French Senator Hélène Conway-Mouret Discusses Potential Role as Minister of State in Monaco
During her recent visit to Monaco, Conway-Mouret addressed issues facing the Principality and her possible candidacy for the Minister of State position.
Hélène Conway-Mouret, a prominent senator representing French citizens abroad, visited Monaco on March 27 and 28, 2025. Considered a potential candidate for the position of Minister of State in the Principality, she answered questions about her visit and the challenges facing the French community in Monaco.
Conway-Mouret has been a frequent visitor to Monaco, having last visited two years prior due to her focus on security and defense issues.
During her recent visit, she engaged with local leaders, including Thomas Brezzo, President of the National Council, Michel Boeri, President of the Crown Council, and Jean d’Haussonville, the French ambassador to Monaco.
Conway-Mouret emphasized the necessity for French nationals in Monaco to continue their efforts to preserve their culture and language amid a highly diverse population that comprises over 120 nationalities.
Recent demographic trends show a decline in the number of French nationals residing in Monaco, from more than 13,700 in 1975 to approximately 8,500 currently.
This reduction has positioned the French community as the second largest nationality in Monaco, following the Monegasques, who number about 9,180.
Conway-Mouret noted discussions with Ambassador d’Haussonville regarding this demographic shift and indicated her plan to communicate the concerns to the French Ministry.
Regarding the affordability of housing, she highlighted that high real estate prices are a significant factor in the exodus of French citizens, but also pointed out that there are multiple considerations impacting the situation.
She expressed her intention to explore what adjustments can be made in French policies to facilitate the settlement of French nationals in Monaco.
The upcoming official visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Monaco on June 7 and 8, 2025, coinciding with the United Nations Ocean Summit in Nice, was also addressed by Conway-Mouret.
She recalled her previous experience organizing an official visit by former President François Hollande in 2013, underscoring the importance of preparing for significant bilateral discussions and potential agreements during presidential visits.
In response to rumors about her potential appointment to succeed Didier Guillaume as Minister of State, Conway-Mouret stated that she had not been directly approached regarding the position.
She acknowledged the circulation of names in media but clarified that the decision ultimately rests with Prince Albert II, with France able to make recommendations.
Conway-Mouret indicated that the profile of candidates appears to be diverse, including individuals who may be nearing the end of their careers.
Conway-Mouret identified her professional background as aligning with the needs of the role, citing her international experience and familiarity with both legislative and executive functions.
She believes that her connections with the local community and understanding of its dynamics could contribute positively to the Principality's governance.
Having recently been elected as a senator in September 2023, Conway-Mouret stated that she is not actively seeking to be positioned for the Minister of State role but would accept such an appointment with commitment and passion.
In addressing the political landscape of Monaco, she acknowledged the unique governmental structure and the importance of the National Council’s role in representing societal changes while affirming her respect for the Principality’s established order.
Furthermore, Conway-Mouret addressed her experience in political and administrative systems as advantageous for navigating the executive's operations.
Conway-Mouret's comprehensive tenure in various political roles has equipped her with skills relevant to the Minister of State position.
She expressed her understanding of the challenges that accompany political leadership, particularly as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field like defense.
She emphasized resilience and the importance of demonstrating capability in the face of gender biases.
As Monaco faces ongoing challenges, including legal matters and implications from being placed on the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) gray list, Conway-Mouret affirms that challenges can be addressed with the right measures and the courage to make difficult decisions, especially within a more conservative societal framework.
Her experience and dedication to her role as a parliamentarian and former minister could offer a new dynamic in the ongoing governance of the Principality.
Conway-Mouret has been a frequent visitor to Monaco, having last visited two years prior due to her focus on security and defense issues.
During her recent visit, she engaged with local leaders, including Thomas Brezzo, President of the National Council, Michel Boeri, President of the Crown Council, and Jean d’Haussonville, the French ambassador to Monaco.
Conway-Mouret emphasized the necessity for French nationals in Monaco to continue their efforts to preserve their culture and language amid a highly diverse population that comprises over 120 nationalities.
Recent demographic trends show a decline in the number of French nationals residing in Monaco, from more than 13,700 in 1975 to approximately 8,500 currently.
This reduction has positioned the French community as the second largest nationality in Monaco, following the Monegasques, who number about 9,180.
Conway-Mouret noted discussions with Ambassador d’Haussonville regarding this demographic shift and indicated her plan to communicate the concerns to the French Ministry.
Regarding the affordability of housing, she highlighted that high real estate prices are a significant factor in the exodus of French citizens, but also pointed out that there are multiple considerations impacting the situation.
She expressed her intention to explore what adjustments can be made in French policies to facilitate the settlement of French nationals in Monaco.
The upcoming official visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Monaco on June 7 and 8, 2025, coinciding with the United Nations Ocean Summit in Nice, was also addressed by Conway-Mouret.
She recalled her previous experience organizing an official visit by former President François Hollande in 2013, underscoring the importance of preparing for significant bilateral discussions and potential agreements during presidential visits.
In response to rumors about her potential appointment to succeed Didier Guillaume as Minister of State, Conway-Mouret stated that she had not been directly approached regarding the position.
She acknowledged the circulation of names in media but clarified that the decision ultimately rests with Prince Albert II, with France able to make recommendations.
Conway-Mouret indicated that the profile of candidates appears to be diverse, including individuals who may be nearing the end of their careers.
Conway-Mouret identified her professional background as aligning with the needs of the role, citing her international experience and familiarity with both legislative and executive functions.
She believes that her connections with the local community and understanding of its dynamics could contribute positively to the Principality's governance.
Having recently been elected as a senator in September 2023, Conway-Mouret stated that she is not actively seeking to be positioned for the Minister of State role but would accept such an appointment with commitment and passion.
In addressing the political landscape of Monaco, she acknowledged the unique governmental structure and the importance of the National Council’s role in representing societal changes while affirming her respect for the Principality’s established order.
Furthermore, Conway-Mouret addressed her experience in political and administrative systems as advantageous for navigating the executive's operations.
Conway-Mouret's comprehensive tenure in various political roles has equipped her with skills relevant to the Minister of State position.
She expressed her understanding of the challenges that accompany political leadership, particularly as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field like defense.
She emphasized resilience and the importance of demonstrating capability in the face of gender biases.
As Monaco faces ongoing challenges, including legal matters and implications from being placed on the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) gray list, Conway-Mouret affirms that challenges can be addressed with the right measures and the courage to make difficult decisions, especially within a more conservative societal framework.
Her experience and dedication to her role as a parliamentarian and former minister could offer a new dynamic in the ongoing governance of the Principality.
