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Liechtenstein Constitution Part 2

© James Foster Robinson

The Constitution introduced by Prince Franz Josef II on 5 October 1921 is still in effect today. It came at a time when the Principality was severing its ties with Austria and seeking a closer co-operation with Switzerland. There were no political parties before 1918 and the events both during the Great War and after awoke a national self-conscious in the people of Liechtenstein. The people now wanted to take over their own affairs instead of having them taken care of by another country.

The new constitution outlined a dualist state, that is, a hereditary monarchy with a representative democracy. The prince and the people shared power. Family Laws determined the succession of the prince, a legal agreement among the male members of the ruling family. Legislative power resided with the people and their elected representative while the executive power remained separate and strong. It also outlined the rights and duties of the principality's citizens as well as the rights and Obligations of the state. The constitution guarantees freedom of belief and conscience to all persons and civil and political rights regardless of religion. The prince's absolute rule was curtailed by the increase of the rights of the people. It was a combination like no other monarchy and what few republics have.

A parliament of 21 members, elected by male suffrage by a secret ballot every four years was established. The prince can veto any law, dissolve parliament and call early elections. The public can challenge the laws by forcing a referendum with a petition with 1,500 signatures.

The constitution also asserted the independence of Liechtenstein. Its citizens remembered the trouble they experienced during World War I being so closely tied to Imperial Austria. They were determined to never be in that predicament again and sought a more independent and neutral international stance. Even thought the Swiss represents the country abroad, the principality still negotiates and approved its own treaties with other countries. It is a member of the United Nations today.

In late 1993 Hans-Adam revised the Hausgesetz or House Code of the ruling family. The right for the citizens to constitutionally depose him or even abolish the monarchy was included in this agreement. Recently after a ten year constitutional debate, a public referendum gave the Prince more power. In one way it was a backward step towards feudal times but in another way, it was the people of Liechtenstein exercising their rights.

For more information on the constitutional crisis that led to this significant change see http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/Liec... and http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/Liec...

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