As I previously mentioned, H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco recently received various questions from the newspaper, Monaco Matin, regarding the economic situation in Monaco, his recent marriage to H.S.H. Princess Charlene, and much more.  Well, here is the interview (it’s a rough translation so freak out on me if I made a mistake or two):

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What image, only one, do you remember your wedding?

Let me remember, not an image, but the memory of the clamor rising from the Place du Palais echoing the exchange of our consent in our civil marriage in the Throne Room.

The Princess and I were deeply moved by the spontaneous expression of happiness and joy of Monaco at this time. It showed the deep communion between the people of Monaco and its Princes. I also keep in mind the smiles and warm congratulations, sometimes affectionate, we have received from Monaco and residents.

Your agenda as the Head of State allows you to spare the beaches of privacy and relaxation with Princess Charlene?

Great moments are rare, but they exist, fortunately.

Monégasque hoped for your marriage and now hopefully an heir to the Principality. Should we wait for good news in the coming months?

You will be the first to know.

You were seen, along with your wife, visiting children in schools and nurseries in Monaco on Friday.  How does Princess Charlene want to get involved in the lives of the people within the Principality in the years to come?

Princess Charlene is involved in the life of the Principality with her personality,  style,  sensitivity and  heart. She deeply appreciates the true events, with ease: the Monégasque can discover the richness of its qualities.

The Principality is it enough “army” to withstand the blows of the global economic crisis?

The Principality is not immune to the difficulties faced by most states in light of the economic and financial system today.

It should indeed be careful because there is a risk of slower economic growth in many areas of the world, with the possible implications of that for our economy.

Monaco is however in a situation that many countries envy us because we have the basic budget needed to withstand the attacks of recent years. The lack of debt and our Constitutional Reserve Fund guarantee the stability of our economic and social model.

That’s why I set the Minister of State several objectives, including greater control over spending and a rapid return to balanced budgets in the perspective of a future surplus.

I hope that expenditure control is accompanied by a maintenance level of our investments and policy interventions to support the activity of a highly diversified economy in sectors such as tourism, finance, trade, the real estate and industry. I also asked the Government to increase trade with the business of Monaco, to provide solutions and support recovery in case of difficulties. Modernization of the legislative provisions will continue in dialogue. We have the assets to reassure entities based in Monaco and investors seeking new opportunities in a stable and efficient.

I want to stress that foreign residents, contributing to the economic prosperity of Monaco, is also a human wealth to which we are very attached.

On the sidelines of the G20 in Cannes, Eva Joly, candidate of Europe Ecology-Greens in French presidential, “Monaco is 35 000 inhabitants and 340 000 bank accounts.”

 What can you tell him?

Specialized organizations on these issues themselves believe that the Principality of Monaco meets international standards issued in the fight against money laundering and financial transparency. There is no ambiguity on this point.

Our country is becoming a significant source of employment which contributes to the prosperity of our entire region. Health care provision, education, cultural programming are also available, as in our own abilities, to all municipalities that are close to us. These objective realities can not be disputed by anyone other than deliberately ignoring reality and ignore the local situation.

What do you expect the new leadership of the Société des Bains de Mer?

I expect the new leadership of the Société des Bains de Mer implementation of the discipline combined with a genuine human resource management.

With regard to games, they know the changes that call for deep reflection to make the necessary adjustments.

As for his hotels, flagship of our tourism, they should always remain at the height of the goodwill earned.

What are your possible options to reform the pension Monaco?

In Monaco, as elsewhere, the pension system is an important issue, which affects close to the employees. It is normal that everyone cares. It is necessary to consider ways to ensure the sustainability of our pension plans. It’s a commitment we owe to those who have, through their work, contributed to the growth of the Principality. It is the solidarity between generations.

I asked my government to support social dialogue between the partners involved, so that this important issue, but it is not the only one, is the subject of joint discussions to provide guidance on which it is desirable that all agree.

Source: Monaco Matin