Monaco, bonjour! Visit of the National Council of the Principality

Recently, the Global Studies students went on a discovery tour of the Principality of Monaco. After a first round and a lunch break at the covered market halls, the group walked up to “A Roca”, the district of Monaco City overseeing the whole Principality, where most of the Country’s political and judicial institutions are situated. 

Here, they visited the highlight of the day, the “Conseil National”, the Parliament of the Principality of Monaco.

What is Monaco's official language? Why is it reigned by a Prince and not a King? How does the separation of powers between the Prince and the Council of the Government function? In which way does Monaco engage on the international arena? And what are the procedures to acquire Monegasque nationality? 

These were just a few of the many questions that the students of the Master in European Integration and Global Studies could address during their visit of the National Council. They were welcomed by three of the 24 members of the Council, “Conseillers nationaux” Béatrice Fresko-Rolfo, Corinne Bertani and Christophe Brico. They shared many interesting insights into the functioning of the microstate (2.08 km2), its social policies, its engagement for sustainability and Monaco's relations with France in particular, Europe and the world.

We thank the Members of the Monegasque Conseil National for their time and for answering so extensively to the many questions!

Special thanks go also to Félicitas Guillot, author of "Party Politics in Microstates", who organised the study trip and who gave an introductory seminar to the students about the Political System of Monaco before the visit.