’ll be serving…

While Covid cases in Monaco have leveled off the past few days, only two new confirmed infections since Saturday, Public Health France has reported today that the Alpes-Maritimes department is expected to reach and cross the threshold…

At midnight Thursday, U.K. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps confirmed that people traveling to the U.K. from France and Monaco will be “forced” into a two-week quarantine from Saturday, August 15. The measure, which kicks in from…

As five new Covid cases have been confirmed in Monaco Tuesday, the government has announced extended Covid measures concerning the wearing of masks in public spaces outdoors. From Wednesday, August 12, wearing a mask is now obligatory…

According to Monaco’s official statistics office, IMSEE, the country counted 53,454 employees in March 2020. This figure is 3% less than 2018, due to the lack of recruitment for industry events, like the Grand Prix, and seasonal summer…

The Norwegian ministry has announced that 158 passengers on a Nice-Oslo flight must undergo a 10-day quarantine after arriving in Norway one minute past midnight on Saturday, the day when Norway officially classified France as a Covid “red…

UBS reported a net profit of $1.23 billion for the second quarter of 2020, down 11% from the same period last year ($1.4 billion) but still higher than the $973 million analysts expected. The investment bank, which is home to half the world's…

UPDATE August 6: The Alpes-Maritimes prefect has issued a decree making it mandatory to wear a mask in eight municipalities in the department, including Nice and Vence. Anyone over the age of 11 in breach will face a fine of €135. Biot:…

The good news is that the Monaco government hopes to have a coronavirus vaccine for residents and Monegasques for the first quarter of 2021. The bad news is that Jimmyz, and all other nightclubs in the Principality, aren’t likely to reopen…

The coronavirus pandemic was an eye opener for everyone. As an unprecedented attack on our social order, our economy and our government, this unknown threat pushed each one of us, individually and collectively, to take unusual decisions.…

According to market researcher Pulsar, London is the official gin capital of the world with 1.3 billion Gin & Tonics served in 2018. No wonder that La Distillerie de Monaco’s first batch of the spirit sold out in mere weeks after…

In a press release Monday, Augustin de Romanet, Chairman and CEO of the international airport operator Groupe ADP, stated, “This is the first time in 50 years that air traffic has experienced a downturn this abrupt and it is established…

For the thousand or so employees at SBM Offshore in Fontvieille, it has been a waiting game since the company announced on June 24 that it would axe 180 jobs in Monaco. Citing Covid-19 as “a catalyst” to restructuring, the…

For the CEO of Barclays Monaco it is business as usual — even during a health pandemic. Within a year of his appointment as CEO of Barclays Monaco, Jean-Christophe Gerard was faced with more than just managing assets. When Monaco…

Monaco entrepreneur launches ‘spray and walk away’ campaign to combat dog urine on the streets. Years before “eco-” was added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2008, Monaco resident Margaret Hepburn…

It was only five days ago that the 24-hour Calvi-Monaco Water Bike Challenge was announced, pitting two teams of four internationally famous athletes, including Princess Charlene, against each other as they ride hydrobikes over a distance of…

From July 15, anyone wanting to be tested for coronavirus in Monaco can do so at their own expense. Some 36,000 Monegasques, residents and employees in the Principality have volunteered since May 19 for the mass rapid TROD screening campaign…

The recent cancellation of the Monaco Yacht Show in September seemed like the grand finale to the Year Without Events. The list of Covid Casualties is extensive, from the Rolex Monte-Carlo Tennis to the Monaco Grand Prix. The Monaco U.S.…

On Wednesday, the Court of Revision in Monaco dismissed the Bouvier Affair, five years after Russian oligarch Dmitri Rybolovlev filed a complaint for fraud and money laundering against the Swiss art dealer Yves Bouvier. The country’s…

MonacoTech, the government incubator partnered in 2017 with Xavier Niel, founder of Free mobile and No. 253 on Forbes Billionaires list, has just announced the latest five startups to join their accelerator program. On June 30, a jury of seven…

