Principality of Aigues-Mortes
 | This article contains information or refers to a micronation or element of micronationalism that is largely non-serious or comical in nature. |
Principality of Aigues-Mortes Principauté d'Aigues-Mortes (French) | |
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 Flag
 Coat of arms
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| Motto: Je vois la vie en rosé (French) | |
| Anthem: La Coupo Santo | |
| Capital | Aigues-Mortes |
| Official languages | French and Occitan/Provençal |
| Recognised regional languages | Occitan/Provençal |
| Religion | Catalcoolism (officialy) |
| Demonym(s) | Aigues-Mortais, Aigues-Mortaise French |
| Government | Parliamentary Monarchy |
• Sovereign-Prince | Jean-Pierre IV |
• Chancelor of Prince | Geoffrey, duc of Mathes of the Caliar |
| Establishment | 21 June 2011 |
| Population | |
• (2024) census | 8.685 inhabitants (586 national citizens) |
| Currency | Flamant (Flamingo) |
| Time zone | (UTC+1:00) |
Website Official website | |
The Principality of Aigues-Mortes (French: Principauté d’Aigues-Mortes) is a micronation originally created to promote and support local initiatives of the eponymous city, located in Southern France, 23 km east of Montpellier.
The Princely Couple, His Serene Highness Sovereign-Prince Jean-Pierre IV of Aigues-Mortes and Her Serene Highness Princess Olivia-Eugénie of Aigues-Mortes, are working hard together with the citizens and the Princely Grand Council, to create and organize several events that are both fun and windows of local talents and creativity.
History
21 June 2011 - Birth of the Principality
It was during an evening washed down with rosé wine that a group of friends came to discuss the princely weddings that were making the news. From this altogether banal conversation, the guests come to imagine what Aigues-Mortes could well give, if it was a Principality like Monaco. From there, creativity and humor mingle with the conversation to end in a solemn declaration for the creation of the Principality of Aigues-Mortes. Based on what right? Undoubtedly the most ancestral of all since it was proclaimed by the grace of our good rosé wine. This famous wine of the sands of which the city is the undisputed capital.
What at first was a joke between friends, remains in the minds of Olivier Martinez and Jean-Pierre Pichon, in search of associative and solidarity activity in a city where they had recently settled. They are thus developing the young project, to make it a tool that is as playful and offbeat as it is useful and supportive for the city. The Principality as a country where life is seen in “rosé” is gaining ground. But who would be the Prince and Princess of Aigues-Mortes?
8 August 2011 - Designation of the princely couple
The answer to this question came quite naturally during a second evening, on August 8, 2011, when Olivier was celebrating his 40th birthday. The happy guests had all dressed up for the occasion as stars of the 80s. Olivier had dressed up as Alexis Colby. The rosé wine flows freely and the guests end up deciding to take a tour of the city to show off. The merry band begins its procession despite the pain in the feet that high-heeled shoes can cause on centuries-old cobblestones. It was then that during their visit to the Grand Rue, a little girl on a balcony exclaimed: "Vive la Princesse!" (Long live the Princess) seeing this yet ungraceful Alexis Colby on her heels. General laughter, and the proclamation instantly adopted by everyone. The Principality had just found its Princess, for the Prince, we then designated his friend Jean-Pierre who was crowned on the spot: Prince Jean-Pierre IV. Why IV and not 1st? Because the guests thought it wiser to give the bar license number to the new Prince of the Land of Rosé rather than doing as elsewhere.
Olivier then begins a long work of presenting the Principality of Aigues-Mortes to the merchants of the city. He imagined it as a fun way to promote the city and the initiatives that are developing there, using its offbeat context. Traders quickly adhere to this concept. We start imagining princely events to promote "Made in Aigues-Mortes". This first year, the Principality has 94 citizens.
2012 - May 7, 2012 is the test day for the new princely couple, who although having received great support from traders, have yet to be accepted by the inhabitants of the city. The inauguration of the princely cuvée is the first official outing and takes on the air of a poker coup or even an enthronement. The Prince and Princess are transported to Place Saint-Louis, the heart of the city, by horse-drawn carriage and under good escort. There, a crowded square awaits them. Neither Jean-Pierre IV nor his singular Olivia-Eugénie expected this. Word of mouth had attracted a large number of people, amused to see what could be likened to a remake of Le Luron's marriage with Coluche. The crowd chants "Long live the Prince and long live the Princess", a Princess who will end up with her head in the hood of the carriage when getting out (For the record, the incident was caused by an unexpected movement of the horse). A general burst of laughter then resounded on the square, immediately making this "Madame", their improbable sovereign. An impromptu party in the square followed the thunderous arrival of the princely couple and the first speech of a Prince who was really not very comfortable speaking in public.
