2003 Liechtenstein constitutional referendum

14 March 2003
Princely Initiative
For   64.32% Against   35.68%
Constitution Peace Initiative
For   16.56% Against   83.44%
Results by municipality

A constitutional referendum regarding the Prince's powers was held inLiechtenstein on 14 March 2003. The referendum had two questions: a "Princely Initiative" and a "Constitution Peace Initiative".^[1] The first question passed with 64.32% in favour and the second question was rejected by 83.44% of voters.^[2]

The Princely Initiative asked voters whether to approve an extension of the power of thePrince to dismiss the government, nominate judges andveto legislation. The Constitution Peace Initiative asked voters whether to approve or disapprove of constitutional modifications, including modifications which would have restricted the Prince's powers.^[3] TheBBC stated that the referendum in effect made Liechtenstein into an "absolute monarchy".^[4] In December 2002 theVenice commission of theCouncil of Europe published a comprehensive report analysing the amendments, opining that they were not compatible with the European standard of democracy.^[5]Prince Hans-Adam II had threatened to leave the country and live in exile inVienna, Austria if the voters had chosen to restrict his powers.^[6]

After the votes were counted, the prince told a local radio station: "It's an excellent result. We can be very pleased with it."^[4]

• 2003 referendums
• 2003 in Liechtenstein
• Referendums in Liechtenstein
• Monarchy of Liechtenstein
• March 2003 in Europe
• Premiership of Otmar Hasler

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