Liechtenstein, independent since 1806, has developed a parliamentary representative democratic monarchy, with executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government.

Liechtenstein's cabinet of ministers was a coalition government from 1938-1997. In April 1997, members from the Fatherland Union (now the Patriotic Union) took sole responsibility for the government. Since 2001, the Progressive Citizen's Party has provided all members of the government. Since 1997, the minority parties act as a check on the government in Parliament and on parliamentary commissions.

Political System

The Principality of Liechtenstein is considered a parliamentary representative democratic monarchy, with the seat of government centered in the capital city, Vaduz. The principality was established in 1719, and the country obtained its outright independence from the Holy Roman Empire on July 12, 1806. The national holiday is Assumption Day, celebrated on August 15.

Liechtenstein’s current constitution was originally adopted on October 5, 1921 and the document allows for universal suffrage at 18 years of age.

Administrative Regions

The Principality of Liechtenstein consists of 11 communes (gemeinden):

• Balzers
• Eschen
• Gamprin
• Mauren
• Planken
• Ruggell
• Schaan
• Schellenberg
• Triesen
• Triesenberg
• Vaduz

Executive Branch

Prince Hans Adam II is Liechtenstein's chief of state, assuming the position on November 13, 1989. His heir apparent is his son, Prince Alois, born on June 11, 1968. On August 15, 2004, Prince Hans Adam transferred the official duties of the ruling to Alois, but has retained status as chief of state.

The head of government is the Prime Minister. This person is usually the leader of the majority party and is appointed by the monarch following legislative elections. Otmar Hasler, the current Prime Minister, began his official duties on April 5, 2001. Klaus Tschuetscher, the Deputy Prime Minister, assumed his duties on April 21, 2005.

All cabinet ministers are elected by Parliament and confirmed by the monarch. The current ministers are:

• Construction and Public Works - Otmar Hasler
• Cultural Affairs - Rita Kieber-Beck
• Economic Affairs - Klaus Tschuetscher
• Education - Hugo Quaderer
• Environmental Affiars, Land Use Planning, Agriculture and Forestry - Hugo Quaderer
• Family and Equal Opportunity - Rita Kieber-Beck
• Finance - Otmar Hasler
• Foreign Affairs - Rita Kieber-Beck
• General Government Affairs - Otmar Hasler
• Home Affairs - Dr. Martin Meyer
• Justice - Klaus Tschuetscher
• Public Health - Dr. Martin Meyer
• Social Affairs - Hugo Quaderer
• Sports - Klaus Tschuetscher
• Transport and Communications - Dr. Martin Meyer

Legislative Branch

Liechtenstein's Parliament (Landtag) is a unicameral body consisting of 25 officials. Members are elected by popular vote via proportional representation to serve four year terms.

The current structure of Parliament, by political party is (number of seats):

• Progressive Citizen's Party (FBP) - 12
• Patriotic Union (VU) - 10
• The Free List (FL) - 3

Judicial Branch

The country’s judicial branch consists of the Supreme Court (Oberster Gerichtshof) and the Court of Appeal (Obergericht).

Legal System

Liechtenstein's local and civil penal codes are based on civil law.. The country has accepted compulsory International Court of Justice (ICJ) jurisdiction with reservations.

References

Barrientos, Miguel. Index Mundi. 2007.

Portal of the Principality of Liechtenstein.