Creation of the Prince's Guard which presented itself at the First Grand Princely Ball organized in September of the same year. The Ball was a huge success and has since become a traditional gala during which the Prix de Constance is awarded. This is an honorary prize dedicated to a person who has carried out a significant action for the well-being of the inhabitants of Aigues-Mortes. This Prize is managed by the Princess Olivia-Eugenie Foundation for social and cultural support.
7 May 2012 - Inauguration of the Princely Cuvée. First official release and approval of the population.
2013–2014 - Creation of the Grand Prince's Council. Executive power is now shared in a college made up of 12 Grand Councilors, including the Princely Couple. The Principality has started issuing passports for its 160 citizens.
The Principality is beginning to forge ties with other micronations, but this introduction is not without problems. The reason for this is mainly the Princess whose peculiarity displeases some Puritan micronations in the United States and of Orthodox faith in Russia and Eastern Europe. A cyber harassment engages a real war between several progressive micronations and others with a very conservative movement. This conflict will go as far as an exhibition of the Princess on the Russian social network Veka with comments inciting homophobic hatred. The Principality of Aigues-Mortes will choose the total rupture of relations with these hostile micronations. But hateful exchanges of their citizens continued until 2015. The episode will deeply mark the micronational sphere in the world by the violence of the words exchanged, bringing to light different visions of culture and tolerance. These conflicts will be at the origin of the creation of Microfrancophonie, the international organization of French-speaking micronations.
2015– The Principality has 280 citizens. Prince-Sovereign Jean-Pierre IV began to study the establishment of a real additional local currency called "Flamingo" (Flamingo). A first official meeting with the Mayor of Aigues-Mortes is organized for this purpose. The Prince obtains the moral support of the town hall to create this currency which will have a legal tender. (It will be legal tender because its use will respect the legal framework of the French law on complementary currencies.) The Grand Prince Council becomes the Prince's Cabinet. The Government is no longer a college and the principality's civil responsibility now rests solely on the shoulders of the Prince and the Chancellor. This new form of government is approved by the vote of the Citizens' General Assembly, as our parliament is called.
Creation of Microfrancophonie, a French-speaking intermicronational organization. The Principality of Aigues-Mortes is one of the 6 founding Micronations. Princess Olivia-Eugénie is elected First Secretary General of this organization.
The same year, the Principality of Aigues-Mortes took part in its first intermicronational event in Gubbio, Italy. This is the second Polination conference. This is a first major step in the positioning of the Principality abroad which will lead to the creation of solid links between the Principality of Aigues-Mortes, the Grand Duchy of Flandrensis, the Empire of Angyalistan and the Republic Royal of Ladonia.
2016– The Principality has 322 citizens. It organizes and hosts the first summit of the MicroFrancophonie organization. A media-press service is now fully operational. RTAM (Radio Television of the Principality of Aigues-Mortes) now has a complete and completely independent team to follow the life of the principality and regularly broadcast national news and documentaries. The national press now has a newspaper (Aigues-Matin) and a magazine (Aigues-Match), both supervised and edited by an independent team made up of volunteer citizens.
2017– The Principality has 370 citizens. In April, she took part in the second meetings of the Microfrancophonie in Luxembourg. The national bulletin "Aigues-Morning" is now also published in English. After creating the BPAM, the Principality's Princely stock exchanges, equivalent to a national bank, the Prince launched the flamingo on May 21, a complementary local currency. The Principality becomes the first micronation in the world to put legal currency into circulation on its territory. The equivalent of €115,000 is put into circulation. The flamingo is accepted by 65 shops and restaurants in the city. With this currency, the Principality encourages the population to prefer local products and services by making them cheaper. The ecological impact is also positive since the currency organizes consumption in a short and closed circuit.
In June, the Principality takes part in the 2nd MicroCon in Atlanta. During this conference, friendly ties were established with historic North American micronations such as the Republic of Molossia, the Grand Duchy of Westarctica and the Kingdoms of Ruritania and Slabovia.
