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Leader

Pierre DARTOUT, State Minister

“There is no freedom without security”

Interview by Milena Radoman

After 40 years of prefectural, Pierre Dartout has taken the position

of State Minister since September 2020. His schooling at ENA

with François Hollande and Dominique de Villepin, the Charlie Hebdo attack,

his political experience at the National Assembly…

In this interview, this discreet man talks to us about his career

and his management of past and current crises.

Was moving from a police position in a It takes two to have a dialogue. Is that
republic to work in a monarchy a leap in actually the case?
the dark, a tall order? It is the case everywhere. When the National
Monaco is not a leap in the dark. The policial Council or one of its members suggests an
Upon your arrival in Monaco, you described system suits the country perfectly and interesting idea, I go with it. This was the case,
yourself as “a pure product of the French the Grimaldi family have represented the for example, with the idea of a Covid-19 testing
prefecture.” What does that mean to you? territory for some 700 years. The Monégasque centre, initially proposed by Dr Robino. The
To me, it means a 40-year career that specificity linked to the constitutional government ministers, Mme Amoratti-Blanc
started when I left the National School of monarchy requires adaptation and is new and Mme Fresko, pushed for the creation of a
Administration (ENA); and a diverse vision for me. Having said that, if France is a republic fund to help victims of domestic violence and
of France, which I know well. I have worked and Monaco is a monarchy, in both cases, the sexual abuse, people who are in danger when
in 14 French departments, five as a deputy over-riding factor is to defend the interests the author of the violence becomes insolvent.
prefect and nine as prefect, with some of of the public. That is the only rule, whether We are working on a draft bill on this subject.
that time spent in Paris. It is an honour to I am under the authority of a president or a
serve the French republic. It’s a fine job and sovereign prince. I am at the service of the You have now been in office more more than
one that you can only do if you love France public interest, which means I must make sure 100 days. How do you view Monaco now?
and its regions; but there are consequences that the country is run well, I must behave Has your perception changed?
to the life of a nomad – my children changed fairly and openly, be available for dialogue I knew that Monaco was economically and
schools, home and friends regularly. and demonstrate the necessary authority. socially privileged and that it was also a clean
and safe place and this I see again every day.
Is a nomad’s life is not an easy one? You say you favour “constructive dialogue, These things make the Principality attractive.
It was a way of life for my wife and I, as well not polemic.” Is that the Dartout government I did not think I would find such a high level of
as our five sons. We left a lot of friendships style? security here. There is a large police force, taking
behind and it is not easy to maintain them. I carry out what the Sovereign Prince has into the account the size of the population, and
However, I am very attached to the regions of asked me to do. To achieve a balance, you it is very efficient. I take every opportunity to
France, specially those with a history like the have to work with the National Council, under tell them. However, we must not rest on our
Basque Country, the Catalan Countries and the authority of the Prince, without conflict – laurels. We must continue to adapt, as crime
Champagne. I adapt well to the regions and but that doesn’t mean we say nothing when changes, specially with the advent of digital and @ Manuel Vitali - Direction de la communication
for that to happen, you have to love them. We we don’t agree! Our relationships need to bear cybercrime – but basically, the preventative and
very much like being in Monaco. the mark of constructive dialogue. repressive side of the job is done efficiently.

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