During a public session on 15 October, members of the National Council adopted the 2026 Amending Budget (with 13 votes in favour, 5 abstentions, and 2 votes against). The Amending budget secures “significant progress from the Government on two key priorities for Monegasque nationals: National Priority (priority in hiring and career advancement for Monegasques) and housing,” says a recent press release by the National Council.
A week after the suspension of budget debates, the Minister of State has taken a “significant step toward the National Council” including President Thomas Brezzo and the elected members, by shifting its stance on the two major issues.
Regarding National Priority, the Government has announced several concrete measures to better ensure its implementation, both in recruitment processes and throughout the career progression of Monegasque nationals.
“The Assembly has not won against the Government, nor has the Government yielded to the Assembly. It is Monaco that is moving forward,” said President Thomas Brezzo.
Supporting the Careers of Monegasque Nationals
To address specific concerns raised by Franck Lobono and Mikaël Palmaro (the President and Vice-President of the Committee on Social Interests and Miscellaneous Affairs) a joint commission comprising of representatives from both the Government and the National Council will be established. In line with the National Assembly’s recommendation, this body will provide support to Monegasque nationals encountering difficulties in their professional careers.
Furthermore, elected members secured a commitment that all senior-level positions within the Civil Service will be subject to formal, public recruitment notices, ensuring that Monegasque nationals have the opportunity to apply.
Among other measures, a dedicated liaison to the Minister of State will be appointed, tasked with producing an annual assessment of the implementation of National Priority.
“The National Council will pay close attention to the prompt implementation of these measures and to the effective role of this new Commission, both of which are intended to provide concrete solutions to the challenges faced by nationals regarding employment and career progression,” says a press release by the National Council.
Housing
Following advocacy by National Council members, the Government has committed to the continued, regular construction of state-owned apartments.
“For the elected representatives, it was inconceivable that the Government should significantly undermine the ambitions set out in the 2019 National Housing Plan—a move that would have inevitably led to a return of housing shortages,” says a press release by the National Council.
The reaffirmed, shared objective is to house 75% of Monegasque nationals in state-owned properties, ensuring that, “Monegasques can find housing within their own country”.
According to Maryse Battaglia, Chair of the Housing Commission, this ambition must now be translated into the “planning of new state-owned housing projects, in addition to those already underway.”