HSBC France has just announced that it would cut 38% of global banking and markets jobs in France by the end of 2021. This means 255 of 678 jobs will be axed on a voluntary basis but, according to the HSBC’s FO union website, there would…

Article first published in Forbes Monaco June/July 2020 issue. When life throws you a green orange. This time last year, I was double fisting dessert at La Vigie. In one hand, a mini-cone of homemade chocolate ice cream dripping down my…

Three members of a family living in Monaco have tested positive for coronavirus. According to the government on Thursday, July 2, this includes a sixth grade student from Charles III who was infected after a family member returned…

In the current edition of Forbes Monaco, minister of state Serge Telle pens a special op-ed on “Lessons Learned From Covid” in which he talks about how the country is working on reviving the country’s dynamism that…

On March 17 in Monaco, we were suddenly forced to accept restrictions of basic freedoms. Previously unimaginable, the liberty of leaving the house, going to a café or running a business was quashed as the worst public health emergency…

In the year of Covid-19, the 30th anniversary of the Monaco Yacht Show (MYS) this September had already been downgraded from a prestigious mega-market show to a “low-density, not-for-profit, support event in Monaco.” Now, with much…

Caroli Immo has been awarded €150 million in its case against the State of Monaco for the Esplanade des Pêcheurs project. The record-breaking payout came Thursday, June 25, after the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Antonio Caroli’s…

Monaco's newest art gallery promises to “bring art to brighten the world.” At the official launch party Thursday of the Alan Walsh Gallery on rue Grimaldi, the British artist tells Forbes Monaco, “After coming…

Monaco resident, Novak Djokovic, has tested positive for Covid-19, the Serbian said in a statement today, despite showing no symptoms. “I am extremely sorry for each individual case of infection. I hope that it will not complicate anyone’s…

For the second consecutive day, Monaco health authorities have reported a new case of coronavirus, bringing the total number of confirmed cases on Monday to 101. Tennis player Grigor Dimitrov, a Monaco resident who had just returned from a…

On Sunday, Monaco's 100th case of coronavirus was confirmed. Although the person was not identified by the health authorities, tennis star Grigor Dimitrov posted on Instagram “I tested positive back in Monaco for Covid-19” around…

In an interview with RTL radio last month, French education minister Jean-Michel Blanquer said blankly that the “consequences of not going to school are much more serious” than the 70 reported coronavirus cases amongst 40,000 students.…

As of July 1, 2020, the government will launch a new Policy to Support Economic Recovery for businesses impacted by the health crisis. This new loan system, backed by the Monegasque Guarantee Fund, and in agreement with the Monegasque Association…

On May 19, the government launched its Covid-19 serological screening campaign, which was made available for free to the 90,000 people that make up Monaco’s population and workforce. The drive ended on Saturday with nearly 35,000 people…

In a televised address Sunday night, French president Emmanuel Macron said he was “accelerating plans” to ease the country’s coronavirus lockdown. “As soon as tomorrow, we will be able to turn the page on this first…

It was no coincidence that as the UN kicked off World Ocean Week on June 8, UBS launched “Sea Beyond The Blue,” a guide on the oceans for philanthropists and changemakers. Oceans provide more than half of the oxygen we breathe,…

After launching the country’s first incubator and accelerator program three years ago, serialpreneur Fabrice Marquet has branched out with Monaco Foundry, partnering with startups for the long run. After only two months, the outfit already…

Hatmaker to the stars, David Shilling is about to become one of the first civilians in history to see the sun rise and set every 90 minutes, making Monaco the 19th nation to send an astronaut to space. Last summer, to mark the 50th anniversary…

It was around this time last year, on June 15, when Princess Charlene brought the crowd of 250,000 to their feet as she waved the tricolor French flag to start the beginning of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the epic “Grand Prix of Endurance…

François Delfraissy of France’s scientific committee announced this morning that the Covid-19 pandemic in the country is now “under control.” This follows an appeal from the European Commission asking EU member states…

On Friday, June 5, Olivier Franceschelli was appointed Head of Private Banking at Barclays Monaco. “Olivier’s arrival marks the next chapter of our almost 100-year history in the Principality, where we continue to bring the…

