Form of government, constitution

Liechtenstein is a constitutional monarchy based on democratic and parliamentary principles. Governmental authority is ves­ted in the Prince and the citizenry and is exercised by both pursuant to consti­tutional provisions (Art. 2 of the consti­tution of 1921).

Head of state

Prince Hans-Adam II von und zu Liechten­stein, Duke of Troppau and Jägerndorf, Count Rietberg. On November 13, 1989, after the death of his father Prince Francis Joseph II, Hans-Adam assumed the regency as Prince Hans-Adam II.

On August 15, 2004, HRH Prince Hans-Adam II appointed his son HRH Hereditary Prince Alois, as his deputy and conferred upon him the authority to exercise all sovereign rights to which he is entitled by the constitution.

Parliament (Landtag)

The Liechtenstein Landtag is made up of 25 members. It exercises its rights in the sessions of the full plenum. By international standards, the Liechtenstein Landtag is a small legislature.

Government

Pursuant to the constitution, the govern­ment is a collegiate body consisting of the Prime Minister and four councilors. The Prime Minister and the councilors are appointed by the Prince on recommen­dations of the Liechtenstein parliament.

Courts

Legal jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters lies with the Regional Court in the first instance, the High Court in the second, and the Supreme Court in the third and last instance. The Administrative Court and the State Court deal with public law issues. These courts are domiciled in Vaduz.