The role of the monarchy in the Liechtenstein Constitution

Abstract

The monarchy of Liechtenstein is, by modern standards, one of the most politically powerful constitutional monarchies in the world. In a 2003 referendum, the people voted in favour of a new constitution proposed by the reigning Prince Hans Adam II. The new constitution clarified the position and roles of the monarch while also bolstering the direct democratic component of the constitution by allowing the people the ability to pass a vote of no-confidence in the reigning prince or to abolish the monarchy altogether. Individual municipalities also have the possibility to vote for secession. The 2003 changes put Liechtenstein on a different constitutional trajectory from most European monarchies, garnering international criticism. What makes Liechtenstein remarkable is the fact that it is the only state in the world, present or past, whose constitution combines monarchy, representative democracy and direct democracy into one political whole. This article seeks to explain the role of the monarchy within the Liechtenstein constitution and argues that the Liechtenstein model is an alternative to, and not a departure from constitutional monarchy.