In October, diplomatic travel continued with the first official visit to the Free Republic of Saugeais. The Prince was invited to take part in the celebration of the 70th anniversary of this micronation, which is one of the oldest in France.
2018– The Principality has 412 citizens and participates in the Second Summit of Microfrancophonie in Vincennes France. The Golden bucket is modified this year to become a Garden party with dinner.
Tuesday 3 July 2018. The General Assembly voted the new civic law L-CH2018-01 proposed by the Prince's Cabinet.
The new law gives access to citizenship to applicants who meet the following criteria:
- 1/ Must be 21 years old
- 2/ Have his residence in Aigues-Mortes and/or on the European continent including Quebec on an exceptional basis.
- 3/ Must be French-speaking.
- 4/ Must complete the citizenship application form and contribute to the Crown treasury.
Law L-CH2018-01 responds to the urgent need to stop candidates for cyber-citizenship who do not show a clear interest in the Principality other than trying to obtain documentation to travel to Europe, or, just to obtain a title of nobility from our Crown.
2019– January 2019, the Prince reshuffles his Cabinet* (*so called the government), Duke Olivier de Constance leaves the office of Chancellor (Prime Minister) to become Chamberlain (Secretary of the Prince's Palace and Head of Protocol). Duke Geoffrey de Mathes le Cailar is appointed Chancellor by the Prince. he had been the Prince's Secretary for Foreign Affairs since April 2017.
2020– The Principality has 435 citizens. All traditional events are canceled due to the COVID pandemic. The circulation of the flamingo is completely interrupted due to several confinements and other health measures that are paralyzing the city's economy.
In June 2020, an independent press-media group Micropotin takes over the editorial staff of Aigues-Morning. Its French version changes its name and becomes Le Principotin. The Aigues-Morning format is now dedicated to English-speaking readers. The editions of these newspapers are digital and never in paper format for reasons of environmental choice.
2021– The Principality has 467 citizens. A new finance law is proposed and voted by the General Assembly of citizens on February 17, 2021. Citizens are now exempt from paying an annual contribution and accept the modification of the statutes of the association LOUPAM which finances the activities of the Principality. The new statutes provide for the use of an online store to generate income. the annual renewal of the registration of citizens in the Principality's civil status remains an obligation for citizens wishing to have the right to vote at the General Assembly.
On 17 February 2021, Chancellor Chancellor Geoffrey de Mathes le Cailar receives the vote of approval from the General Assembly for an additional term as head of the Prince's Cabinet (The Government).
2022– The situation is gradually returning to normal following the COVID pandemic. The Grand Bal Princier du Godet d'Or is rescheduled with the revitalization of the flamingo on the Firm's roadmap.
The RTAM channel exceeds 1000 subscribers. 2024
2024– The Principality has 501 citizens.
On May 15, 2024, Prince Jean-Pierre IV made a speech to submit to the general assembly of citizens the approval of Prince Emanuel of Dovimaldi-Nassor, Prince of Bérémagne, as Crown Prince of the Principality of Aigues-Mortes. The chancellery is then mandated by Prince Jean-Pierre IV to organize this vote in June 2024.
On June 16, 2024, the general assembly of citizens approves Emanuel de Dovimaldi-Nassor. The vote recorded a 70.45% participation rate and YES won with 97% of the votes cast. Emanuel of Dovimaldi-Nassor becomes His Highness, Crown Prince Jean-Emanuel of Aigues-Mortes, Duke of Bérémagne.
Government and Politics
Values and Principles
The Principality is a democratic micronation that respects human rights. It is against any form of discrimination. The main mission of the Principality is to promote and sustain all the local initiatives.
The Principality has created an association to be recognized by the French administration, LOUPAM. LOUPAM allows the Principality to open a bank account, to be insured, and to coordinate some projects with the commune whenever it is necessary. The statutes of LOUPAM are a part of the constitution.
The Princely Couple
Jean-Pierre IV is a man educated in some of the top schools in Europe. He grew up in the duty of his rank and respect for institutions. For him, the honor and greatness of the Crown are the most important.
Olivia Eugenie is a woman who was to become a winemaker. Her sister should marry the Prince while she would take over the family vineyards. For her, wine and carousing with friends is a way of life.
Their two families had concluded an alliance that included a wedding in their generation. Her sister did not marry the Prince as expected, the press revealed her low morals and the Prince was forced into marrying the younger sister who was not the most elegant.
