Editing Liechtenstein (section)

=== Politics ===
Liechtenstein has a somewhat enigmatic political system, which combines elements of [[absolute monarchy]], [[representative democracy]], and [[direct democracy]]. The [[Monarchy of Liechtenstein|monarch]] retains extensive executive and legislative powers, and plays a strong active role in the day to day politics of the country, and over all three [[branches of government]]{{Emdash}}the only European monarch to have retained such a role. Representative democracy and direct democracy coexist in that an elected parliament enacts [[legislation]], and voters can propose and enact laws and constitutional amendments independently of the legislature.<ref name="Marxer 2007">{{Cite book |last1=Marxer |first1=Wilfried |chapter-url=https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-531-90579-2_1 |title=Direct Democracy in Europe |last2=Pállinger |first2=Zoltán Tibor |date=2007 |publisher=VS Verlag für Sozialwissenschaften. |isbn=978-3-531-90579-2 |pages=12–29 |chapter=System contexts and system effects of direct democracy-direct democracy in Liechtenstein and Switzerland compared |doi=10.1007/978-3-531-90579-2_1 |access-date=31 October 2020}}</ref> However, as with laws passed by the legislature, these can be vetoed by the monarch.

The reigning Prince is the head of state and represents Liechtenstein in its international relations (although Switzerland has taken responsibility for much of Liechtenstein's diplomatic relations).<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/country_profiles/1066002.stm#leaders "Country profile: Liechtenstein – Leaders"]. BBC News. 6 December 2006. Retrieved 29 December 2006.</ref>

The current [[Constitution of Liechtenstein]] was [[Liechtenstein constitutional referendum, 2003|adopted in March 2003]], amending the 1921 constitution, giving the prince extensive veto powers, and the ability to dismiss the government and rule by emergency decree, and maintaining the prince's active role in the legislative process. The [[BBC]] characterizes Liechtenstein post-2003 as "in effect" an "[[absolute monarchy]]".<ref>{{Cite news |date=8 March 2017 |title=Liechtenstein profile - Overview |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-17535108 |access-date=2023-09-03}}</ref> Just prior to the referendum, the [[Venice commission]] of the [[Council of Europe]] published a comprehensive report analysing the amendments, opining that they were not compatible with the European standard of democracy.<ref>[http://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx?pdffile=CDL-AD(2002)032-e Opinion on the amendments to the constitution of Liechtenstein proposed by the Princely House of Liechtenstein] Venice Commission</ref>

Legislative authority is vested in the unicameral [[Landtag of Liechtenstein|Landtag]], made up of 25 members elected for maximum four-year terms according to a proportional representation formula. Fifteen members are elected from the [[Oberland (electoral district)|Oberland]] (Upper Country or region) and ten from the [[Unterland (electoral district)|Unterland]] (Lower Country or region).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Principality of Liechtenstein website – Parliamentary elections |url=http://www.liechtenstein.li/en/eliechtenstein_main_sites/portal_fuerstentum_liechtenstein/fl-staat-staat/fl-staat-landtag/fl-staat-landtagswahlen.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040807234454/http://www.liechtenstein.li/en/eliechtenstein_main_sites/portal_fuerstentum_liechtenstein/fl-staat-staat/fl-staat-landtag/fl-staat-landtagswahlen.htm |archive-date=7 August 2004 |access-date=11 January 2010}}. Retrieved 11 January 2010.</ref> Parties must receive at least 8% of the national vote to win seats in parliament, i.e., enough for two seats in the 25-seat legislature. Parliament proposes and approves a government, which the Prince formally appoints. Parliament may also pass votes of no confidence in the entire government or individual members.

The [[government]] comprises the head of government ([[prime minister]]) and four government councillors (ministers), who are appointed by the Prince upon the proposal of parliament and with its concurrence, and reflect the balance of parties in parliament. The constitution stipulates that at least two government members be chosen from each of the two regions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Principality of Liechtenstein – Government |url=http://www.liechtenstein.li/en/eliechtenstein_main_sites/portal_fuerstentum_liechtenstein/fl-staat-staat/fl-staat-regierung.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070807124607/http://www.liechtenstein.li/en/eliechtenstein_main_sites/portal_fuerstentum_liechtenstein/fl-staat-staat/fl-staat-regierung.htm |archive-date=7 August 2007 |access-date=11 January 2010}}. Retrieved 11 January 2010.</ref> The members of the government are collectively and individually responsible to parliament; parliament may ask the Prince to remove an individual minister or the entire government, or the Prince may do so unilaterally.

Parliament elects from among its members a "Landesausschuss" (National Committee) made up of the president of the parliament and four additional members. The National Committee is charged with performing functions of parliamentary supervision. Parliament shares the authority to propose new legislation with the Prince, and with the citizenry, as both parliament and the citizenry may initiate referendums.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Liechtenstein 1921 (rev. 2011) Constitution - Constitute |url=https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Liechtenstein_2011 |access-date=2023-09-27 |website=www.constituteproject.org |language=en}}</ref>

[[The courts of Liechtenstein|Judicial authority]] is vested in the Regional Court at Vaduz, the Princely High Court of Appeal at Vaduz, the Princely Supreme Court, the Administrative Court, and the State Court. The State Court rules on the conformity of laws with the constitution and has five members elected by parliament.{{citation needed|date=March 2024}}