Apart from the occasional mask wearer, you’d never know from a glance of Place du Casino or the Port that restaurant terraces had just reopened on June 2 after two and a half months of coronavirus lockdown. “People are definitely…

Article first published in Forbes Monaco June/July 2020 issue. Opera Gallery Monaco reopens with a Modern and Contemporary Art exhibit, a narration of the greatest names from the past to the present. The year 2020 has given us much to…

The idea to open a high-quality artisanal brewery in Monaco came to Natasha Frost-Savio and her husband Roberto Savio during a trip to the U.S. a few years back. The couple discovered the American craft beer market, which according to the Brewers…

In its annual Monaco property report, Savills announced today that Monaco remains the most expensive prime residential market in the world with an average price per square meter now at €48,150. Of the country’s eight neighborhoods,…

The government launched its Covid-19 serological screening campaign two weeks ago, allowing 90,000 people that make up Monaco’s population and workforce to be tested for free. Over the first phase of the resident-focused testing, 43%…

UPDATE: As part of World Environment Day tomorrow, residents looking to dispose of small appliances and household waste can do so at Stars’n’Bars tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Small appliances, cables, bulbs, neon lights,…

As the French labor ministry reported today a 22.6% surge in unemployment over the last month making 4.5 million people in the country now jobless, prime minister Edouard Philippe unveiled phase 2 of deconfinement, which includes the reopening…

On Wednesday, France’s official statistics agency, INSEE, announced the country’s economy is set to contract 20% in the second quarter from the previous three months. The virus-struck French economy officially fell into recession…

Last month, in the middle of the Covid-19 lockdown, Compagnie Monégasque de Banque (CMB) launched a donation drive in support of Princess Grace Hospital Center (CHPG), appealing to both residents and non-residents. Over five weeks CMB,…

It’s been a tough year for Formula One fans with the first nine races of the season, including Monaco, being cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. F1 is looking to start the season behind closed doors with the Austrian GP on July…

Wednesday afternoon at the Ministry of State, the government provided details of Phase 3 of Monaco’s “Stop And Go” deconfinement strategy. Restaurants, bars, museums and casinos have all been given the green light…

The March 17 Covid-19 lockdown in France impacted the U.S. Embassy in Paris and Consulate in Marseille much like other non-essential businesses. Offices transitioned primarily to staff working from home, though consular sections in both Paris…

As part of its plan to test all 90,000 residents and employees in the Principality, the government has released the first schedule for coronavirus testing, which starts Tuesday, May 19. Families, both Monegasques and residents, with last names…

Beaches Open Saturday Beaches in 13 municipalities in the Alpes-Maritimes will reopen from Saturday, May 16 but specific "dynamic" rules will apply. Swimming is permitted, and so is individual non-motorized water sports like SUP,…

From next week, a Covid-19 serological screening campaign will kick off for the 90,000 people that make up Monaco’s population and workforce. The testing is completely free, paid for by the State, and on a volunteer basis. Each household…

Philip Culazzo first made a splash in Monaco when he opened l’Orangerie, the country’s only distillery, just over three years ago. He started with a 100% made-in-Monaco liqueur using some of the Principality’s 600 bitter orange…

Today, on France's 53rd day of confinement, prime minister Edouard Philippe confirmed details of easing lockdown measures on May 11. In his discourse, the French prime minister emphasized that May 11 represents a progressive start…

Monaco resident Isabell Kristensen has dressed some pretty fancy people, from Nicole Kidman to Kate Winslet, and from Cher to Dame Bassey. Remember Shirley’s Goldfinger gown at the 2013 Oscars? It was the Danish designer who hand sewed…

Well Monaco, you’ve done it. After 49 days of confinement, from tomorrow, you are free to roam outside your home for as long as you wish and without purpose. Seems like it was just yesterday when we had a collective meltdown with the…

Monaco reported no new coronavirus cases Tuesday. Of the 95 confirmed cases, 50 have now recovered completely and only 24 are being supervised under the Home Patient Monitoring Center. Four people have died, although only one was a Monaco resident.…

