Mattarella in Monaco: agreement with Albert II on multilateralism and the fight against financial crime

Global crises and the need for multilateralism; the emergency of the climate crisis; the Mediterranean suffering and increasingly affected by "serious humanitarian crises". Sergio Mattarella leaves the small and very rich principality of Monaco after two days spent in 360 degree dialogue with Prince Albert II. "Full agreement" on the main international dossiers, the sources assure. An ease of dialogue that is also found on more sensitive topics for Italy such as the fight against organized crime. And in Monte Carlo it was impossible not to place emphasis on the one specializing in financial operations. The President of the Republic prudently does not go into the merits of another chapter which is certainly different, but which touches the sensitivity of Italians: the ever-increasing number of more than wealthy compatriots who take up tax residence in the principality due to the very low taxes.

"I would like to express great appreciation for the strengthened cooperation between our countries in the fight against organized economic-financial crime", assures the head of state at the end of his visit, speaking alongside Prince Albert II. To better understand what Mattarella is referring to, he recalled the recent signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Financial Police. “It's another plan on which we collaborate very effectively and with great value,” he added. It was obviously a mission with many cultural implications in a small principality nestled on the southern French coast but very close to the national borders with the consequent cross-border traffic.

Skyrocketing real estate market, supercars everywhere and very high prices compared to Mediterranean standards: a happy island for some, a bubble of inequality for others. The owner of the house, Albert II, can be defined as an enlightened prince and his attention to the climate is known, so much so that Mattarella's visit ended in the famous oceanographic museum of Monte Carlo. The president also showed his agreement on the topic on this occasion: "It is with deep emotion and profound admiration that I visited the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco today, an institution of inestimable scientific and cultural value. The Principality's constant commitment to defending the environment constitutes a precious contribution to the challenge which, more than any other, will mark the destiny of our planet and future generations", he wrote in the golden book of the Oceanographic Museum of the Principality of Monaco. In political discussions, great attention, as well as alarm, was dedicated to the crises unfolding in the world. "We have registered - explained Mattarella himself - our common belief in the indispensability of multilateralism and its forms that must be guaranteed", as well as "the protection of the rule of law". The only solution is to defend multilateralism and its institutions at all costs, even if "contrary winds" blow across the planet.