Liechtenstein Votes In Absolute Monarchy

by Ulrika Lomas, Tax-News.com, Brussels

19 March 2003

The Alpine tax haven of Liechtenstein is to become an absolute monarchy after a referendum gave the ruling Prince Hans-Adam II sweeping new powers.

The vote, held last Sunday showed a substantial majority for the Prince, with 64% supporting the move, and 36% against it. The turnout was almost 90%, though the referendum campaign seems to have been a rather unsavoury affair with allegations of intimidation, hate mail and bizarrely, mutilated animal parts all being involved. The result brings to an end an often bitter ten year row between the billionaire prince and his detractors.

The new constitution gives the Prince the right to veto parliamentary bills, sack the entire government and introduce emergency powers. However, there is something of a get-out clause for the people of Liechtenstein, as the constitution also provides for a further referendum to abolish the monarchy.

A statement released on the Royal website thanked the voters "for their confidence", and said the result was "extremely encouraging". The family has ruled the principality for 300 years, and it is their entrepreneurial wealth of over $3 billion that has made the country a successful financial centre and one of the world's richest nations, according to the Prince.

A negative reaction to the outcome was reportedly expressed by the 44 nation Council of Europe based in Strasbourg. It described the referendum result as a "serious step backwards", which could well "isolate" Liechtenstein.

http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/03/17/1047749716116.html

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