Various bills related to freedom of expression await adoption

Download Various bills related to freedom of expression await adoption DATE POSTED: 27.07.2026 This update covers developments relating to the freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly in Monaco from 10th September 2025 to 24th June 2026.GENERALECRI report: Monaco’s legal framework on preventing and combating discrimination is still incompleteOn 9th June 2026, the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) published its fifth monitoring report on Monaco. The Commission calls on the authorities to strengthen legislation to combat hate speech, hate crime and discrimination, take action against racist and LGBTI-phobic bullying in schools and study more closely the situation of foreigners involved in undeclared work.In an interview with Monaco Hebdo, published on 11th May, Marina Ceyssac, the High Commissioner for the Protection of Rights, Freedoms and Mediation, explained that the absence of overarching legislation to combat discrimination in Monaco hinders the processing of certain complaints and the ability to classify certain violations.Prince Albert II refuses to sign a bill that would have legalised abortionOn 18th November 2025, Prince Albert II announced that he would not be taking any further action on the bill conditionally authorising the voluntary termination of pregnancy passed by the National Council in May 2025 with 19 votes in favour and two against. Various associations had contributed to the debates and lauded the progress.Under the Constitution, no bill can become law unless the Prince sanctions and promulgates it. The monarch cited the important role Catholicism plays in Monaco. Christine Pasquier-Ciulla, Chair of the Legislation Committee, denounced this argument stating that Article 23 of the Constitution recognises freedom of worship and therefore prohibits any measure that forbids or compels the performance of any act in the name of religion.Highest courts can now ask the European Court of Human Rights for advisory opinionsIn April 2026, a sovereign ordinance gave effect to Protocol No. 16 to the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms in Monaco. This Protocol extends the advisory jurisdiction of the European Court of Human Rights. It allows the Court of Review and the Supreme Court of Monaco to submit requests to the Court for advisory opinions on questions of principle concerning the interpretation or application of the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Convention and its protocols.EXPRESSIONThe plan to grant legal status to whistleblowers should move forward soonOn 1st June 2026, the Government announced its 2026–2028 strategy to counter corruption in senior government positions. Among the five stated objectives is the adoption of an appropriate protection for whistleblowers. Bill No. 987 on the protection of whistleblowers in the context of employment relationships was introduced by the Government to the National Council in 2018 to establish an official status, ensure legal protection against potential workplace retaliation and establish a framework for the reporting procedure. The Government and the National Council announced they were actively working to ensure the adoption of an appropriate mechanism during 2026.Upcoming status for professional journalistsA previous update from September 2025 mentioned that there was still no specific status for journalists. The current framework governing the dissemination of information is the amended Law No. 1,299 of 15th July 2005 on freedom of public expression. This law regulates freedom of expression without addressing the status of those who exercise it. As a result, professionals practising in Monaco do not have an official form of identification.On 12th December 2025, the National Council sent Bill No. 275 concerning professional journalists to the Government. The Bill aims to establish a framework for recognising and certifying the professional practice of journalism in Monaco, in particular through the creation of a press card issued by an independent body.On 11th June 2025, the Minister of State decided to transform the proposed legislative text into an official government bill but indicated that various changes were likely to be made to the proposal.New bill on strengthening measures to combat and prevent online hate speechOn 29th June 2026, the National Council adopted a bill aimed at facilitating the removal of illegal content, strengthening legal remedies and developing preventive measures. It also responds to the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance’s recommendations (see above). The draft bill establishes an administrative procedure enabling any person who can demonstrate a legitimate interest to refer a matter to the Minister of State to request the removal of unlawful content. The authorities will be required to respond within a specified timeframe. The bill enables a case to be brought before the President of the Court of First Instance if the Minister of State has not been consulted, has not taken a positive course of action in response to the administrative referral, or has not replied within the prescribed time limit. The bill also aims to extend the scope of offences under the law on freedom of expression to include deepfakes.The bill has been submitted to the Prince’s government for sanction and promulgation.PEACEFUL ASSEMBLYAnti-bullfighting activists arrested during Pope’s procession in MonacoOn 28th March 2026, two activists from PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) were arrested after attempting to disrupt Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Monaco. They climbed over security barriers carrying signs that read: “Pope Leo: Help us end bullfighting” and were pinned to the ground by security agents. No information on the aftermath of the incident could be found.Workers’ protests- On 9th February 2026, several dozen workers and business owners at Fontvieille shopping centre gathered to demonstrate against the government’s redevelopment plans, which they argued threatened jobs, offered unclear or insufficient compensation, and had been advanced without adequate dialogue with shop owners and employees.- A labour conflict between Carrefour supermarket employees and their management arose regarding a group profit-sharing and incentive bonus paid to tens of thousands of employees in France, from which employees in Monaco say they are excluded. On 26th March 2026, a first surprise walkout took place, then again on 30th and 31st March. On 4th April 2026, several dozen employees, including union representatives, gathered in front of Carrefour Monaco to express their discontent regarding these annual negotiations.- On 24th April 2026, staff of the automotive plastic parts manufacturer Novares took to the streets to protest against the consequences of an ongoing redundancy scheme.- On 9th June 2026, about 200 people gathered outside the Caisses Sociales in response to a call from the Union of Trade Unions of Monaco to demand an increase in pensions, which are considered insufficient in the face of inflation.Cross-sector day of action against pension reform and precarious wagesOn 10th April 2026, several hundred people marched through the streets of the Principality, following a call to action by the Union of Trade Unions of Monaco, to demand an increase in the monthly minimum wage from 2.000 to 2.620 euros gross for a 39-hour working week and to express concern about a new pension reform. Among the demonstrators were workers from the private and public sectors. Rally against violence against childrenOn 22nd June 2026, at the call of journalist Délia Kriel and the child protection and feminist associations Assistance to Victims of Criminal Offences (Aide aux victimes d’infractions penales – AVIP), Entreparents and Action Innocence, between 30 and 50 people gathered at Place d’Armes to denounce violence against children. Many prominent figures attended. Civic Space Developments Country Monaco Country rating Open Category Latest Developments Tags labour rights, protest, protestor(s) detained, Date Posted 27.07.2026 Back to civic space developments