Women will be able to rule Liechtenstein. One of Europe's most conservative monarchies has changed the rules of succession to the throne
In the Principality of Liechtenstein, the centuries-old tradition of throne succession exclusively through the male line has been abolished. From now on, women have equal rights with men to govern the state and participate in decision-making within the princely house.
The historic changes in legislation were announced by the acting head of state, Hereditary Prince Alois, during his speech on the occasion of the National Holiday. As the local publication Lie24 notes, the reform was supported by two-thirds of the votes of all members of the princely family.
Previously, the country operated on the principle of male primogeniture — the throne passed exclusively from father to the eldest son. Now this order has been replaced by absolute primogeniture. This means that the throne and title will be inherited by the monarch's firstborn, regardless of whether it is a boy or a girl. Simultaneously, women of the princely lineage have gained equal rights with men in resolving all internal matters of the house.
The new rules will not be retroactive. They will only apply to future descendants — the children of Hereditary Prince Alois and his wife Sophie. Alois himself has effectively ruled the principality since 2004, when his father, Prince Hans-Adam II, transferred the powers of regent to him, while retaining the official title.
"With this change in the law, we want to ensure that the Principality of Liechtenstein and the Princely House are governed by the person best prepared for this task," explained Hereditary Prince Alois, adding that now the determining factor will not be gender, but abilities and birth order.
The reform of the monarchical statute is another step in Liechtenstein's gradual liberalization. The state, with a population of about 40,000 people, had long remained one of the most patriarchal in Europe. Women here gained the right to vote in elections only in 1984 after a complex referendum, which was successfully held precisely thanks to the efforts of Prince Hans-Adam II. However, the process of political emancipation continues: in early 2025, after parliamentary elections, the country's government will for the first time in history be headed by a woman — lawyer Brigitte Haas.
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