Monaco Government and Politics

State and politics

Monaco Country Flag

Reference: Monaco Flag Meaning

According to AllCityCodes.com, Monaco is a hereditary, constitutional principle, since 2002 also a female throne. The executive is exercised by the prince. The government, which consists of a prime minister and ministers, is responsible to the prince. The legislative power is exercised by the prince and the National Council, which has 24 members, elected for five years in general elections. Furthermore, there is a municipal council for the entire country with 15 members, elected for four years.

Monaco lacks actual political parties, but various candidate lists compete in the general elections. In 2003, the Union for Monaco (UPM) won 21 seats in the National Council, while the former majority list of the National Democratic Union (UND) received three seats.

By agreement, Monaco is heavily dependent on France, both politically and in terms of supply. France forced Monaco in 1963 to apply French tax rules to most French citizens in the country. Monaco is one of the original participating states in the European Security and Cooperation Conference (ESC), now the OSCE, and was elected in 1993 in the UN. Also see AbbreviationFinder for abbreviation of MC and its meanings of Monaco.

Judiciary

The judicial organization consists mainly of peace judges, a general court, a court of appeal and a supreme court. Monaco has its own civil law, commercial law, civil law, criminal law and criminal law, but these are strongly influenced by French law. The death penalty was abolished in 1962; the last execution took place in 1847.

Heads of State

Princes (since 1856)

1856-89 Karl III
1889-1922 Albert I
1922-49 Louis II
1949-2005 Rainier III
2005- Albert II

History and Politics

Where does the name “Monaco” come from?

Already 1000 BC In BC, seafarers from distant Phenicia also came to the Mediterranean coast, where the small state of Monaco is today, and fortified settlements there in order to trade with their homeland.

The Phoenicians were followed by the Greeks, who also recognized the favor of the location. They built a temple in honor of Herakles Monoikos, translated “the unique” means. One interpretation is that this was later used as the basis for the naming. Another interpretation is that a group of Monoikois from Liguria settled here in the 6th century BC. And from this group the name was later derived.

Founded in 1215

The Greeks were succeeded by the Romans and a time followed that was marked by various conquerors. In 972 the Saracens were defeated, but no peace returned. Monaco ultimately became part of the Republic of Genoa and was drawn into the fighting between Guelphs, who supported the Pope, and Ghibellines, who supported the Emperor, in the late 12th and 13th centuries.

The 10th June 1215 is repeatedly cited as the founding date of Monaco. On this day the foundation stone for a fortress was laid. The ruler’s palace is still located here today. From 1297, a noble family in Monaco came to power called Grimaldi. In 1489, France and Savoy finally recognized Monaco as an independent state.

Monaco becomes independent

An important turning point for the further development in Monaco was the French Revolution, because in 1793 Monaco lost its independence and fell to France. The Grimaldis lost their property and had to be patient for a while.

Only after the Napoleonic era did they get their property back at the Congress of Vienna in 1815, but were subsequently under the protection of the Kingdom of Sardinia. It was only when sardines were annexed to Italy that the then prince was able to get France to recognize Monaco as an independent state. Monaco was given complete independence in 1861.

Opening of the casino

1865 was also a memorable date for Monaco, as a casino was opened in Monaco that year. In France, gambling was not allowed, so this casino became a magnet for many players in Europe who tried their luck at the roulette table or with the help of cards. The Monegasque state became quite rich as a result and was able to forego tax revenues to a large extent.

In 1918 an agreement was reached with France in which Monaco’s independence was confirmed, but at the same time it was stipulated that if the princely family of the Grimaldis died out, Monaco would fall to France.

A wedding like a dream

In 1949 a new king came to the throne: Rainier III. A short time later, in 1956, he married a famous American actress. Her name was Grace Kelly. She was as revered during that time as Jennifer Lawrence or Natalie Portman is today, probably a little more.

The media followed the wedding of the two, which was celebrated like a fairytale wedding. After her wedding, Grace Kelly was called Princess Gracia Patricia of Monaco. Many people looked at the little unknown territory. The couple had several children. The princess died young, however, in a traffic accident in 1986.

In 2005 the son Rainiers III took over. and Gracia Patricias, Albert II., after the death of their father, the rule over the principality. He and his wife Charlene now have twins, so that France’s hopes of being allowed to take over the small principality were disappointed for the time being. The future will tell how things will continue.

And how is it today?

Today Monaco (this corresponds to the constitution from 1962) is a constitutional hereditary monarchy. The prince is the head of state and appoints the minister of state, who is also head of government. But France has to agree to this appointment. There is a Privy Council with seven members, four of whom are personally appointed by the Prince.

The prince’s power in Monaco is still quite great compared to many other European states. Albert II has been the current Prince of Monaco since 2005. If you want to find out more about the royal family, you can take a look at everyday life.

Wealth wherever the eye looks (almost)…

There are really a lot of people in Monaco who are rich. That is why there are always tourists who want to take a look at the life of the rich and famous. We don’t know whether everything is always so great here. In any case, the following photos were all taken in Monaco and show that the small city-state on the Mediterranean already has some special features:.

Monaco Head of Government

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