People of Aigues-Mortes love their sovereigns because they are very approachable and dedicated to the happiness of citizens. Their official portraits can be seen in most restaurants, bars, and shops around the city. The Prince represents the Principality, always with dignity and compassion for the honor of the Crown. He is considered elegant and discreet. The Princess is certainly less comfortable with the protocol, but she is still very close to people and often engages in social events with the public. She is not always elegant and never discreet, but the public loves her for her spontaneity.
The Princely Guard of Aigues-Mortes accompanies the Princely Couple at each of its official functions as a ceremonial body. This is the only corps of the Principality who is a neutral and a pacifist micronation.
Institutions
The executive power is applied by the Prince as he is legally responsible for all activities and treasury. He is assisted by the Princely Cabinet that is the equivalent to a government, which he is the chairman of. Other members are the Chancellor, The Cabinet's Secretary, the Chamberlain, the Palace intendant, the Guard Captain, the SilverSmith, the Herald, and several Secretaries of State.
The legislature is the General Assembly: This is made up of all citizens of the Principality. Therefore no political parties are necessary because direct democracy is observed. The Princely Cabinet has the obligation to consult the General Assembly at least once a year. All constitutional changes must be approved by the majority of the Assembly. Under the request of the 2/3 of the citizens, this institution could ask for an extraordinary assembly to vote against the existence of LOUPAM, therefore ending of the Principality. For that reason, the Princely Cabinet has to always make sure that all the citizens are happy.
The Representative of the Micronation is the Prince. The Prince is the symbol of the micronation. He speaks on behalf of the citizens on every official event organized by the Principality. The Prince can edit Princely Orders and/or Patent letters when it comes to:
- Micronational safety
- Ennoblement
- Elevation to the rank of Knight of the Grand Order of the Pink Flamingo
- Appointment and/or dismissal of a State Official
- Palace's internal affairs
- Princely Guard's internal affairs
- Princely Pardon
The Prince's Chamberlain publishes all the Princely Orders and invitations. He communicates with all diplomatic officials (Ambassadors and head of micronations) in the name of the Prince and according to his instructions.
The intendant is the one who organizes all official events. The Chief of protocol prepares all official visits in order to make sure that the Princely Couple always complies with local usages. During the official events in the Principality, the chief of protocol performs all announcements to ensure that the timing follows the official program. The Chief of protocol accompanies heads of micronations when they are on official visits in the Principality.
The Chancellor is considered as the head of the cabinet, His Serene Highness's Government. They are assisted by the Cabinet's secretary to coordinate all internal affairs.
The Captain of the Princely Guard has overall responsibility for the safety of the Palace. The Guard is considered as one of the most representative bodies of the Principality. This is why the Captain ensures that the Guard always complies with the protocol when on duty. He receives his orders directly from the Prince or the chief of protocol. The Captain has the right to recruit and to dismiss. He is chosen by the Princely Grand Council.
Economy
The Principality of Aigues-Mortes plays a very active role in the local economy of the city. It organizes large events to animate while discovering the local expertise of artisans. Local crafts are always sought primarily to meet the needs of the Principality.
Today the Principality goes further by working seriously on the development of its currency: the flamant (flamingo). This currency will be only valid in Aigues-Mortes. Its monetary value will be equivalent to the euro. However, paying in flamant will be cheaper than paying in euros. Because of reductions applied with this currency, consumers will gain in purchasing power by consuming from merchants in the city. Thus, consumption will be more geared towards local businesses who will enjoy more profit in turn.
Since 2015, The Traders Association of Aigues-Mortes is more willing to cooperate with the Principality of Aigues-Mortes. Thus, the Principality could benefit from more logistical support, while the association would benefit from the experience of the Principality to create events that animate the city and attract more visitors.
Foreign relations
The will of the Principality is to defend and promote the local economy and cultural initiatives, and it is working on increasing interest for individuals' creativity. The Princely Couple is totally dedicated to local productivity promotion. The Principality aims to spread this spirit around the World, as it believes it more Planet-friendly and more efficient to create strong relationships and interests between people. The Principality supports human rights for all and equity between men and women. It does not comply with any form or kind of discrimination.
