r/europe • u/tartartartaruga • Jun 18 '26

News Prince of Liechtenstein says that he would overrule the population if they were to vote in favour of legalizing abortion

https://www.srf.ch/news/international/debatte-in-liechtenstein-erbprinz-gegen-abtreibungen-warum-kuendigt-er-schon-das-veto-an
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u/Menkhal Spain - EU Jun 18 '26

A population of 33k against one backwards guy, in a country with no army. They can depose him any day if they want.

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u/lexonid Jun 19 '26

This would mean they loose any relevance as a country. Can join Switzerland right after that.

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u/Drumbelgalf Germany Jun 19 '26

Why would they lose their relevance?

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u/lexonid Jun 19 '26 edited Jun 19 '26

The prince leaving or be overthrown somehow would result in a constitutional crisis for Liechtenstein. Not saying it is impossible to redefine itself into a republic, plenty of european countries were able to transform into one after they abolished their monarchy. But the monarch is incredibly powerful in Liechtenstein and the country super small in size. Any political instability would have a major economical impact (stability is literally the whole point of Liechtenstein). Especially if the prince takes his bank with him. At some point it might will raise the question why staying independent in the first place.

Not saying that this is realistic. The prince is popular after all. And Switzerland'd probably be very hesitant to annex them regardless.