In a major transition within the Princely Government of Monaco, Lionel Beffre is set to take over as the new Minister of the Interior, replacing the retiring Patrice Cellario. This change will officially occur on August 5, 2024.
Lionel Beffre brings a wealth of experience to his new role. A graduate of the Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris and the Ecole Nationale d’Administration, Beffre has held numerous high-profile positions throughout his career. His past roles include director of administration at the Paris prefecture, chief of staff to the Prime Minister, and prefect of Lot-et-Garonne, Eure-et-Loir, and Pyrénées-Atlantiques. Additionally, he served as high commissioner of the Republic in French Polynesia, prefect of Isère, and Seine-et-Marne, and most recently, as chief of staff to the Minister for Overseas Territories.
The Princely Palace announced Beffre’s appointment with confidence, emphasizing that his extensive background will greatly benefit the safety and quality of life for the Monegasque population.
Patrick Cellario is Retiring after a Career of Exemplary Service
This appointment follows the retirement of Patrice Cellario, who has served as Minister of the Interior for the past nine years. Prince Albert II expressed profound gratitude for Cellario’s 42 years of exemplary service, including nine years in his most recent high level role. Throughout his career, Cellario made significant contributions in various fields, including public works, the environment, urban planning, security, education, sports, and culture. His dedication and unwavering loyalty have been instrumental in fostering Monaco’s development, stability, and attractiveness.
An engineer by training, Cellario’s career highlights include his tenure as the technical director of the Louis-II stadium during its inception in the 1980s, before transitioning to high-level government roles. As the “security man” of Monaco, his impact over the past nine years has been particularly notable.
At 70, Cellario retires with high praise from the highest levels of the state. Prince Albert II highlighted Cellario’s steadfast commitment and loyalty, calling him a “great servant of the state.”
As Beffre steps into this crucial role, Monaco looks forward to leveraging his rich experience and expertise to continue enhancing the safety and well-being of its citizens.
