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Liechtenstein Page |
Welcome to ElectionInfo.com's pages on Liechtenstein
Official Name: Principality of Liechtenstein
Capital: Vaduz
Area: 160 square kilometres ( 62 square miles )
Major cities (Population): Vaduz 6,000 (1990 estimate)
Population: 31,000 (1995 estimate)
Population growth rate: 1.2 per cent (1995 estimate)
Type of government: Hereditary constitutional monarchy
Independence: 23 January 1719 (Imperial Principality of Liechtenstein established)
Constitution: 5 October 1921
Voting Rights: Universal at age 18
Government
Liechtenstein is divided into 11 communes, or Gemeinden, that enjoy extensive autonomy. They are organized as cooperatives with a strong sense of community, and each commune has an individual coat of arms. Vaduz, the capital has about 5,000 inhabitants. The 11 communes form two regions that correspond to Liechtenstein’s two historical domains. They are called the Oberland (Upper Country) and the Unterland (Lower Country).
The ruling prince, or Fùrscht, is the head of state. He sanctions all laws, and he can issue pardons and emergency decrees. The parliament, called the Landtag, has 25 members elected for four years. The two traditional conservative parties, Patriotic Union and Progressive Citizens’ Party, were joined in parliament in 1993 by an environmentalist party called the Free List. The legal system combines Austrian, Swiss, and Liechtenstein law and judges of all three nationalities sit in Liechtenstein’s courts. The right to vote in national elections was extended to women in 1984, although women still cannot vote in some local elections. The people enjoy direct democratic rights, such as the rights of political initiative and referendum.
The constitution of 1921, which is still in force today, established “a constitutional hereditary monarchy upon a democratic and parliamentary basis”. Liechtenstein is currently considering constitutional reform with the aim of more clearly defining the authority of the prince, the executive body, and the legislature. The country has also had to renegotiate its customs treaty with Switzerland after Liechtensteiners voted in favour of membership of the European Economic Area (EEA), while Swiss voters rejected membership. This had the effect of delaying Liechtenstein’s membership of the EEA until May 1995.
Most Liechtensteiners consider themselves fortunate to live in a neutral country that has avoided involvement in war since the end of the 18th century. Because it is a small country in which people tend to know each other well, there is perhaps a greater commitment to the public good than in larger countries. People take their civic duties seriously, and many are involved in national or local government in some way.
The national identity of Liechtensteiners is closely linked to their respective communes and to the monarchy. The prince plays an important role in public life and Liechtensteiners have always held the monarchy in high esteem, although attitudes towards it have become more critical in recent years. In addition to a debate on constitutional reform, Liechtenstein has been taking steps to define its role in the international community, particularly within Europe. Foreign policy has become more outward-looking and any closer integration with the rest of Europe will have an impact on the way Liechtensteiners view themselves.
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