Claude Palmero Seeks Constitutional Reform, Challenges Monaco's Judicial Appointments

Claude Palmero, the former administrator of Crown Property in Monaco, is embroiled in a significant legal dispute that questions the independence of the judiciary and calls for constitutional changes within the Principality. Palmero's legal team argued before the Supreme Court on Wednesday to invalidate the appointment of four judges, claiming these appointments compromise the separation of powers and judicial impartiality. This legal move follows his dismissal from the Palace in June 2023, challenging a sovereign decree by Prince Albert II dated October 6, 2023, which retroactively authorized these judicial appointments from August 8.

During the court session, Palmero's attorneys, Pierre-Olivier Sur and Jérémy Gutkes, contended that the appointments violated the Monegasque Constitution, which mandates the delegation of judicial powers to independent courts, despite the Prince's ultimate judicial authority. In contrast, the Prince’s legal representatives vehemently dismissed these allegations as unfounded and affirmed the independence of Monaco’s judiciary, stating that the appointments adhere to constitutional provisions.

The Supreme Court, presided over by Stéphane Braconnier, has postponed its ruling until December 4. Meanwhile, Palmero’s legal struggle has escalated to the European Court of Human Rights, underscoring his broader challenge against the constitutional norms governing judicial appointments in Monaco. This case has not only highlighted domestic legal debates but also emphasized the Principality's commitment to upholding European standards of judicial independence.