The elected members of Monaco’s National Council voted on adopting the State’s Initial 2026 Budget on 18 December.
Fifteen votes were in favour, five councillors voted against and three abstained. Guillaume Rose was not in attendance.
The passing of the initial budget comes after the Council held both short and in-depth budgetary debates, which revealed several points of consensus with Monaco’s Princely Government. These major points of unison between the National Council and the Government included the good financial health of the Principality.
President Votes in Favour
“The (financial) indicators are encouraging, but the future is built collectively, with clear-sightedness and a sense of responsibility. Our support is clear and unwavering… but it is conditional. We will be vigilant in ensuring that the commitments made before the Assembly are respected,” said President Thomas Brezzo.
Although the President highlighted points of concern, particularly related to the method and consultation on certain projects, Thomas Brezzo voted in favour of the Initial Budget.
“This vote constitutes a sign of confidence in the new Minister of State and reflects the National Council’s desire to serve the general interest,” said a recent press release by the National Council.
Fontvieille Shopping Centre Project
Another point of consensus between the Council and the Government was maintaining the Fontvieille Shopping Centre project, with particular attention paid to the merchants.
Other highlights of the initial budget included strengthening support for Monegasque entrepreneurs, as well as championing projects in the areas of mobility and economic development.
Waste Treatment Centre
Councillor Fabrice Notari emphasized the Waste Treatment Centre issue as his main reason for voting against the initial budget. The centre was also a point of contention for the 2025 budget, when the National Council voiced that it “deplores the Government’s unilateral decision to rebuild the CTVD on-site, without first studying other options, such as outsourcing”.
