Liechtenstein ruler to hand over power

The Globe and Mail ^ | August 16 2003 | AP

[xp38]

Vaduz -- The outspoken ruling prince of Liechtenstein, who garnered controversy in Europe with his push for more power in the tiny state, announced yesterday he would step down and hand over the reins to his son in one year.

Prince Hans-Adam II made the announcement at a cocktail party held at his castle, to which all of Liechtenstein's 33,000 citizens were invited, to mark the country's national day.

Prince Hans-Adam, 58, said the handover to his 35-year-old son, Prince Alois, would take place on the 2004 national day.

After years of struggle, he gained new powers in March when Liechtenstein citizens voted in a referendum to accept the constitutional changes. AP

[wardaddy]

I was at a lunch where he was in attendance once in Vaduz. My attorney there handled matters for him. A very down to earth fellow for a Prince/King.

He was well liked there at the time by his subjects....all 30,000 of them.

Rumour has it that he wishes to move to Vienna or Zurich and get out of the limelight.

[Servant of the Nine]

He is reputedly the richest man in Europe, owning most of his country, where he recently regained near absolute divine right power.
He can now hand off to his heir and enjoy retirement.

So9

[xp38]

That's ok. For those who want to know Leichtenstein is nestled between Switzerland and Austria. When I visited border security between Switzerland and Leichtenstein was somewhat lax.

[Slings and Arrows]

We can't get involved without a UN resolution! It's a plot by Big Oil! Where are the WMDs? Rush to war! QUAGMIRE! QUAGMIRE!

[Dutchgirl]

Rush to war with Lichtenstein? Have you been watching Alec Guiness in "The Mouse that Roared?"

[skinkinthegrass]

I doubt most people know where Lichtenstein is.:P

In between the switzerland and Austria...and I did not look @ a map....Do you know where's Naru?... :)

[basil]

I hate to brag, but I certainly know where Lichtenstein is--I have been there--twice! On my first trip there, we were having lunch in a restaurant in the downtown area, and the prince, his wife, and 2 children came in. The kids were teen-agers, at that time, a boy and a girl. I suppose it is that boy who will now be the new prince.

They were one of the most handsome families I have ever seen. The thing that took us by surprise, though, was that the prince went to every table in the restaurant and shook hands and spoke with every patron there. When he came to our table and learned that we were Americans, he welcomed us, and told us that we were lucky to be from such a wonderful country as the US.

Needless to say, we have a very warm spot in our hearts for Lichtenstein.

[Keyes2000mt]

They also have pretty good abortion laws.

[xp38]

Given your screen name I assume you mean they restrict abortion. That I did not know. Always an education on FR.

[Slings and Arrows]

Alec Guiness?

Read the book, actually - the movie was terrible. Even Peter Sellers shoots snakeyes once in a while.