A constitutional referendum regarding the Prince’s powers was held inLiechtensteinon 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 thePrinceto 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 thePrince’s powers.[3]TheBBCstated that the referendum in effect made Liechtenstein into an "absolute monarchy".[4]In December 2002 theVenice commissionof theCouncil of Europepublished a comprehensive report analysing the amendments, opining that they were not compatible with the European standard of democracy.[5]Prince Hans-Adam IIhad threatened to leave the country and live in exile inVienna, Austriaif the voters had chosen to restrict his powers.[6]
