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Liechtenstein

Principality of Liechtenstein

Civil lawSemi-constitutional hereditary monarchy with direct democracyReviewed· 2026-08-02
Capital
Vaduz
Population
40,000
Languages
German
Currency
CHF

Liechtenstein · Constitution

Constitution of the Principality of Liechtenstein

The 1921 constitution establishes the state as a constitutional hereditary monarchy on a democratic and parliamentary basis, with state power shared between the Prince and the people. A contested 2003 revision, approved by referendum, confirmed the Prince’s powers to veto legislation, dismiss the government and rule by emergency decree, while allowing the people to move for the abolition of the monarchy.

The constitutional text

The 1921 constitution establishes the state as a constitutional hereditary monarchy on a democratic and parliamentary basis, with state power shared between the Prince and the people. A contested 2003 revision, approved by referendum, confirmed the Prince’s powers to veto legislation, dismiss the government and rule by emergency decree, while allowing the people to move for the abolition of the monarchy.

Separation of powers

A unitary state of eleven communes, which retain a constitutional right of secession. Power is shared between the Prince, the Landtag and the electorate: 1,000 citizens can demand a referendum on a law and 1,500 can initiate a constitutional amendment. EEA membership adds a supranational layer supervised by the EFTA Surveillance Authority and the EFTA Court.

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