The initiative to remove the right of the Prince of Liechtenstein to deny assent to popular referenda has failed – fortunately and expectedly. More than three fourths supported retention of this right. More than four fifths turned up for the referendum.
BBC News reports. So does The Globe and Mail. Google News has more.
Hoch leb' der Fürst vom Land!
This blogger has noticed that Liechtenstein is repeatedly referred to as the only monarchy in Europe where the monarch has any real powers to speak of left. Let us not forget the Principality of Monaco.
Elsewhere: Royal World (and pre-referendum)
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3 comments:
I am very pleased that the referendum went this way and not the other. But let us not grow complacent. Every such referendum, even if it fails, is a statement of a false principle: That if it wishes to, the people has the right to deprive the monarch of his powers. All of them undermine the legitimacy of the monarchy. His Serene Highness may have escaped this attack, but we must not let our guard down.
Yes, you are indeed right, sir, on the matter of principle.
And of course, we must not let our guard down -- as you rightly say.
Also, we must keep in mind -- as you, sir, have reminded us of previously -- the popular option -- in place since 2003 -- to abolish the monarchy in the Liechtenstein Constitution, to which there is no right to deny assent.
Excellent news!
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