Landtag of Liechtenstein

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Type
Type	Unicameral
Chambers
Term limits
Founded	1862
Disbanded
Preceded by
Succeeded by

The Landtag of Liechtenstein (German: Landtag des Fürstentums Liechtenstein ) is the unicameral legislature of the Principality of Liechtenstein. It is responsible for enacting laws, approving the budget, and overseeing the government. The Landtag is composed of 25 members who are elected for a four-year term through a system of open list proportional representation.

History

The Landtag was established in 1862, following the promulgation of the first constitution of Liechtenstein. Initially, it was a bicameral body, but it became unicameral in 1921 with the adoption of a new constitution. The Landtag has evolved over time, gaining more legislative powers and responsibilities, particularly after the constitutional reforms of 2003.

Composition and Elections

The Landtag consists of 25 members, known as Landtag deputies, who are elected from two electoral districts: Oberland and Unterland. The elections are held every four years, and the voting system used is open list proportional representation. This system allows voters to express preferences for individual candidates within party lists.

Functions and Powers

The Landtag has several key functions:

• Legislation: The Landtag enacts laws, which require the approval of the Prince of Liechtenstein to become effective.
• Budget Approval: It approves the national budget and oversees its implementation.
• Government Oversight: The Landtag monitors the activities of the government and can hold it accountable through various mechanisms, including questioning ministers and forming investigative committees.
• International Treaties: The Landtag must approve international treaties before they can be ratified by the Prince.

Sessions and Procedures

The Landtag meets in regular sessions, which are open to the public. The President of the Landtag, elected by the members, presides over the sessions. The Landtag operates through a system of committees that handle specific areas such as finance, foreign affairs, and social issues.

Political Parties

The political landscape in the Landtag is dominated by two major parties:

• Progressive Citizens' Party (Fortschrittliche Bürgerpartei, FBP)
• Patriotic Union (Vaterländische Union, VU)

These parties have historically alternated in power, often forming coalition governments.

Also see

• Politics of Liechtenstein
• Constitution of Liechtenstein
• Prince of Liechtenstein
• Government of Liechtenstein