Committed to a vibrant democracy

By joining the Council of Europe, the Principality of Monaco integrated the European Convention  on Human Rights into its domestic legislation, thus ensuring the protection of fundamental freedoms for all, including freedom of speech and the right to free and fair elections.

As per the Interparliamentary Union, to which the National Council (Parliament) of Monaco  is a member since 1948, there must be “ genuine, free and fair elections held at regular intervals  on the basis of universal, equal and secret suffrage ”. The Council of Europe also observed elections in Monaco. In this regard, the professionalism of the work of the Office of the Mayor, in its capacity as election organiser, was commended, as well as its efficiency and exemplary transparency throughout the election campaign, as well as on the day of the ballot and during the vote-counting process.

Monaco modernised its electoral legislation by allowing proxy voting, voting by prisoners and the supervision of the financing of electoral campaigns, in line with the recommendations  of the Group of States against Corruption (GRECO). Furthermore, Monaco’s Municipality  has been enjoying an increased autonomy since a 2006 law, followed by Monaco’s ratification  of the European Charter of Local Self-Government in 2013.

Monaco’s accession to the Council of Europe fostered exchanges and the sharing of best practices with Parliamentarians from other Member States within the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council  of Europe (PACE). Monaco was at the origin of the Conference of Presidents of Parliaments  of small European States, which is held every year in the Parliament of one of its members. Learning democratic values also plays an important role for young students of the Principality, both in their school curriculum and though opportunities such as the Youth Economic, Social and Environmental Council and the Youth National Council.

Every year, during the Youth National Council session, selected participants can present their draft resolutions on practical social issues  to Monaco’s Parliamentarians. Furthermore, the continuous commitment of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco in favour of environmental issues and the protection of the Planet is fully aligned with the promotion  of Sustainable Democratic Societies by the Council of Europe.