The Diplomatic Representation of the Principality currently includes 27 embassies around the World. The Ambassadors are men and women living in their assigned countries who are contributing to make the Principality and its actions known to as many people as possible around them. Aigues-Mortes does have embassies in the following countries: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brasil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Monaco, Nicaragua, Poland, Portugal, Spain, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, United Kingdom and the United States.
The Principality of Aigues-Mortes is currently spreading its relations network with other major micronations who share its values for liberty, mutual respect, tolerance, human rights, fair trade and environment. The following micronations have signed a treaty of Mutual recognition and diplomatic relation with the Principality of Aigues-Mortes:
- Aerican Empire
- Commonwealth of Zealandia
- Commonwealth of Boshka
- Empire of Angyalistan
- Empire of Schalamzaar
- Grand Duchy of Flandrensis
- Grand Duchy of Nesti
- Grand Duchy of Westarctica
- Holy Empire of Reunion
- Imperium of DeWaCo Estates
- Kingdom of Cambria
- Kingdom of Cumagne
- Kingdom of Frankland
- Kingdom of Hanover
- Kingdom of Harcosia and Krigervania
- Kingdom of Ruthenia
- Kingdom of Tovaria
- Kingdom of Ruritania
- Kingdom of Scone
- Kingdom of Viper
- Popular Union of Occitania
- Princedom of Aysellant
- Principality of Austrasia
- Principality of Guerreria
- Principality of Hélianthis
- Principality of Otrebor
- Principality of Surland
- Republic of Jura
- Republic of Molossia
- Republic of Montmartre
- Republic of Padrhom
- Republic of Saint-Castin
- Republic of Saugeais
- Royal Republic of Ladonia
- State of Sandus
- Technocratic Republic of Theodia
- United Empire of Slabovia
- Republic of Jailavera
Ambassadors
- Argentina
- Ambassadeur Monsieur Daniel Eustaquio Leiva Gonzalez
- Australia
- Ambassadrice Madame Manon Lor’en
- Austria
- Ambassadrice Madame Irina Ulrike Handel
- Belgium & European Union
- Ambassadeur Monsieur Benjamin Briot
- Brasil
- Ambassadeur Monsieur Olivier Mourier
- Bulgaria
- Ambassadrice Madame Natalia Krentcheva
- Canada
- Ambassadeur Monsieur Marc-André Caron
- Chile
- Ambassadrice Madame Orlane Espert
- China
- Ambassadeur Monsieur Thierry de Parizeault
- Colombia
- Ambassadeur Monsieur Aïtor Gamindez
- Denmark
- Ambassadeur Monsieur Tom Misiak
- France
- Ambassadeur Monsieur Laurent Courageux
- Consul Honoraire Nantes: Monsieur Christian Chailloux
- Consul Honoraire Lyon : Madame Dominique Devèze
- Consul Honoraire Marseille : Monsieur Hervé Marchand
- Germany
- Ambassadrice Madame Karin Bastien
- Israel
- Ambassadeur Monsieur Amir Gov
- Italy & San Marino
- Ambassadrice Monsieur Alex Manini
- Japan
- Ambassadrice Madame Sophie Chalons
- Luxembourg
- Ambassadrice Madame Pascale Modert-Gengler
- Malaysia
- Ambassadeur Monsieur Quinto Dolci
- Madagascar
- Ambassadrice Madame Malala Ramanitrera
- Mexico
- Ambassadrice Madame Yuya Vieyra
- Monaco
- Ambassadeur Monsieur Gilles Legrand
- Nicaragua
- Ambassadeur Monsieur hector Odair Luna Guadamuz
- Netherlands
- Ambassadeur Monsieur Bert Carl Schindler
- Philippines
- Ambassadeur Monsieur Armand Ethy-Ethy
- Poland
- Ambassadrice Madame Agnieszka Kozaczewska
- Portugal
- Ambassadeur Monsieur Ruis Do Couto
- South Africa
- Ambassadeur Monsieur Hans Svensson
- Spain
- Ambassadeur Monsieur Patrice Alonso
- Consul Honoraire Canaries : Madame Inès Myon
- Sweden
- Ambassadeur Monsieur Dan Särnholm
- Switzerland
- Ambassadeur Monsieur Christophe Dubois
- Taiwan
- Ambassadeur Monsieur Marc Viale
- Thailand
- Ambassadrice Madame Catherine Deymier
- UK
- Ambassadeur Monsieur Ivar Schröder de Chavannes le Viking
- USA
- Ambassadeur Monsieur Brian Vargas