Government New Year objectives: Minister of State takes stock and sets course for 2026
The Minister of State and members of the Government invited the press this Friday 16 January for the 2026 New Year address © Monaco Tribune
From the historic Council of Europe presidency and the Fontvieille shopping centre renovation to removal from the grey lists, the Minister of State set out his roadmap for a year marked by action.
Sound public finances, three major projects to drive forward and unprecedented diplomatic influence: these were the key takeaways delivered by the Minister of State, Christophe Mirmand, this Friday 16 January during the traditional New Year address. Six months after taking the helm of the Princely Government, the Minister of State – surrounded by the five Government Councillor-Ministers – set out his ambitions for 2026. “The new year that has begun will be a year of action, a year of achievements,” he said, expressing the hope that at the next New Year address, everyone will be able to say: “In 2026, significant things happened in Monaco.”
A turbulent end to the year
The Minister of State did not shy away from mentioning the landslide that disrupted the end-of-year festivities in the Annonciade district. The danger looming above the embankment overlooking the former Charles III College required the evacuation of several dozen residents on Christmas Eve. Christophe Mirmand wished to “praise the responsiveness, commitment and effectiveness of the administration’s staff” that made it possible to manage the crisis during the festive period. The secondary school pupils who were temporarily relocated are expected to return to their premises “no later than 26 January”.
Public finances in good shape
On the budgetary front, the Government expressed its satisfaction. The 2025 financial year closed with “nearly €200 million” in surpluses, driven by “exceptional economic results”. The 2026 budget, voted at the end of last year, “confirms and strengthens the State’s strategic priorities around three axes: housing, economic development and mobility”.
The Minister of State nonetheless acknowledged the need to “foster relations between the Government and the National Council in renewed trust”. The budget debates “highlighted areas for improvement in responding to the questions and expectations of elected representatives”. Christophe Mirmand welcomed “the quality of the contacts established with President Thomas Brezzo” and committed to strengthening this institutional dialogue.
Three priority projects
Among the key projects, the Fontvieille shopping centre transformation tops the list of concerns. For the Government, “renovating this facility is essential” because “it is the meeting place for all residents, for all Monegasques”. Renovation works will begin “very shortly” in order to maintain the site’s appeal while awaiting the launch of the main project scheduled for 2028. Current retailers will benefit from “individualised support”.
The renovation of the waste treatment and recovery centre (CTVD) is the second major focus. “The challenge is to be able to rebuild an ageing industrial facility scaled to meet the needs of the Principality,” Christophe Mirmand reiterated.
Finally, the public broadcasting reorganisation is expected to be part of a project to be presented “in the coming weeks”, in accordance with expectations outlined by the National Council.
2026, a year of international influence
Beyond local issues, Monaco is preparing for a historic diplomatic arrangement. “For the first time in its history, Monaco will assume the presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe from May,” the Minister of State recalled. This responsibility promises a “rich and dense diplomatic order in Monaco and in Strasbourg”. The start of La Vuelta from Monaco in August will also help to strengthen the country’s sporting profile.
Regarding removal from the FATF and European Union grey lists, Christophe Mirmand reaffirmed the State’s determination. “This process stems from a political choice assumed by the State, which in itself stems from a very strong commitment by the Sovereign,” he emphasised, recalling that this undertaking also influences the attractiveness and economic competitiveness of the Principality.