“Despite Monaco’s small geographical size, local government is a long-established tradition in the country and we take the view that, bearing in mind its unusual situation, there is a generally very satisfactory level of local self-government in Monaco,” said co-rapporteur Marianne Hollinger (Switzerland, L, ILDG) during the debate on the situation of local democracy in Monaco held in Strasbourg, France, on 28 March 2018.   “The Principality of Monaco’s situation is unusual, as the country only has one municipality, which is the same size as the state.  In addition, Monaco has around 37 000 residents, including some 8 000 Monegasques, who are therefore very much in a minority in their own country,” she added.

Michalis Angelopoulos (Greece, EPP/CCE), co-rapporteur, welcomed the good relations between central government and the municipality of Monaco, which were facilitated by the small size of the country, and the fact that the law provided mechanisms for consulting the municipality, which had adequate administrative resources and more than adequate financial resources.  In addition, administrative controls were strictly limited to ensuring compliance with the law.

Nevertheless, the Congress recommended the introduction of mechanisms to ensure that the municipal executive was politically accountable to the municipal council.  At present, the mayor and deputy mayors could only be removed from office by a ministerial order.  The national authorities were also encouraged to put in place a mechanism for consulting the municipality on the annual lump-sum appropriation to be allocated to it and to acknowledge its right to challenge the constitutionality of laws and their compatibility with the Charter.

Lastly, the Congress urged the Monegasque authorities to ratify certain articles of the European Charter of Local Self-Government which were respected de facto, as well as the Additional Protocol on the right to participate in the affairs of a local authority.

“Discussions are under way and the various options still have to be looked at in detail, but I have no doubt that, following constructive dialogue with elected representatives, appropriate measures will be decided upon in the course of the year,” said Patrice Cellario, Government Counsellor and Minister of the Interior of the Principality of Monaco, at the close of the debate.

On 16 and 17 May 2017, co-rapporteurs Marianne Hollinger (Switzerland, L, ILDG) and Michalis Angelopoulos (Greece, EPP/CCE) made the first monitoring visit to Monaco since it ratified the European Charter of Local Self-Government in 2013. The countries which have ratified the Charter are bound by its provisions. The Charter requires compliance with a minimum number of rights, which form the European foundation for local self-government. The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities ensures that these principles are observed.

• Report CG34(2018)16
• Presentation by Marianne Hollinger (Switzerland, L, ILDG)
• Presentation by Michalis Angelopoulos (Greece, EPP/CCE)

** 34th Session of the Congress **
File 34th Session - Agenda – Videos and photos - Mediabox - Congress Mobile App - Twitter #COECongress