The Principality of Monaco is an independent and sovereign state under international law. Its political system is defined by the Constitution of 17 December 1962, as amended in 2002, which establishes Monaco as a hereditary constitutional monarchy headed by the Prince.
The Sovereign Prince and the Constitution
Under the Constitution, the Prince is the Head of State and embodies the unity and continuity of the Principality. While the Prince holds sovereign authority, his powers are exercised within the framework and limits set by the Constitution. Monaco is therefore not an absolute monarchy, but a constitutional one.
Succession to the throne follows the principle of hereditary transmission by direct and legitimate descent. Primogeniture applies, giving priority to male descendants of the reigning Prince.
The Prince is assisted by several advisory and constitutional bodies. Among them, the Crown Council is consulted on matters such as the signing and ratification of treaties, the granting of Monegasque nationality and the exercise of the right of pardon. The Council of State is a consultative body composed of members appointed by the Prince, whose role is to provide legal opinions on draft laws and regulatory texts.
Executive Power
Executive power is exercised by the Prince and delegated to the Minister of State, who serves as Head of Government. The Minister of State is responsible for implementing laws, directing the administration and ensuring the proper functioning of public services under the authority of the Prince.
The Minister of State is assisted by the Council of Government, which is composed of Government Counsellors responsible for major areas of public policy. These counsellors oversee administrative departments covering, in particular:
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Internal affairs, including public security, civil protection, education, youth and sports, cultural affairs, and relations with religious institutions
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Finance and economy, including the state budget, public finances, economic development, tourism, housing, state property, gambling regulation, financial activities and innovation
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Health and social affairs, including employment, labour relations, social security systems, healthcare, family policy, support for the elderly and persons with disabilities
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Public works, environment and urban development, including infrastructure, urban planning, construction, environmental protection, transport and public services
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Foreign relations and international cooperation, including diplomatic relations and Monaco’s participation in international organisations
These areas are administered through departments under the authority of the Council of Government rather than constitutionally defined ministries.
Legislative Power
Legislative power is exercised jointly by the Prince and the National Council. Only the Prince has the right to initiate legislation and to promulgate laws once they are adopted.
The National Council is composed of 24 members, elected by direct universal suffrage for a five-year term. The Council debates and votes on draft laws, adopts the state budget, and exercises a role of political oversight through questions and motions addressed to the Government.
Judicial Power
Judicial power is vested in the Prince and delegated to the courts and tribunals, which administer justice in his name. The independence of the judiciary is guaranteed by the Constitution.
Monaco does not have a Minister of Justice. Judicial functions are carried out by the court system, which includes the Court of First Instance, the Criminal Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Court of Revision, the highest judicial authority. The Criminal Court includes jurors drawn from Monegasque citizens with no criminal record.
The death penalty was abolished in Monaco in 1962.
Municipal Authorities
Local administration is ensured by the Municipal Council, headed by the Mayor. The Municipal Council is composed of elected members and is responsible for managing communal affairs and services that directly affect daily life in the Principality.
Its responsibilities include early childhood services, support and activities for senior citizens, organisation of cultural, artistic and civic events, development and management of sporting facilities, maintenance of green spaces, and the issuance of certain civil and identity documents. The Municipality plays a central role in maintaining Monaco’s quality of life and community cohesion.
