Liechtenstein's constitution links the monarchy, representative institutions and popular participation. The Landesfürst exercises constitutional powers as head of state. The Landtag is the parliament and represents the population, while the Government manages public administration and implements policy. Fundamental rights, the rule of law and the separation of powers define the limits of public authority. Vaduz is the capital and the seat of the Landtag and Government. The country is organised into the two landscapes of Oberland and Unterland and eleven municipalities. Municipalities handle local matters with substantial autonomy, so political responsibility exists at both national and municipal level. At national level, elections choose the 25 members of the Landtag. Oberland has 15 seats and Unterland has 10. The electoral system is proportional, and an electoral group must receive at least 8% of the nationwide vote to obtain seats. Liechtenstein citizens aged 18 or older who are eligible to vote can cast their ballot secretly, directly and either in person or by post. The same political system therefore combines hereditary state leadership, parliamentary representation, popular voting and local self-government.
Politics in Liechtenstein
Politics in Liechtenstein combines a constitutional hereditary monarchy with parliamentary democracy. The Landesfürst is the hereditary head of state, while the people exercise state authority directly and through elected institutions. The Landtag and Government operate at national level, and 11 municipalities exercise substantial local autonomy. Elections use secret, direct and proportional voting, including 25 Landtag seats divided between Oberland and Unterland and an 8% nationwide threshold.
Tip
Classify your political question by level before contacting an institution: national matters concern the Landtag or Government, while local matters belong to a municipality. Treat the Landesfürst, elected representatives and administrative bodies as having different roles, and check voting eligibility and voting method separately when you participate in an election.