The state of Monegasque politics looks uncertain as the Prince and the National Council fight over ambitious new tax proposals. The National Council, who argue that higher taxes would make Monaco into a modern country "able to stand on it's own two feet", passed a piece of legislation to the Prince recently, gradually raising income tax to 10% over the next five years. Monaco is famed for it's 0% income tax, which attracts not only wealthy celebrities but many businessmen from across Europe.

The leader of the National Council, Jean-François Robillon, submitted this speech at the start of the debate over this legislation. "As a proud Monegasque, I want to see our nation flourish. We have seen how Prince Charles wants to build us up to being an international individual - now let's see if he will put his money where his mouth is. By introducing income tax, we can make billions of Euros to spend on our country's prosperity".

Prince Charles IV, in the second year of his reign, was said to be furious at being presented this bill to approve. It is alleged that he demanded to see Robillon, and had the local police force escort him to the Prince's palace to explain the bill. The Prince was said to swear at Robillon, before angrily dismissing him and cancelling all arrangements for that day.

Later that week, Prince Charles made a statement through his press secretary condemning the bill: "I am disappointed in the naivety of Dr. Robillon and his fellow councillors. To claim that they act in this country's interests is quite frankly disingenuous - a tax would drive people away from our great nation. I can assure the Council that I will not be signing this bill into law, nor any other measure that would harm our country. I will not back down - I suggest he does."

This heated debate is unlikely to go away - early reports indicate that Robillon and his Council will draft another bill in an attempt to persist with a tax. Regardless, this situation is one that will definitely cause some acrimony at the top tier of Monegasque politics.