Freedom in the World 1999 - Monaco

1999 Scores

Status: Free
Freedom Rating: 1.5
Civil Liberties: 1
Political Rights: 2

Overview

The Principality of Monaco is an independent and sovereign state, closely associated with neighboring France, whose currency, the franc, is the legal tender in Monaco. In 1997, the royal Grimaldi family celebrated the 700th anniversary of its rule over the principality. Prince Rainier III, who in 1999 marked his own 50th anniversary of being in power, has been responsible for Monaco's impressive economic growth. Under his direction, the economy has ended its almost excusive dependence on gambling revenue. Rainier has also implemented urban development programs and built major sports and cultural facilities. At the same time, the principality has been strongly criticized for lax banking and tax regulations that have made Monaco an attractive place for money launderers and tax evaders.

During the six centuries of Grimaldi rule, Monaco has been intermittently controlled by various European powers. It achieved independence from France in 1861. Under a treaty ratified in 1919, France pledged to protect the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of the principality in return for a guarantee that Monegasque policy would conform to French interests.

Of 32, 000 residents, Monaco is home to only 5,000 Monegasques. Only they may participate in the election of the 18-member national council (legislature). As head of state, Prince Rainier holds executive authority, formally appoints the four-member cabinet, and proposes all legislation. Legislation proposed by the prince is drafted by the cabinent and voted upon by the council. The prince also names the minister of state (in effect, the prime minister) from a list of names proposed by the French government. The prince holds veto power over the council.

In the elections that took place in February 1998, one party, the National and Democratic Union, won all the seats in the legislature.

Political Rights and Civil Liberties

Citizens of Monaco may change the national council and their municipal councils democratically. The council members are elected for five years by direct universal suffrage and a system of proportional representation. Electors are citizens of both sexes more than 21 years of age and in possession of Monegasque nationality for more than five years. Candidates must be Monegasques more than 25 years old. There are no legal barriers to women standing for election.

Freedom of expression and freedom of association is guaranteed by the constitution. Denunciations of the Grimaldi family are prohibited by an official Monegasque penal code. Press freedom is respected. Two monthly magazines and a weekly government journal are published in the principality, and French daily newspapers are widely available. Radio and television are government operated and sell time to commercial sponsors, and all French broadcasts are freely transmitted to the principality. France maintains a controlling interest in Radio Monte Carlo, which broadcasts in several languages.

Roman Catholicism is the state religion in Monaco, but adherents of other faiths may practice freely.

The constitution distinguishes between those rights that are provided for all residents and those that apply only to Monegasuqes. The latter enjoy free education, financial assistance in case of unemployment or illness, and the right to vote and hold elective office. In light of its bilateral arrangements with France, the government of Monaco does not grant political asylum or refugee status unless the request also meets French criteria for such cases.

Workers are free to form unions, but fewer than ten percent of workers are unionized, and relatively few of these reside in the Principality. Trade unions are independent of both the government and the Monegasque political parties. Anti-union discrimination is prohibited. Union members can be fired only with the agreement of a commission that includes two members from the employers' association and two from the labor movement.

Under the 1962 constitution, the prince delegated his judicial powers to an independent judiciary. The law provides for a fair, public trial, and the authorities respect these provisions. The defendant has the right to be present and the right to counsel, at public expense if necessary. Arbitrary arrests are prohibited.

The rights of women are respected, and women are fairly well represented in all professions. The law governing transmission of citizenship provides for equality of treatment between men and women who are Monegasque by birth. Only men, however, may transmit Monegasque citizenship acquired by naturalization to their children; women are denied this right.