Monaco, one of Europe’s last remaining sovereign principalities,
has a legislative process that combines elected representation with
significant monarchical authority. While the National Council
debates and votes on proposed laws, it is ultimately the Prince who
determines whether legislation becomes legally binding.
Step 1: Proposal and
Initiative
Legislation in Monaco can originate in two ways. Most commonly,
bills are proposed by the government, which operates under the
authority of the Prince. The National Council, Monaco’s elected
parliament, can also submit proposals – known as propositions
de loi – but these require the government’s approval before
becoming formal bills.
This dual system gives the Prince and his ministers substantial
influence over which matters reach the parliamentary floor. In
practice, bills that conflict with the Prince’s vision or
constitutional principles are often modified or withdrawn before a
vote.
Step 2: Parliamentary Debate
and Vote
Once a bill reaches the National Council, deputies deliberate
and vote. A simple majority is generally required for passage,
though the specific rules depend on the type of law. The National
Council can amend government-proposed bills, negotiate compromises,
and submit recommendations.
However, even a bill passed with near-unanimous support does not
automatically become law. The National Council’s vote is a
necessary, but not sufficient, step in the process.
Step 3: Sanction and
Promulgation by the Prince
After parliamentary approval, a bill is sent to the Prince for
sanction and promulgation. Only with the Prince’s
formal approval does the text acquire legal validity. Promulgation,
the subsequent step, publishes the law in Monaco’s official
journal, the Journal de Monaco, making it enforceable.
In constitutional terms, the law requires “the agreement of
wills of the Prince and the National Council.” This arrangement
means the Prince retains a de facto veto: he can refuse to sanction
or promulgate legislation, halting it regardless of parliamentary
approval.
Step 4: Publication and
Enforcement
Once promulgated, laws take effect from the day following
publication in the official journal, unless the text specifies
otherwise. At that point, the law is binding on citizens and
enforceable by the courts.
A Rare Exercise of Monarchical
Power
While the Prince’s formal authority has long existed, it is
rarely exercised publicly. Most bills passed by the National
Council receive sanction without incident. However, Prince Albert
refused to sign a bill that would have legalised abortion,
demonstrating that Monaco’s monarchy retains genuine legislative
influence – a feature almost unique in modern Europe.
The system reflects Monaco’s constitutional identity: a blend of
democratic deliberation and hereditary authority, with the Prince
acting as both head of state and ultimate arbiter of law. For
residents and observers alike, the process underscores that in
Monaco, legislation is not solely the product of elected
representatives – the sovereign still holds the final word.