Monaco Justice Secretary Sylvie Petit-Leclair Appeals Unfair Dismissal to Supreme Court

Sylvie Petit-Leclair, the recently ousted Secretary of State for Justice in Monaco, has taken legal steps challenging her dismissal, which she contends was unjustified. Her tenure was abruptly cut short when the Prince's Palace announced her departure effective September 16, though her contract was not due to expire until May 31, 2025. She is succeeded by Samuel Vuelta Simon. Petit-Leclair expressed her dismay at the circumstances surrounding her removal, criticizing the lack of clear rationale provided for the decision.

In her defense, Petit-Leclair highlighted her dedication to maintaining the independence and integrity of Monaco's judicial system throughout her tenure, initially as Attorney General from 2018 to 2022, and subsequently as Secretary of State for Justice. She voiced her expectation that the Supreme Court would overturn her dismissal and issue a stay of execution, reflecting her belief in the legal safeguards within the Monegasque judiciary.

This incident is reminiscent of past disputes within the principality’s governance, notably the disagreement involving Claude Palmero, the former administrator of the Princely Family’s assets. Palmero, too, had publicly criticized the influence of the Prince's new advisors. Petit-Leclair's case further underscores the ongoing tensions over the direction of governance and judicial independence in Monaco, as influenced by changes within the Prince's inner circle.