Liechtenstein Royals Threaten to Veto Referendum to Block Prince’s Powers

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The princely family of Liechtenstein is threatening to veto the results of a referendum which would take away the ruling Prince’s veto powers.

Pro-democracy campaigners are getting signatures across the tiny Alpine principality for a referendum that would prevent Prince Hans Adam II from stopping certain legislatures from becoming law.

Late Thursday, the Liechtenstein royals put on their website that they are “astonished” by the move.

Since a constitutional referendum in March 2003, the Prince of Liechtenstein gained political powers by two-thirds of the people voting for it. Had he not gained the power to dismiss ministers, nominate and veto laws, Hans-Adam would have left the country and go live in Austria, or so he threatened.

Sources: AP, Wikipedia