UPDATE:  NO MORE ATTESTATIONS. Attestations to leave home will no longer be necessary from May 11. But "travel more than 100 km from home" will be prohibited, except for "compelling reasons, family or professional."…

It’s on everyone’s mind: the economy. Tonight at 7 p.m. on Monaco Info, minister of state Serge Telle, alongside his peers, including minister of finance and economy, Jean Castellini, will be detailing Monaco’s first phase…

A French court rejected an appeal from U.S. online retailer Amazon against a ruling that limits what it can deliver during the coronavirus crisis. Amazon must restrict deliveries in France to IT products, health items, food and pet food, the…

President Macron held a marathon videoconference today with 22 mayors from across France, including Christian Estrosi in Nice and David Lisnard in Cannes. Addressing life post-lockdown from May 11, the president assured that “a national…

Yesterday, Jérôme Salomon, the director of the French public health authority, said the coronavirus has passed its peak in France, although Paris remains a hotspot. Salomon, a French infectious diseases physician, also stated that…

For the third consecutive day, health authorities have confirmed that there are no new cases of coronarvirus in Monaco. Only one case has been reported in the last 8 days. Of the 94 cases, 23 have now fully recovered. 7 are in hospital, 3 of…

As Monaco announced the fourth consecutive day with no new Covid-19 reported cases, Didier Gamerdinger, minister for social affairs and health, addressed the issue of masks, screening tests and digital tracing in Monaco. From tomorrow,…

According to an internal document seen by Reuters, American e-tailer giant Amazon will close six fulfillment centers in France from tomorrow until Monday, April 20. This follows a ruling Tuesday from the French courts in Nanterre stating…

In his third prime-time televised address to the nation, President Emmanuel Macron announced Monday, April 13, that the confinement period in France would be extended until May 11. Outlining his confinement exit strategy, the president said…

The Compagnie Monégasque de Banque has taken the initiative, in agreement with the Princess Grace Hospital Centre, to start collecting donations, helping the Monegasque community to participate in the drive for national solidarity. …

Designers Isabell Kristensen and Princess Margarita steal the show. Monaco’s only couture designer, Isabell Kristensen, and Princess Margarita, member of the Dutch Royal family, hit the runway together for the Dutch Real…

As the EU plans to launch a $3.9 billion fund for Valley of Death startups from 2021, Ian Sosso has just returned from Brussels where he led a workshop advising the European Commission on how to turn intellectual property developed by universities…

On Tuesday, April 7, two more tests in Monaco were confirmed Covid-19 positive bringing the total number of cases to 79. On a positive note, four people have now completely recovered. Nine remain in hospital, with four in intensive care, and,…

UPDATE: On Sunday, April 5, seven more cases of coronavirus were confirmed in Monaco, bringing the total to 73. In a statement today, Prince Albert said, “Let us keep the spirit of unity and solidarity flowing with courage and patience.…

Four more Covid-19 cases were confirmed in Monaco on Friday, April 3. That’s 64 people now infected, with 60 active cases as a third patient has made a full recovery. One patient, an octogenarian, who was not a resident of Monaco,…

A global virus epidemic may have spoiled Bond’s premiere plans for April, but it can’t stop the world’s ultimate spy from hitting the big screen this fall. Call it a case of remarkable foreshadowing. Or simply one filmmaker’s destiny,…

Jerome Solamito is part of a new generation of Monegasques who believes in the commodity market. And he is betting big on coffee. Back in 2018, Monegasque Jerome Solamito, along with a few friends, cofounded Jorgensen Foods, a pure-play…

Marie-Pierre Gramaglia, minister of public works, the environment and urban development, has just announced the €2 billion Larvotto land extension site will reopen. “This project is essential for the development of the Principality,”…

Prince Albert is no longer in quarantine after he was confirmed to have coronavirus on March 19. A press release stated that the Sovereign’s doctors have given him a clean bill of health and that he will soon reunite with his family. Like…

