A referendum on building an approach road for an industrial zone in Schaan was held in Liechtenstein on 14 March 2010. The proposal was approved by 52% of voters. [1]
On 18 November 2009 the Landtag voted 18–7 to spend 15 million francs on an approach road for an industrial zone in Schaan. [1] The road would be 1.4km long, although 75% of the route was already roadway. A separate cycle and pedestrian path would also be created alongside the road. [2]
The Free List and Transport Club Liechtenstein (VCL) believed it to be the first step in attempts to build a bypass and started an attempt to force a referendum. Between 29 November and 23 December they collected 1,257 signatures, surpassing the requirement of 1,000 in article 66 of the constitution. [1]
Due to an error in the count, the reported total number of votes was lower than the sum of the valid and invalid votes. [1]
Choice | Votes | % |
---|---|---|
For | 6,414 | 51.89 |
Against | 5,946 | 48.11 |
Invalid/blank votes | 517 | – |
Total | 12,874 | 100 |
Registered voters/turnout | 18,670 | 68.96 |
Source: Liechtenstein Government |
Liechtenstein, officially the Principality of Liechtenstein, is a German-speaking microstate located in the Alps between Austria and Switzerland. Liechtenstein is a semi-constitutional monarchy headed by the Prince of Liechtenstein.
Liechtenstein is a principality governed under a constitutional monarchy. It has a form of mixed constitution in which political power is shared by the monarch and a democratically elected parliament. There is a two-party system and a form of representative democracy in which the prime minister and head of government is responsible to parliament. However the Prince of Liechtenstein is head of state and exercises considerable political powers.
Political identity came to the territory now occupied by the Principality of Liechtenstein in 814, with the formation of the subcountry of Lower Rhætia. Liechtenstein's borders have remained unchanged since 1434, when the Rhine established the border between the Holy Roman Empire and the Swiss cantons.
Vaduz is the capital of Liechtenstein and also the seat of the national parliament. The city, which is located along the Rhine River, has 5,696 residents. The most prominent landmark of Vaduz is Vaduz Castle, being perched atop a steep hill overlooking the city. It is home to the reigning prince of Liechtenstein and the Liechtenstein princely family. The city's distinctive architecture is also displayed in landmarks such as the Cathedral of St. Florin, Government House, City Hall, the National Art Gallery, as well as the National Museum. Although Vaduz is the best-known town in the principality internationally, it is not the largest; neighbouring Schaan has a larger population.
Hans-Adam II is the reigning Prince of Liechtenstein, since 1989. He is the son of Prince Franz Joseph II and his wife, Countess Georgina von Wilczek. He also bears the titles Duke of Troppau and Jägerndorf, and Count of Rietberg. Under his reign, a 2003 constitutional referendum expanded the powers of the Prince of Liechtenstein. In 2004, Hans-Adam transferred day-to-day governmental duties to his eldest son Hereditary Prince Alois as regent, like his father had granted him in 1984 to prepare him for the role.
Schaan is the largest municipality of Liechtenstein by population. It is located to the north of Vaduz, the capital, in the central part of the country. As of 2019 it has a population of 6,039 making it the most populous administrative district in Liechtenstein. Representing an important traffic hub and industrial location of the country, Schaan covers an area of 26.8 km2 (10.3 sq mi), including mountains and forest. It is a municipality within the electoral district of Oberland in the Principality of Liechtenstein. Schaan contains four enclaves: Brunnenegg, Gritsch, Guschg, and Plankner Neugrütt.
Liechtenstein has recognized same-sex registered partnerships since 1 September 2011 following approval by voters in a referendum.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in Liechtenstein enjoy many, but not all, of the same rights as non-LGBT people. Same-sex sexual activity has been legal since 1989, with an equal age of consent since 2001. Same-sex couples have had access to registered partnerships since 2011, and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation has been outlawed in some areas since 2016.
Planken is a municipality in Oberland, Liechtenstein. It has four exclaves, two enclaves and a population of 473. Thus by population it is the smallest municipality of Liechtenstein.
FC Balzers is a Liechtensteiner football team based in Balzers. They currently compete in the Swiss 2nd League inter-regional, the fifth tier of Swiss football.
The Landtag of the Principality of Liechtenstein, commonly referred to as the Landtag of Liechtenstein, is the unicameral parliament of Liechtenstein.
Abortion in Liechtenstein is illegal in most circumstances and is punishable by prison terms for the woman and the physician. An attempt to legalize it in 2011 was defeated by voters. In April and November 2012, the Landtag failed to advance proposals to relax abortion laws.
The Feldkirch–Buchs railway is a 18.52 km (11.51 mi) electrified single track railway line that links Austria and Switzerland passing through Liechtenstein. Owned by the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB), it is the only railway line in Liechtenstein.
Three referendums were held in Liechtenstein during 2011. The first on approving the registered partnership law was held between 17 and 19 June, and was approved by 68.8% of voters. The law went into effect on 1 September. The second was held on 18 September on allowing abortion within the first twelve weeks of pregnancy. Prince Alois had threatened to veto the result of the referendum should it have turned out in favour, but ultimately it was rejected by voters. The third was on building a new national hospital in Vaduz was held on 30 October, and was also rejected.
A constitutional referendum was held in Liechtenstein on 1 July 2012 concerning limiting the extensive veto powers held by the Prince of Liechtenstein. The proposals were rejected by 76% of voters.
Melitta Marxer was a Liechtensteiner activist who spent decades organizing and fighting for women's suffrage. She is most known for speaking at the Council of Europe in 1983 to gain international support for women's right to vote.
A referendum on amendments to the Family Allowances Act was held in Liechtenstein on 18 September 2016. The amendments were rejected by 82% of voters.
Women's suffrage in Liechtenstein was introduced on 1 July 1984, after the 1984 Liechtenstein women's suffrage referendum. This was the last nation in Europe to introduce this right.
Events in the year 2021 in Liechtenstein.
Events in the year 2022 in Liechtenstein.