Politics, constitution and administrative structure of Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein is a principality located in Central Europe. The country is a dwarfish state, since its area does not exceed 157 square kilometers. There is a hereditary monarchy based on constitutional and democratic principles in the country. The Constitution of the country was established in 1921 and since then amendments and additions have been made to it a couple of times. It is worth noting that the principality is dominated by a dualistic system of government. Therefore, both the head of Liechtenstein and the local population together represent the sovereignty of the country. The head of the country is the Prince, and he has quite broad powers. It is he who takes decisions on all the most important domestic and foreign policy issues. He too represents the principality in the international arena. It is also in the Prince’s power to convene and even dissolve the parliament and sanction laws.

Any bill that was drafted by other structural bodies must be confirmed by the signature of the Prince. Also within his rights is mitigation of punishment, issuing a pardon or even suspension of an investigation. The main legislative body is the Landtag. It is formed by a little over twenty members who are elected by a secret ballot based on a proportional system. The term of office of each deputy is not more than 4 years. Absolutely all citizens of the country who have already reached the age of 20 are eligible to participate in the elections. It is worth noting that as of 35 years ago, women in Liechtenstein did not have the right to vote. However, after a change in the Constitution and some reforms, the rights of women and men have become equal, and they also have the right to participate in the election of political authorities.

After the parliament is formed, the prince consults with it and creates a coalition government. It consists of only 4 advisors, as well as their head. Three members of the Council come from the party that won the majority of votes in the last election, while the other two members represent the interests of the opposition bloc. It is worth noting that the Constitution stipulates a multi-party system. It is for this reason that several political organizations are operational within the territory of modern Liechtenstein. The predominant political structure is the Progressive Party. It has had a great influence on the political sphere of the country for many years and commands great respect among the local population. The Independent Party is also functioning successfully; they are of the center-right political direction. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Liechtenstein is divided into two districts. Local authorities are directly administered by the Government of the State. It is worth noting that the principality has been actively involved in various international organizations for many years and is the author of more than one international treaty. To date, Liechtenstein is considered one of the most successful members of the European Union. It is also a member of NATO, the UN, and representatives of the principality are members of the OSCE Mission. Based on its territorial location, Liechtenstein seeks to establish friendly relations with neighboring states. So about 100 years ago, a Customs Treaty was concluded, thanks to which the principality integrated in the common economic area with Switzerland.

This decision turned out to yield quite high dividends for Switzerland as well as for Liechtenstein. In addition, after joining the European Union, the benefits of European economic area became available to Liechtenstein. The Constitution of Liechtenstein makes provision for an independent judiciary. It is worth noting that the judicial system in the country has only three levels. The lowest judicial authority is the district court. It is followed by the Supreme Court of Liechtenstein, which performs the role of the Appeal Court. The highest judicial body is the Supreme Court of the Principality. All judges are appointed personally by the head of state. However, the lists of candidates are made by the Minister.

All administrative issues are decided upon by a specially created Administrative Court. It considers questions about unlawful decisions of the government. In order to constantly monitor the observance of constitutional norms and regulations, a body such as the Supreme State Tribunal was created. It protects the rights and freedom of citizens, which are written in the Constitution. It also has the power to resolve disputes between courts and administrative authorities, and is a disciplinary authority for all members of the government. According to labor legislation, various trade unions are allowed on the territory of the country. Today there are about two dozen them.