The British chemical company INEOS, the chemical company founded by Monaco resident Sir Jim Ratcliffe, released a statement today saying it will build a third hand sanitizer plant in France in 10 days to help with a European shortage. “It…

As of yesterday, Monaco counted 33 confirmed cases of coronvirus. The first case, a twentysomething male diagnosed on February 28, has fully recovered, making the number of active cases as 32 . On Tuesday, March 24, minister of social affairs…

Benoîte de Sevelinges, head of Princess Grace Hospital Center (CHPG), has released a statement regarding the unprecedented Covid-19 health crisis facing Monaco’s hospital. In a press release, the 38-year-old director states…

As the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Monaco continue to rise, currently at 33, including one recovery, the National Council has asked the government to authorize doctors in the Principality to prescribe hydroxychloroquine to…

As Monaco enters its second week of lockdown, two more coronavirus cases were reported today, bringing the total confirmed cases since February 28 to 33. From Friday, March 20, to Wednesday, March 25 cases in the Principality spiked 61.2%. …

The Palace continues to update the population on Prince Albert’s health. Having been confirmed to have coronavirus a week ago, the Prince continues his road to recovery, overseen with daily visits from his doctor and specialists…

According to the online retailer Ammo.com, sales over the past month of ammunition in the United States have been “massive.” "While people have stockpiled toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and pantry essentials, they've also…

Serge Telle, minister of state, told Monaco-Matin in an interview on Wednesday afternoon that Prince Albert has asked for an exceptional bonus to be paid to public service workes who have been involved in the unprecedented coronavirus…

As my father was an epidemiologist and renowned professor of infectious diseases, I cannot help but to bring some sense of context in the midst of the COVID-19 epidemic and its consequences on the world economy. According to the Centers…

Prince Albert has responded to a letter addressed to him from the National Council of Monaco. The open letter, signed unanimously and sent at noon, called for the government and the National Council to work in collaboration to overcome the…

As of Monday 5 a.m., Monaco’s sanitation company (Société Monégasque d'Assainissement, or SMA), began disinfecting public spaces in Monaco, including sidewalks and elevators. The minster of public works, the environment…

Forget Netflix and chll, from this morning, Monaco Telecom is offering customers free access to its boutique package of 28 entertainment channels. All customers with a Monaco Telecom TV box will also have free access to 5 channels…

The coronavirus has brought no love to the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, as director Zeljko Franulovic is forced to cancel next month’s tournament. On a typical mid-April day at the Monte-Carlo Country Club, a boisterous outdoor…

Unfathomable that we’ve produced 6 issues since our launch at the Yacht Club in November 2018 when we unveiled our first Forbes Monaco cover, which honored Shanu S.P. Hinduja, whose family ranks as the 65th richest in the…

A new law came into effect in July 31, 2019, making it mandatory for newcomers holding a foreigh driving license to apply for a Monegasque license (€80) within a year of acquiring residency in Monaco. After this 12-month period,…

We have entered a new era of luxury. The gigayacht. A recent ranking by Bloomberg of countries with the most superyachts within two miles of their coastlines between April 15 and April 18 2019 revealed that the U.S. topped the list with…

There are few surprises on this year’s most valuable brands list (see p. 13) as five of the top companies have long been the kings of capitalism. They have perfected the art of strategizing to attract and hold on to customers. Over…

Motor racing is a lifelong passion of mine. Coming from a country that has produced many racecar drivers, some iconic, I guess this passion developed naturally. I can recall as early as my teens, back in 1974, how exciting it was…

The first ever visit to Monaco by a Chinese head of state on March 24 was historic, marking the deepened political trust and unique cooperation between the two countries since diplomatic ties began in 1934. The images of President Xi Jinping’s…

The idea for a Monaco edition of Forbes came into play around the time the iconic title celebrated its centennial in September 2017. In his editorial “The First 100 Years,” Steve Forbes, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief…

EACH OF US has a wildly different idea of what makes Monaco unequivocally magical, but, whatever your expectations, it’s pretty near impossible not to fall in love with this tiny Principality. Whether it’s watching one of the…