Wishes for the New Year

During January, the Prince, Government and politicians talk about plans for the future.

As is the tradition at this time of year Prince Albert was first to give his message of good wishes. He asked for more solidarity in this period of crisis, and reminded us of his desire that the Principality should become active on the international scene.

Two weeks later, Jean-Paul Proust and members of the Government gave their wishes at a press conference. It's Proust's last New Year's speech as Minister of State, a role that Michel Roger will take over in March. The message was optimistic, citing signs of economic recovery: lower than expected budget deficit, creation of 339 enterprises, stable employment, and a slight upturn in VAT receipts. He also spoke of assistance for Haiti, welcomed Stephane Valeri, and looking back to 2009, Proust expressed satisfaction in Monaco's removal from OECD blacklist.

A few days later, it was the turn of Mayor Georges Marsan and the Municipal Council. It's the 2nd consecutive year that the mayor has extended the Mairie's New Year wishes, having earlier promised to communication more, to improve the visibility of different municipal services and what they do. Marsan explained the local agenda for 2010:

• Micro creche project for young children
• Review of the tele-alarm sytem for around 500 senior citizens
• Increase the capacity at the cemetry "columbarium" to meet increase in cremations
• State finance for the multi-media library on 5000 sq metres of old SNCF ground
• Condamine market - work to start this year on traffic improvement around place d'Armes. Restructiring the hall is expected in 2011

Wishes of Albert II : "as the horizon darkens [....] I am at your side every day" [1]

Wishes of Prince Albert II to Monegasques for 2010 [2]

Jean-Paul Proust : signs of recovery [3]

Wishes of the mayor : a first micro-creche soon to open [4]