Badia takes over from Biancheri

Jose Badia steps into the role of Conseiller for Relations Exterieures.

Following Franck Biancheri's move from Government to the private sector, Monegasque Jose Badia has been appointed Conseiller for Relations Exterieures. He's the first new Government minister in a re-shuffle that's expected in the coming days.

Badia was previously head of the Departement des Travaux Publics et des Affaires Sociales from 1995 to 2000, when he participated in projects including the new jetty project and moving the railway station underground. His current department was only created in 2006.

In an interview with Monaco Matin, Badia says it's too early yet to announce detailed plans for Relations Exterieures. However he intends to improve things for Monaco's ambassadors by providing a more structured framework in which they can work, combining their initiatives with Government projects, and helping them communicate with each other. He'll also be keeping an eye on the European Union and its relations with other small states such as San Marino and Liechtenstein.

Biancheri and Badia are working together to ensure a smooth handover, but the new Conseiller is already has a busy schedule. In the coming week he'll be hopping between Tunisia, Monaco and Lebanon.

Jose Badia wants to provide a framework for ambassadors