Monaco's Supreme Court to Decide on Claude Palmero's Dismissal Legality

Monaco's Supreme Court is poised to make a pivotal ruling on February 7 regarding the controversial dismissal of Claude Palmero, the former Administrator of Crown Property, who was relieved of his duties in June 2023 after over twenty years in the role. Palmero has contested the legality of his termination, claiming it was unwarranted and inflicted considerable damage to both his personal and professional life, and is seeking at least €1 million in compensation for moral and physical damages.

The legal representatives of the Prince, Thomas Giaccardi and Cyril Bonan, have challenged the Supreme Court's authority to adjudicate this matter. They argue that the dismissal is a sovereign decision by the Prince, representing an act of government which cannot be subjected to judicial review. This stance was reinforced last September when the Supreme Court deemed itself incompetent to consider Palmero's urgent reinstatement request, emphasizing that cases involving the Sovereign Prince as a defendant should be dismissed.

As the legal battle intensifies, Palmero's attorneys have indicated a potential escalation to the European Court of Human Rights should the decision not be in their favor, citing a deficiency in Monaco's constitution to adequately challenge government decisions. This case not only highlights significant questions about governance and legal oversight within the Principality but also sets a precedent for how such disputes are handled in the future.