Sad and shocking news.

A report just published by local newspaper Nice Matin says that Jean-Paul Proust died last night in Marseille. He had apparently been ill for several months before quitting the post of Monaco's Minister of State after finishing his 5 year term. As the first head of Government to serve under Prince Albert II, he modernized Monaco's politics, notably paving the way for the Principality's removal from the OECD's black list of uncooperative tax havens. Proust was also instrumental in forming the current relations between France and Monaco, with the signature of the Paris Accord in 2005. He turned 70 at the beginning of March.

Our sympathy and condolences go out to his family and friends.

Jean-Paul Proust, Monaco's ex-Minister of State has died

Jean-Paul Proust is dead

Michel Roger : Jean-Paul Proust is remembered as a great servant of the Principality

Jean-François Robillon : Jean-Paul Proust knew how to direct and extend the Prince's project

Tributes from the Mayor and Community Council

UP : Tribute to JP Proust

R&E salutes the memory of Jean-Paul Proust

UNAM says Jean-Paul Proust had : "exceptional human qualities"

Jean-Paul Proust will be buried at Belle Ile en Mer

The Principality in mourning for Jean-Paul Proust

Reaction of the President of the National Council following the death of Jean-Paul Proust